Chapter 403: A Promise That Must Be Kept

You must listen to this request.

As people age they find it harder to apologize, especially politicians.

They know each action carries weight so they rarely apologize unless absolutely necessary.

Kim Hak-gwon was that kind of person.

“I misjudged you. I made many mistakes during my term regarding you. I hope you can understand.”

Yet Kim Hak-gwon offered a sincere apology.

Well he should apologize. He tried to put a leash on me and even had me watched.

But he’d paid a sufficient price and now no bitterness remained.

“It’s fine. That’s all in the past now.”

“True and looking back the benefits outweighed the losses. Back then I didn’t understand and suspected you were trying to profit from the financial crisis.”

As Kim Hak-gwon said I provided a lot of material support but also helped in many unseen ways.

Like the relationship between Korea and Russia for example.

Putin focused most on Korea among East Asian nations due to our friendship.

His friendly gestures toward South Korea over North Korea were benefits that would’ve been impossible without me.

“But you didn’t do that. You never harmed national interests. Instead you protected and thought of your country. All my worries were unfounded.”

Protecting the country huh. I simply want Korea my stage to remain peaceful.

“Truth is could this latest incident have been resolved so easily without you? Your methods were extreme but you solved it quickly and decisively didn’t you?”

“You’re too kind.”

“I’m no longer concerned about your plans. But please promise me one thing. Don’t leave Korea.”

I flinched at Kim Hak-gwon’s desperate look. The advice of others telling me to give up my citizenship and live comfortably flashed through my mind.

“This is where I was born and where I’ll live. So you don’t need to worry.”

“Good that’s all I needed to hear.”

As the night deepened their conversation grew longer.

Over drinks Kim Hak-gwon shared his innermost thoughts and I responded with equal sincerity.

Kim Hak-gwon’s face had turned quite red.

“So you see… when I started in politics…”

Was he always this talkative? Even if he cleared his schedule today he must have work tomorrow.

I checked the time looking for the right moment to end the meeting.

“Mr. President it’s getting late. You should get up now to handle tomorrow’s schedule.”

“Haha it’s fine. In the old days I used to drink until dawn and still attend morning events. I’m not that weak yet.”

Kim Hak-gwon took another drink while looking at me. Despite the alcohol his eyes remained sharp.

Looks like I’m stuck here a while longer.

“By the way what are you planning to do with Il-seong Group?”

“I’m planning to wrap things up soon. So I need a favor. Please change the Fair Trade Commission chairman to someone I designate.”

“What?”

The Fair Trade Commission.

A central administrative agency under the Prime Minister it was like the grim reaper to business leaders.

It designated major business groups and investigated unfair trade practices and collusion leading to this joke in business circles:

While a chaebol chairman might decline a dinner invitation from the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy they’d run over in their underwear if the Fair Trade Commission chairman called.

With investigation rights and a unique system of exclusive complaint rights prosecutors couldn’t even investigate major companies without the Commission’s complaint.

They could also impose fines without court judgment.

Even Chairman Song Young-ju of Daehyeon was summoned by the Commission multiple times after losing the presidential election.

That’s how much influence the Commission held over the business world.

“Give me the Fair Trade Commission chairman position.”

I repeated firmly.

Kim Hak-gwon drank a glass of cold water as if sobering up.

After setting down his cup he asked with a serious expression.

“You must know what kind of position the Commission chairman is right?”

“Of course. It’s the President’s sword for keeping the business world in check.”

“Yet you’re asking for that position. It’s obvious how you’ll use that sword.”

Korean chaebols could be crushed with massive fines if the Commission decided to target them.

The reason presidents didn’t use this card recklessly was the risk of destabilizing the economy.

But I don’t have to worry about that.

“It’s the final puzzle piece for taking down Il-seong Group. I’ve been planning this for a while. No matter who becomes the next president I intend to fill both the Commission and Financial Supervisory Service with my people. Consider this an advance notice.”

“…”

“Surely you can do this much? You heard how far I went this time.”

This was why I deliberately revealed all information to Kim Hak-gwon.

“That’s true but… Boss Kim I’ve maintained neutrality until now. Suddenly doing this what happens to my reputation?”

“Yes you’ve stayed neutral and should continue to. But this request you must grant.”

I was determined to secure the Commission chairman position today.

Il-sung had survived far longer than I expected. Time to cut off their air supply.

“So you’re saying you must have this.”

Kim Hak-gwon muttered seeing the determination in my eyes.

“Yes I must have it. I hope for your wise decision Mr. President. This way you can remain a good president even after retirement.”

“Haha! That sounds almost like a threat.”

Kim Hak-gwon laughed heartily then his expression turned serious as he stroked his chin.

He pondered for quite some time. Finally Kim Hak-gwon spoke.

“Alright. But it can’t happen immediately. I need to talk with the current chairman and discuss it with my senior secretaries.”

“I understand. Next month should be enough right?”

Kim Hak-gwon nodded.

“That should be enough. But who do you plan to appoint?”

I pulled another memo from my pocket.

“This person will do.”

After unfolding the paper and checking the name Kim Hak-gwon spoke in surprise.

“Huh… Director Park was your man too?”

The name on the paper was Park Young-geun.

Director Park passed laws strengthening the ban on circular shareholding and financial-industrial separation with my help.

But afterward he had to retire due to criticism from the business world.

He seemed satisfied just getting the laws passed though.

“We ended up that way somehow.”

Kim Hak-gwon neatly folded the memo and put it in his pocket.

His face previously full of burden seemed somewhat relieved.

“Director Park is trustworthy. He’s someone I appointed to that position. He must have had quite the animosity toward chaebols I’m surprised you won him over.”

“I’m not your typical chaebol am I? He refused to take money so I had trouble. Instead I granted what Director Park wanted. Could such laws have passed the National Assembly without my help? Anyway he’s too valuable to be forgotten so I want to help him.”

He succeeded in reform but had to step down because of it.

Just as when I first met him Park Young-geun remained an upright person. It seemed a waste for such a person to fade into obscurity.

“This should pass the State Council meeting easily right?”

Kim Hak-gwon nodded with a look that suggested it was obvious.

“Of course. Nobody dislikes Director Park except business people. By the way are the current Financial Supervisory Commission chairman and Financial Supervisory Service governor your people too?”

I just smiled without answering.

Kim Hak-gwon let out a quiet exclamation.

“Huh… People would flip if they knew. The business world too.”

“Even if they’re my people I don’t make them do anything improper. You know that right? Companies associated with me don’t evade taxes. I’m actually an exemplary taxpayer.”

“That’s true. If only other companies were like you. But why won’t you list on the stock market? The Economic Secretary occasionally asks about that.”

Is this such a curious matter? Kim Byung-woo had mentioned that others were curious too.

With sufficient funds I had no intention of listing and being swayed by shareholders’ opinions.

“It’s easier to do business as an unlisted company. The reason for listing is to raise funds but I have no need for that.”

“Haha! I asked needlessly. Money isn’t an issue for you. Still think about it. Having such excellent companies in the stock market would energize our stock market.”

“I’ll consider it.”

The alcohol seemed to wear off as Kim Hak-gwon’s face returned to its normal color.

“Any other matters to discuss?”

“That’s all.”

“Then let’s wrap up.”

“Yes Mr. President.”

Kim Hak-gwon who stood up first extended his hand.

“Thank you again. Others might not know what you’ve done but I do.”

I shook his outstretched hand lightly.

No one knows huh. Suddenly I recalled what Chairman Song Young-ju said about Grandfather.

Though slightly different somehow I felt closer to Grandfather.

“I didn’t do it for recognition. I simply removed what was in my way.”

“You’re too honest that’s your problem.”

Kim Hak-gwon smiled raising his lips. I followed suit with a smile of my own.

“Are you leaving now?”

First Lady Lee Sun-kyung asked seeing us leave the dining room.

“Yes sorry for staying so late. The appetizers you prepared were delicious First Lady. I’ll visit often even after your retirement.”

“Hoho I’d appreciate that.”

As I finished my greetings and turned to leave Kim Hak-gwon made a small exclamation as if remembering something.

“Talk with my wife for a moment.”

Leaving those words Kim Hak-gwon walked toward the bedroom.

“He can be a bit frustrating sometimes right?”

I turned to Lee Sun-kyung who asked this while watching Kim Hak-gwon’s back.

“Please understand. He wasn’t like this before but he changed as time passed. Still he truly loves Korea and its people.”

I think so too.

He wasn’t completely clean either. He extorted political funds from chaebols and faced criticism for his family and associates’ corruption.

But his political life was genuine.

When no one else would speak he led the criticism against the military regime raising his voice. That took putting his life on the line.

I can’t condemn his past path just because he’s changed a bit now.

“Yes I know well.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Kim Hak-gwon who had returned from the bedroom called me.

“Boss Kim take this.”

Kim Hak-gwon held out a box. When I took the small box and looked at it questioningly he smiled sheepishly.

“It’s a watch. Not expensive but please take it as a memento.”

Opening the box I saw indeed a watch. A Blue House watch with Kim Hak-gwon’s name on it.

“I’d like to give you a medal or something but that’s difficult. Please accept this instead. It’s my heart that counts right?”

The design was completely different from the presidential watches I knew.

As I looked between the watch and him he added:

“Only ten were made. It’s not as good as the watch you’re wearing but please accept it. Ah of course it was made with my personal funds not tax money.”

I closed the box again and bowed slightly.

“Thank you. I’ll keep it well.”

“Haha good. It’s late. You should go.”

After saying goodbye to Lee Sun-kyung I left the Blue House residence.

Escorted by the Blue House security team I headed toward the parking lot where Manager Ma was waiting.

“Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok.”

Just then I saw a man running toward me calling my name.

“Chief Secretary haven’t you gone home?”

The Chief Secretary who gestured for the security guards to step back spoke:

“How could I go home now? What were you discussing at the residence until this hour? Tell me.”

What’s this about? Coming up suddenly asking what I discussed with the President.

He should know well that anything not discussed in the office shouldn’t be leaked.

“I have no obligation to tell you that. Ask the President directly.”

“Listen Mr. Kim. Where would I find time to ask such a busy person? And I can’t be unaware of what the President does. Please tell me.”

Seems he’s already fallen out of favor with Kim Hak-gwon and become a lame duck.

Even after such criticism earlier he still hasn’t learned his lesson.

“I have nothing to say and no desire to say it. It’s late. I’m leaving.”

I walked past him.

“Mr. Kim. Kim Mu-hyeok!”

The Chief Secretary ran up and blocked my path again.

“Tell me. Things will get difficult if you don’t.”

A Chief Secretary appointed just to fill time until retirement trying to threaten me.

Wonder if he’s just gutsy or has backing from someone other than Kim Hak-gwon.

“Chief Secretary don’t say things you can’t handle. If you don’t want your name splashed across tomorrow’s front page headlines stop being a nuisance.”

The Chief Secretary bit his lip and glared at me.

I met his glare head-on with a raised smile.