Chapter 432: I Hope the Chief Justice Will Accept the Position

A Korean president’s power is at its peak from the moment they launch their transition committee until their inauguration day.

As such Yoon Chang-ho kept a busy schedule right after his election to launch the transition committee.

Key campaign staff and Moderate Party leadership gathered early that morning at the party’s central headquarters.

Yoon Chang-ho had called them all together to finalize the list of transition committee members.

Perhaps because of this a palpable tension filled the main conference room.

When the appointed time came Yoon Chang-ho entered the conference room.

Everyone present rose and bowed.

“Good morning President-elect.”

“Please don’t be so formal, it makes me uncomfortable.”

Though he said this Yoon Chang-ho let out a hearty laugh, clearly not minding. He took his seat and everyone else followed suit.

Yoon Chang-ho made eye contact with each person present confirming their attendance.

His smile deepened when his eyes met Lee Myeong-su’s.

“Director Lee.”

“Yes President-elect.”

“Why are you sitting over there? Come sit closer.”

“…”

All eyes turned to Lee Myeong-su. Under their gazes filled with jealousy envy and wariness he replied:

“This is my proper place.”

“Come now who here doesn’t know you’re our greatest contributor? Come over here.”

With Yoon Chang-ho insisting twice Lee Myeong-su had no choice but to stand.

The seat Yoon Chang-ho indicated was the first chair at the table to the president’s left.

This caused everyone else to shift down one seat creating an awkward silence.

But right now no one could defy Yoon Chang-ho.

Only then did Yoon Chang-ho turn with a satisfied expression to Yu Nak-hyeon who sat in the closest seat to his right.

“Chairman Yu.”

“Yes President-elect.”

“I’ll be stepping down from my party chairmanship soon.”

Yoon Chang-ho officially announced he would step down from his chairmanship.

A faint smile appeared on Yu Nak-hyeon’s face.

“Party matters will have to be handled by everyone here. But if internal strife breaks out over power struggles I’ll have no choice but to step in. Keep that in mind Chairman.”

“Understood President-elect.”

“Things will proceed according to what Secretary General Lee Myeong-su and the Chairman have agreed upon.”

“Thank you.”

At Yoon Chang-ho’s confirmation that matters would proceed as agreed between Lee Myeong-su and Yu Nak-hyeon the faces of the Conservative Party members present brightened.

Yoon Chang-ho turned his gaze left this time smiling at Floor Leader Song Dae-chul.

“Floor Leader Song.”

“Yes President-elect.”

“You’ve worked hard all this time too.”

Song Dae-chul was a long-time comrade who’d been with Yoon Chang-ho since founding the party.

He was both a hometown junior and college classmate as well as a senior in politics.

Yoon Chang-ho continued greeting each person one by one.

After thanking everyone he moved on to the main agenda.

“I called everyone here today because we need to launch the transition committee before year’s end. We should finalize the list of committee members this week to ensure a smooth transition.”

Everyone’s eyes began to shine. This was essentially the moment for distributing rewards for service.

“Floor Leader Song what do you think about who should be committee chair? Don’t worry about my reaction just give me your honest opinion.”

Song Dae-chul glanced toward Lee Myeong-su but Lee showed no reaction. After a moment’s consideration Song answered:

“I recommend President Seong Gyeong-hun of Goguryeo University as committee chair.”

“President Seong? Has he agreed to take the position?”

“While he hasn’t given a definite answer I’ve met with him several times and received positive responses. If we can bring him on board we’ll gain the support of academics from the start.”

Seong Gyeong-hun was a true educator who had never involved himself in politics focusing solely on teaching his students.

Having someone like that as transition committee chair would present a good image from the start.

“If you’ll allow it I’ll meet with him today.”

“Hmm…”

As Yoon Chang-ho stroked his chin in thought no one dared raise objections to President Seong’s name.

But Lee Myeong-su was different.

“President-elect.”

Lee Myeong-su called out and Yoon Chang-ho shifted his gaze.

“While bringing in an outsider as committee chair makes sense and I respect President Seong communication between the committee and you is also crucial.”

It would be disastrous if the transition committee and president-elect had different policy directions.

“Respect and politics are different matters.”

“Look here Director Lee. We’re talking about President Seong.”

“I know he’s worthy of respect. That’s precisely why we should let him maintain his dignity. Dragging him into this dirty political arena would be disrespectful.”

“…”

Lee Myeong-su was right politics was dirtier than anywhere else.

Bringing in Seong Gyeong-hun would be like throwing a white heron among crows. Yoon Chang-ho asked with a stern face:

“Then what’s your alternative? Who do you have in mind?”

While Yoon Chang-ho asked Lee Myeong-su he was really asking who Kim Mu-hyeok wanted.

“Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok.”

Oh Jeong-seok Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

He was someone who wouldn’t lose out to President Seong. No to be precise he was an even more prestigious figure.

The pinnacle of the legal world respected by all legal professionals.

Everyone who’d been waiting to see who’d be suggested as an alternative nodded in approval.

“Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok… Has he responded?”

“He’s waiting for your call.”

“Hmm… Then I should call. I heard rumors his health wasn’t good. How is he doing?”

“Health concerns? He’s healthier than I am. When I met him recently he was quite energetic scolding me…”

“Haha! That sounds like the Chief Justice. Alright I’ll call him myself.”

“Thank you.”

Song Dae-chul’s face hardened. This was practically the moment Oh Jeong-seok was confirmed instead of his recommendation Seong Gyeong-hun.

Whether aware of this or not Lee Myeong-su continued:

“For vice chair I recommend former Conservative Party Chairman Han Ji-ho who currently holds no position.”

Han Ji-ho who had been sitting quietly turned his head toward Lee Myeong-su when his name was mentioned.

“Mr. Han Ji-ho?”

Yoon Chang-ho’s gaze naturally shifted to Han Ji-ho.

“Yes we need to show people that the Moderate Party and Conservative Party are one. Politics is ultimately about appearances. The Conservative Party played a role in your election victory with over 60% support. Giving them appropriate recognition would look good to voters in the TK region.”

After hearing Lee Myeong-su out Yoon Chang-ho called out:

“Representative Han.”

“Yes President-elect.”

“Was this arranged beforehand?”

“Ah no I’m hearing this for the first time here today.”

When Yoon Chang-ho silently stared Han Ji-ho swallowed hard and added:

“I decided to merge with the Moderate Party willing to serve in any capacity. I have no desire for any position.”

“Is that so?”

“…”

As Han Ji-ho hesitated to answer Yu Nak-hyeon spoke up:

“President-elect may I say something?”

“Yes Chairman please go ahead.”

“While nothing was pre-arranged Director Lee makes a good point. If we who joined late receive the vice chair position we won’t recommend anyone for other positions.”

“Are you serious?”

“I am.”

The committee chair and vice chair were the crown jewels of the transition committee.

Since the president-elect couldn’t handle all practical matters these positions were responsible for important tasks like policy coordination with the current government and personnel changes before the transfer of power.

While there were various divisions it was customary for division heads to move into the Blue House together.

“Yes I’m serious. This would look better to the public too.”

“Hmm… I see. Alright.”

Yoon Chang-ho addressed everyone:

“I’ll propose the committee chair position to Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok. And Representative Han will serve as vice chair. If anyone has different thoughts speak now.”

No one spoke up. At this point no one could challenge Yoon Chang-ho’s decisions.

“Alright that’s settled. Next we need to determine the division members… I’ll personally select the political affairs economic and diplomatic divisions. For the rest the party should submit candidates to me and I’ll choose from among them.”

“Yes President-elect!”

“I plan to set up the committee at the Myeong-dong Hotel.”

At the mention of establishing the presidential transition committee at the Myeong-dong Hotel Song Dae-chul asked:

“The Myeong-dong Hotel? Must it be there…”

“I considered several other locations but none are as good for maintaining security.”

“The public might not view favorably launching the transition committee from a hotel.”

“I’ve already decided. Just make sure there are no problems with the launch. Any objections?”

Song Dae-chul backed down at Yoon Chang-ho’s firm tone.

“No President-elect.”

“Good then that’s settled. I need to leave now for other appointments. Those present here should screen candidates and submit them to me. Understood?”

“Yes understood!”

As Yoon Chang-ho stood he patted Lee Myeong-su’s shoulder.

“Director Lee let’s have a chat.”

“Yes President-elect.”

After Yoon Chang-ho left with Lee Myeong-su silence fell over the conference room.

* * *

“So Yoon Chang-ho won after all. With a record-breaking vote share no less. Is your plan complete now?”

“No this is just the beginning.”

I visited Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok’s home after a long while.

“Myeong-su asked me to take the transition committee chair position. Was that your idea too?”

“Yes. Traditionally the transition committee chair has been recruited from outside. While President Seong is being considered I’d prefer you take the position Chief Justice.”

Oh Jeong-seok’s eyes flashed. Despite his advanced age his gaze remained sharp.

“Transition committee chair… You’re so eager to put this old man to work.”

“With a former Prosecutor General as president the prosecution’s power will be stronger than any previous administration. Having someone else as transition committee chair? That would cause problems from the start.”

It had been a while since a former Prosecutor General had been elected president.

“Well I don’t want the prosecution getting too powerful either.”

“Hyeon-woo will reap those benefits so it won’t be bad for you Chief Justice. Even if the prosecution grows stronger no one in the legal world would dare go against you.”

At the mention of Oh Hyeon-woo Oh Jeong-seok clicked his tongue.

“Tsk if only Hyeon-woo were half as capable as you. That boy is just too slick.”

I smiled at Oh Jeong-seok’s words.

“He’s working hard at the prosecutor’s office. If he continues building his career like this he could become Prosecutor General.”

“Will I even live to see that? My time is coming.”

“You’re still quite vigorous for your age.”

Oh Jeong-seok who was remarkably healthy for his age often grumbled like this.

Oh Jeong-seok took a sip from his teacup and said:

“Fine I’ll take the transition committee chair position. But I won’t be anyone’s puppet.”

“Who would dare treat you as a puppet Chief Justice? That’s an unnecessary worry.”

Just then Oh Jeong-seok’s phone lying beside him rang. He checked the screen and smiled.

“It’s Yoon Chang-ho.”

“You should answer it.”

Oh Jeong-seok nodded and picked up the phone.

“Yes Prosecutor Yoon. Or should I say President-elect now?”

I raised my teacup as Oh Jeong-seok answered the phone with a playful tone.