Chapter 465: Such is the Fate of Being Second in Command

After leaving Alibaba, I flew to Beijing to visit Baidu.

Baidu also wanted new investment. We agreed to draft the contract after Han Gyeong-yeong entered China.

Chinese IT companies were growing fast and would only accelerate. My early investments had paid off handsomely.

The companies I invested in had grown tenfold since my initial investment. They would continue growing until they dominated the Chinese market completely.

Though exhausted from the busy schedule, a smile refused to leave my face.

The next morning I left the Beijing hotel early.

“When will we arrive?”

“About ten minutes they say.”

Jang Seong-taek had arrived in Beijing yesterday.

But he hadn’t come alone. He was under heavy surveillance at the North Korean embassy.

Wen Jiabao had invited Jang Seong-taek to his home and I was also invited.

This was the only way to meet Jang Seong-taek quietly before he had to return to Pyongyang after Hu Jintao’s inauguration.

A moment later.

We could only pass through the main gate after security checks.

“These bastards have some nerve.”

Manager Ma turned at my muttered words.

“Are you referring to the people watching from outside?”

“Surveillance on Wen Jiabao’s house when he’s about to become Premier alongside Hu Jintao’s inauguration as President tomorrow? They must be crazy or something.”

I knew who they were without checking.

Only people from the North Korean embassy would be monitoring who Jang Seong-taek met with.

“I suppose it shows how important it is to them who Jang Seong-taek meets.”

“Hah… They can’t afford to discard their only trustworthy card in Jang Seong-taek but they’re also uncomfortable letting him operate freely since he’s too close to China.”

The slowly moving car stopped at the entrance.

As I stepped out Wen Jiabao greeted me.

“Welcome, Chairman Kim.”

After a brief embrace with Wen Jiabao, I followed him inside.

The exterior was grand but the interior was even more luxurious. Past the Qing dynasty-styled living room we entered the innermost room.

“Vice Director Jang.”

Jang Seong-taek, looking much thinner than when I last saw him, sat alone drinking whiskey.

He set down his glass and stood.

“President Kim Mu-hyeok. It’s been a while.”

“Indeed it has. How long has it been?”

“Don’t just stand there, let’s sit down.”

Wen Jiabao laughed heartily while gesturing to the seats.

Wen Jiabao spoke first pouring whiskey into my glass.

“I can’t remember the last time the three of us gathered like this. It’s good to see you both.”

After pouring his own drink Wen Jiabao raised his glass.

“Let’s have a drink first.”

Jang Seong-taek and I raised our glasses.

“To our future.”

As Wen Jiabao made his toast and brought the glass to his lips I did the same.

“It brings me joy to see Vice Director Jang in China again. Having been imprisoned myself after falling from power once I can imagine how difficult it must have been. I’m glad you’re safe.”

Jang Seong-taek responded.

“This was my second time. If there’s a third I suspect death will be waiting.”

His tone was oddly detached discussing his own fate. Wen Jiabao gave him a sympathetic look.

Jang Seong-taek wore a bitter smile as he refilled and drained his glass in one go.

I fidgeted with the cold glass before asking.

“Premier, is there any risk of eavesdropping here?”

“None at all. No one can hear our conversation. You can rest easy.”

I nodded and turned to Jang Seong-taek.

“Vice Director Jang.”

Jang Seong-taek set down his empty glass.

“Yes, President Kim.”

I’d considered various approaches but beating around the bush wasn’t my style.

“Have you considered becoming the master of Pyongyang?”

“…”

Jang Seong-taek’s face turned pale as if he’d heard something forbidden.

Even Wen Jiabao seemed surprised by my direct approach freezing with his glass raised.

“I’ve already discussed this broadly with Premier Wen. That’s why I insisted on having you called to Beijing.”

“…President Kim. Surely you know how dangerous those words are. You must know about our Republic.”

Jang Seong-taek’s voice trembled slightly as he replied.

“Isn’t this what you’ve always dreamed of? At Chairman Song’s funeral in Daehyeon someone claiming to be your comrade came to me. He told me your dream was a world for the people.”

“…I had asked him to relay a message if he met you. He was purged right after returning from Seoul. I hadn’t heard whether he’d succeeded in meeting you but I’m glad he did.”

“Ah, he died?”

“…Yes. He died.”

This was news to me.

“Many of my comrades were purged. Some were demoted simply for being close to me. While I was fortunate enough to be reinstated that friend never returned. It’s all my fault.”

Jang Seong-taek took another drink.

But now wasn’t the time for such emotional atmosphere.

“I regret that as well. But isn’t that exactly why things need to change? How long will you leave North Korea in Kim Jong-il’s hands? Is that really serving the people as you spoke of?”

Jang Seong-taek’s expression turned bitter.

“How could I possibly defeat the Supreme Leader? He may have trusted me before but after the coup attempt he trusts no one, especially not me. How could I possibly remove him from power?”

“If there was a way would you consider it? Or would you rather live in fear of another purge?”

“Listen, President Kim.”

Jang Seong-taek’s voice rose slightly.

“If you’re willing Vice Director Jang both I and the Premier here will help.”

When Jang Seong-taek turned Wen Jiabao nodded in confirmation.

“I too can no longer trust Korea as things stand. The more we support Korea the more isolated we become from the international community.”

“…I had no idea you felt this way Premier.”

“I care not what happens to Kim Jong-il. You are my friend Vice Director Jang.”

Jang Seong-taek visibly clenched his jaw.

“Premier you know the situation in our Republic. Removing the Supreme Leader would be difficult. Who knows how much blood would be shed.”

“And what of now? Is blood not being shed already? People are dying of hunger – perhaps even more so. Am I wrong?”

“…That’s.”

“I agree with President Kim. If change is possible it must happen. With Kim Jong-il in power nuclear development will begin soon. Later the sacrifice needed might be even greater and change impossible.”

Jang Seong-taek couldn’t deny Wen Jiabao’s words.

He wasn’t the type to turn away from clear facts.

Wen Jiabao added firmly.

“Korea will only become more isolated as time passes. And it’s the people not leaders like you or Kim Jong-il who will suffer most. Is this the politics for the people you spoke of?”

While I wanted Jang Seong-taek in power to minimize uncontrollable variables Wen Jiabao had different thoughts.

They were politicians I was a businessman. We couldn’t all think alike.

But as long as we reached Seoul it didn’t matter how we got there. Objectively my judgment wasn’t that different.

After a long silence Jang Seong-taek reached for the bottle again.

I poured his drink instead.

“Vice Director Jang, frankly the people’s lives don’t concern me. There must be much I don’t know about that person’s death and other matters. But I know one thing – if things continue you’ll die. Even if Kim Jong-il dies his successor will kill you. I want to prevent that.”

“…”

Jang Seong-taek knew this truth well.

He drained the glass I’d poured in one go without responding.

“As long as Kim Jong-il remains in power relations between South and North Korea won’t improve. The US will pressure North Korea more China and Russia can’t defend North Korea forever. What future awaits then? Will nuclear development change anything? It will only bring stronger sanctions. That’s how America works.”

I raised my glass. Through the crystal Jang Seong-taek appeared frozen.

“I want you to take power Vice Director Jang. For my business and for your safety.”

Everything hinged on Jang Seong-taek’s resolve.

Even Wen Jiabao quietly sipped his drink adding nothing more.

After an awkward silence Jang Seong-taek filled his glass drained it and set it down hard.

“President Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“Yes Vice Director Jang.”

“What benefit could my taking power possibly bring you? I can’t understand it. Whether North Korea rises or falls it won’t affect your life.”

Jang Seong-taek asked the fundamental question.

“Answer me. I need to know if I should join hands with you for a coup or if you’re just trying to use me.”

Perfect. This question means he’s already made up his mind.

“I want to lay railroad tracks from South Korea through North Korea Russia and China to Europe. We could also run gas and oil pipelines from Russia. There are plenty of business opportunities. But Kim Jong-il’s dictatorship makes it all impossible. That’s the biggest reason.”

“That doesn’t explain everything. You’d plot to overthrow a nation’s regime just for that?”

He’s half sincere but won’t believe me.

But I can’t tell him I know the future.

A relaxed smile contrasting with Jang Seong-taek’s expression crossed my face.

“I was born in Korea and will end my days there. Is that answer enough?”

Heavy silence pressed down from all sides.

“Very well. I’ll try it.”

Jang Seong-taek who had been biting his lip finally accepted the proposal.

“To be honest I’ve had such thoughts before. But after another faction’s coup attempt failed it became much harder. Many of my close allies were purged and the military is completely filled with the Supreme Leader’s people. I can barely move freely now. How could we possibly stage a coup?”

Despite agreeing he remained skeptical.

He probably wants to see what cards we have prepared.

“What can’t money solve?”

“Surely you don’t think money alone can resolve this? That just shows how little you know about our Republic…”

Cutting off Jang Seong-taek’s words I said.

“A modest sum might not buy loyalty. But present an irresistible amount and that’s that.”

If money can’t buy it perhaps we’re not offering enough.