Chapter 761: Find Out What Happened Immediately

The two-day North Korea-Japan summit successfully concluded.

[Behind the scenes of the North Korea-Japan Summit.

Prime Minister Koizumi arrived at the airport this morning aboard the government’s private jet. Kim Yong-nam, Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly Standing Committee, greeted him on behalf of North Korea.

Numerous reporters were on standby, but there were no welcoming crowds or military bands.

Prime Minister Koizumi, with a stiff expression, exchanged a few brief words with Chairman Kim Yong-nam at the bottom of the ramp, before boarding a limousine headed for the Daedong River State Guest House, the venue for the summit.

(Omitted)

The approximately 150,000 Korean residents in Japan are closely watching today’s North Korea-Japan summit with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

The news that this summit would address the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea had created a tense atmosphere in Japan.

Prime Minister Koizumi’s statement that the issue of abductions was an unavoidable obstacle to the normalization of diplomatic ties between North Korea and Japan and that there would be no such relations without a resolution, has become a hot topic.]

[Chairman Jang Seong-taek acknowledges and apologizes for Japanese abduction incident.

At the North Korea-Japan summit, Chairman Jang Seong-taek admitted to 14 abductions.

The Japanese government had claimed 17 abductions involving 12 cases, but Chairman Jang Seong-taek admitted to 14 abductions.

Chairman Jang Seong-taek acknowledged that the Republic’s special agencies colluded with pro-North Korean agents to abduct 14 Japanese citizens, and conveyed his apology to Prime Minister Koizumi.

Of the 8 who had already died, the remains of 6, confirmed through recovered remains, would be returned.

Five of the six survivors expressed their desire to return home to the North Korean government, and the Japanese government took custody of them.]

[North Korea-Japan summit half successful.]

[Reunion and frustration for Japanese families of abductees.]

[North Korean and Japanese governments dramatically reach a deal on compensation for the colonial period. However, there was no apology.]

[The two leaders shake hands. Significant progress in negotiations for diplomatic normalization between the two countries.]

[North Korea and Japan promise continued economic cooperation.]

All Korean media outlets covered the North Korea-Japan summit extensively.

KBC broadcast the summit results in real time, and other broadcasting stations also interrupted their regular programming to cover the North Korea-Japan summit.

I turned off the TV with a smile.

“Well everything wrapped up as scheduled.”

Myeong-su, who had been watching the news with me, spoke bluntly.

“It’s just a show after all the negotiations were done, anyway. And that’s not what’s important to us.”

As Myeong-su said, what was to come was more important than what had already happened.

China was putting a stop not only to my related businesses, but also to other companies’ projects.

“What did the Chinese Ambassador say?”

“They just repeat the same thing. They don’t know anything about it and are demanding the repatriation of their citizens.”

The Chinese government had not officially issued any administrative orders.

This was an informal sanction, to avoid getting entangled in a dispute under WTO regulations.

“You told them there would be no repatriation, right?”

“Of course. It’s a matter of pride now.”

Public opinion wasn’t bad.

President Yoon Chang-ho’s tough stance against China seemed to be boosting his approval ratings.

However, conversely, I received reports that dissatisfaction with the government was reaching its peak among the major corporations.

“I heard the big companies are very unhappy with the government’s policies?”

“Oh man, don’t even get me started. The National Assembly is basically worn out from all the corporate lobbying.”

“How is the government responding?”

Myeong-su shrugged, as if to say there was no other option.

“They’re preparing to file a complaint with the WTO. They’re also trying to negotiate with the Chinese government through the Chinese Ambassador, but it seems that even meeting with high-ranking officials is proving difficult.”

“Really? Isn’t it a bit ambiguous to file a complaint with the WTO?”

“We have to do something. We can’t just rely on you. There are a lot of people within the Blue House and the ruling party who are against this situation. President Yoon Chang-ho’s will is so strong that they’re suppressing their opposition. If this goes on any longer, it’s going to blow up sooner or later.”

Myeong-su’s voice was laced with worry.

Yoon Chang-ho was greatly angered by this incident because of the spies.

It was revealed that several secretaries including the Chief Secretary had passed information to China.

Now, Yoon Chang-ho could no longer back down.

“The seeds we planted are going to start moving all at once. Just wait and see.”

Myeong-su nodded, as if he was now used to it and checked his wristwatch.

“Let’s get going. It’s almost time for our appointment.”

We arrived at our meeting place.

“Oh my, Minister Shin! It’s been a while!”

Myeong-su said playfully as he greeted a man.

“Secretary-General. Didn’t we see each other at the party meeting a few days ago?”

When Minister of Information and Communication Shin Dae-sung said something along those lines, Myeong-su spoke with a hurt expression.

“Is that the same thing? I’m hurt.”

“Haha…”

Shin Dae-sung gave an awkward laugh at Myeong-su’s joking manner and looked at me.

Seeing his gaze, Myeong-su dropped his playfulness, put his arm around my shoulder, and said.

“I’m sure you know who this is?”

Shin Dae-sung nodded and extended his hand to me.

“I am Shin Dae-sung. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Minister Shin Dae-sung.”

After shaking hands, we sat facing each other.

Shin Dae-sung seemed a little uncomfortable in this setting, as he kept clearing his throat.

To break the awkward atmosphere, Myeong-su spoke first.

“Come to think of it, Minister, you used to work at Ilseong Electronics, right?”

“That was a long time ago.”

Shin Dae-sung had worked at Ilseong Electronics for quite a long time.

“But what brings us here today?”

“Ah, it’s not me, this friend of mine has some business to discuss.”

Shin Dae-sung turned his gaze to me. I said with a friendly smile.

“I’m trying to introduce the iPhone to the country, and there are a lot of hurdles in the way. So I came here to see if you could make some changes to related regulations.”

“The iPhone…. I am also very interested in that device.”

“Would you like to take a look?”

He seemed to have an interest in the iPhone because he was involved in the relevant industry.

I took out the iPhone and handed it to Shin Dae-sung.

“Oh, this is the iPhone.”

Shin Dae-sung examined the iPhone with an interested look.

He soon turned on the iPhone and checked this and that.

“The response speed is certainly good. There isn’t even a physical keyboard…”

As an engineer, he carefully evaluated the iPhone.

“It’s definitely a device that’s several years ahead of its time. Domestic companies will never be able to catch up.”

His face stiffened as he put down the iPhone after examining it for a long time.

“Did you say earlier that you were going to introduce the iPhone to the country?”

“Yes. We are already negotiating with Korea Telecom for an exclusive supply of the iPhone. We’re planning a simultaneous release in the U.S. and Korea.”

“Exclusive?”

“Yes. Apple has a policy of contracting with one telecommunications company in each country for exclusive distribution. This is the same policy around the world, including the U.S.”

Shin Dae-sung frowned and said.

“Hmm…. The telecommunications companies will not be happy.”

“What can we do if that’s Apple’s policy? It’s not like domestic telecommunications companies haven’t had exclusive deals to supply phones either. But, you know what the bigger problem is?”

“It must be WIPI.”

The answer came immediately. I nodded.

“Apple hasn’t even considered releasing it in Korea because of WIPI. So, I’d like to see the withdrawal of WIPI and the loosening of various regulations.”

“…. It’s difficult. Loosening regulations for one company could lead to a controversy of preferential treatment.”

WIPI is a platform that makes it more difficult to introduce foreign mobile phones. It has also been criticized by developers because each telecommunications company provides a different development environment.

Since it’s a platform that will disappear anyway, what I’m trying to do now is just to bring that time forward a little.

“It’s not difficult. Moreover, WIPI is not a good policy for Korea. I’m sure you know that, Minister.”

“….”

“Isn’t it the government that stepped in and standardized the specifications because of the telecommunications companies’ fight? WIPI will make Korea be called the graveyard of foreign phones. This will accelerate the Galapagos effect and cause us to lose competitiveness overseas. It would be better to withdraw it before it becomes mandatory.”

“Of course, I agree with your opinion, but there are domestic circumstances, such as reckless competition…”

I cut off Shin Dae-sung’s rebuttal.

“It’s not like you wanted this to happen, Minister?”

“…. That’s true. I’m one of those who think the private sector should take the lead.”

“Then just leave it to the private sector. The iPhone will probably lead the smartphone market for a while, but eventually we will catch up. Ilseong Electronics is already developing its own OS.”

“I received a report about that. Still, it will probably take several years to develop.”

“You know what will happen if we leave it as it is. If you’re afraid of the backlash from the telecommunication companies, don’t worry about it.”

Shin Dae-sung was a bureaucrat, but not a politician.

He was someone that President Yoon Chang-ho appointed as minister because of his abilities alone.

Thanks to that, he lacked political acumen, but his expertise was higher than anyone else.

But the excellent policies he proposed were often blocked by bureaucrats.

“I’ll take care of the pressure from above and below. I’ve already talked to the President about it. The Secretary-General here will also move the Party to quickly pass the relevant bills.”

Myeong-su quickly took my words.

“Minister, the Party will fully support you. If the Ministry of Information and Communication calls for the abolition of WIPI, we will immediately support it. Let’s take the lead this time. We will also pass the bills that you’re pushing for.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes. I promise you.”

For Shin Dae-sung, whose current policies were repeatedly blocked, it was a tempting offer.

I said with a smile.

“Even if you oppose it, someone else will do it. This is an opportunity for you, Minister. I’ll pave the way as you want.”

The reason why I was talking to Shin Dae-sung about something I had already discussed with the President was because that was what Yoon Chang-ho wanted.

“Hmm….”

Shin Dae-sung paused in thought.

Myeong-su and I looked at each other and shrugged.

At that moment, the door where we were opened abruptly.

Manager Ma stood in the doorway with a stiff face.

For Manager Ma to open the door so urgently, without regard for other people’s gaze.

What on earth happened?

“…Boss. I have something to report.”

From Manager Ma’s low voice and serious expression, I could sense that something big had happened.

“I’ll get going now. Please discuss it separately with the Secretary-General and take care of things. I can’t wait long. The contract with Korea Telecom will take place after the withdrawal of WIPI is announced.”

I said as I got up from my seat. Before leaving, I did not forget to lightly tap Myeong-su’s shoulder and give him a look.

After confirming that Myeong-su had noticed my signal and nodded, I quickly left the room.

“What is it, Manager Ma?”

“Yoo Sung-jin and Kim Hyun-jung have been arrested by the public security authorities in China.”

“What?”

Yoo Sung-jin and Kim Hyun-jung were the heads of the joint venture established with Hu Jintao.

Yoo Sung-jin was leading the multiplex business in China, and Kim Hyun-jung was leading the entertainment business.

“Let’s go out and talk.”

I hastened my steps to get into the car.

“Let’s go to Pyeongchang-dong immediately.”

As the car sped down the road, I asked Manager Ma, who was sitting in the passenger seat.

“What on earth happened?”

It was a joint venture related to Hu Jintao. No matter how reckless Jiang Zemin was, there was no way he would shake a company related to Hu Jintao, right?

“The public security suddenly came out and conducted a search and seizure, and arrested the two of them in the process.”

“What charges?”

“I haven’t received a report yet.”

“Find out quickly. They absolutely cannot get hurt.”

How far are these crazy bastards going?

“What on earth is President Hu Jintao doing? And who the hell moved them?”

“Since it was the public security, it seems that the Political and Legal Affairs Committee moved them. But I haven’t received a detailed report yet.”

“Ha, this is driving me crazy. First, find out as quickly as possible. And try to get in touch with President Hu Jintao somehow.”

I was careless because it was something related to Hu Jintao.

Or was Hu Jintao completely pushed out in his power struggle with Jiang Zemin?

“Activate all of our intelligence channels, and mobilize our contacts to find out what happened immediately.”

I had to get those two people out of there before more time passed.