Free Web NovelImpeachment was an act that allowed the removal of high-ranking officials in a democratic nation.
It did not merely mean dragging them out of office, but also carried the meaning of holding them accountable.
What could be more fascinating than the president who had successfully hosted the inter-Korean summit being impeached?
“Mr. President, this is not just an attempt to stall for time like before. As soon as today’s meeting ends, we will proceed immediately.”
If Kim Hakgwon insisted to the very end, I had no choice but to use the final card.
The people’s high approval rating for Kim Hakgwon? That could easily be torn down by using the press to destroy his image.
“······Impeachment?”
As if unable to grasp whether what he had heard was real, Kim Hakgwon asked again blankly.
“Yes, Mr. President. Impeachment.”
“Do you even know what kind of shock those words will cause? No—do you actually believe such a thing is truly possible?”
Was it denial of reality? Watching Kim Hakgwon speak with a pale face, a cold smile spread across my lips.
Even in the United States, no president had been fully removed by impeachment, but there had been several cases where impeachment bills had passed the House of Representatives. He must have known that much.
“Impeachment is a rightful power guaranteed to the people and the National Assembly by the Constitution. Korea has no precedent, but in the United States there have been several instances where it passed the House.”
“To think a president could be dragged down whenever disliked... such a precedent must never be left behind! Do you even realize what you’re attempting right now!” freewebnøvel.coɱ
In the end, Kim Hakgwon raised his voice and shouted. His face was heavy with deep anxiety.
In stark contrast, my answer came in a cold tone.
“The president is not someone who stands above the law. You yourself once emphasized that more than anyone, but after taking the seat you’ve changed.”
“I’ve changed? You know better than anyone how much I’ve devoted myself for the Republic of Korea!”
“Perhaps that was true in the past, but the current president is no different from the former presidents you despised.”
At those words—no different from those he had so utterly loathed—Kim Hakgwon’s face twisted in horror.
“I have not asked for anything difficult, Mr. President. I did not ask you to help me, only that you not interfere in the fight between myself and Seo Yonggeon.”
“······.”
“Yet it was you who used your power to press me down. So I am only doing the best I can in return.”
Even the first day we had met, Kim Hakgwon had looked at Han Kyungyeong and me with displeasure. A man like that would never change.
“So do not blame me. This is all the result of the president’s stubbornness.”
Kim Hakgwon still only stared at me in shock, unable to speak.
“Now the president has three choices.”
I lifted one finger. I could feel his eyes turn toward my hand.
“First, do not intervene in the fight between myself and Seo Yonggeon, remain faithful to your duty as president, and finish your remaining term with honor.”
I extended another finger. Kim Hakgwon’s expression stiffened coldly.
“Second, join hands with Seo Yonggeon and fall into ruin together. I will make sure of that outcome.”
Finally, I raised the last finger with a faint smile. This was the option he would loathe even to think of.
“Lastly, like dictators of the past who clung to power, declare martial law, dissolve the National Assembly, and arrest me along with the lawmakers.”
Lowering my hand, I spoke firmly. The choice was his.
“The decision is yours, Mr. President.”
Though I had given three options, in truth there was only one answer he could choose.
As a self-proclaimed fighter for democracy, he could not declare martial law like a dictator. And even if he tried, would the military even obey?
Nor could he discard the political honor he had preserved until now merely because of Seo Yonggeon. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
Then the only option left was to retreat.
“I’ve changed? That I am no different from those I despised so much...”
Instead of choosing, Kim Hakgwon muttered to himself. His twisted expression looked almost pained.
Just then, the dining room door opened and Chief Secretary Pyo Minguk stepped in.
He flinched for a moment at the heavy atmosphere hanging in the room, but quickly carried out his duty.
“Mr. President, it is almost time for your meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy. It seems you should bring this private conversation to a close.”
Snapped back to his senses by Pyo Minguk’s voice, Kim Hakgwon gestured for me to leave.
But when he saw the gesture, Pyo Minguk, confused, asked again.
“Then shall I delay the meeting—”
Before he could finish, Kim Hakgwon cut him off with a sudden burst of anger.
“Leave!”
Startled by the roar, Pyo Minguk bowed his head and left the dining room.
Kim Hakgwon rubbed his face wearily and finally looked back at me.
“I am no dictator. I have neither reason nor thought to declare martial law.”
He had fought on the front lines for democracy, enduring the oppression of dictators.
For such a man, being called no different from them was an insult.
“······Let me ask you one thing.”
His voice was more cautious than ever.
“Yes, Mr. President. Please ask.”
“What is it that you truly dream of?”
I froze for a moment at the unexpected question.
While I hesitated on what to answer, he poured out his doubts.
“You possess far more wealth and influence than Chairman Cheon ever did—so why are you going this far?”
When I was given another chance at life, I swore: never again would anyone harm my family, my friends, my people.
Yet despite that vow, there were still those who oppressed and threatened them.
Myungsoo, Eva, Grandfather... the faces of those who had suffered because of me flashed before my eyes.
“I want to protect my people. For that, I am prepared to become a devil itself. If anyone dares to harm them... I will chase them to the ends of hell.”
“This is the Republic of Korea. Here exist laws, and promises between people. You are too dangerous.”
Dangerous? Perhaps Kim Hakgwon could see it that way.
But I would no longer hesitate. I would never again lose what was precious because of hesitation.
“I have already lost everything once. I will not repeat that mistake. ······Let us end this conversation here.”
Kim Hakgwon sighed and shook his head. He could not understand me.
And I had no desire to force him to.
“I never imagined you would bring out the card of impeachment. Yes, you could impeach me, with the power you hold. But would the people truly accept it?”
Still bound to his mirage-like approval ratings, Kim Hakgwon clung desperately.
“Do you think the people will continue to support and trust you forever? When your true face is revealed piece by piece, will they still believe to the end?”
“······.”
“No. The masses will only enjoy your downfall. It will be a fine drinking tale. They will sneer and curse the collapsing president, even if he was the one they themselves had elected.”
It was not ignorance that made him ask, but hearing my blunt answer, Kim Hakgwon was left speechless.
“Surely Chairman Seo Yonggeon is not worth sacrificing your political life for? You joined hands with him merely to hold me in check.”
Kim Hakgwon was not a pro-chaebol politician.
He had believed that the financial crisis had been caused entirely by the chaebols’ distorted management # Nоvеlight # practices.
That was why he had pressured them heavily through big deals and regulations.
He had merely used Seo Yonggeon as a means to restrain me. To sully his honor for Seo’s sake was nonsense.
“Now I would like your answer.”
Kim Hakgwon raised his hand to cover his face. A groan of anguish escaped his lips.
Though he had reached the highest seat a politician could climb, he was now suffering humiliation from the same man twice. I could not fathom his feelings.
So I merely waited for his reply.
“······I will let go of Chairman Seo’s hand.”
Dropping his hand from his face, Kim Hakgwon exhaled a deep sigh.
In contrast to his slumped shoulders, a faint smile crossed my lips.
“You made the right choice, Mr. President.”
“But this must not be like when you destroyed Cheongpunghoe. Such a thing must never happen again. If it does, I will risk my political life to fight you to the death.”
“That will depend on how Chairman Seo chooses to act.”
Lee Yonghyeon of Cheongpunghoe had been a man unknown to the general public. So when I destroyed him, the people paid little heed to his death.
“But I have no thought of suppressing Seo Yonggeon by force as I did Cheongpunghoe. That would be too easy.”
Yet Chairman Seo was different.
No one in Korea could be ignorant of his name. To remove him in the same way would not be simple.
“However, if Chairman Seo chooses wrongly...”
I swallowed the rest, but Kim Hakgwon understood well enough. He gave a small nod.
“I will ask the Centrist Party to cooperate fully with your administration for the rest of your term. Propose a leadership meeting to President Yoon Changho. He will accept.”
Without the Centrist Party’s support, relying solely on the Progressive Party would leave the president almost powerless.
For Kim Hakgwon to effectively manage the remainder of his term, the Centrist Party’s cooperation was essential.
Politics was always give and take.
I only suggested he propose the meeting; what he extracted from Yoon Changho would depend on his own ability.
“I was already considering proposing a leadership meeting.”
“Yes. A private meeting will suffice. What you trade will be up to you and President Yoon.”
At my clear boundary-setting, a bitter smile appeared on Kim Hakgwon’s face.
“And please order the Prosecutor General to stop the investigation into Geukseong Group.”
“······.”
“Just give the order. I will handle the rest. I will have Geukseong prepare a scapegoat that prosecutors can accept.”
The investigation had begun at Kim Hakgwon’s command. Stopping it would be just as easy with another command.
“Understood. That is not difficult.”
He answered with a voice drained of strength, resigned.
“You are a busy man, and I’ve taken too much of your time. May I rise now?”
“Yes. I also have other appointments.”
I stood first. We had already taken more time than expected; it was time to end.
“I will not forget what you did for me in Pyongyang. Allow me to thank you once again. Someday, if you ever need my help, I will lend it once.”
This was sincere. I intended to repay the favor of being allowed to see Grandfather in his final moments.
As I bowed my head in gratitude, Kim Hakgwon frowned.
“The more I meet you, the less I understand you.”
“Kindness repaid with kindness, malice with malice—that is my way of life. Take it simply. I only mean that I will return the favor of your kindness, and I will help with anything within my power.”
He was silent for a long while, then slowly nodded.
“······I will contact you if the need arises.”
“Yes, then I will take my leave.”
Leaving Kim Hakgwon seated behind, I opened the dining room door. Outside waited Ha Myeonghun and Chief Secretary Pyo Minguk.
“Chief Secretary, the president is asking for you.”
Pyo Minguk glanced at me briefly before entering the dining room.
Ha Myeonghun approached and asked cautiously.
“Did the conversation go well?”
“Let’s head out first.”
Together we went down to the parking lot and got into the car. Once the vehicle carrying us had left the Blue House, I finally spoke.
“It has been settled. Kim Hakgwon will not help Seo Yonggeon. Though he also warned me not to repeat another Cheongpunghoe incident.”
“······Will you let him live?”
From the passenger seat, Ha Myeonghun turned back to ask. His lips were pressed tight. I shook my head.
“No. I will make him see with his own eyes the complete collapse of Ilseong, which he thought would never fall—then I will kill him.”
For touching my precious people, the price Seo Yonggeon would pay had grown immeasurable.
When he was at his most wretched and despairing, that was when I would end his life.
“I will let you deliver the final blow. I promised you that.”
“······Yes, sir.”
I saw the faint smile tugging at Ha Myeonghun’s lips and continued.
“Schedule tomorrow’s lunch with Chairman Kim Byungwoo of Joongwoo Group. And contact Eva—I will speak to her myself. For now, I want to rest. Take me to Pyeongchang-dong.”
After giving my orders, I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes. In my head, complicated thoughts swirled like a storm.
