Free Web NovelOne day before the presidential candidate registration.
Inside the National Assembly’s briefing room, several members of the Centrist Party led by Lee Myungsoo gathered. Behind them stood the remaining lawmakers of the Conservative Party, including their leader, Han Jiho.
A swarm of reporters stationed in the press section began flashing their cameras as the group appeared.
“Good afternoon, fellow citizens. I am Lee Myungsoo of the Centrist Party.”
Lee Myungsoo bowed deeply before continuing.
Behind him, Centrist and Conservative lawmakers stood side by side like a wall.
“Our Centrist Party and the Conservative Party have decided to merge to reform South Korean politics. The Centrist Party was originally founded under the vision of Candidate Yoon Changho, who sought political reform. However, the wall of reality in politics was high. Those who held vested interests would not easily let go of what they possessed...”
Lee Myungsoo slowly read through his statement.
“Therefore, the Conservative Party—now purged of all problematic politicians—and our Centrist Party have decided to unite our strength. Together, we will pursue political reform. The contents of our agreement are as follows.”
He stepped aside, yielding the podium to Party Leader Han Jiho.
“First, we will separate the powers of the Blue House and the political party. Candidate Yoon Changho has promised that immediately after the presidential election, he will resign from his position as party leader and relinquish all authority over the Centrist Party. Accordingly, a party convention will be held swiftly after the election to select a new leadership.”
A murmur spread among the gathered reporters.
It was an unprecedented announcement.
Even Presidents Kim Mansam and Kim Hakgwon, who had established democratic governments, had never released their grip on their parties’ power.
But now, the candidate most likely to win—Yoon Changho—was declaring a separation between the presidency and the party.
“Second, we have agreed upon political reform. Nomination rights will be distributed fairly among party members. We will pursue transparent politics—politics aligned with the people’s expectations. We will move forward toward genuine democracy in Korea. To achieve this, we will establish a special committee for political reform.”
After reading through a total of ten clauses, Han Jiho concluded with solemn words.
“The current Conservative Party is guilty. It deserves to disappear. But, fellow citizens, please allow us a chance to atone. The Conservative Party, which has endured for fifty years, will now vanish into history and become one with the Centrist Party. Please, trust us once more.”
As he finished speaking, Han Jiho stepped aside and bowed.
The Conservative lawmakers behind him all bowed in unison.
When Han Jiho straightened his back and withdrew, Lee Myungsoo once again stepped forward.
“Until the presidential election concludes, we will retain the name ‘Centrist Party.’ However, after the election, to be reborn as a new political entity, we will hold a convention and change our party name. Please help Candidate Yoon Changho succeed in his reform. From this moment on, the Centrist Party and the Conservative Party are one.”
When Lee Myungsoo finished, Cheon Jeongmyung spoke.
“Now we will proceed to the Q&A session. Those who wish to ask questions, please raise your hand.”
As soon as his words fell, every reporter raised their hand. frёewebηovel.cѳm
Cheon Jeongmyung pointed to one of them, and the reporter stood.
“This is Reporter Jung Han of Koryeo News. When the Centrist Party was founded, its slogan was to dismantle the two-party structure of conservatives and progressives. The public responded positively, and the Centrist Party became the largest party in the Assembly. Yet now, through a merger with the Conservative Party, you are essentially reviving that two-party system. Is this what you call reform?”
The question was sharp and aggressive, but Lee Myungsoo replied calmly.
“You’re correct. The Centrist Party was indeed founded to dismantle the two-party structure. But reality was harsh. At times, we had to join hands despite our differences, and at other times, we had to turn away despite our common goals. So we made a decision—to pursue not the Korean-style two-party politics, but a system like America’s Democrats and Republicans. That is why we decided on this merger. We will demonstrate creative destruction and innovative change. Please watch until the end.”
Several more questions followed. After a while, when the session had dragged on too long, Cheon Jeongmyung called for the final question, choosing a reporter from Koryeo Daily.
“This is Reporter Kang Jinyong from Koryeo Daily. The merger between the Centrist Party and the Conservative Party—while it’s being called a merger—realistically means the Conservative Party is being absorbed into the Centrist Party, doesn’t it?”
Though the reporter’s tone was sharp, he was one of the reporters Lee Myungsoo had intentionally arranged.
“This is not a relationship where one side absorbs the other,” Lee Myungsoo declared firmly.
“Though it wasn’t included in the public agreement, we intend to offer the position of the new party leader to a senior figure from the Conservative Party. The Centrist Party is willing to put down its privileges and serve under that leadership.”
“You mean the party leadership will be handed to a Conservative?”
“Yes. This merger is not for political gain but solely for the people. I want to emphasize that once again.”
Reporters exchanged murmurs, and Cheon Jeongmyung ended the press conference at the perfect moment.
“That concludes the Q&A session.”
Lee Myungsoo and Han Jiho shook hands stiffly and exited the briefing room, followed by lawmakers from both parties.
“Secretary-General! Party Leader Han!”
The reporters called out desperately, but none of them turned back.
Disappointed, the journalists redirected their microphones toward Cheon Jeongmyung.
“Assemblyman Cheon Jeongmyung, is what the Secretary-General said true? About handing the party leadership to a Conservative elder—is that really possible?”
“Yes, it’s true. Candidate Yoon Changho said that if that’s what it takes to embrace the Conservative Party and move forward together, then so be it. Everything is according to the candidate’s will.”
“So you’re saying it’s all factual?”
“Yes. For detailed information, please refer to the press release that will be distributed shortly. All relevant content is included there.”
Cheon Jeongmyung offered a final farewell and left. Reporters from each outlet began making phone calls and typing frantically on their laptops.
Thus, one day before registration, the shocking announcement of the Centrist–Conservative merger concluded.
[Merger between the Centrist and Conservative Parties — A signal of political reform or another name for old politics?]
[Candidate Yoon Changho calls for reform politics! A candidate for the people!]
[Candidate Heo Taemin: “The merger of the two parties is a regression of democracy.”]
Conservative media released favorable coverage, while progressive outlets criticized the move.
Yoon Changho had successfully seized the spotlight.
The day for official candidate registration arrived.
Yoon Changho of the Centrist Party was the first to complete his registration.
“Fellow citizens, I, Yoon Changho, intended to retire from public life after my term as Prosecutor General. However, I could no longer stand by and watch regressive political practices. Today, I declare my candidacy for President to reform the politics of our nation.”
Yoon delivered his lengthy declaration.
“I, Heo Taemin, will continue President Kim Hakgwon’s policies and work for peace. I will do my best to protect the democracy built by your hands.”
Next came the speech of Assemblyman Heo Taemin.
“Our economy remains unstable. As seen in the recent credit card crisis, household debt is rising daily while conglomerates only seek their own profit. I, Song Chanhyuk—born into a chaebol family but giving up everything to enter politics—will revive our nation’s economy, reform the conglomerates, and reduce household debt, just as I once succeeded in bringing the 2002 Korea–Japan World Cup to our country.”
Finally, Song Chanhyuk made his own declaration.
The presidential race had officially begun.
* * *
Once the official election schedule started, I ceased all public appearances.
There was no benefit to having my name mentioned unnecessarily, so I shut myself away in Pyeongchang-dong and handled everything by phone. frёewebηovel.cѳm
“Boss, Candidates Heo Taemin and Song Chanhyuk just met.”
As expected, the two had finally come together.
Yesterday’s poll results showed Yoon Changho recovering from his previous slump and now surpassing 50% approval.
Yoon was running far ahead of the others.
At this point, Heo Taemin and Song Chanhyuk had only one option left.
To draw public attention away from Yoon Changho, who had monopolized the news, they needed a fresh issue.
A unification of Heo and Song—that was the only card remaining.
Lowering the newspaper I had been reading, I asked Manager Ma,
“The meeting place is as expected, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
We had already planted a listening device at the location. I was curious about what they would discuss and exchange.
“Which one of them will step back...”
If they delayed too long, the effect of a unified candidacy would diminish. Whatever agreement they intended to {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} reach had to be made today—whether one conceded, or they chose through a joint poll.
For publicity, a polling-based merger would look better. But we would see soon enough.
“Make sure Chunha Group supports Yoon Changho’s campaign from behind. No problems allowed.”
“Yes, I’ll relay the order again.”
“And when the recording device is retrieved after the meeting, let me know immediately.”
“Understood.”
After issuing the instructions, I felt oddly uneasy. Somehow, I was busier locked indoors than when I was working in the field.
After Manager Ma left with a few more updates, I pressed the button on my phone.
“Eva, have you collected all the proxy statements?”
― Of course, boss. JC Group just finished signing the last one.
They had held out long enough, but it seemed they finally gave in. I couldn’t help but grin.
“They were always going to do it anyway. Why drag it out?”
― Exactly. But Seo Jaesang looked pretty humiliated, you know?
“So what? He has nothing, yet he keeps flaunting his pride. Those people couldn’t even breathe when Chairman Seo Yonggeon was alive, and now look at them—pathetic.”
Eva chuckled in agreement.
― Is this really surprising, boss? You’ve seen how Korean chaebol families are. And remember how much they care about the eldest son? Since he’s the Seo family’s eldest grandson, it’s even worse. What I found funniest, though, was him acting like the owner when he barely owns any shares. Isn’t that hilarious, boss?
I burst out laughing. On the other end of the line, Eva laughed softly too.
When I finally stopped laughing, I asked,
“The shareholders’ meeting—no problems, right?”
― None at all. We’ve prepared for years, boss. Even if the sky falls, we can drag Seo Jaehun down.
“Good. Once the presidential election ends, the media will move. Han Kyungyeong will also be returning to Korea soon. When this is over, I’ll give you a year off. Go travel or something.”
― Really? You mean it this time, boss?
Her voice brightened. Come to think of it, I’d never actually given her a proper vacation.
“Yeah. There won’t be any major operations for a while. Take a full year off if you want.”
― That’s amazing! I love you, boss!
“Call me right away if anything comes up.”
It was a project long in the making, as Eva had said.
Everything was already in place. Even if Seo Yonggeon rose from his bed, he couldn’t stop the momentum now.
After hanging up, I picked the newspaper back up from the table.
[Will the ‘1-Strong (Yoon Changho) vs. 2-Mid (Heo Taemin, Song Chanhyuk)’ election structure hold—or collapse?]
With the election fast approaching, Candidate Yoon Changho visited Gwangju, the stronghold of the Progressive Party. Meanwhile, Candidates Heo Taemin and Song Chanhyuk had not announced any official campaign events.
Judging from the polls alone, both Heo and Song had an extremely low chance of winning.
The only move left that could overturn the race was their unification. All eyes were now on whether they would do it.
Everyone expected Yoon Changho’s victory. The only unpredictable factor was whether Heo Taemin and Song Chanhyuk could merge their campaigns.
I put the paper down and leaned back on the sofa, closing my eyes.
“Heo Taemin and Song Chanhyuk...”
Whether I would interfere or leave them alone would depend on what I heard from their meeting.
Night fell, and word came that their discussion had ended.
Manager Ma entered holding a CD.
“Let’s hear it. I’m curious what exactly they talked about.”
He inserted the CD into the player, and soon the recorded conversation began.
― Nice to see you, Candidate Song Chanhyuk.
― It’s a pleasure, Candidate Heo Taemin.
