Free Web NovelThe time when the President of the Republic of Korea holds the greatest power is from the moment the presidential transition committee is launched right after the election until the day of the inauguration ceremony.
Because of that, Yoon Changho spent a busy schedule immediately after his election, preparing to establish the transition committee.
Key members of the campaign and the Centrist Party leadership gathered early in the morning at the party headquarters.
Yoon Changho had called them all together to finalize the list for the presidential transition committee.
Perhaps for that reason, a tense atmosphere filled the conference hall.
When the appointed time arrived, Yoon Changho entered the room.
Everyone stood up and bowed deeply.
“Good morning, President-elect.”
“Please, don’t be so formal. It feels awkward.”
Even as he said that, the sound of Yoon Changho’s laughter filled the room; clearly, he didn’t dislike it. After he sat down, everyone else followed.
Yoon Changho looked around the room, meeting each person’s eyes one by one.
When his gaze met Lee Myungsoo’s, his smile widened.
“Secretary-General Lee.”
“Yes, President-elect.”
“Why are you sitting all the way over there? Come closer.”
“......”
All eyes turned toward Lee Myungsoo. He could feel looks of jealousy, rivalry, and resentment directed at him as he replied,
“This is my seat.”
“Come now, who here doesn’t know you were the greatest contributor? Sit over here.”
Because Yoon Changho insisted twice, Lee Myungsoo had no choice but to stand up.
The seat Yoon Changho indicated was the very first chair to the left of the President-elect.
As everyone shifted down one seat, an uncomfortable silence followed.
But at that moment, no one dared oppose Yoon Changho.
Only then did he turn his satisfied gaze toward Yoo Nakhyun, who was sitting closest on his right.
“Chairman Yoo Nakhyun.”
“Yes, President-elect.”
“I will soon step down from the position of party leader.”
Yoon Changho publicly announced his resignation as party leader.
A faint smile appeared on Yoo Nakhyun’s face.
“From now on, the party’s affairs will be handled by those of you here. However, if internal strife breaks out over your individual interests, I will have no choice but to intervene. Keep that in mind, Chairman Yoo.”
“Yes, President-elect.”
“Everything will proceed as agreed upon between Secretary-General Lee Myungsoo and yourself.”
“Thank you.”
Hearing Yoon Changho’s assurance that things would proceed under Lee Myungsoo and Yoo Nakhyun’s agreement brightened the faces of the former Conservative Party members present.
Next, Yoon Changho turned to the left, smiling toward Song Daechul, the floor leader.
“Representative Song Daechul.”
“Yes, President-elect.”
“You’ve worked hard all this time.”
Song Daechul had been Yoon Changho’s old comrade since the founding of the Centrist Party.
He was both a hometown junior and a university junior who had entered politics earlier than Yoon, making him a senior in politics.
After personally greeting everyone one by one, Yoon Changho began the main meeting.
“The reason I’ve called you here today is to launch the transition committee before the year ends. We need to complete the list of members within this week if the committee is to operate smoothly.”
The eyes of everyone present began to gleam. It was, after all, a time for distributing rewards and appointments.
“Representative Song Daechul, who do you think should be appointed as chairman of the transition committee? Be honest—don’t mind me.”
Song Daechul glanced toward Lee Myungsoo, but Lee showed no reaction. After a brief thought, Song replied,
“I recommend President Seong Kyunghoon of Goguryeo University.”
“President Seong Kyunghoon? Has he agreed to take the position?”
“Not yet, but I’ve met him several times and received a positive response. If we can bring him in, we’ll win the professors’ support from the start.”
Seong Kyunghoon was a genuine educator who had never involved himself in politics, dedicating his life entirely to teaching students.
If such a man could be brought in as chairman, it would make a strong impression from the beginning.
“If you approve, President-elect, I can meet him as early as today.”
“Hmm...”
Yoon Changho stroked his chin, thinking. No one dared object to the name Seong Kyunghoon.
But Lee Myungsoo was different.
“President-elect.”
When Lee called to him, Yoon turned his gaze toward him.
“It is natural to appoint an external figure as chairman. Of course, I also respect President Seong greatly, but communication between the transition committee and the President-elect is crucial.”
If the committee and the President-elect pursued different policy directions, it would be disastrous.
“Respect and politics are separate matters.”
“Come now, Secretary-General Lee. It’s President Seong we’re talking about—no ordinary man.”
“I’m aware. He’s a man worthy of respect. Precisely because of that, we should let him end his career with honor, not drag him into this filthy political swamp. That would be disrespectful.”
“......”
Indeed, politics was filthier than any other field.
If Seong Kyunghoon joined, it would be like a white heron landing among crows. Yoon Changho asked grimly,
“Then what’s your alternative? Who do you have in mind?”
Though his words were directed to Lee Myungsoo, everyone knew he was really asking who Kim Muhyuk wanted.
“Chief Justice Oh Jungseok.”
Chief Justice Oh Jungseok.
A man whose standing was no lower than Seong Kyunghoon’s—in fact, higher.
The pinnacle of the judiciary, respected by every legal professional.
Everyone nodded, recognizing the weight of the name.
“Chief Justice Oh Jungseok... What’s his answer?”
“He’s waiting for your call, President-elect.”
“Hmm... Then I should call him. I heard rumors his health isn’t good—how is he?”
“Not good? He’s healthier than I am. When I met him recently, °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° he scolded me so loudly I almost lost my hearing.”
“Haha! As expected from the Chief Justice. All right, I’ll speak to him myself.”
“Thank you.”
Song Daechul’s expression hardened. The moment Oh Jungseok’s name was accepted, Seong Kyunghoon’s recommendation was dead.
Whether he knew it or not, Lee Myungsoo continued.
“As for vice-chairman, I recommend former Conservative Party leader Han Jiho, who currently holds no position.”
Han Jiho, who had been sitting quietly, turned his head toward Lee Myungsoo.
“Assemblyman Han Jiho?”
Naturally, Yoon Changho’s eyes followed. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
“Yes. We need to show the people that the Centrist and Conservative parties are one. Politics, in the end, is a show. Over sixty percent of the votes you received came thanks to the Conservatives’ role. It would look good to give due recognition—especially to voters from the TK region.”
After hearing Lee Myungsoo’s reasoning, Yoon Changho called to Han Jiho.
“Assemblyman Han Jiho.”
“Yes, President-elect.”
“Was this promised beforehand?”
“N-no, sir. This is my first time hearing it as well.”
When Yoon continued to look at him silently, Han Jiho swallowed hard and added,
“I joined the Centrist Party with the intention of serving humbly. I have no desire for any position.”
“Is that so?”
“......”
Before Han could respond again, Yoo Nakhyun spoke up.
“President-elect, may I say something?”
“Yes, Chairman Yoo. Go ahead.”
“It wasn’t promised, but Secretary-General Lee’s words have merit. If those of us who joined late are given the vice-chairman position, we will not request any other appointments.”
“Are you sincere?”
“I am.”
The positions of chairman and vice-chairman were the heart of the transition committee.
Since the President-elect couldn’t oversee every detail personally, the committee handled major duties such as policy coordination with the outgoing government and personnel changes.
Those appointed to lead divisions within the committee often followed the new administration straight into the Blue House.
“Yes, it would look better to the public as well.”
“Hmm... Very well, I understand.”
Yoon Changho addressed everyone.
“Then I’ll offer the chairmanship to Chief Justice Oh Jungseok, and the vice-chairmanship to Assemblyman Han Jiho. If anyone disagrees, speak now.”
No one did. There was no one in that room capable of opposing Yoon Changho’s decision.
“Then it’s settled. Next, we’ll assign each subcommittee. I’ll personally choose those for Political Affairs, Economy, and Foreign Affairs. For the rest, submit your candidates to me, and I’ll select one per division.”
“Yes, President-elect!”
“I plan to base the committee at Myeongdong Hotel.”
At that, Song Daechul asked carefully,
“Myeongdong Hotel, sir? Is that necessary...?”
“I considered several locations, but none offer security like that one.”
“The public may not take kindly to launching the committee in a hotel.”
“It’s already decided. Your job is to ensure the launch proceeds smoothly. Any objections?”
At Yoon Changho’s firm tone, Song Daechul backed down.
“No, President-elect.”
“Good. Then that’s that. I have another engagement, so I’ll be leaving now. Submit your candidate lists to me once you’ve narrowed them down. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!”
As Yoon Changho stood, he patted Lee Myungsoo on the shoulder.
“Secretary-General Lee, let’s have a word outside.”
“Yes, President-elect.”
Yoon Changho left the room with Lee Myungsoo, and silence settled behind them.
* * *
“So Yoon Changho finally won. And by a record-breaking margin at that. Does this mean your plan is complete?”
“No. It’s only beginning.”
I had come once again to visit Chief Justice Oh Jungseok’s home.
“That boy Myungsoo came to ask me to take the chairmanship of the transition committee. Was that your idea too?”
“Yes. It’s customary to appoint an external figure as chairman. Though President Seong Kyunghoon’s name has been mentioned, I’d prefer that you take the role, Chief Justice.”
Oh Jungseok’s eyes flashed. Despite his age, his gaze was still sharp and alive.
“The chairmanship, hmm... So you’re dying to work this old man to the bone, are you?”
“The President-elect is a former Prosecutor General. The prosecution’s power will be stronger than ever. But if someone else chairs the transition committee, it’ll only cause friction from the start.”
It had been a long time since a former Prosecutor General became President.
“Well, I’m not fond of seeing the prosecution gain too much power either.”
“Your son Hyunwoo will benefit most from this. It won’t be a bad thing for you, Chief Justice. Even if the prosecution grows stronger, no one in the legal world would dare oppose you.”
At the mention of Oh Hyunwoo’s name, Oh Jungseok clicked his tongue.
“Tsk, tsk. If only that boy had half your composure. He’s slick and lazy—useless.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“He’s working hard in the prosecution. If he continues building his career, he could even become Prosecutor General someday.”
“Ha! As if I’ll live to see that day. My time’s nearly up.”
“You’re still in fine health, sir.”
Though often grumbling, Oh Jungseok was surprisingly robust for his age.
He took a sip of tea and said,
“Very well. I’ll take the chairmanship. But I won’t play the puppet.”
“Who would ever think of you as a puppet, Chief Justice? That’s needless worry.”
Just then, the phone beside him rang. He glanced at the caller ID and smiled.
“Yoon Changho.”
“Please, go ahead and take it.”
Nodding, Oh Jungseok answered the call.
“Yes, Prosecutor Yoon—ah, no, I should say President-elect Yoon now, shouldn’t I?”
As he spoke lightheartedly over the phone, I lifted my teacup with a quiet smile.
