Free Web NovelThe unusually cold winter was coming to an end.
I arrived at the National Assembly building to attend President Yoon Changho’s inauguration ceremony.
When I got there, singers were performing celebratory songs as part of the pre-ceremony event.
Crowds had gathered to watch the inauguration.
I passed through the people clustered like clouds and moved toward the seating prepared on the platform.
I had deliberately asked for a seat in the very back, but my seat was assigned near the front.
This inauguration was unusual — Russia’s Medvedev, China’s Wen Jiabao, and the U.S. Secretary of State Powell had all come to attend.
Even Japan, which did not have good relations with Korea, had sent Prime Minister Koizumi in person.
Because so many heavyweight politicians from the major powers had gathered, the ceremony had become the center of international diplomacy.
Since I had personal connections with them, I had no choice but to sit in one of the frontmost seats to receive them.
Because I arrived early, none of them were there yet. I sat alone and waited.
As I passed the time watching the performances, someone tapped my shoulder.
I turned my head and saw Myungsoo.
“When did you get here?”
Myungsoo smiled and sat next to me.
I smiled as well when I saw him.
“Just now.”
“Whew... good. There’s a lot to prepare. Because several countries sent unexpected heavyweights as congratulatory envoys, we have a ton to check — starting with security.”
“Oh, right. You were the inauguration preparation committee chair, weren’t you?”
Myungsoo nodded and grumbled.
“They dumped the scraps on me. They make you do everything just because you’re young. Honestly, age is a title in this country.”
He grumbled, but he looked like he welcomed the position.
He didn’t have much real authority, though.
“The atmosphere really is different from previous inaugurations. Probably because you prepared it, Myungsoo.”
You could tell just from the lineup of singers performing at the event.
Most were trot singers, but there were a few idol and dance singers as well.
“It’s only the beginning. We have to make it a festival.”
After chatting lightly with me for a bit more, Myungsoo stood up.
“I’ll see you later. There’s a lot I have to do.”
“Okay.”
Soon, the VIPs started arriving one by one.
Seeing Myungsoo go around shaking hands with each of them, I shook my head. What a difficult job.
When the pre-ceremony events ended, the MC began giving instructions.
Among the people entering the venue, I saw a familiar face.
“Coach Hiddink.”
“Ah, Charlie. It has been a long time.”
Even though the season was in full swing, Hiddink had asked his club for understanding and came to Korea because of his relationship with the Republic of Korea.
Since I was the club owner, I gladly granted his request.
It was the request of a VIP who would grace the inauguration — how could I refuse?
I even sent a private jet to make travel comfortable.
“Coach, what’s your schedule like?”
“I have to leave tonight. There’s an important match in a few days. We’ll be facing Manchester United for the cup.”
“Ah! I know about that.”
“You’re not showing too little interest, are you?”
Hiddink joked, and I laughed and answered in kind.
“Isn’t it best when the owner only provides the funds and doesn’t meddle in the club’s operations?”
“Haha, that’s true, but still — sometimes the owner needs to enforce discipline so the management doesn’t do anything foolish.”
“Is something wrong?”
Was his relationship with the management strained? I hadn’t received any such report.
“No. They’ve given me more authority than any club I’ve ever been with. Communication with them is good too.”
Hiddink spoke in a gentle voice. Fortunately, it seemed things weren’t bad.
“That’s good. I promised I wouldn’t interfere, but ultimately, the ones you’ll be dealing with are the executives in England.”
“They’re people who genuinely love the club. Working with such people makes even a Champions League victory seem within reach.”
“Oh... that’s good to hear.”
Hiddink spoke with confidence overflowing from his face.
I gave him a strong hug and continued our conversation.
Before long, Prime Minister Koizumi and the other diplomatic envoys began appearing one after another.
“I’ll visit the U.K. soon. Let’s share a meal and talk then.”
“Understood.”
Hiddink went to find his seat, and I greeted others as well.
“Chairman Medvedev, welcome.”
“President Kim Muhyuk! We’ve spoken often by phone, but it has been a long time since we saw each other in person, yes?”
“That’s right. It’s good to see you again. Thank you for coming to Korea.”
Starting with Medvedev, I exchanged brief greetings with Powell and Wen Jiabao as well.
Finally, I approached Prime Minister Koizumi.
“Prime Minister, it has been a while.”
“President Kim Muhyuk, it has been a while.”
Koizumi extended his hand with a stern expression.
“I heard Japan has stabilized.”
“Stabilized...”
For some reason, Koizumi frowned.
“Why? Is there a problem?”
“No. I’ll take care of it myself.”
There must be an issue. But unless he wanted to say it, I had no desire to pry.
I didn’t want to get involved with Japan any further. Still, etiquette required at least asking.
“Understood. If anything difficult comes up, please contact me. If I can help, I will.”
Koizumi gave a small nod, and I turned away.
After greeting everyone, I sat down. But one invited figure was missing — Choi Sunman.
Even if he had gone into seclusion, unless he was dead, attending the inauguration as a former president was a matter of etiquette.
As I thought about it, the MC announced that the ceremony would soon begin.
At that moment, President Kim Hakgwon entered the venue first.
When our eyes met, I saw both regret and relief within his gaze.
I did not avoid the complicated look in his eyes — I simply lowered my head slightly in greeting.
Kim Hakgwon nodded in response and sat with his wife.
I turned back toward Powell and resumed our conversation.
Powell had been venting his frustration about Dick Cheney moments before.
“It sounds like Vice President Dick Cheney’s overreach is serious.”
“...Whew. I can’t say it isn’t. The vice presidency is an honorary position. It’s there for when the president becomes unable to perform his duties. But Dick Cheney behaves as if he himself is the president. There is no one who stops him.”
The deep sigh from Powell was full of frustration.
“He interferes with the Cabinet more than President Bush does. At this point, I can hardly tell whether Bush is the president or Cheney is.”
Hearing Powell, I swallowed a groan. My mind deepened.
‘Should I weaken Dick Cheney’s power?’
Dick Cheney was virtually the head of the neocons.
I was about to decide when Choi Sunman appeared.
He flinched when he saw me while climbing the platform. He quickly tried to hide it, though.
He received greetings from several people, but when he saw the smile lingering on my lips, he frowned.
Deliberately avoiding me, Choi Sunman went to sit among the former presidents.
I etched the sight into my mind and turned away.
“Let’s talk separately at the dinner banquet after the ceremony.”
The inauguration was about to begin.
After excusing myself to Powell, he nodded.
The ceremony began, and the vehicle carrying President-elect Yoon Changho entered the National Assembly grounds.
When Yoon Changho stepped out of the car, some people rose from their seats and craned their necks to see him.
A small disturbance arose, but it subsided quickly when he waved his hand.
After shaking hands with ten citizen representatives, Yoon Changho went up the platform with them.
Once on stage, he shook hands with Kim Hakgwon and ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) his wife, then took his seat.
When the clock struck the hour, the national anthem began to play.
Everyone except the foreign guests stood to sing it.
After the anthem, a short silent tribute followed.
Soon after, Prime Minister Kim Changseok’s opening remarks were heard.
After the short remarks, President-elect Yoon Changho stepped toward the podium.
“I solemnly swear before the people that I will abide by the Constitution, defend the nation, strive for the peaceful unification of the homeland and the development of national culture, and faithfully carry out the duties of the presidency.” freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
Yoon Changho finished the presidential oath. At that moment, the gathered crowd responded with loud applause.
He had now transitioned from president-elect to the President of the Republic of Korea.
When the oath ended, twenty-one ceremonial gun salutes were fired.
President Yoon Changho’s inaugural address followed.
“Honorable citizens...”
After about 30 minutes, President Yoon Changho’s speech ended.
A short celebratory song followed, and then former President Kim Hakgwon and President Yoon Changho marched forward together.
The two exchanged a brief hug in front of the ceremonial vehicle. After the greeting, former President Kim boarded the car.
Yoon Changho remained until the vehicle carrying Kim Hakgwon left the National Assembly.
Returning to the platform, Yoon Changho shook hands with the attending dignitaries, exchanged brief greetings, and then departed for the Blue House.
The era of Yoon Changho had finally begun.
The gathered people began pouring out in large groups.
The attending dignitaries also dispersed.
There would be little time left if they planned to prepare for the dinner banquet to be held later that evening.
I planned to meet the others at dinner and moved to the Myeongdong Hotel with Wen Jiabao.
“I was very worried.”
We sat facing each other in the Myeongdong Hotel suite.
“Haha. Thanks to you, I was able to return. Thank you.”
I nodded at Wen Jiabao’s words.
“I only gave a small piece of advice.”
“That advice is what made Hu Jintao take the political risk to save me. Without it, I would have disappeared from politics.”
He wasn’t wrong. I had saved him because he was useful — but I simply returned his smile.
“Hu Jintao outright told me. That if President Kim hadn’t acted, he would never have moved.”
Hu Jintao was someone who placed his own safety above all else.
I only advised him on a way to save Wen Jiabao — and he moved because it benefited him.
“But aren’t we sworn brothers?”
Hiding that truth, I joked lightly.
“Xiongdi! That’s right. We are sworn brothers.”
“That’s why I helped you. There’s no need for thanks. If the situation were reversed, would the Vice Premier not step in for me?”
Wen Jiabao shook his hands exaggeratedly in denial.
“No. I would act for my brother as well.”
“Then please stop thanking me. It’s uncomfortable.”
“Haha, understood.”
Wen Jiabao laughed again, and I naturally shifted the topic.
“Hu Jintao will be inaugurated as Chairman next month, correct?”
“Yes. You’ll likely receive an invitation. Hu Jintao specifically asked that you attend.”
“Of course, I must go.”
“Good. If you visit, we will treat you properly.”
“Can I look forward to it?”
“Absolutely, absolutely. You may fully expect it.”
We exchanged light jokes. Taking advantage of the relaxed mood, I brought up the real matter.
“You also invited Jang Songthaek, correct?”
When Jang Songthaek’s name came up, Wen Jiabao’s smile faded, replaced by seriousness.
He straightened his posture and answered.
“Yes. For now, I requested Kim Jongil to send Jang Songthaek as part of the congratulatory delegation. But I don’t know how Kim Jongil will respond. There has been no answer yet.”
“Please apply more pressure. I must meet Jang Songthaek this time. I’m asking this as a favor.”
When I spoke in a firm tone, Wen Jiabao asked with confusion.
“Is there a particular reason you must meet Jang Songthaek?”
“Can you keep a secret?”
“As I said earlier, we are sworn brothers. I would never betray you.”
I looked at his face quietly. Whatever happened, he had come too far to withdraw now.
“I plan to remove Kim Jongil.”
“...What?”
Wen Jiabao stared blankly and asked again.
“I intend to make Jang Songthaek the leader of North Korea. Not in the current way, of course.”
