Free Web NovelThe basic framework of the statement announced by Lee Myungsoo broadly covered the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the establishment of a peace regime on the peninsula, and the normalization of relations and economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan, as well as between North Korea and Japan.
In particular, the United States pledged that it would not attack or invade using not only nuclear weapons but even conventional weapons. While it was not a full security guarantee, it was still a significant step back from its previous stance.
Taking a deep breath, Lee Myungsoo began reading the statement.
— First, the six countries share a common understanding that the goal of the Six-Party Talks is to achieve the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through peaceful means.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has pledged to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs, to return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at an early date, and to rejoin the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In addition, the United States promises that it will not deploy nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula and has no intention of attacking or invading the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with nuclear or conventional weapons.
The Republic of Korea declares that there are no nuclear weapons within its territory and pledges that it will not deploy nuclear weapons in the future.
Lee Myungsoo paused briefly and looked around.
Not even a camera flash went off; the hall was utterly silent.
— Second, the six countries share a common understanding that, in their mutual relations, they will observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the norms recognized in international relations.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States will respect each other’s sovereignty, coexist peacefully, and take steps toward normalizing relations.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Japan have agreed to resolve all outstanding issues arising from their unfortunate past and present, and to hold bilateral summit talks aimed at normalizing relations.
The statement continued.
— Third, the six countries share a common understanding to promote economic cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, and investment.
The Republic of Korea, the United States, the Russian Federation, Japan, and China have pledged to provide energy assistance to North Korea.
This assistance will include the free provision of approximately one million tons of heavy fuel oil annually, and the Republic of Korea has pledged to supply North Korea with two million kilowatts of electricity.
The Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have agreed to comprehensive cooperation regarding the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mount Kumgang tourism project.
At this point, Choi Ryonghae, who had remained expressionless throughout, gave a slight nod.
— Fourth, the six countries welcome the economic opening of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and share a common understanding that they will spare no effort in cooperating with it.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has designated the cities of Nampo, Sinuiju, Rason, and Kaesong as special economic zones, proposing development investment to the Republic of Korea for Nampo and Kaesong, to China for Sinuiju, and to Russia for Rason.
The relevant parties have agreed to finalize the details through separate agreements.
Before announcing the final part of the statement, Lee Myungsoo raised his head and looked at the reporters.
His eyes were filled with clarity and vigor.
— Fifth, the six countries have pledged to jointly work toward lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
To this end, they have agreed to hold the Korean Peninsula Peace Forum on a regular basis every November.
It has also been agreed that the second Korean Peninsula Peace Forum will be held in Pyongyang in early November this year, on a date to be decided through consultations.
As Lee Myungsoo finished announcing the statement, the representatives of each country clasped hands and smiled toward the reporters.
Not only Korean journalists but foreign correspondents as well were busy pressing their shutters to capture the historic moment.
After allowing ample time for photographs, the representatives released each other’s hands.
Then, without taking any questions from the press, they went back inside.
“Now it really begins.”
I didn’t take my eyes off the six representatives until they disappeared from the cameras.
“Boss. Congratulations.”
“It’s only just begun. Nothing’s really settled yet. We’ve reached a basic agreement, but international politics never unfolds neatly according to agreements, does it? We need to push our projects as far as possible while this atmosphere lasts.”
I smiled faintly at Manager Ma’s congratulations and stretched, feeling as though a weight had been lifted.
“Still, it feels good. It seems like we’ve been rewarded for the effort we put in. We invested quite a bit into making this work.”
As I stood up, I looked down at Manager Ma, who was wearing a rare smile.
* * *
Watching the joint statement at the Blue House, one corner of Yoon Changho’s mouth curled up sharply.
“Congratulations, Mr. President.”
At the chief secretary’s words, Yoon Changho burst into loud laughter.
“Yes! Everyone worked hard. But this isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning. Don’t let your guard down—remember that.”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
These Six-Party Talks were the starting point toward ending the war.
Beginning with the joint statement, the Korean Peninsula had to stop its long-standing confrontation and move forward together.
“How long until the third meeting with Chairman Jang Songthaek?”
“Two hours.”
Hearing the chief secretary’s reply, Yoon Changho nodded slowly.
The smile had already faded from his face, leaving only fatigue behind.
“I’d like to be alone for a bit. You may leave.” frёeωebɳovel.com
The chief secretary stood up and bowed.
“Please call if you need anything.”
Yoon Changho didn’t respond, merely nodding.
Once the chief secretary left, silence settled over the office.
Fiddling with the phone on his desk, Yoon Changho let out a deep sigh.
As if he had made up his mind, he dialed a number.
After a few rings, a voice answered.
— Mr. President. Congratulations.
At Kim Muhyuk’s congratulatory words, a deep smile returned to Yoon Changho’s lips.
“For what? You’re the one who worked hard. It’s all thanks to President Kim.”
— If I play humble again, you’ll find it irritating, won’t you? Yes, I did put in quite a bit of effort this time. So please don’t forget my contribution, Mr. President.
At Kim Muhyuk’s banter, Yoon Changho burst out laughing.
His laughter echoed through the office for quite some time. When it finally subsided, Yoon Changho spoke again.
“The U.S. declaration of non-aggression must have pleased Chairman Jang Songthaek. Don’t you think?”
— Most likely. While it’s not a full security guarantee, a declaration of non-aggression is practically a declaration of support for Chairman Jang Songthaek’s regime.
This unprecedented proposal reportedly shocked even China and Russia.
During the Cold War, how hard had the Soviet Union and other communist states tried to extract a non-aggression declaration from the United States?
Yet the United States had never once made such a statement.
On top of that, the six countries had agreed to gather regularly to hold the Korean Peninsula Peace Forum.
It might seem like an insignificant forum, but the fact that the United States, representing the liberal bloc, and Russia, representing the authoritarian bloc, would sit together every year to hold dialogue was hugely meaningful.
The mere fact that South Korea would be part of that forum meant it could wield considerable influence in international politics.
Just by securing South Korea’s inclusion in that forum, Yoon Changho had left behind a major achievement, both politically and historically.
Perhaps sensing his thoughts, Kim Muhyuk spoke in a serious tone.
— This is only the beginning, Mr. President. It can’t end as an empty slogan. In the end, there will need to be an additional statement from the leaders of the South and the North.
“Yes, that’s right. There’s a final meeting with Chairman Jang Songthaek later today. I plan to speak with him alone, without anyone else present. And tomorrow, we’ll announce a joint statement from the South and the North.”
— I’ll be waiting for good news.
“You may look forward to it. And... I have a nice gift for you as well.”
— A gift?
Apparently caught off guard, Kim Muhyuk asked in surprise. freewёbnoνel.com
Letting out a small chuckle, Yoon Changho continued.
“You’re preparing to build a high-end residential complex on the site where Eunmi Apartments used to be, aren’t you?”
— You knew even that? Yes, that’s right. But all the permits have already been issued, and demolition work is underway.
Yoon Changho had already heard about it.
“As things stand, I hear the plan is for a 38-story building about 150 meters high. Is that correct?”
— Yes. Because it’s a flight safety zone, there’s a height restriction. After negotiations with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 150 meters and 38 floors was the compromise.
“I’ll lift that restriction.”
A brief silence followed on the other end of the line. After a moment, Kim Muhyuk asked cautiously in a subdued voice.
— ······Aren’t you pushing things too far?
“No. That much I should do. I know very well how much effort you put into this. I’ll announce it after the election. However, I can’t apply it to all the buildings—only one tower will be exempt from the height limit. Build a true landmark for Seoul.”
— Thank you, Mr. President.
“Once Chairman Jang Songthaek returns to Pyongyang, let’s talk again. I’ll hang up now.”
— Yes. I’ll be looking forward to it.
After ending the call, Yoon Changho fiddled with the phone for a moment.
Then he let out a quiet chuckle.
“Always so inscrutable. He never asks for what he needs outright... just waits for it to be taken care of.”
Even after becoming president, Kim Muhyuk never sought any special favors.
No—more accurately, he steadily built up his own achievements.
As a result, the rewards Kim Muhyuk gained were significant, but they were close to something he had earned purely through his own abilities.
While pushing forward the redevelopment of the Eunmi Apartments area, he had never once asked Yoon Changho for a favor.
“That’s why he’s reliable... and at the same time, even more frightening.”
If he had openly demanded something, it would have been easier on the nerves.
But because he didn’t, the unease and pressure only grew with each passing day.
Lost in such thoughts, Yoon Changho checked the time and stood up to go meet Jang Songthaek.
* * *
At the very moment Yoon Changho and Jang Songthaek were holding their final meeting, I was having dinner with Kissinger.
“The declaration of non-aggression was unexpected.”
I said as I wiped my mouth. Kissinger raised one eyebrow.
“Was it? Then it must have been quite the surprise. Were you startled?”
I nodded at Kissinger’s genial question.
“Yes. Even for me, I didn’t expect President Bush to go that far. We wanted a peaceful atmosphere, but a non-aggression declaration is a passive security guarantee for the North Korean regime. The neoconservatives must have opposed it fiercely.”
Kissinger chuckled and set down his utensils.
“So what if they opposed it? The moment the U.S. steps back here, control over the Korean Peninsula would completely pass to China and Russia. Do you think the neocons have a clever alternative? The North Korean government made the first conciliatory gesture. And now you want to threaten that ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) regime with force? That would be a self-defeating move.”
“Please convey my thanks to President Bush. Tell him we’ll be sure to return the favor.”
“Return the favor...”
Kissinger looked at me intently, as if asking what card I planned to play.
“Please tell him that we’ll donate the same amount to this election campaign as we did in the last presidential election.”
“President Bush will be pleased. I heard that Dream High made the largest donation in the last presidential election. To offer that amount again—certainly generous.”
Kissinger laughed as he wiped his hands with a wet towel.
“But focusing too much on one side might not be wise. Washington is a den of vipers. Supporting only one side could end badly in the end.”
“We’re making substantial donations to the Democratic Party as well. James says he’s incredibly busy—attending Republican fundraisers and Democratic fundraisers alike.”
“That figures. The United States must be in a constant state of partying right now.”
These days, Han Kyungyoung was extremely busy. With so many parties to attend, he complained that even two bodies wouldn’t be enough.
A Republican victory seemed certain, but it wasn’t something that allowed the Democrats to be ignored.
“Do you happen to know Senator Barack Obama?”
“Barack Obama? You mean the senator from Illinois?”
“Yes. That’s right.”
“I know of him, but... he’s not a politician I’m particularly fond of. He’s too radical. He doesn’t suit America.”
“Is that so?”
“Why? Did you see something in him? The highest office he could realistically reach is governor. The return on investment wouldn’t be that great.”
At this point, Barack Obama was not yet widely known.
But in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, he would make a spectacular debut.
Investing heavily when something is at its lowest point was the basics of investing.
“I’m thinking of meeting him soon.”
At my words, Kissinger’s eyes gleamed.
“Hoh... Have you seen something I haven’t? But President Bush and that young man are different. America still has prejudices against people of color. If you’re going to bet on the Democrats, you’d be better off investing in Hillary.”
On the surface, it was a reasonable suggestion. I slowly shook my head and replied.
“Hillary has too many people around her. Even if I invest now, it’ll be hard to catch her eye. James is probably already setting up a meeting with Senator Barack Obama as we speak. I intend to meet him.”
Investing in Hillary would be like throwing money into the air.
In the end, she would never become president.
Leaving Kissinger looking displeased with my opinion, I changed the subject.
“The summit between the two leaders should be wrapping up soon. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s joint statement.”
Kissinger grumbled about my changing the topic, but I merely smiled faintly.
The next day.
The two leaders of the South and the North stood side by side and announced a joint statement together.
