Free Web NovelNorth Korea’s claim against Japan was settled at twenty billion dollars in compensation, along with acknowledgment of the abduction of Japanese citizens, an apology, and repatriation.
But reaching a broad agreement did not mean everything was finished.
Like the South Korean precedent, the matter could still be twisted through distinctions between grants and loans.
I intended to close even that gap.
“Then I take it both sides have no objections regarding the total compensation amount.”
Both men nodded, and I began organizing the detailed clauses.
As expected, Koizumi started playing tricks from the outset.
He preemptively proposed paying in the same manner as Japan had done with South Korea.
“Of the twenty billion dollars, ten billion will be paid in the form of consolation funds over nine years in installments. Of that, eight hundred million dollars will be offset against North Korean bonds held by the Japanese government. In the first year, we will pay 1.2 billion dollars.”
The Japanese government held roughly eight hundred million dollars in North Korean bonds.
The bonds circulating in the market had already been absorbed by me; most of the remaining ones were held by various governments.
Koizumi continued.
“The remaining ten billion dollars will be provided as loans over ten years at a two percent interest rate. In addition, we will encourage private-sector lending to support North Korea.”
Mun Gyeongdeok responded incredulously.
“We understand installment payments. But loans? This is compensation. How can you lend compensation money? What kind of compensation is that?”
“South Korea concluded negotiations in that manner. If North Korea is treated differently, Seoul will raise objections.”
“The circumstances are entirely different now. We require the ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) full twenty billion dollars as grants. We can acknowledge reducing the amount equivalent to debts owed by our Republic to Japan. But beyond that, we cannot accept any such conditions.”
On this point, Mun Gyeongdeok was firm.
I remained silent, allowing the two to argue.
“You must pay the entire twenty billion dollars at once. Only then can relations between our Republic and Japan truly restart. Otherwise, nothing changes.”
“That is absurd. Twenty billion dollars exceeds half of Japan’s defense budget. Do you even understand the magnitude?”
“Compared to what Japan extracted from our Republic over decades, it is an insignificant sum.”
“Special Envoy, is that the posture of someone negotiating?”
“That is what I should be asking, Prime Minister. You present an absurd proposal and expect us to accept it?”
Diplomatic phrasing had long since vanished.
They clashed fiercely.
“I cannot decide alone to pay twenty billion at once. Even if I agree here, the Diet will reject it. Propose something realistic.”
“Our position is simple. Pay in full at once. Who knows if Japan might later reverse its position and refuse payment?”
From watching them, I realized one thing.
There was no trust whatsoever between North Korea and Japan.
They argued in circles.
When it became repetitive, I intervened.
“Your positions are too polarized. At this rate, we will not finish today. The sun is already setting.”
Koizumi sighed.
“President Kim Muhyuk, you have seen it. Is North Korea not being excessive? We have already made major concessions. Paying such a large sum at once is impossible.”
“As if the Japanese government lacks such funds. Your annual budget is more than twenty times the compensation amount.”
“This year’s budget allocations are fixed. To pay North Korea, we would require a supplementary budget. The Diet will never pass a bill granting twenty billion at once.”
“That is your problem to solve, Prime Minister. North Korea has no reason to consider your internal constraints.”
Koizumi fell silent.
I turned to Mun Gyeongdeok.
“Must it truly be paid in one lump sum? What will you even do with that much money at once?”
“......”
“Do not push him too far. I am assisting this negotiation at Chairman Jang Songthaek’s request. But if Japan is cornered excessively, the entire negotiation could collapse.”
“I understand. I will follow your decision.”
He accepted immediately.
As instructed by Jang, he was playing his supporting role well.
I nodded.
“Prime Minister, let us do this. Pay four billion dollars annually over five years. In exchange, all North Korean debts held by Japan are canceled. No talk of loans. South Korea needed compensation desperately at the time. North Korea does not place it as first priority. Different circumstances require different approaches.”
“You are asking us to cancel eight hundred million dollars in debt?”
Koizumi frowned.
“And in return, Japanese companies will be allowed to enter North Korea. Is that not an opportunity? Japan has suffered a lost decade—no, two decades. Can your economy continue relying solely on domestic demand? You may cooperate with South Korea through the Seven Mining Area development. But with North Korea, you have nothing yet.”
Koizumi had strengthened domestic demand policies after consolidating power. fгeewebnovёl.com
But domestic demand alone had limits.
Japan’s economy had stagnated for decades.
“Without progress in relations, the gas pipeline project cannot even begin. It is not my project alone. If Chairman Jang Songthaek opposes it, it will not proceed.”
Koizumi frowned deeper.
“And it does not end with gas pipelines. Eurasian railways will follow. If land routes connect Korea to Europe, Japan risks isolation.”
Koizumi knew this.
Despite the U.S. alliance, geography favored Korea, China, and Russia.
“......If it is paid over five years, perhaps we can manage. But do not block Japanese companies from entering North Korea.”
“Of course not. Chairman Jang Songthaek would welcome investors. Isn’t that so, Special Envoy?”
“That is correct. Investment is always welcome.”
“And the beginning of everything will be normalization of diplomatic relations. This time, Japan must concede a little.”
I had no intention of truly including Japan in future benefits.
But I smiled warmly.
“Then let us summarize. Japan agrees to pay four billion dollars annually over five years?”
“......Very well.”
“Our Republic agrees.”
The largest obstacle was resolved.
The rest would be handled by working-level negotiators.
“Today’s agreement must not change. Details may shift, but the framework cannot. Do you both agree?”
They nodded.
“If this agreement collapses, or if either side breaks it first, do not expect my help in the future. I will never work with that country again. Whether it is North Korea or Japan. Consider that turning me into your enemy.”
After issuing that final warning, I checked my watch.
“Shall we conclude here?”
Fatigue hit me all at once.
Koizumi nodded quickly.
“Let our governments handle the rest.”
We stood.
“Prime Minister, I hope we meet again.”
“Likewise, President Kim. Are you returning immediately?”
“Not yet. I will stay a few more days.”
He subtly probed.
“Any meetings with business leaders?”
Ah. That was it.
“I will see if there are Japanese firms worth investing in.”
After shaking hands with Koizumi and then Mun Gyeongdeok, we left the Prime Minister’s residence.
Only in the parking lot did I speak.
“Please tell Chairman Jang Songthaek clearly. This is the limit. He has secured far more compensation than South Korea ever did. Do not break this agreement trying to gain more.”
“I will convey it.”
We shook hands.
Once inside the car, I instructed Director Ma.
“We will stay a few more days. Contact Black Bear. I want an update on Cheongukgyo. And...”
Religious matters were troublesome.
Better to use someone else.
“Take me to Yamamoto.”
Director Ma nodded.
Soon, Kobe Port Tower passed outside the window.
We had entered Kobe—the headquarters of Yamaguchi-gumi.
Night had already fallen.
