Free Web NovelSurviving in Korean politics was no easy feat.
For opposition figures under the watchful eyes of a ruthless military regime, it was almost a miracle.
Kim Hakgwon had once been sentenced to death, imprisoned, exiled abroad, and even kidnapped overseas to be forcibly returned to Korea.
Yet, after enduring all of that, he now stood as a presidential candidate.
The final hill was within reach— but his campaign ship was once again rocking against unexpected reefs.
“Haha. We’ve met briefly before.”
Kim Hakgwon glanced at me, sizing me up, then gave a curt nod.
“I see. I have to head out for a rally soon, so let’s get straight to the point.”
His words carried a clear undertone: You should be grateful I even made time to meet you.
Sensing my irritation, Han Kyungyeong spoke up first.
“Muhyuk dragged me here, saying it was important to talk to you, Candidate. But it seems we’re not welcome. I won’t bother you further.”
Han actually stood up.
Kim Hakgwon raised his head, surprised, but Han remained perfectly calm as he bowed slightly.
“Then I wish you the best in the election.”
“What’s the meaning of this?”
“If Muhyuk hadn’t asked me, I wouldn’t have bothered coming. I’m a businessman, not a politician. And frankly, from how you’re acting, even if I help, you won’t appreciate it.”
Han met Kim Hakgwon’s gaze squarely, saying everything he wanted to say.
“Sit down, Hyung.”
“Muhyuk, you should know better— I don’t make deals with people who don’t understand the value of help. I’m an investor; I don’t do charity. Not even for you.”
Damn, this guy could be an actor.
Hearing that, Kim Hakgwon’s polite mask cracked. His face twisted as he glared at Han.
“What are you implying?”
“Exactly what I said. Unlike in the U.S., political funding is illegal here. But from what I understand, Muhyuk has already been risking himself to support you illegally. And yet you seem ungrateful.”
Han shrugged at Kim Hakgwon’s reddening face.
“So why should I help when you wouldn’t even thank me for it?”
“What did you just say?”
“Hyung, stop.”
If we pushed too far, this whole meeting could fall apart.
“Candidate, please, enough. I’ve asked for nothing in return. I just don’t understand why you’re treating us like this. I’m human too— it doesn’t feel good.”
“Hmm...”
“My grandfather may have built his wealth by working with the military regime, but I am not my grandfather. I only care about your victory.”
At that, Kim Hakgwon let out a long sigh.
“My apologies. I’ve been on edge lately, with the unification talks and all. If I offended you, please forgive me.”
I glanced at Han.
He sighed and sat back down.
“My apologies if I was rude.”
“No, it’s fine. Now, what exactly is it you want?”
“Muhyuk wants me to publicly voice my support for you—whether in an interview or another way.”
Kim Hakgwon looked at me in shock.
He understood better than anyone what Han Kyungyeong’s endorsement meant. freewёbnoνel.com
Economic policy was the hottest issue in this election.
Even Seong Daegyu, despite promising to borrow money from Japan—a hugely unpopular move among the anti-Japanese Korean public—was receiving strong support.
Han’s backing meant one thing politically: Dreamhigh Investment’s Wall Street capital could flow into Korea.
“Huh...”
“But there’s one condition. You must agree to the IMF’s requirements. If not, even with my support, your economic promises will mean nothing.”
Though the government had concluded negotiations with the IMF, they hadn’t yet received proper aid. The IMF demanded signed pledges from all presidential candidates.
“As a U.S.-based investor, I can’t defy Washington. I need your promise to honor the IMF agreement.”
Kim Hakgwon thought for a long moment before nodding.
“I understand. I know I have no choice but to comply. I just... hesitated because I find their demands excessive.”
“I know. But if negotiations break down, Korea will have to declare default. This country can’t survive in isolation.”
“I know that as well.”
Some economists insisted Korea should reject the IMF’s humiliating terms and declare default, pursuing its own independent economic policy.
But with Korea’s 60% food self-sufficiency rate and lack of natural resources, the odds of success were almost nonexistent.
Korea could not afford isolation.
Han and Kim Hakgwon continued their discussion.
“If you succeed in negotiations with the IMF, I’ll invest as much as I can in Korea. I may be an American citizen, but I was born here.”
“Hahaha.”
“I never intended to get involved in politics. If not for Muhyuk, I wouldn’t even be here.”
Kim turned to me.
“I want you to win, Candidate. Not for any ulterior motive, but because I don’t want the conservatives to take power. Please remember my help.”
“My apologies. I misjudged you.”
“No need to apologize. My grandfather and I are loan sharks; it’s natural for people to think poorly of me.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
The meeting ended on a friendly note.
On the way back to the hotel, Han shook his head. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
“Seriously, you were right. They still don’t get it.”
He sighed in exasperation.
“They bow to Camdessus but act high and mighty toward us? Ridiculous.”
“It’s because we’re Korean. Their mindset won’t change. Power makes people blind. But we have no choice—Kim Hakgwon is still our best option.”
I smirked. Han nodded.
A few days later, every presidential candidate signed the IMF compliance pledge.
But as the election approached, capital flight from Korea continued to spiral out of control.
* * *
A few days before the election, Han Kyungyeong held a press conference.
Major Korean newspapers and foreign outlets flooded the venue.
The legendary Wall Street investor, James Han, was speaking publicly for the first time—of course it drew international attention.
“Good afternoon. I’m Han Kyungyeong. I’m not sure if I’m someone who should be holding a press conference...”
The questions started immediately.
“Please summarize what happened on Wall Street. Koreans still don’t know the details.”
“Hmm... I can’t explain everything, but I bet on people’s fear. The Asian financial crisis was bound to affect °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° the U.S. and other countries. That bet brought me astronomical profits.”
“There are rumors you joined hedge funds in attacking Hong Kong. Is that true?”
Han frowned slightly.
“I’m an investor. ‘Attack’ is too harsh a word. Yes, I invested in Hong Kong, and I lost money too. Investment isn’t about good or evil— it’s just investment.”
An American reporter raised his hand.
“James, why invest in Korea when every foreign investor is pulling out?”
Han answered in English.
“I’ve read the reports from New York’s investment banks, and I agree with their data. But there’s a saying— crisis is opportunity. That’s why I’m here. Korea is my homeland.”
“But you’re an American.”
“Yes, I am. But Korea is also my country. I can’t just stand by while it suffers.”
The Korean reporters murmured excitedly.
“There are rumors you’ll be on next year’s Forbes ranking. Is it true both the #1 and #2 richest are Korean-Americans?”
“No comment.”
The foreign press jumped on the juicy rumors, but Han signaled to the moderator.
The moderator raised his microphone.
― “Please refrain from repetitive questions. We don’t have much time. Next question.”
The moderator then pointed to a pre-arranged journalist.
“Pyo Seonghyuk from Koryeo Daily. What are your thoughts on the upcoming election? Who would be best for Korea’s economic recovery?”
“That’s... a sensitive political question.”
“It’s more about economic stability, not politics.”
Han hesitated as planned, then spoke.
“In my personal opinion, look at Mexico. A similar crisis worsened under a government hostile to investors. Capital flight accelerated, leading to severe liquidity problems. Political instability is never good for investors.”
“Are you saying Korea is politically unstable?”
Han shook his head.
“I’m saying government policy matters deeply to investors. Korea is a democracy. Though ruled by military regimes for decades, the Korean people overthrew them with nothing but their voices—no civil war, just the people’s will. That’s unique in the world.”
Flashes exploded. The media loved it.
“Back to the main question—whoever becomes president will matter economically. For investors, a country’s leader is crucial.”
Someone shouted from the back.
“So, who do you support?”
Han paused for effect, then answered.
“Personally, I think Korea would be a better place to invest if Kim Hakgwon becomes president.”
“Does that mean you’ll invest if he wins?”
The room fell silent.
Han nodded slowly.
“Yes. Korea must become an investor-friendly nation. If I could vote, I’d vote for Kim Hakgwon.”
The endorsement caused a media firestorm.
[Wall Street Legend: “If Kim Hakgwon Wins, I’ll Invest”]
[Han Kyungyeong Chooses Kim Hakgwon]
[Investment God Endorses Progressive Candidate]
Public opinion shifted almost overnight.
* * *
December 18, 1997. Election Day.
That evening, I sat in the study with my grandfather, watching the live vote count.
The exit polls were finally released— a tight race, within the margin of error.
“Well, Muhyuk, what do you think?”
“It’s hard to say. Han’s support gave Kim Hakgwon a rebound, but the gap was big.”
For the first time since the direct election system was adopted, it was essentially a two-party race.
“Kim Hakgwon would be better for us, but even if the conservatives win, we’ll just adjust our methods. Let’s wait and see.”
Grandfather smiled, then asked,
“Han Kyungyeong’s company— that’s yours, isn’t it?”
There was no point hiding it anymore.
“Yes, it’s mine.”
< I Only Think of the Candidate’s Victory > End
