Dear Comrade

＜ Chapter 26. North Korea (1) ＞

Chapter 26. North Korea (1)

After the walk meeting, various schedules were prepared, including a visit to Kim Il-sung University, a luncheon and a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly.

However, both Junghwan and Bush knew well that the important story had already ended, and the remaining schedules (for re-election) were catering for photo shoots.

Because the two have already agreed on the future with each other.

After three days and two nights was over, at a dinner held at the guesthouse the night before Bush boarded Air Force One on his way home from Sunan Airport, he posed a question to Jeonghwan.

“Now that we have become friends, I believe in the trust that has been built up during this visit and I want to ask you something. It’s a sensitive question, but…”

“Ask me anything, President. We will do our best to answer you.”

“It’s about the future of China.”

“……………!!!”

Considering the topic of the conversation they had in the afternoon and the conclusion of the conversation, in fact, this question was a question without any sense of incongruity even if it was taken lightly as ‘the future of North Korea’.

It was a fairly heavy question to share at the dinner table, but Jeonghwan readily nodded as if it was insignificant.

“It’s an honor for someone with a long history of international diplomacy like President Bush to ask a question to a novice like me.”

“Haha, career means experience, but sometimes it creates obstacles such as prejudice or preconceived notions about things or phenomena. Especially in an age when the world is starting to change remarkably like these days. That is why I am asking General Secretary Kim.”

After speaking up to this point, Bush leaned towards Jeonghwan with a serious expression and asked a question so that no one could hear it.

Fortunately, Jang Seong-taek and Hong Kye-seong, who attended the dinner together, were busy talking with other members of the US visiting delegation in the excitement of ending their long-standing conflict.

“As we talked about yesterday, the general secretary and I agreed that China will become a great power comparable to the United States in the future. But after that conversation, a question popped into my mind. Why did the general secretary choose the United States as an ally rather than China?”

“As I said, it is because of the rule of distance. If the Chinese decide to exert international influence, the republic will be their first target.”

Despite Jeonghwan’s simple answer, Bush was surprisingly tenacious.

“However, it is a matter of this country and of North Korea, and not of the general secretary-sama personally, is it? If the general secretary promises allegiance to China, he will be able to get a strong supporter more than anything else, and even if this country and its people become slaves to China, the general secretary’s power will never collapse.”

“……”

“You were talking about President Falk a while ago. Even if the general secretary himself was in that position, he would have done the same thing. Hearing those words, on the other hand, I wondered what kind of decision I would have made if I had been in the position of General Secretary. Do you know the Chilean Augusto Pinochet?”

“Chile’s slayer and dictator. It was a coup d’état to overthrow a legitimate, elected president with the backing of the United States… and stepped down a few years ago.”

“Wow, you know that well. Like the general secretary, for most countries, the rights of citizens of other countries are treated as insignificant in front of their own national interests. As I am also a member of an intelligence agency, I am not a person who is unaware of this reality, so I thought about it from the perspective of the general secretary. I couldn’t help but wonder why they joined hands with the US and not China. Why? In China, if the general secretary was cooperative with them, whether they were in a dictatorship or corrupt, they wouldn’t care.”

“…Hmm, seeing you even bring out the pinochet-like marks in a place like this, it seems like you really want to hear my answer.”

Junghwan did not get angry at Bush’s provocative question, which had already formed an alliance and his intentions were questioned.

Rather, he shrugged his shoulders when he pointed out the uncomfortable fact with a sullen smile.

“Well, to be honest, yes. In fact, as this visit was prepared in a very short time, I have no choice but to rely heavily on the trust of the Secretary General. My re-election is at stake, so would it be a problem to mention Chibu?”

‘Of course I have my own personal curiosity as well.’

Looking straight into Junghwan’s eyes, Bush thought to himself.

Bush’s personal curiosity about the young general also played a part in the fact that the White House initially prepared this meeting while largely disregarding normal diplomatic procedures.

Although he had been through everything before and after birth, it is very rare to find Jeong-hwan, who was born in the United States and stole a country by killing his half-brother, Kim Jong-il, by joining forces with the Frunze clan at an age when other young people of his age, born in the United States, were chasing marijuana and women. It was humanoid.

And the motivation for the question-and-answer session that took place at this banquet was that I was so curious about what kind of motive such a friend turned away from China, a traditional ally, and decided to form an alliance with the United States.

Junghwan gave a concise answer to Bush, who looked at Junghwan’s mouth with his own desperate eyes.

“As I said before, the first reason I decided to partner with the United States is because of the principle of distance and work, but the second reason is because of the political system. I believe that China’s political system is bound to lead to national failure as a result.”

“………Is that true?”

Bush opened his eyes in a completely unexpected answer and asked involuntarily.

For Bush, who had expected an answer such as ‘I will not become a puppet of a great nation for the sake of the country and the people’, Jeonghwan’s answer did not solve the question, but rather only aroused a fiery question.

“That’s right. China’s politics, the collective leadership system that Comrade Deng Xiaoping is currently creating and establishing is bound to fail someday. America isn’t like that. That’s why I chose the United States as my ally, not China.”

“I would appreciate it if you could explain the reason.”

Bush got really curious now, so he completely turned his attention to things like dinner and focused on the conversation with Jeonghwan.

Does this young dictator now place the Chinese political system (similar to his own) lower than that of the United States?

Other unusual presidents and politicians would have thought that the young leader of a small country who had barely escaped from the poorest country would denigrate a giant like Deng Xiaoping, a kind of youthful slap, but Bush already knew that Kim Jung-hwan was not such a single-celled person.

“In the end, China’s collective leadership system is a re-emergence of the ancient Roman oligarchy in modern times. Actually, this is also true of Japan. It is a system in which a small, well-educated ruling class leads the country through internal competition, balance, or hereditary power, and oppresses the people who oppose it. And if you think about what those ancient Roman words were like, the answer comes naturally.”

“Hmm, are you saying that eventually we will transition to an imperial system, that is, a dictatorship? I don’t know if dictators always make the right choices, but the reality is that’s not the case. But uh… um… adventure…”

‘Damn it! George’s speech mistake. Did the disease spread to me as well?’

Bush thought he had made a mistake and blamed his tongue.

Isn’t he a hereditary dictator who can’t even remove or beat Jeonghwan, who is right in front of him right now?

He posed a few provocative questions out of personal curiosity and half-breeding, but he had no intention of unnecessarily offending the North Korean leader who had just become part of the anti-Chinese encirclement (which he had already named).

While Bush was contemplating that if Jung-hwan could not overcome his youthful spirit and ran out of the banquet, and reporters reported the pato of the talks to the media, it would have a significant adverse effect on the election, Jung-hwan rather calmly nodded his head.

“That’s right. There are people who can lead a country well for a long time, but there are no people who can lead a country well forever. Dictators, whether late or early, inevitably make big mistakes. The oligarchy emerged to compensate for the inevitable problems of such dictatorship and tyranny, but in the end, it is a temporary measure. China will one day return to the Mao Zedong dictatorship, which will bring disaster not only to China but also to all of Asia.”

“Hmm, then, you invited me because you thought that the American democratic system is also superior. To be honest, I didn’t expect you to give me that kind of answer, so it’s a bit surprising, but… Well, it feels good.”

Just as Bush was about to put on a proud expression on his face that he was head of state in a democratic system, Jung Hwan immediately betrayed his expectations.

“No, democracy is just a little better than an oligarchy, and in the end it’s no better. In inefficiency, it’s worse than an oligarchy. Even the ruling classes of oligarchs and parliamentary parties of democracy are often fast and slow, and as a result, they often become a feast for the elite. And those elites gradually serve the interests of themselves or their group, not the state… and ultimately lead the country to the brink of collapse.”

“Well, it’s uncomfortable to hear, but it’s hard to deny. Frankly, even in the United States, it is difficult to find a president with a high school diploma below Lincoln.”

“In analogy, an oligarchy is like a boat with many sailors. Rather than ensuring the fate of the ship and ensuring the passengers reach their destination safely, they fight among themselves over the question of who holds the oar and eventually destroy the ship… Democracy has the difference that the passengers elect a sailor, but the boatman has more oars. In order to hold it for a long time, we focus on winning the favor of passengers, not the direction of the ship’s operation. Either way, the common point is that it is difficult to reach the final destination of the ship, the stable and prosperity of the people, the goal of the nation.”

“……Then, what is the best political system in your opinion as a result?”

Bush asked this question, not because he agreed with Jung-Hwan Kim, but because he was just curious as before.

If neither China’s collective leadership system nor the democracy of the United States and other free world countries is the same, what is the best political system in his opinion?

For this moment, Bush was full of thoughts of wanting to hear only Jung Hwan’s answer, regardless of age, position, or political interests.

“It’s simple. All passengers are guided by a competent and wise boatman. The answer is for a boatman who is fluent in the direction and flow of waterways and climate change to lead the country with the helm. If I were to rank it according to my report, I would say that the oligarchy is last, the democracy is next, and the rule by such an iron man is the best.”

“……Isn’t that impossible?”

Bush tried to refute the feeling of disappointment at the person named Kim Jung-hwan, saying that it was absurd, forgetting about his previous worries.

After all, what is the difference between a dictatorship and a dictatorship?

“General Secretary Kim’s words are only possible if the boatman and the national leader are superhumans and possess transcendental abilities who are adept at what will happen to the entire planet in the future and how it will affect the country’s management. First of all, aside from whether that is possible in reality, there is a more serious problem.”

“……”

“After all, it’s not just tyranny. As General Secretary himself said earlier, the problem with dictators is that they are human beings vulnerable to corruption and temptation. When their incompetence is revealed or when they make a mistake, will that superman just come down? Wouldn’t it be more realistic to just transform into a dictator or emperor?”

“………..I do not know. According to the history books, at least Plato thought it was possible.”

‘Oh My God! Now that I see, this guy has a pretty ideal side! After all, a young man is a young man after all?’

Bush sighed inwardly and finished his speech.

“It is impossible to do that unless you have superhuman abilities and a strong sense of responsibility that prioritizes the future of the country over your position. So it is said that a dictator starts as a hero and ends up as a villain.”

Junghwan did not respond to Bush’s last words.

But at that moment, Bush couldn’t help thinking that the young man’s eyes were not looking at this place, but somewhere else, somewhere in the distant future.

So Bush left.

Watching the Air Force One he was boarding disappear into the white clouds of Pyongyang, Jeong-hwan asked the officials beside him, including Jang Song-thaek.

“How advanced is the special zone plan?”

“To be honest… we haven’t made much progress yet. Most of the capitalist companies in the special zone are also Chinese companies that I came in through my personal network and referrals… Most of the wages are low (cheap), so it is still a little bit difficult for Korean workers to realize the benefits of Comrade General Secretary Comrade’s opening policy…”

“It takes a lot of time. No, it is questionable whether or not it will succeed over time.”

“Sorry, I’m sorry. This is all negligence of me and the party officials, so I will strictly push for the lower ones…”

“It’s not the party officials’ fault. It is very difficult for underdeveloped capitalist countries that are in a similar situation to our republic to attract foreign capital and receive investment.”

Jang Seong-taek, who was sweating, was about to say something to the officials under his head, who were bowing, but Jeong-hwan stopped him.

It has only been a little over a year since the opening policy started.

In the meantime, quite a few foreign companies have entered the special planned development zones such as Nampo, Wonsan, and Sinuiju to hire North Korean workers and slowly spread the market economy system.

It was foreign companies such as China, Japan, and others who chose North Korea for cheap wages and Asian trade during that period due to economic sanctions that made it difficult to predict how far China would go.

However, the problem is that most of those companies are trading companies that have seen temporary benefits, and there are very few companies that are willing to actively invest in North Korea, set up factories, and set up production bases, as North Korean economic officials such as Jeong Hwan and Jang Seong-taek wanted. was

In addition, there were almost no companies willing to exchange technology and educate and nurture local engineers for long-term development of their own industries.

Party officials were silent as they did not have anything to say to the leader’s rebuke, but Jang Sung-taek quickly changed his expression and corrected his own words.

“Gee, I’m sorry, but it will soon come to fruition! Due to the heroic diplomatic battles of Comrade General Secretary, US companies and capital will soon pour into the special zone, and soon the profits of the Korea National Oil Corporation and the Korea Investment Corporation will be realized. ..”

“Of course, it will take time. But I’m a bit impatient, Comrade Jang. So, my honest opinion is that I cannot be satisfied with the current achievements.”

Jeonghwan muttered as he stared at Jang Seong-taek, who struggled to pick up the horse for fear that the punishment might fall.

According to the plans he had already made, it was time for the republic to run.

Read at readwn.com

Now, the five years that China has been struggling with economic sanctions were a bonus time for the republic.

It was difficult to follow even the backs of developing countries such as China, which were already running far ahead if they had been walking forever.

But the problem is that it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Of course, Jeong Hwan had a plan in mind for this issue in addition to the establishment of diplomatic ties between North Korea and North America.

“The words of Comrade General Secretary are a hundred times reasonable, but for companies with technological prowess and capital, and capitalist companies that can pay workers a little bit, Joseon is not yet an attractive investment destination. In order to attract large foreign companies and capital that can make the people immediately feel the results of the reform and opening-up policy…”

“Oh, don’t worry. There is one such company.”

“….yes? Is that for real?”

“Yes. A company that wants a country with low taxes, no government interference, and a wealth of hard-working comrades who work tens of hours a day for cheap wages. All we need to do is convince one person to move the company into the special zone.”

“……?”

Jang Song-thaek and the party officials only looked at the face of the supreme leader with a blank face and a smiling face.

Meanwhile, an old man was yelling in a conference room at an office building in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, about a hundred kilometers from Sunan Airport.

“What the hell is this!!”

“Okay, Chairman, just fix it…”

“Now I look stationary! Look at these numbers! How many zeros is this?”

A luxurious conference room that appeared to be a corporate boardroom, well-dressed middle-aged men sat on either side of a huge table.

All of them were corporate executives who demanded that the Korean business circle be released, but now they bowed their heads like criminals and did not say anything at the shouts of the 70-year-old who was now sitting in the top seat.

“130 billion won in additional tax? Whose dog name is 130 billion? How the heck did I give this government and to the military personnel, torturing people like this for a tax audit?”

“……”

“There the bosses! If anyone has a mouth, let me know! How much has our modern group contributed to this Republic of Korea? Is this country okay with this Jung Moon-young, huh? Do you want to do business in a country like this?”

“……I have nothing to tell you, Chairman. It would be a good idea to negotiate with the Blue House first. Wouldn’t it be possible to save tens of billions of dollars by giving some medicine to the right friends…”

At the words of the presidents, who seemed to be frustrated, the old man, Jeong Moon-young, chairman of the Hyundai Group, sat down in a chair on the grass as if a fire was about to explode and sighed deeply.

Read at readwn.com

Now, at the age of 70, his health began to show red signs, but the presidents did not dare to raise their heads at his shouts because the real power of the modern group, one of Korea’s best companies, was still in the hands of ‘Chairman Wang’ Moon-young.

‘The doctor said that if you get excited, you won’t live long…’

Chairman Jung Moon-young was also frustrated.

Even though he was old, he was already out of breath, probably because he was excited and jumped.

In his hometown of Tongcheon, Gangwon-do, he stole a cow from his father, dragged him down to the south, and established ‘Modern Construction’, the beginning of the modern group, for decades, and the scenery of his hometown, which he had never seen before, flickered in his eyes.

‘Heh heh… Is this Jung Moon-young also weak? It is said that when people want to see their hometown, they are old… Abaddy must have already passed away, but he would have to go back to his grave with a cow and have a glass of Jeju Island before he could close his eyes comfortably …’