Joint Statement
In the past, Japan and the United States, along with us and Korea, shed our hot blood for each other in the Third World War to protect democracy founded on autonomy, self-determination, freedom, human dignity, and human rights.
And Korea and we are a precious ally that has walked through a field of thorns with a heart of endurance and is now walking together towards a hopeful future.
Regarding the political chaos currently unfolding in Korea, we sincerely hope that it will be resolved properly in accordance with procedures befitting a democratic nation.
However, as we observe this chaos, Japan and the United States have a common concern for us.
It is the Korean Peace Diplomacy Team that has made a brave and noble decision for us.
They crossed to Japan a short while ago, performed excellently the important task of reconfirming our firm trust and resolving the hard-won peace.
They felt a sense of mission and honor in representing Korea while in Japan.
Have any of you seen them expressing concern about Korea's situation while in Japan?
We have not.
Even when we voiced our concerns behind their backs, they always assured us that it would be resolved well.
But what will they experience when these kind people return to Korea?
Due to the chaos happening in Korea now, there is a very high probability of hate crimes targeting men in Korea, and even before coming to Japan, they have already experienced such things.
We already know.
We must not lie to avoid uncomfortable situations.
They are in danger now.
Korean men are a precious legacy for Korean society and the hope of all humanity.
And we are not just simple allies of Korea.
We are friends who will walk through adversity together.
Therefore, if the Korean men and the Korean government agree, we can guarantee their safety until the political turmoil in Korea is resolved.
We know there are unscrupulous forces who denounce and attack our choice, but if they want, we will do so.
This is our resolute resolve to safely protect Korea's legacy as our dear friend.
We will once again sacrifice for Korea if the same thing happens again, and we are prepared for that.
We await the positive response from the Korean Peace Diplomacy Team in Japan and the Korean government.
[.. This is the joint statement from Urayama Yuriko, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, and Sophia Renne, the co-ambassador of Japan and the United States to Korea.]
On the large screen installed with great effort in the hotel lobby, I watched the news reporting the situation from the Korean perspective and turned it off.
"Everyone saw it, right? They said so."
I shifted my gaze to the men sitting crowded around, dressed well, and clapped to gather their attention.
"Perhaps.. the people in Korea who are watching this will be thrown into chaos?"
"Thrown into chaos."
"Some might not know about the events happening now, so I gathered everyone to watch at this important turning point."
"So, that's why we came from Korea to Japan, and there were such incidents."
"Support Minister and Minister, the terrorists who attacked us couldn't be suppressed in time in our society, and now they're protesting in front of Gwanghwamun like this."
"Even after seeing it again, it's surprising. I don't know why so many people are gathered for a protest that doesn't receive sympathy from others..."
"Well, the answer is that feminism has spread a lot in our society."
It felt unconsciously awkward to make the first weak sound to the kids, so I unconsciously touched my chin.
"You know?"
"I don't think I've ever said 'sorry' to you guys before, but now it seems I should."
"Sorry."
"I did everything possible... If even after doing what I can, our society doesn't handle those guys, I think we have to choose between two options."
"Still, I was thinking of returning to Korea with the thought of being Korean."
"Or abandoning the South Korea that can no longer be revived and seeking asylum in another country as is."
After doing all this, if the society doesn't wake up, of course they should escape and fail, right?
Is it strange for a country that abandons people who sacrificed for the society to survive?
"What I will do is this."
"Since such an shocking statement was released, all the reporters in Japan will be rushing to our hotel to get a scoop by now?"
"And I will tell those reporters this."
"Until now I was silent, but now it seems I have to speak as one citizen of the Republic of Korea and as the father of children who will grow up in the future."
"We have no intention of going to another country!"
"We are Koreans and will die as Koreans after living in Korea!"
"And our Korea has already successfully handled the social turmoil of presidential impeachment, and since President Lee Nayoung is taking the right actions to handle this turmoil, we think it will be resolved soon!"
"However! We cannot coldly reject the concerns of the United States and Japan who have provided convenience so that not a single discomfort occurs while we are in Japan."
"So, although the date we originally planned to return has passed, please give us just two weeks."
"If after two weeks the situation in Korea remains the same as now, we will seriously consider the United States and Japan's offer positively."
"So, dear citizens of the Republic of Korea, please gather your strength to help President resolve this turmoil wisely."
"Your enthusiastic support and actions are essential."
"Please bow your heads and request this."
"Well, this is how I will speak. To make these words seem serious, I need a haggard appearance, so I haven't eaten or slept for days."
"I don't mean you have to do that, it's just that I've been working that hard."
It's been about 3 days?
During that time, while preparing insufficiently, not drinking water, eating only minimal rations to build a look that inspires trust.
It feels like dying from thirst, beyond just being hungry, as if there's no water left in the body.
Will I collapse while speaking in front of the reporters?
If I do, is that good?
"But if even after coming this far, the country that is being swayed by these idiots who don't wake up and do dog-like behavior is our homeland, then this is truly hopeless, right?"
"What? If even after this rant it doesn't change, then honestly it's hopeless, right?"
"So, even after doing this, if it doesn't change, I will take responsibility and let each of you go to where you want."
"If you want to return to Korea that has taken over by feminists and take the government, I'll let you return."
"If you don't like feminists and want to immigrate to a country without feminists to live well, I'll let you."
"Let's do that."
A flight back to Korea is something I can ask any country maintaining the national form to do,
If there are those who don't want to return to Korea and want to go to a specific country,
I can just connect them to that country, so what's the difficulty.
Every country will welcome us with open arms, begging us to come.
"What? Do you all agree?"
Among the 517 looking at me, no one opened their mouths.
Only guys sending trusting gazes.
As expected... all the male guys grew up thinking correctly, so they have a sense of right and wrong.
***
"Chief. It seems enough reporters have come to the hotel entrance and parking lot."
"Is that so? How many?"
"I don't know much about this area since it's not my specialty, but... it seems over 500 came."
A lot came.
No matter how much the media in Japan is alive and all foreign correspondents in Japan came, it's really a lot.
"Are you okay? You look too tired. Isn't it a problem that you haven't been drinking water during this time?"
"Um.. I guess so. This time it's not so good. Maybe I should drink a glass of alcohol and go up..."
Is it because I have to go on stage where I can no longer delay or avoid, compared to going to a national debate or speaking to the men?
My body stiffens with tension that can't be compared, and my tongue feels stiff.
"If you're so tense, would you like some alcohol?"
"Oh.. what is it? Do you have something prepared in advance?"
As expected, Lee Ayoung.
I trusted her!
There was a reason I picked her.
"... Yes, then I'll bring it. If you're very tired, sit on the chair and close your eyes for a moment. It says it helps a lot."
"Yes. Teacher."
"Don't say strange things."
"Yes..."
Is the prepared thing whiskey? Or sake since it's Japan?
Curious what it is.
While thinking such thoughts, I closed my eyes as instructed and leaned my head against the chair.
During the wait, I rubbed my hands that I remembered seeing somewhere, applied eye massage to the eyes, but no effect, fatigue doesn't go away at all.
This is like the one I saw on TV, isn't it a complete quack?
But.. can I do well today?
I really have to do well.
Just when my mind is in turmoil, the sound of footsteps.
The presence felt from the side, still with eyes closed, I reached out and appealed for the prepared alcohol.
But suddenly, a weight and warmth felt on my thigh.
"What- mmm?"
In the sudden situation, I gave in and let my lips meet hers as Lee Ayoung climbed on top of me.
Unlike before, this time I was the one who was attacked.
Completely.
The kiss with Lee Ayoung, who had done it for the first time with a short time, was different from the tense one at the UN meeting.
"Prepared alcohol... lips. Chief."
"... Yes?"
Lee Ayoung, who climbed on top of me and was looking down at me unlike usual, asked again with her eyes.
What is this.
What kind of line is this from a women-oriented romance novel.
"Ah, so... this is revenge from back then."
"Anyway, so don't say anything and come back quickly."
"I'll prepare food and water to eat after coming back."
"Got it?"