Power & Sex, and... 94
Arriving at the Supreme Committee office, I first called in Kim Sil-jang.
"What's the current lay of the land?"
"Han Seong-su is leading the Supreme Committee candidates, with Park Seong-hwan in second—both solidly in the safe zone. Jeong is barely hanging on in fourth, looking shaky."
"And Kim Seong-gap?"
"That's the one I'm worried about, sir. He says he's moving things along, but it feels like he's not even thinking about actually doing it. He's just banking on you."
"What about the support rates for Kim Seong-gap and Moon Uiwon?"
"They're basically within the margin of error."
"Send the raw poll data to the candidates first. Give Jeong and Kim a little nudge."
Kim Seong-gap, who had been so cocky about touring the country solo, was unexpectedly slacking off. Whether it was overconfidence or him riding my rising popularity, I couldn't tell—but this was dangerous. Sure, I might have public appeal right now, but was a party convention decided by popularity polls? No. What mattered most was going toe-to-toe with the delegates, winning their support one by one.
"When's the next poll?"
"They run weekly, so results won't be out until next Tuesday."
"How about we run our own in the meantime? Targeting delegates, it won't cost much."
"Yes, sir. I'll look into it."
Getting my people into Supreme Committee seats was important, but even more critical was electing Kim Seong-gap as party leader. If that plan went sideways and we clashed with the leader, I'd be stuck carrying the burden of eventually dragging them down.
Wrapping up the convention talk, I called in Jeong-ah.
"How's the response?"
"Good. Not as hot as the start, but donations are steady. We've passed 70 million won, so two vehicles look doable."
I handed Jeong-ah the phone number of the Daesan Group PR rep handling this.
"What's this card for?"
"Daesan will wire about 400 million won in the next day or two. They've already ordered the vehicles. As cafe rep, you coordinate with them on design and donation logistics."
"400 million?"
Jeong-ah's eyes went wide.
"Yeah. With that plus donations, we're at 470 million—enough for over ten vehicles. Talk to the rep about distribution and delivery."
"That's too big for me. Can't you handle it, sir?"
"No, our current secretary can manage. Just like always."
The sudden scale had her shrinking back, lacking confidence. But with the cafe admin right there, I couldn't dump it on Kim Sil-jang. Plus, it risked rumors of office meddling in what should be a grassroots fan effort.
Jeong-ah slunk out, intimidated by the sum. I called Daesan Group's secretariat, asking them to treat her kindly. If she pulled this off smoothly, it'd expose her to a bigger world—valuable experience for the future.
Kim Sil-jang had organization covered, so no need for me there. I summoned Adak, handling online, and Gu Hyunji from the field.
"Doing well?"
"Yes."
"Online progressing smoothly?"
"Kim Seong-gap and Jeong's images are just... too..."
Gu Hyunji trailed off at my question. Fair point. Neither had much beyond their old schtick, as I'd noticed too.
"What about Park Seong-hwan or Han Seong-su?"
"Fresh faces might carry them for now, but who knows how long."
"So what's next?"
Adak's assessment was brutally honest. Spot on. Both first-termers rode the National Assembly Reform Alliance wave for party renewal, but had no other content.
"Adak, you're with Park Seong-hwan's office, right?"
"Yes."
"Gu Secretary, your boss is Han Seong-su?"
"Yes, sir."
"From what I see, you're both capable. Adak's an intern due to headcount, but Park needs you. Gu, you're grade 5. Don't your bosses rely on that talent? Shouldn't you deliver accordingly?"
They nodded in agreement.
"Are you?"
"We're trying our best."
"But you say they have nothing beyond 'fresh'?"
"Yes."
"Then change it."
"How?"
"Do Han or Park know what you're saying?"
"We haven't told them."
"Tell them. If no dice, push harder."
"And if they refuse?"
"Stick it out as salarymen or cut ties."
"Cut ties?"
They stared, stunned.
"Why are you here? Adak, S University political science—top-tier, parents envy it. Gu, E University elite. Are you scraping by as aides because you can't find better?"
Heads down, silent.
"Let me brag a bit—bear with me. Until recently, I was a grade 5 secretary like Gu. Lucked into a badge. Like Han or Park, I'm a rookie. But do voters lump us together? No."
"..."
"Yet I'm building new content. Guess who made it possible?"
"..."
They just watched my mouth.
"Current me? Jeong-ah's image work."
"Jeong-ah?"
Shocked voices in unison.
"Yes. Last election, she cooked up 'Taekwon Boy Maruchi Arachi.' Got Busan buzzing beyond our district. The mobile bath truck trending? Her too."
"For real, sir?"
"Why lie? She's young, but thinks deep for her age."
Their heads drooped lower, but I pressed on. To reach president, I needed to grow—and so did Han and Park, my key allies. These two were crucial for their images, so now was the time to light a fire.
"Politicians' images are created. Here's a plan: I'm ROTC lieutenant stock—our division commander called me a slob. Now I'm on National Defense Committee—shoved there by clout. Soon, I'll be Korea's top defense policy boss. This office? Post-convention, it'll be my think tank."
"..."
"Aides who just execute perfectly aren't 100%. Crafting your bosses' concepts? Your job."
They sat frozen long after. My words must've hit like a bomb. Elite grads from top schools, proud—yet a young dropout from nowhere outdid them in this elite den. How could that not shock?
But to integrate Jeong-ah, they needed truth. To use them right, too. Strike while the iron's hot—hammer them now to forge the blades I needed later. Today's push was inevitable.
Shoulders slumped, dazed, they shuffled out. I watched their backs, hoping they'd wake up, shed superiority, and step into the new world.
Part 3 of The Secretary's Women—"Powerhouse Assemblyman Park Maru"—starts today, January 21st.
Thank you for your continued support!