The February Democratic Struggle (3)
What if there were a pizza box sitting on the street? If it were steaming hot and smelled so good it made your mouth water, most people would just walk past it, however regretful they might feel. But what if that pizza box were sitting in the room you share with a roommate? And what if the pizza inside were still steaming? Most people would feel a sense of anticipation, thinking, "I can eat that later."
The current situation between YS and DJ was exactly like that. The five individuals who had been identified by the media as the primary culprits in the torture-death case and had been held in detention had essentially rolled right into their laps.
"This is an opportunity given by the heavens. If we don't strike now, there won't be another chance."
At YS's words, DJ wore a look of contemplation.
"Could it be a trap?"
DJ had experienced torture at the hands of the ANSP and had endured a truly arduous political history thereafter. Because of this, he prioritized principles and rules to avoid giving his enemies any leverage, always observing the situation with caution. YS, on the other hand, pushed forward with firm conviction once he had set his path. While some evaluate YS’s term by saying the good and bad were clear—often citing the IMF crisis as his responsibility—the reality was not so simple. The IMF crisis was fundamentally triggered by the corporate practice of window dressing and irresponsible business expansion through reckless borrowing.
"How could it be a trap? If their colleagues had come to us claiming to have 'certain information,' I would have been cautious, too. But these people came to us themselves. If we don't seize this opportunity, a chance like this won't come again!"
Following YS’s rational urging, DJ eventually nodded.
"I understand. But the fact that they came to us must mean there’s an obvious reason, right?"
YS nodded as well.
"Indeed. They probably want us to ensure they don't have to spend time in prison."
"Surely you don't intend to grant that?"
These five were clearly some of the main culprits in the torture-death case. Therefore, they had to serve time in prison.
"Of course not. We may need to coddle them a bit for now, but I have no intention of shielding them. Of course, I could provide some conveniences, like assigning them to a slightly more comfortable prison in exchange for exposing the truth. Isn't that what principle is all about?"
At the mention of principle, DJ nodded.
"Hmm... I see. Then let's prepare a massive press conference with them. To reveal the truth of this incident."
"I’m thinking of holding the press conference at Myeongdong Cathedral. What do you think?"
A sanctuary that even JD dared not touch. The sparks of the democratic struggle were beginning to rise from Myeongdong Cathedral.
Yoon-gi’s mansion. A rather unexpected guest was currently meeting with him.
A man in his mid-40s with a sharp chin. He used to wear square-rimmed glasses, but now he wore rimless ones, making his already fastidious impression look even more rigid. It was none other than Shin Ho-jun, the closest aide and secretary to JSD, who had requested the meeting with Yoon-gi.
"Did the Chief of the Presidential Security Service send you?"
"No."
To Shin Ho-jun’s calm reply, Yoon-gi asked again.
"Then did the President send you?"
"I am not the President's secretary."
"I suppose that's true."
It was certainly an unexpected guest and an unexpected visit, but Yoon-gi was not surprised. It was as if he had anticipated the visit.
"Chairman, I will ask you directly."
Until now, Shin Ho-jun had never spoken unnecessary words when visiting Yoon-gi. In a way, even this phrase, "I will ask you directly," was unnecessary. But today, Shin Ho-jun was giving off a "stiff impression" rather than his usual fastidious one.
"Go ahead."
"What do you intend to do with the Chief of the Presidential Security Service in the next administration?"
A direct hit. Shin Ho-jun had a rough premonition of what JSD’s future would look like. He was certain that a dark future awaited him, but because he couldn't gauge the extent of it, he had come here today.
"Why are you asking me that?"
To Yoon-gi, who shrugged his shoulders, Shin Ho-jun began to speak in a manner true to his character.
"I advised the Chief of the Presidential Security Service. I told him to let the five main culprits escape and send them to YS and DJ."
The escape of the five, which was impossible by any common sense. Although JSD was clearly harboring dissatisfaction with JD, it was impossible for this to happen based solely on JSD’s own thoughts. Because this torture-death case was an Achilles' heel for JSD as well.
"I persuaded the Chief. I told him that if he sent the five culprits to YS and DJ, he would no longer face 'direct attacks' from them. But reality is not that simple. Because of his past actions, the Chief can never just quietly move on."
The fact that his aide, Shin Ho-jun, gave that advice knowing full well the consequences meant that his visit here was backed by a certain resolve.
"I see."
However, Yoon-gi did not show much of a reaction.
"Do you not intend to answer?"
"If I don't answer, do you intend to subdue me?"
At Yoon-gi’s shrugging response, Shin Ho-jun sighed.
"Unfortunately, that is impossible. My gun was confiscated at the front gate, and my martial arts skills are not enough to subdue you. I am well aware of the few eccentric feats you pulled off at school and on the streets."
Yoon-gi was now a top-tier security target. That was why most people had to undergo a body search before meeting him. However, one fact was revealed: Shin Ho-jun had brought a gun when he came here. The fact that he even admitted to that showed a clear, resolute will.
"Then, how do you intend to extract an answer from me?"
Finally, the words Shin Ho-jun wanted from Yoon-gi came out. It felt less like he had been lured and more like Yoon-gi had conceded a step, but that was something at least. Shin Ho-jun quickly seized the opening.
"If I don't get an answer, I will persuade the Chief as soon as I return. No, if I cannot persuade him, I will manipulate the ANSP under the guise of the Chief’s orders and run to JD to report the situation. Because the military power has not yet vanished from JD."
"I could subdue and imprison you right here, you know?"
"Before I came here, I informed my closest associates of my destination. If I do not return, they will each shoot themselves, and while wounded, they will run to the Chief to report that YK kidnapped me."
At the sight of Shin Ho-jun, who had come with such desperate resolve, Yoon-gi let out a light chuckle. But it was only for a moment. Having confirmed Shin Ho-jun’s "caliber," Yoon-gi straightened his posture, which had been leaning to one side, and sat up with respect for his opponent.
"What do you think I will do?"
Shin Ho-jun wanted to let out a big sigh outwardly, but he managed to suppress it by sighing inwardly and answered Yoon-gi’s question.
"You will discard the Chief. You will think that since the hunt is over, the dog is no longer needed. In fact, since the Chief has bitten many neighbors, everyone will celebrate."
Shin Ho-jun described the Chief as a "dog." However, this was not because he thought of him as a dog, but rather a metaphor for the situation—and a very accurate one at that.
"You are certainly excellent. That’s right. I intend to make the Chief pay for the sins he has committed the moment the regime ends."
Hearing this, Shin Ho-jun gripped his knees tightly with both hands.
"Do you... intend to kill him?"
Yoon-gi shook his head.
"No."
The tension in Shin Ho-jun’s hands, which had been digging into his knees, loosened slightly.
"The Chief will have to testify about all of JD’s evil deeds. If he does that, he might receive a reduced sentence for his cooperation in the trial. Of course, he will still have to serve a significantly long prison sentence."
"Is that all?"
"And in return, I will guarantee the political careers of Jae-jun and Jae-seok."
Finally, Shin Ho-jun let out a sigh of relief.
"Phew... As expected... it’s no different from what I anticipated..."
"Are you disappointed?"
Shin Ho-jun shook his head.
"No, I’m actually relieved that it’s at least not the worst-case scenario. I thought the worst-case scenario was unlikely to happen, but you never know in this world."
"If possible, I don't want to discard the Chief either."
It was a very unexpected statement, so Shin Ho-jun wore a look of surprise for the first time.
"Are you being sincere...?"
"Of course. Regardless of the reason, the Chief has been a great help to the YK Group. Furthermore, he is someone I have a personal fondness for. But you know, don't you? The Chief has committed too great a crime."
Shin Ho-jun sighed.
"That... is true."
"If the Chief had mobilized the ANSP to purge pro-Japanese traitors, I would have even appointed the ANSP Director to a high-ranking position. But that’s not the case, is it? The Director needs to repent for his sins to the public."
"Is that why you are giving opportunities to Young Master Jae-jun and Young Master Jae-seok?"
"It’s a bit twisted, but it’s a matter of keeping business and personal matters separate. If Jae-jun and Jae-seok didn't have the ability, I would have just ended it by giving them some money. But since they have talent, I will give them political opportunities as well. How about the youngest member of the National Assembly?"
Finally, a faint smile spread across Shin Ho-jun’s face.
"That is why I asked the Chief. I asked him if he loved the young masters."
"What was his answer?"
"He said he loved them. That is why I had no choice but to watch YK and your actions. Even then, I could have touched you. But doing so would have been effectively committing suicide. So, I suppose I gave the Chief a choice..."
In reality, even now, JD or JSD could commit suicide by attacking Yoon-gi. But the choice of suicide is not one that can be made easily. If JSD had attempted that choice back then, he might have faced the tragedy of his "entire family being wiped out" in the 21st century.
It was a common view in political and business circles that anyone who touched the direct line of YK would inevitably meet a miserable end. Therefore, Shin Ho-jun had no choice but to choose the second-best option, even while vaguely knowing what the future held for his master, JSD. But now, Shin Ho-jun realized that the second-best option he had chosen was actually the best option.
"I’m getting greedy."
At Yoon-gi’s sudden words, Shin Ho-jun met his gaze again.
"Does that mean...?"
As expected of the quick-witted Shin Ho-jun, he deduced Yoon-gi’s meaning.
"That’s right. I want you. How about it? After the regime changes, why don't you work under me? As a brain."
"I refuse."
It was an obvious answer. Although Yoon-gi had provided the best possible outcome for JSD, in any case, JSD would soon have to serve 20 years in prison, or something close to it. Naturally, from the perspective of Shin Ho-jun, who had served JSD as his master, serving Yoon-gi was unimaginable.
"There would be benefits, you know?"
"Are you trying to take the young masters hostage?"
At Shin Ho-jun’s stiff words, Yoon-gi shook his head.
"The treatment of Jae-jun and Jae-seok depends solely on the Chief’s response; it has nothing to do with you."
Shin Ho-jun adjusted his glasses with an expression of surprise.
"Then, what is the compensation for me?"
Yoon-gi smiled.
"If you work under me, your appeals for the Chief will gain more credibility."
"...!"
"Whatever words you use to appeal to the public on behalf of the Chief, I will not care. Of course, I will not allow you to use my channels. I am saying I will allow you to use my halo for your personal efforts."
"...My goodness."
Shin Ho-jun was speechless at the ingenious terms of the deal. He wanted to say something more, but even for Shin Ho-jun, it was not a decision that could be made easily. Knowing this, Yoon-gi gave a soft dismissal.
"You have plenty of time to think, right? I hope to hear a good answer later."
Watching Yoon-gi raise his right hand slightly into the air, Shin Ho-jun rose from his seat.
"Then, I will take my leave."
"I don't need to see you out, do I?"
"Of course not."
If Yoon-gi had been even slightly lacking, YK’s rapid progress would have ended at this point. But Yoon-gi succeeded in overcoming the last and greatest hurdle that would have existed in JD’s military regime.
"You damn bastards! I’m standing here with my eyes wide open, and you dare to pull something like that? Hey, you son of a bitch, what the hell were you doing until they escaped?! Huh?!"
JD’s roar, with his veins bulging to the limit, echoed, but JSD just looked at JD with a blank face. It was a situation that should have clearly felt strange. However, JD was so excited that he didn't notice it and continued to speak incessantly.
"Take the kids to Myeongdong Cathedral and kill them all! I’ll take responsibility for everything, so just kill them all! What those guys did is treason, treason!"
JD’s words were half-sincere and half-bluff. But the answer JD received was truly shocking enough to make him faint.
"I don't want to."