[012] A Tumultuous Political Landscape 1.
Chairman Jin Yang-cheol tossed aside the newspaper he had been reading in his study, a broad smile playing on his lips.
The headline was steering towards the outcome his grandson had predicted.
The Two Kims Turn Their Backs.
The photograph showed the two men at a political forum held on October 27 at Korea University’s Democracy Plaza. Despite sitting side by side, their expressions were stern, and they exchanged few words.
The more serious issue was the starkly different reactions to their speeches.
Kim Young-sam took the podium first, his voice ringing out as he laid out his views on the political situation and democracy. Then, something unexpected happened.
From the audience came boos and jeers, growing louder until chants of “Resign! Resign!” filled the air. Humiliated for the first time in his 30-year political career, Kim Young-sam left through the university gates.
In contrast, when Kim Dae-jung, dressed in a black traditional robe, took the stage, the forum transformed into his personal rally. The crowd chanted “Kim Dae-jung! President!” and he finished his speech with a confident smile.
He was then hoisted onto the shoulders of his supporters and paraded down Anam-ro as dusk fell, as if celebrating a presidential victory. Kim Dae-jung shouted to the crowd:
“Thank you, everyone! Today, I’ve made a firm decision!”
No one was left guessing what that decision might be.
Chairman Jin’s smile wasn’t just because his grandson’s prediction was spot on.
Four months ago, when the current government declared surrender, all the major conglomerates courted the Two Kims, convinced that one of them would be the next president.
But Chairman Jin of Sunyang Group had given the biggest gift to the ruling party, offering only pocket change to the Two Kims.
He had listened to his grandson’s wise words.
In times of hardship and worry, when dark circles form under your eyes, a helping hand is always welcome. Especially if that hand holds a substantial sum of money.
When everyone else turned away, Sunyang Group alone stood by them, a gesture they would never forget.
Chairman Jin’s smile was a natural reaction to the thought of the benefits he would enjoy over the next five years.
As he leaned back in his comfortable chair to savor the moment, a knock on the door was followed by several people entering the room.
His three sons, the group’s secretariat, and finally, a woman.
His fourth and only daughter, Jin Seo-yoon.
“Why are you here? I didn’t call for you.”
“I’m also a director at Sunyang. How could I stay away?”
Jin Seo-yoon retorted, and Chairman Jin chuckled.
He had spoiled his only daughter, and even as an adult, she seemed a bit naive.
He had entrusted her with the department store simply because she was a woman, assuming she had no knack for management. Yet, she had transformed Sunyang Department Store into a premium brand, increasing net profits despite a drop in sales, and her confidence had soared.
“Everyone, sit down. It’s not like a war has broken out, so why the fuss?”
“Chairman, did you see the newspaper?”
“Yes.”
“The situation is turning unusual. It seems the two gentlemen are completely at odds.”
His eldest son, Vice Chairman Jin Young-gi, tossed the newspaper aside and spoke urgently.
“If this continues, it will become a three-way race. Who will become president…?”
“Today, DJ is expected to leave the Unification Democratic Party. He’ll likely form a new party and run independently, burning bridges behind him.”
“We’ve heard that JP will announce the formation of a new party, the New Democratic Republican Party, and run as well.”
“Why is he making a fuss? He’ll only split the votes in Chungcheong.”
“The president is powerful. Lifelong comrades in democratization turn their backs in an instant…”
As everyone chimed in, Chairman Jin frowned and banged the table.
“Are you all journalists? Critics? Do you think I called you here to listen to your commentary?”
At Chairman Jin’s outburst, everyone fell silent.
“Just give me the conclusion. Who will sit in the phoenix chair?”
In such moments, it was always the eldest son, Jin Young-gi, who had to step forward.
“Dividing the regions into Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk, Chungcheong, and Jeolla, Gyeongnam has the largest population. The rest are the capital area and Gangwon, but with JP taking votes from the ruling party, YS seems the most likely.”
Starting with Vice Chairman Jin Young-gi, various opinions were voiced.
YS was seen as the frontrunner, with the ruling party’s re-election as a close second.
Of course, there was no need to rush. The election was in December, two months away. It wasn’t too late to observe the trends.
But Chairman Jin wasn’t one to be satisfied with “not too late.” He was someone who needed to be ahead of everyone else.
“Listen carefully. I’m planning to contribute about ten billion won to the election fund this time.”
At the mention of ten billion, everyone widened their eyes and stammered.
“Chairman, that’s too much. Even half of that would be sufficient, wouldn’t it?”
Said the one who was frugal with money.
“We must be cautious this time. It’s a fierce battle between extremes. A misstep could lead to disaster.”
Said the one who feared retribution.
Chairman Jin raised the stakes.
“Next week, I’ll deliver the ten billion. You must decide whose hands to place it in.”
Next week? This was urgent, too urgent.
What reason could there be to rush like this unless one was out of their mind?
“Chairman, that’s…”
“Everyone, shut up!”
At the chairman’s second outburst, everyone lowered their eyes.
“You know that the first to feed the money reaps the greatest benefits, right? Stop arguing and move quickly. This is a gamble for the survival of the group.”
The children, unaware that this was all a test, thought their father was being stubborn for no reason.
“What are you waiting for? The meeting’s over. Go and get to work.”
With a deep sigh, everyone left the study.
“Why aren’t you leaving? Among the department store customers, aren’t there a few politicians’ wives? You should find out too.”
Jin Seo-yoon remained seated in the study, unmoving. She watched her father’s expression and then smiled.
“Father, I have something to tell you.”
“Of course you do. That’s why you’re still here, isn’t it?”
With a faint smile from Chairman Jin, Jin Seo-yoon gathered her courage and spoke.
“It seems my husband wants to run in next year’s general election.”
“Your husband?”
“Yes. His family seems to be subtly encouraging it too.”
“Hmm…”
“His family is a prestigious legal family with nothing to lose, but they seem to be getting ambitious about politics. What do you think, Father?”
She wasn’t asking for his opinion; she was seeking his approval.
“How old is your husband now?”
“He’s forty-four. He’ll be forty-five next year.”
When he didn’t immediately say no, Jin Seo-yoon’s eyes began to shine.
Her husband’s family was the top legal family in Korea, having produced two Supreme Court justices, a prosecutor general, and numerous judges and prosecutors. This formidable network had naturally been a great asset to Sunyang Group, and their value as in-laws was more than sufficient.
The fact that her husband wanted to run wasn’t just his desire; it was also the wish of his family, making it difficult to refuse.
“As for the election funds, the cash flow from the department store should suffice. What do you need me to do?”
With her father’s approval, Jin Seo-yoon clapped her hands in delight.
“He doesn’t want to be just an ordinary first-term lawmaker. Since he’s Sunyang’s son-in-law and from a prestigious legal family, shouldn’t he run in a district rather than as a proportional representative?”
“If he wins in a district with such a strong background, he could stand shoulder to shoulder with senior party members despite being a first-termer, right?”
“Isn’t that obvious?”
Watching his daughter beam, Chairman Jin nodded.
“I’ll find a suitable district. And tell your husband this: if he runs and loses, he should never expect to see my face again.”
Chairman Jin couldn’t even imagine the dreadful scenario of his son-in-law becoming a laughingstock in the business world.
As the presidential election intensified, regional tensions flared. In Gwangju, eggs were thrown at Kim Young-sam, and Kim Dae-jung faced difficulties during his campaign in Busan.
Rumors spread, claiming “someone is taking orders from Kim Il-sung” or “someone has a hidden daughter,” and the once-symbolic status of the two Kims in democratization quickly plummeted.
And then…
A decisive tragedy occurred that would determine the outcome of the election.
On November 29, 1987, Korean Air Flight KE858, a Boeing 707, disappeared over the Indian Ocean while en route from Baghdad International Airport in Iraq to Seoul, via Abu Dhabi International Airport and Bangkok International Airport.
The government concluded that “North Korean agent Kim Hyun-hee, acting on orders from the North, blew up the plane with a liquid bomb,” and closed the investigation.
On December 15, 1987, the day before the election, TV news showed Kim Hyun-hee, the KAL bomber, with a gag in her mouth to prevent suicide.
This incident, occurring on the eve of the election, had a significant impact on the outcome.
Finally, on December 17, the morning papers carried a bold headline:
[Candidate Roh Tae-woo Confirmed as President-Elect]
The final vote count was in: Roh Tae-woo secured 37% of the total, with over 8.28 million votes. Kim Young-sam followed with approximately 6.33 million, Kim Dae-jung with around 6.11 million, and Kim Jong-pil with about 1.82 million. Even though the combined votes of Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung exceeded 55%, victory went to Roh Tae-woo, the key figure of the December 12 coup.
I finished reading the article and set the newspaper down.
And so, a new era begins. The next tumultuous decade lies ahead, and by the time I turn twenty, I must gather the resources to seize control of Sunyang Group.
In ten years, Chairman Jin Yang-cheol will be frail, confined to a hospital bed, awaiting his final days. Before that happens, I need to transfer as much stock as possible to myself or my father to prepare for the inevitable power struggle with my uncle, Jin Young-ki.
Moreover, there is one crucial event I must prevent at all costs.
The car accident that occurs before my twentieth birthday—the very accident that leads to my death, Jin Do-jun.