Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Sung-chul immediately met with Minister of Unification Yoon Je-hoon to relay Kang Jin-hoo's words.
As matters related to North Korea fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Unification, the initial decision was the Minister of Unification's to make, with the final approval belonging to the President.
"CEO Kang Jin-hoo wants to meet with the North Korean side?"
"That is correct."
"Do you think he plans to apologize for the last incident?"
"I don't believe so. However, he did seem to have some kind of good solution in mind."
"Hmm..."
Minister Kim Sung-chul spoke persuasively.
"Like it or not, we absolutely need CEO Kang Jin-hoo's help to solve the North Korea issue. Who else can have a private meeting with the presidents of the United States and Russia anytime they want?"
Even the current railway and gas pipeline project is proceeding with Russia investing directly, and South Korea acquiring a portion of Russia's investment stake. It's a kind of loophole.
It's not a violation of the law, but it could become a problem if someone decides to make it one. In fact, Japan has been trying to throw a wrench in the works from the sidelines.
But Kang Jin-hoo is an American hero. If he steps forward, the US administration and Congress will not put the brakes on it.
Furthermore, he has a deep relationship with Russia as well. Considering South Korea's current situation, he is a more necessary talent than ever.
The government was also well aware of Kang Jin-hoo's importance.
The problem was that he was completely uncontrollable.
How many politicians had been cut down by the blade that was Kang Jin-hoo?
There was bound to be a reluctance to use a weapon that could not be controlled. But he possessed that much undeniable power.
His influence on the international community was greater than that of most nations. It was to the point where people said South Korea's national power had risen several levels because of him.
"They're refusing even working-level talks. Will the North Korean side agree?"
Minister Kim Sung-chul said firmly.
"They will. Because their counterpart is Kang Jin-hoo."
After thinking for a long while, Minister of Unification Yoon Je-hoon nodded.
"We need a breakthrough anyway, so it might be worth a try. I will report to the President."
***
I spoke with President Ronald on the phone for the first time in a while.
[Are you doing well?]
"Yes."
[You don't come to the US much these days. I saw you went to Russia just fine the other day.]
It sounded like he was bored and telling me to come and visit.
"I don't have any particular business, but I'll make a trip just to see you, Mr. President."
[I've found a delicious hamburger joint near the White House.]
Currently, the United States was in the middle of defense cost-sharing negotiations with South Korea. Fortunately, the amount wasn't very large.
It was expected to be settled at about a 10 percent increase from the current level. This was the same for not only South Korea but also for NATO and Japan.
He had become much more moderate compared to when he had browbeaten allies to pay more in defense costs early in his term. Whereas before he had only shouted for America's interests, he now showed a semblance of looking after his allies.
The reason for this was that during the Big One, the allied nations had pitched in with rescue and support as if it were their own problem. You only know how precious your neighbors are when your own house is on fire.
"How are the reelection preparations going?"
Even for a hero who saved the nation, approval ratings are bound to fall over time.
His approval rating, which had approached 90 percent after the Big One, had gradually declined over time. Still, it remained above 70 percent.
[It's going well. If you have time next year, come out to a campaign rally.]
American politics is run by a massive two-party system, the Democrats and the Republicans. Many people mistakenly believe that only the Democratic and Republican parties put forth candidates, but in reality, there are several parties and various candidates who compete. However, since they fail to secure even a single electoral vote, they are outside the public's interest.
In any case, as the approval ratings of both parties are similar, the race is always a close one, but... this presidential election was a sure victory for Ronald.
What people were interested in was how many electoral votes he would secure. There was even talk that he might sweep the electoral college for the first time in American history.
Since it's a winner-take-all system, it's possible to secure all the electoral votes regardless of the overall approval rating.
If there was a slight variable, it was that various scandals that had subsided for a while after the Big One were resurfacing.
Sex scandals popped up every so often, as well as accusations of colluding with Russia, tax evasion during his time as a businessman, and so on.
Fortunately, none of them were fatal.
I was suddenly reminded of what Grace Rothschild had said. Didn't she say she held a card that could make Ronald step down on his own?
Was that true, or was it just something she said?
As I was thinking that, Ronald asked.
[More importantly, I hear you're going to meet with North Korea.]
I was amazed.
"Has the news already spread that far?"
The message would have only just been delivered to the North Korean side. Seeing this, it seems the CIA isn't just sitting around.
[What are you planning to do when you meet them?]
"I'm thinking of pushing for the railway and gas pipeline project on this occasion. Wouldn't it be a good project that benefits everyone?"
Ronald's reaction was one of surprise.
[As you well know, North Korea can change its mind at any time. If the project gets overturned while investments are in progress, the losses will be immense.]
"So I've thought of a way. I think it won't be a bad proposition for the United States either."
Ronald showed curiosity.
[Tell me.]
A moment later, after hearing my story, Ronald burst out laughing.
[Hahaha! So there was such a method! How on earth did you come up with that?]
"It just came to me one day."
Actually, my foresight showed it to me.
[What if North Korea refuses?]
Since my foresight showed it, that was unlikely.
"Well, if they say no, there's nothing to be done. But isn't it too large a sum to refuse?"
He burst out laughing again.
[Indeed. Even I couldn't refuse.]
***
[(Breaking News) North Korea accepts South's proposal for working-level talks!]
[Inter-Korean ministerial-level working-level talks. Will they find a solution to the Mount Kumgang issue?]
[Scheduled to meet at Panmunjom]
[OTK Company CEO Kang Jin-hoo and Vice President, Eunsung Kumgang President Han Byung-sun included in the South Korean delegation!]
[Korean Central Television: The South must first show a sincere attitude...]
[Kang Jin-hoo, possibility of apologizing for past remarks?]
The world's attention was focused on Panmunjom, and the internet went wild.
-Just tear down all the Mount Kumgang facilities! What's the point of talks?
-Why is Kang Jin-hoo involved in this? Is he a commie?
-Heo Chang-min must have forced him to apologize.
-CEO Kang Jin-hoo! If you're going because you're being threatened by the National Intelligence Service, hold up a carrot!
-This whole thing happened because of Kang Jin-hoo in the first place, so it's right for him to apologize!
-No, what exactly is he supposed to apologize for? Is saying that the Supreme Leader should guarantee the project's progress such a mortal sin?
-LOL, so many Juche followers.
***
I, along with Taekgyu, first met with the Minister of Unification and the delegation. As befitted the occasion, Taekgyu was also wearing a suit, a departure from his usual attire.
Minister of Unification Yoon Je-hoon shook my hand and said.
"North Korea is an extremely sensitive counterpart, both politically and diplomatically. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from making unexpected remarks like last time."
I nodded.
"I will never do anything that could harm the nation, so you don't have to worry."
Before departing for Panmunjom, there was a brief briefing on the composition of the North Korean delegation and the agenda for the talks.
The head of the North Korean delegation was Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong, the same as last time, and a director and deputy director from the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland would also attend.
The drive from Seoul to Panmunjom took less than two hours.
Upon arriving at Panmunjom, Taekgyu looked around as if fascinated.
"Oh! This is my first time at Panmunjom."
It was my first time too.
I couldn't believe I was actually at a place I had only seen on the news. Just one step over the line was North Korean territory, and there stood North Korean People's Army soldiers, who I had occasionally seen in movies.
They stood there with a resolute appearance, but for some reason, I felt a sense of pity. Well, the same feeling of pity applied to our soldiers standing on the opposite side.
They all have it tough, being conscripted.
We entered the meeting hall. The rectangular hall had entrances on both the north and south sides.
A moment later, the North Korean delegation entered through the opposite entrance with stiff expressions. Some of them, with their backs ramrod straight, glared at me as if I were the 'scum of the earth.'
We shook hands and sat down. The talks proceeded in a heavy atmosphere from the very beginning.
Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong spoke first.
"We would like to hear your opinion on how and by when the South's facilities will be demolished. Our Chairman wishes to demolish the unfitting South Korean facilities as soon as possible and build new, people-friendly and socialist buildings in their place."
This meant that they would now completely exclude the South and proceed independently, breaking away from the Mount Kumgang tourism model that had been carried out through inter-Korean cooperation.
Of course, this was unlikely to work out.
"This is a violation of the contract. The demolition of the Mount Kumgang facilities is impossible until the contract period ends."
"How much longer are you telling us to hold on to those shabby facilities?"
A tedious conversation ensued. Taekgyu covered his mouth and yawned. No matter how we meticulously pointed out the clauses in the contract and asked them to abide by them, they didn't even pretend to listen.
Isn't the word of the Supreme Leader the law above any contract?
"Aren't they all dilapidated buildings that haven't been used for over 10 years anyway? Why are you telling us not to demolish what is already no different from ruins? If it's difficult for the South, we will dispose of it ourselves."
Minister of Unification Yoon Je-hoon said in a persuasive tone.
"They may look bright on the outside, but with a little bit of repair, they can be used again. Demolishing the facilities and rebuilding them will be a burden for the North as well."
Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong scoffed and said.
"Do you think we would sell the pride of our Republic for such a paltry sum? During the Arduous March, our people did not reach out for external help even while eating the roots of grass and the bark of trees."
Taekgyu, who had been listening quietly, asked with an innocent expression.
"Didn't the party cadres eat and live well even back then? It was the people who starved to death."
At those words, Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong and the other members of the North Korean delegation all frowned.
A regime that lets its people starve to death doesn't even deserve to exist in the first place. But politics is about having to face and negotiate even with people like this, and economics is about joining hands if there's money to be made, I suppose.
Unable to watch any longer, I also said a word.
"A paltry sum... Isn't North Korea in a situation where it needs that paltry sum right now?"
At my words, Director Kim Gil-myung jumped up and shouted.
"You dirty, vicious capitalist! How dare you try to mock our people with such a paltry sum!"
Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong reached out his hand to stop him. He spoke in a calm yet firm tone.
"I will never forget today's events. There will be no further negotiations with the South, and we will make you pay the price for this. Our Republic does not fear war!"
The North Korean delegation rose from their seats in unison and tried to leave the meeting hall, and our delegation was flustered. If the talks ended like this, North Korea would really start tearing down the Mount Kumgang facilities immediately.
The moment Minister of Unification Yoon Je-hoon shot up to stop the North Korean delegation, I opened my mouth again.
"What if it's not a paltry sum? What about 55 trillion won? That is, 50 billion dollars?"
At those words, Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong momentarily stopped in his tracks. Then, turning his head, he asked me.
"What did you just say?"
"I said 50 billion dollars."
The color drained from Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong's face. It was the same for everyone, whether from the South or the North.
Minister of Unification Yoon Je-hoon's eyes widened as he looked at me.
"CEO Kang Jin-hoo. What is the meaning of...?"
Vice Chairman Ri Hae-yong asked again.
"Is OTK Company going to invest 50 billion dollars?"
"OTK Company is an American corporation. Therefore, it is obligated to comply with the US government's sanctions against North Korea. Also, I am not talking about an investment, but pure profit. If you would like to hear the details, why don't you sit down again first?"
His pride seemed to be wounded by the idea of following my suggestion, so he gestured with his chin and said.
"Speak. If it's nonsense, you will have to take responsibility."
"After its defeat in the Pacific War, Japan paid reparations to the victim countries in accordance with the San Francisco Peace Treaty. They provided reparations or grant aid to the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Micronesia, and this included South Korea. However, North Korea has not yet finalized its agreement with Japan."
As they are currently under UN economic sanctions, they cannot receive cash immediately. But it is money that can definitely be collected once the sanctions are lifted in the future.
As Japan is also obligated to pay under the San Francisco Treaty, this issue has been discussed between the two countries on numerous occasions.
I leaned back in my chair and said.
"I believe Japan is thinking of around 20 billion dollars. If I were to get involved in these negotiations, how much more do you think I could raise the amount?"