As the leader of the main opposition party declared a hunger strike, the Blue House and the ruling party naturally stepped in. Members of the ruling party, while claiming they didn't understand why she was fasting now, made a show of trying to stop her.
However, Representative Yeon Nakyeong did not bend her will.
"The security and economy of the Republic of Korea are in ruins. Liberal democracy is being ruthlessly trampled upon. What can we possibly gain from the deterioration of Korea-Japan relations? We must face the violence of this administration with the resolve to die. The only thing I fear is the potential loss of the values of the free Republic of Korea."
But at this point, OTK Company made an announcement in the name of its Vice President.
"First, we express our respect to Representative Yeon Nakyeong of the Liberty People's Party, who has embarked on a hunger strike out of patriotic concern. The hunger strike declaration by the leader of the main opposition party has become an opportunity for us as a corporation to reflect on our position. However, we believe that trying to stop the hunger strike would be to break the will of Representative Yeon Nakyeong, and by extension, the Liberty People's Party. Therefore, we would like to make a proposal. If Representative Yeon Nakyeong successfully completes a one-week hunger strike in front of OTK Company, CEO Kang Jin-hoo will personally visit your party headquarters to apologize and take the lead in seeking a new solution for Korea-Japan relations."
It was as if they were egging on the hunger strike.
What kind of company in the world would act this way? But the eccentric behavior of OTK Company's Vice President was already well-known, so it wasn't particularly surprising.
Liberty People's Party members and supporters were enraged.
- What is this, are they encouraging it or what?
- Don't you remember what you guys said when Heo Chang-min was on his hunger strike?
- Everyone! This is the true character of the leftists!
- Has the left's hypocrisy been a thing for just a day or two?
In any case, with this turn of events, Representative Yeon Nakyeong could not back down.
Some lawmakers said they shouldn't fall for the provocation, but Representative Yeon Nakyeong thought differently.
'Everyone wants to see Kang Jin-hoo bow his head and apologize.'
She didn't know if winning here would end the evil administration of the left, but just getting an apology from Kang Jin-hoo would be enough to secure the firm support of the conservative base.
"Can you really do it?"
"A week-long fast won't be easy."
Representative Ma Sang-tae said strongly.
"You must do it. We lawmakers will do our best to support you from the side."
Most lawmakers who had gone on hunger strikes in the past had continued for about ten days. This time, it was a shorter period of one week.
Besides, since she wouldn't be eating absolutely nothing, she thought she could endure it.
Representative Yeon Nakyeong hardened her expression and said confidently.
"If I can protect the security of the Republic of Korea and normalize Korea-Japan relations, I will do anything!"
When the news broke that Representative Yeon Nakyeong had accepted the Vice President's proposal, everyone knew instinctively.
This was the final showdown between the conservative forces, from Park Si-hyeong and Lee Jung-hye to Yeon Nakyeong, and OTK Company.
Conservative groups like the Parents' Federation and the Mom's Brigade, along with supporters of the Liberty People's Party, declared a general mobilization.
Let's follow Representative Yeon Nakyeong!
Representative! We are with you!
- Let's show them the will of the conservatives!
- Long live President Park Si-hyeong!
-Release the Excellency!
- We support Representative Yeon Nakyeong for the next presidential election!
- Conservatives of the world! Gather in front of OTK Company!
***
The Liberty People's Party set up a tent in front of OTK Company.
Before starting her fast, Representative Yeon Nakyeong had filled her stomach and received a nutrient IV at the hospital. Although she had said she would fast with the resolve to die, it was a matter of course as she had no real intention of dying.
From the first day, numerous supporters flocked to her, and Representative Yeon Nakyeong greeted them with a smile.
Next to the representative's tent, other lawmakers decided to hold a relay hunger strike. As if conscious of the previous criticism, this time it was for 12 hours, not 5.5.
Some criticized it as an "intermittent hunger strike" or a "Ramadan hunger strike," but many supporters voluntarily participated.
It wasn't just conservative groups that gathered. Protests and rallies by progressive groups in opposition also continued.
One comfort woman grandmother came to the site and shouted.
"I have attended the Wednesday demonstrations for nearly 20 years to get an apology from Japan! I've seen many rallies demanding an apology until now, but this is the first time I've seen a protest demanding they don't apologize! Exactly which country's party is the Liberty People's Party?"
As expected, since Kang Jin-hoo was involved, media from all over the world took an interest.
The Japanese media also watched closely. There seemed to be an underlying expectation that if Representative Yeon Nakyeong succeeded in her hunger strike, the strained Korea-Japan relations might be resolved.
Among the LDP lawmakers, there was an opinion that they should visit and encourage Representative Yeon Nakyeong, but they decided to cheer her on in spirit, judging that it might do more harm than good.
***
I sighed as I looked at the tents and protestors in front of the building.
I still had no idea why on earth Representative Yeon Nakyeong was on a hunger strike.
Taek-gyu looked excited.
"Encouragement and support are pouring in from Japan too!"
Indeed, not only LDP lawmakers but also net-uyoku and anti-Korean groups were wishing for Representative Yeon Nakyeong's victory with all their might.
Had there ever been a Korean politician so beloved by Japan?
She was truly taking the lead in the development of Korea-Japan relations herself.
"So what are you doing now?"
Taek-gyu said, typing furiously.
"I'm leaking the pro-North Korean leftists' conspiracy to the conservative A-Tubers."
"..."
***
Day three of the hunger strike.
For the first time in her life, Representative Yeon Nakyeong learned what hunger was. She wanted to go home right away, eat her fill, and lie down, but she endured by drinking warm water.
Fortunately, from now on, other lawmakers were supposed to secretly supply her with nutritional supplements. But a problem arose.
Team Leader Lee Cheol-jin came to the tent with security guards from X-Cop.
"There is overwhelming public support to protect the representative. Wasn't there an incident where Representative Ma Sang-tae's hunger strike was terminated because an assailant threw a punch? If someone were to harm the representative, it would be OTK Company's responsibility. To prevent such an incident from occurring, we will provide thorough security."
Behind him stood three female security guards.
"They are former members of the drug detection squad. They have a knack for finding dangerous things. From this moment on, we will thoroughly search the representative's tent, the surrounding area, and even the inside of the toilet bowl in the restroom she uses to ensure that no unfortunate incidents occur!"
At those words, Representative Yeon Nakyeong was flustered.
'Security is just an excuse; aren't they just trying to watch me so I can't eat?'
The problem didn't end there.
Who knows where they heard it, but a swarm of conservative A-Tubers rushed over.
"In the past, leftists on hunger strikes would mix glucose in their water or receive nutritional supplements from visitors. Now, the leftists are mocking Representative Yeon Nakyeong, questioning if she is secretly consuming food."
"We have obtained information that pro-North Korean forces are planning to secretly put glucose in the representative's drinking water or persuade visitors to force-feed her something in order to disrupt the hunger strike."
"That's right. They plan to use that as an excuse to nullify the promise."
Representative Yeon Nakyeong shook her head.
"Ah, no. That's not possible. I'm fine."
"No! Even if they don't do that, the leftists will surely nitpick without reason."
"From now on, we will take turns broadcasting the representative's hunger strike live 24/7, check the bottled water being brought in, and even check the belongings of visitors one by one to prevent the leftists from talking nonsense."
"We believe you will show the pro-North Korean leftists the spirit of the conservatives!"
"..."
Representative Yeon Nakyeong couldn't hide her bewilderment.
'Are these guys really trying to starve a person to death?'
She had volunteered to starve, but that wasn't the point.
***
Day four of the hunger strike.
She had somehow endured for three days, but after one more day, she really felt like she was going to die.
She couldn't think of anything but eating.
She said to Representative Ma Sang-tae who came to visit.
"D-do you have anything to eat?"
He shook his head.
"I'm sorry. They're searching people at the front..."
Despair colored Representative Yeon Nakyeong's face.
"I-I can't take it anymore. I have to stop the hunger strike."
He had also been on a hunger strike before, so he knew well what the pain was like. That's why he had diligently taken glucose and nutritional supplements from the third day. It was still hard for him, so how much worse must it be for Representative Yeon Nakyeong, who had truly eaten nothing?
'It'll be hard for her to endure any longer.'
The most important thing in a hunger strike is not when you start, but when you end.
Like calls to like, and lawmakers side with lawmakers. Whenever someone went on a hunger strike, people would come to try and stop them, regardless of their political affiliation.
But this time, the Vice President had issued a warning before it even started: 'If any politician interferes with Representative Yeon Nakyeong's hunger strike, we will launch a campaign to have them deselected in the next general election.'
How many lawmakers had been done in by Kang Jin-hoo so far?
The ruling party lawmakers, using the Vice President's statement as an excuse, didn't even come near the area. Therefore, it was impossible to stop while pretending to be reluctant.
However, there was another way.
Representative Ma Sang-tae whispered in a small voice.
"Just in case, we deliberately did not apply for a rally permit. Since it's an illegal rally, if they come to forcibly disperse it, we'll have no choice but to end the protest."
At those words, Representative Yeon Nakyeong's eyes sparkled.
"Ah! Well done."
In the process, if she protested against the suppression of conservatives and then fainted, it would look even better.
Representative Ma Sang-tae contacted a Liberty People's Party member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council. But a surprising answer came back.
[A rally permit has been issued.]
He was shocked.
"What? Who applied for it?"
[OTK Company applied for a ten-day permit. So you can continue the rally until then.]
"Ah, I see."
'To think these bastards even got a permit!'
Representative Ma Sang-tae hung up the phone and said to Representative Yeon Nakyeong.
"Now we have no choice but to hold out until the end, Representative."
"Ah..."
Representative Yeon Nakyeong felt the world turning yellow before her eyes.
***
The hunger strike somehow reached its sixth day.
She had no energy to move or speak. Just in case, she ran her hands over the electric blanket and quilt, but there was nothing to be found.
At some point, she started seeing things and hearing ringing in her ears.
The image of former President Park Si-hyeong, whom she had once served, came to mind. He was currently in prison, wearing a prison uniform.
What must he be feeling right now?
The faces of the comfort women grandmothers she had seen at the previous protest flickered in her mind.
'Did they also suffer the same pain as me?'
During the previous administration, she had supported and approved of the Korea-Japan Comfort Women Agreement, so she knew what the comfort women victims had gone through.
But it was something that had ended long ago, and it didn't particularly resonate with her emotionally.
She had said many times that the comfort women victims should understand and accept Japan's position for the sake of developing Korea-Japan relations, but now she felt she could understand their pain.
Her life had been a path of flowers.
She was born into a wealthy family, studied well and entered Seoul National University's law school, and later passed the bar exam to serve as a judge. She made a splendid entry into politics as a proportional representative for the Hangukgadang, and then won in her district to be re-elected for a second and third term.
And from a non-mainstream faction within the party, she had suddenly risen to the position of party leader that she had so dreamed of. She thought that perhaps one day, the opportunity to become president might come to her as well.
But it was all just a dream.
Why had it come to this?
No matter how much she thought about it, there was only one reason she had been driven to this hunger strike.
The image of one person came to her mind. It was all because of Kang Jin-hoo. Rage also welled up against the Vice President.
'Fine! If you want it, I'll die!'
If she died while on this hunger strike, the public's condemnation would pour down on the Blue House, the ruling party, and Kang Jin-hoo, who had driven her to her death.
This was the most powerful revenge she could take. The thought of Kang Jin-hoo kneeling before her grave and begging for forgiveness made her feel like she could gladly die.
With her death, the Liberty People's Party can be revived!
She would become a holy martyr of the conservatives.
Perhaps this was the greatest revenge she could take on her political enemies and Kang Jin-hoo.
Her eyes slowly closed.
Then, as the world before her darkened, one thought burned like a flame. It was an infinite desire for life.
I can't die like this!
Who cares if the conservatives are revived after she dies? She had to live first, didn't she?
Having made up her mind, she struggled to her feet.
***
As Representative Yeon Nakyeong came out of the tent, the supporters all clapped and cheered.
"Waaaaah!"
She opened her mouth and said in a voice that barely came out.
"S-save me... please..."
Representative Ma Sang-tae, who was holding his position in the relay fast next to her, was startled and blocked her way, and Representative Lee Yeon-joo covered her mouth.
Reporters pushed their cameras forward and asked questions.
"What did you just say?"
"It sounded like you said 'save me,' is that correct?"
Representative Ma Sang-tae quickly shouted.
"She was saying, 'Save the Republic of Korea, which is groaning under the evil leftist administration!' Even in this situation, the representative is only worried about the future of the Republic of Korea!"
At those words, the supporters cheered again.
"Waaaaah!"
"That's our Representative Yeon Nakyeong!"
"We will be with you until the end!"
Representative Ma Sang-tae instructed Representative Lee Yeon-joo to quickly escort the representative back inside the tent. If they could just hold out for one more day, it would be the Liberty People's Party's victory.
He couldn't ruin everything here. The representative must want the same thing!
However, Representative Yeon Nakyeong's thoughts were completely different.
'No! Who cares if the Republic of Korea dies, save me!'
If she was dragged back into the tent like this, she might really starve to death.
She bit the hand that was covering her mouth. The moment Representative Lee Yeon-joo screamed and pulled her hand away, she raised her voice and shouted.
"Save me! Save me! I will stop the hunger strike!"
This time, everyone heard it clearly.
Everyone stared at her, at a loss for words. Representative Ma Sang-tae looked at her with desperate eyes.
His expression seemed to be hoping she would say it was a joke even now. But she had no intention of retracting her words.
She was too hungry for that.
Amidst the chaos of screams and sighs, someone approached and took her hand. She looked up at the person.
It was the comfort woman grandmother who had come out for the protest across the street.
The grandmother looked at Representative Yeon Nakyeong with worried eyes and placed an opened bottle of Morning Sunshine in her hand.
"You must be very hungry, right? Here, drink this."
Representative Yeon Nakyeong greedily drank it. The warm grain drink flowing down her throat was like the water of life to her, exhausted from hunger and cold.
Representative Yeon Nakyeong unknowingly sank to the ground and burst into tears.
The grandmother quietly hugged her and patted her on the back.
***
Representative Yeon Nakyeong's hunger strike ended after exactly 6 days, 1 hour, and 43 minutes.
The Liberty People's Party's approval rating plummeted again, and the leadership, including Representative Yeon Nakyeong, took responsibility and resigned en masse.
The one who gained the biggest reflective benefit from this incident was none other than Morning Sunshine.
As the scene of Representative Yeon Nakyeong drinking Morning Sunshine was broadcast by media all over the world, domestic sales increased by 250 percent, and overseas orders also increased by over 100 percent.