1979, Manager Kim is Inheriting Dictatorship! - Chapter 7



Only Krnovel

Episode 7

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At 9 o’clock, all the cabinet members gathered without exception. Even the cabinet members who had not come in the early morning rushed over after hearing the news of President Lee Jung-hwan’s death.

Prime Minister Choi sat at the top of the table and began conducting the meeting, and I sat right next to him.

You may think it is strange, but in the first place, the position of the Chief of the Central Intelligence Agency is at the level of the Deputy Prime Minister in the national protocol hierarchy. Although he is not a member of the State Council, he is treated as the Chief of the Central Intelligence Agency right below the Prime Minister in the protocol hierarchy. It is not particularly strange.

“Then, let us begin the State Council meeting.”

Prime Minister Choi first talks about President Lee Jung-hwan’s funeral proceedings.

“First of all, does everyone agree that His Majesty’s funeral will begin this afternoon and last for five days?”

““Yes. No objection.””

‘Five days is a bit short.’

I spoke to Prime Minister Choi before moving on to anything else.

“Prime Minister. Your Excellency is a national hero who transformed the Republic of Korea from one of the poorest countries to what it is today. Do you think the people’s sorrow can be healed with just a five-day funeral? I think we should hold a nine-day funeral at least.”

Whether it was a 5-day market or a 9-day market, it didn’t really matter. It was just my behavior to avoid any suspicion about President Lee Jung-hwan’s death.

If you doubt someone who shows this much loyalty, you will be the one to be doubted.

“It’s a 9-day market… I think it might be a little long···.”

Then, several ministers who had been quiet until just a moment ago began to speak.

“Prime Minister. Come to think of it, Your Excellency’s funeral is too short for a five-day funeral. I, like Director Kim, think a nine-day funeral would be better.”

“I think so too. How about making it a 9-day market?”

Everyone was talking to the Prime Minister, but it was clear who they were looking at.

“Okay. Then, we will hold a 9-day funeral. In addition to Gwanghwamun Square, we will set up incense burners in about 30 cities and provinces across the country. Director Kim, have you been able to contact Young-ae?”

“Yes. We spoke early this morning and came to the central court to move His Excellency’s body to the funeral parlor at the Capital Integrated Hospital.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Then, next time···.”

***

“Young-ae. This is Kim Jeong-guk.”

“Manager Kim? What are you doing this early in the morning?”

President Lee Jung-hwan’s second daughter, Lee Hye-jeong, who seems to have just woken up, receives a phone call. At the time, Lee Hye-jeong was serving as first lady in place of Yeo Jeong-su, who was assassinated a few years ago.

“Young-ae. You must listen without being surprised.”

“Please tell me. What is it?”

“Last night, His Majesty was murdered by Chief of Security Choi Cheol-gi.”

“Yes..??? What did you say!!!”

A loud voice is heard over the phone. And for a moment, Hye-jeong is silent.

But that was only for a moment, as a voice was heard on the other end of the phone again. Only, unlike before, his breathing was a little unsteady.

“I… Really? Really, Father… to Chief of Security Choi Cheol-gi···.”

“Yes.. I’m sorry. Even though I was there.. I couldn’t stop it. I’m the one who’s at fault. Young-ae···.”

“.. .. .. .. .. ..”

There is a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. But that silence is short-lived as Hye-jeong answers the phone again.

“Okay… So where is your father now?”

“For now, we are waiting for you in our courtyard. Should we send a car to the Blue House?”

“No. I’ll go right now. Oh, right. Is there any problem with the situation in North Korea?”

“Yes. Since we haven’t announced anything yet, the North probably doesn’t know about this. The North hasn’t shown any unusual behavior either.”

If a normal person heard the news that their father had been murdered, they would normally be shocked to the point of fainting on the spot. However, she quickly came to her senses and tried to carry out the duties she was supposed to do as the First Lady despite the news of her father’s death.

‘Even though I heard that my father was murdered… This is really not ordinary···.’

Lee Hye-jung, the 18th President of the Republic of Korea. Although her later years were not so good due to various events, at least when she was active in politics, she displayed brilliant political skills to the point of being called the queen of elections.

“He might be the person you need to be most careful of···.”

***

Next, each department’s report and emergency response plan are announced. Prime Minister Choi conducts the meeting smoothly.

He was not a political leader with outstanding leadership skills to begin with, but as a managerial leader, there was no one better than him. Having spent his entire life as an administrator, this sense itself is outstanding.

“Director Kim. What are the trends in North Korea? Is there any unusual behavior?”

“Yes. The news has probably gone out now, so they will soon know about His Majesty’s passing, but there has been no particular movement yet.”

When it came to matters related to North Korea, it would have been natural to ask the Minister of Defense, but that was not possible at the moment.

“And finally, I would like to announce the personnel changes.”

Suddenly, the cabinet members start to murmur. Usually, there are very few personnel changes in emergencies like this, so everyone is flustered by the news of personnel changes.

“I hereby dismiss Minister of National Defense Do Jae-woo from office.”

“No, Prime Minister! What are you talking about all of a sudden!!”

Minister Do Jae-woo, who had been absentmindedly waiting for the meeting to end, is shocked by the sudden dismissal and protests harshly.

I speak to the State Council members on behalf of Prime Minister Choi.

“Mr. State Council. Minister of National Defense Do Jae-woo is one of the people suspected of being involved in the assassination of His Excellency. Therefore, I have decided that he is inappropriate to hold the position of Minister of National Defense during the current state of emergency, and I have requested this of you, Prime Minister.”

Although Prime Minister Choi made the announcement, he informed the State Council members of whose intention this dismissal was.

“Manager Kim! I think you’ll be okay even after doing this!”

“This is a State Council meeting. Non-State Council members should no longer be here. Please leave.”

“what!!”

Do Jae-woo gets very excited. He could have dragged her out by force, but it wouldn’t look good.

“Prime Minister! I really have nothing to do with this incident! This is all a conspiracy by Director Kim!!”

‘In times like this…’

“Hey. Do Jae-woo! Who was that guy Jeon Dae-hwan appointed as the commander of the Security Command? It wasn’t you! But there’s no way you weren’t involved in this case!”

He pressures Do Jae-woo with slightly harsh words. Not only in terms of the ceremonial hierarchy, but also in the first place, Kim Jeong-guk was in a position that Do Jae-woo could not even dare look at.

When pressure is applied strongly, Do Jae-woo becomes silent and cannot say anything.

“.. .. Calm down, Director Kim. And Minister Do, I need you to leave here as I have a meeting to attend.”

Prime Minister Choi calms down the tense atmosphere. Do Jae-woo curses a few times and storms out of the room.

“And I appoint the current Chief of Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lee Hwa-seong, as the new Minister of National Defense.”

There was some commotion when the name Lee Hwa-seong came up, but everyone seemed to understand. Since President Lee Hwa-seong’s reputation was good both domestically and internationally, it seemed like no one had any major complaints.

President Lee Hwa-seong, or rather Minister Lee Hwa-seong, comes forward to receive the letter of appointment. Then, he recommends the position of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which has become vacant.

“Prime Minister, I recommend Major General Lee Dae-sik, commander of the 23rd Division, for the vacant position of Chief of Staff.”

“Director Lee Dae-sik… That’s okay. What do the State Council members think?”

Even though it was all scripted, it still had to have some form.

The ministers talk to each other for a moment.

“Who is Lee Dae-sik?”

“Lee Dae-sik? It’s the first time I’m hearing that name..”

“It doesn’t seem like it’s a one-on-one meeting.. What are you going to do about the military’s opposition..”

Everyone seemed worried. They seemed to be more worried about Hanahwe than anything else.

At that time, it was already a well-known fact that Hanahwe comprised a significant number of military generals.

“Chairmen of the State Council, Jeon Dae-hwan is currently under investigation for the assassination of His Excellency. If you appoint a member of the Hanahoe to the position of Army Chief of Staff, who commands the Army, wouldn’t he have impure thoughts?”

“Are you saying that this guy named Lee Dae-sik is okay?”

The Minister of the Interior asks:

“Yes. General Lee Dae-sik is not only not a member of the Hanahui, but he is also not interested in personal glory at all. I can guarantee that.”

Minister Lee Hwa-seong defends Lee Dae-sik on my behalf.

I also reassured the cabinet members.

“Chairmen of the State Council. I will take care of the Hanahoe. You don’t have to worry.”

“If Manager Kim says so.. well..”

“Yes. Manager Kim says that..”

Even though Prime Minister Choi was clearly acting president, people continued to watch me closely.

Now I felt that almost all power had passed to me.