1979, Manager Kim is Inheriting Dictatorship! - Chapter 90



Only Krnovel

Episode 90

“An Asian economic community? Something like the EU?”

“Yes, that’s right. However, it’s not a union that feels like a shallow community like the EU. Unlike Europe, Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, and China, have difficulty uniting as one in terms of politics or society. However, I’m proposing it because I think it would be good if they could unite as one at least economically.”

“I’m a little embarrassed because this is an unexpected story.”

Prime Minister Hosokawa was a little taken aback by the unexpected proposal, as he had clearly expected them to demand something like a treaty.

“At least, if nothing else, we are establishing it with the hope that Asia will operate as one country, at least in terms of its economy. The name we are preparing is the Asian Economic Union. It is abbreviated as AEU.”

After Prime Minister Hosokawa listened to my story, he asked me:

“Which participating countries are you considering?”

“All Asian countries except Russia. East Asian countries including Korea, China, and Japan, Southeast Asian countries, and in the future, we are thinking of India. Of course, the most important are Korea, China, and Japan.”

Russia wasn’t even thinking about it in the first place.

This was because, although the land area was mostly in Asia, it was actually considered a European country.

And India also has a slightly different track from the East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, so we had to wait and see for a while.

So, for now, let’s unite the other countries except those two.

That was the primary goal.

Prime Minister Hosokawa seems interested and mutters to himself, repeating what I said.

“An economic community of Asian countries… AEU… … .”

Prime Minister Hosokawa asks me a question in a voice full of interest after a while.

“President Kim, if this AEU is formed, what will be the main agenda items?”

The question was what role the AEU plays.

I gave him the answers I had been thinking about.

“The three main agenda items are the abolition of tariffs and import and export barriers, the use of a common currency, and the establishment of an Asian central bank.”

His voice changes slightly.

“It’s quite advantageous for Korea.”

Prime Minister Hosokawa is not stupid either.

Clearly, these agendas were extremely advantageous to Korea, which is currently reaping the most benefits from exports.

However, if it were utilized well, it could certainly be advantageous to Japan as well, apart from being advantageous to Korea.

It was true that exports to Korea were on the verge of collapse, but it was still the second largest trading nation in Asia after Korea.

It could certainly be beneficial to them as well.

That’s why he became interested too.

I tell him honestly.

“Of course. I will not tell such a blatant lie for the sake of Asia’s prosperity. The Asian economic community is intended to be created for Korea. However, I think it would not be a bad choice for Japan either.”

‘For the prosperity of Asia.’

It was a phrase that Japan used in the past when creating the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

I never intended to take that path.

In the first place, it wasn’t a time when writing something like that would work.

It would have been better to speak honestly.

Prime Minister Hosokawa remains silent and deep in thought.

‘If Southeast Asian countries and China also participate, it is certainly not a bad suggestion for Japan… ‘

Obviously, using a common currency would mean losing one of the country’s important roles as a nation, but apart from that, if a common currency for Asia were used, it would certainly stabilize export prices.

And if we use a common currency, we won’t have to be dragged around by the United States like we did during the Plaza Accord.

“Then, the central banks of Asia will be responsible for issuing currency.”

“That’s right. If each country were to issue its own common currency, the meaning of using a common currency would disappear.”

‘It’s not a matter that needs to be decided right now.’

First, Prime Minister Hosokawa interrupts and speaks.

“To be honest, I need to discuss it with the ministers a bit. I don’t think it’s something I can decide on my own over the phone right now.”

“I understand. But you need to contact me quickly. Even at this moment, the Japanese economy is facing a crisis.”

“I know. I will contact you as soon as possible.”

The phone call ends, and Prime Minister Hosokawa speaks to the Finance Minister who happened to be there.

“Your Excellency, I have something to say. Please sit over here for a moment.”

“What’s going on?”

Hosokawa pauses for a moment and then speaks to him.

“What if we create an Asian economic community?”

* * *

Not long after the contact with Prime Minister Hosokawa ended, Hong Kong finally declared national bankruptcy.

To be exact, Hong Kong itself was still a British colony, so it was ambiguous to call it a national bankruptcy, but one way or another, Hong Kong also collapsed.

Although it cost more dollars than expected, the collapse of Hong Kong hastened the crisis in Taiwan and Singapore.

And Southeast Asian countries that had already declared national bankruptcy eventually applied for a bailout from the IMF.

“Mr. President, I heard that the IMF has left for Thailand to conduct an inspection.”

The chief secretary comes running and reports the current situation.

“It’s faster than I thought. But anyway, why at this time of all times… … .”

Aside from the IMF moving faster than expected, an unexpected variable has emerged in Thailand.

None other than a military coup.

Thailand declared national bankruptcy this week.

It was a military coup.

Since this is a country where coups occur so frequently, I had hoped that something might happen, but I never thought that a coup would happen so quickly.

“If this is the case, will we have to negotiate with the military…?”

The chief secretary asks hesitantly.

“The Prime Minister has already fallen from power. Negotiating with the current Prime Minister would be meaningless. However… … .”

“Do you still have concerns about negotiating with the military… … ?”

“No. That’s not the problem… … .”

It wasn’t a matter of not wanting to negotiate with the military or anything like that.

It wasn’t a domestic issue, it wasn’t the military, and even if he was a military grandfather, it wasn’t something I had to worry about.

However, even if negotiations were to take place with the military, it was questionable how effective these negotiations would be.

‘This is a country where countless coups d’état occur. There is no law that says another human being won’t stage a coup d’état after this one. And… … .’

“Given the nature of power in Thailand, this military regime will not last long. Perhaps before the ink dries on joining the Asian Economic Community, another general may stage a coup and seize power. And then… … .”

‘It would be good to have that person’s approval.’

The chief secretary also seemed to know what I was going to say.

“There is a possibility that the King of Thailand may not approve this coup.”

“That’s right. First, we need to negotiate with the military and at the same time, we need to roast the King of Thailand.”

* * *

Fortunately, negotiations with the military ended without any problems.

The Thai military, which seized power in a coup, promised to join the Asian economic bloc in exchange for $30 billion in loans.

“General, this is a great decision. This will definitely be a great blessing for Thailand.”

Foreign Minister Yoo Sung-kook is trying hard to cover up General Suchat, who staged a coup with his tongue.

He was the Russian ambassador just a few years ago, and recently took over as minister after the former minister of foreign affairs passed away suddenly.

And his first task as minister was to persuade Southeast Asian countries to establish an Asian Economic Community.

He flattered them and manipulated them as best he could, as was his specialty.

“The General’s great decision saved the Thai people!”

“Hahaha. No, you don’t have to show it off like that.”

General Suchat also seemed to be in a good mood, smiling broadly and showing humility.

‘Well, I think this is enough for Thailand… … .’

“Then, I will see you again once the establishment of AEU is completed.”

The moment he was about to hang up the phone, General Suchat suddenly grabbed Minister Yoo.

“Oh, just a moment.”

Minister Yoo answers the phone again and asks.

“Oh, what’s left to do?”

“I have one concern.”

“Are you worried?”

General Suchat hesitates for a moment, then confesses the truth.

“In fact, His Majesty has not yet approved the coup d’état by our military.”

Approval of the coup.

It may sound strange, but in Thailand, even if a powerful person staged a coup d’état without the king’s approval, it would not be recognized.

Although the king did not directly wield power, the Thai royal family had enormous wealth and power that was stronger than that of other monarchies of the past.

Among modern states with a king, there is no country with as much power as Thailand.

Thailand is the only country in modern times where even criticizing the leader carries a prison sentence of several years, and North Korea has since disappeared.

However, that does not mean that Thailand can be excluded from the Asian economic community.

While the participation of China and Japan was important, the participation of Southeast Asian countries was also important.

The more countries participate, the more Korea’s status within the Asian economic community will rise.

Minister Yoo speaks to General Suchat, reassuring him.

“You don’t have to worry about that for now.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Our President said he would contact His Majesty the King.”

* * *

“Your Majesty Rama, it is an honor to speak to you.”

I greeted King Rama IX with the utmost courtesy.

“No. I am honored to be able to talk to such a capable leader.”

King Rama IX speaks fluent English.

“Your English is very good.”

I thought I would have to use an interpreter to talk on the phone, but the King of Thailand’s English skills were surprisingly good.

“I was born and raised in the United States, so I’m fine with English.”

“Haha. I see.”

After a few brief greetings, Rama IX soon gets to the point.

“But why are you contacting me all of a sudden? I thought it was urgent.”

“I wonder if it is appropriate for a foreign head of state to call you on such a matter, but I am contacting you like this because it is a somewhat urgent matter. Does Your Majesty not intend to approve the coup d’état carried out by General Suchat?”

There was no need to beat around the bush.

I asked him straight out about his approval for the coup.

He answered me in a voice that sounded a little uncomfortable.

“I don’t know why the President of Korea would be curious about that, but the truth is, I have no intention of approving General Suchat’s coup.”

‘As expected… I’m glad I checked.’

[Rama IX did not approve of General Suchat’s coup, which ultimately ended in failure.]

It was information I had already confirmed on my smartphone, but recently, there have been cases where the future changes several times a day, so I checked just in case, and as expected, General Suchat’s coup failed…

King Rama IX had no intention of approving this coup.

If so, this coup will definitely end in failure.

Rama IX asks me again.

“But why are you curious about that?”

“I’m sorry. The thing is, there is something important that Korea needs to negotiate with Thailand, but with this coup d’état happening, I don’t know who to talk to. That’s why I negotiated with General Suchat, who is currently in power, but if that happens, things will be different.”

King Rama IX coughs, as if he is slightly uncomfortable with something.

“Ahem… … .”

“Of course, if things were as they were, I would be talking to His Majesty, not to such incompetent people, but I heard that His Majesty has a policy of not directly intervening in national politics.”

At the words “Your Majesty,” Rama IX seemed to feel a little better, and his voice relaxed slightly.

Although he was greatly respected by the Thai people to begin with, he was a man with considerable lust for power.

If he jumps forward in this way, the power and authority he has will surely yield good results.

“Tell me something.”

“Is that okay? Your Majesty, it is a principle not to intervene in politics… … .”

Rama IX interrupts me and continues speaking.

“It’s okay, just tell me.”

‘Okay.’

I explained to him the whole story in a very polite tone.

“In fact, Korea is planning to provide foreign currency loans to Thailand this time. And as a condition for this, I hope Thailand will join the Asian Economic Community led by Korea. If His Majesty approves this, it will certainly be beneficial to both Thailand and Korea.”

In some ways, it might have hurt my pride a little, but it was okay.

I was willing to let my personal pride fall to the ground for the good of the country.