The Magician’s Memorial - Chapter 362



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362. Advance or retreat (2)

Presidential election candidate debate.

It received a lot of attention because it was a debate between three presidential candidates, each with an approval rating of 30%.

It was the debate that once again recorded a viewership rating of over 50% since the 1997 election, which was the hottest election in the history of presidential debates.

The discussion has been going on for a while.

It was candidate Choi Jae-seok’s turn, and it was the moment when he became the questioner and asked questions to the two candidates.

“There is something I would like to ask the two candidates. Currently, the Republic of Korea is divided into extremes. What do you think about fighting against supporters of the other party, considering them as enemies?”

“If the political structure of the Republic of Korea continues as it is now, I think division will accelerate. So when I become president, I will form a cabinet to prevent division and enable dialogue and unity!”

The opposition party’s candidate answered first.

The ruling party candidate paused for a moment and then continued his answer.

“I am already pursuing greater unity between conservatives and progressives through economic democratization. I am the only presidential candidate who can prevent division.”

“I accept that both of you are concerned about the division of the Republic of Korea. So I would like to offer a suggestion to both candidates.”

A sudden proposal.

When candidate Choi Jae-seok spoke, both candidates simultaneously turned their heads and looked at him.

At that moment, candidate Choi Jae-seok began speaking in a strong tone.

“I have even decided to resign as a presidential candidate if I can prevent the division of the Republic of Korea. If the two candidates accept the offer, I will resign as a presidential candidate here today!”

Candidate Jae-seok Choi’s shocking remarks.

Both candidates looked visibly embarrassed.

Not only the candidates, but also the broadcasting station PD went on the broadcast in a cold sweat due to the huge unexpected situation.

The viewer ratings are sure to hit the jackpot.

However, if you make even the slightest mistake here, you will be cursed for the rest of your life.

PD, writer, camera director.

Everyone worked together to broadcast the debate live.

As if aware of their efforts, candidate Choi Jae-seok looked at the camera and spoke out his suggestions one by one.

“I propose a two-term presidential system. With the current system, only short-term plans can be made. I am confident that Korea’s democracy has become stronger than that of any other country. Therefore, it is time to implement a two-term presidential system for the development of the Republic of Korea.”

These were two candidates who were not very surprised.

In the political world, there was already talk of a two-term presidential system in many places.

“In addition to the presidential reappointment system, I hope to create a communication channel through which all political parties and the Blue House can communicate. Can’t we continue with politics that only fights every day? If the two candidates share the will for grand unification, including the presidential reappointment system, , I will now withdraw from the presidential candidacy.”

Great national unity, communication channel.

This was just an excuse.

A two-term presidential term was the key proposal, and the two candidates were deeply troubled.

It was very difficult to answer because it was a question that could not be decided right now.

However, the ruling party candidate quickly gathered his thoughts and agreed with candidate Choi Jae-seok’s words.

“I agree. In the case of a single-term presidential system, the country can be ruled against the will of the people. However, if the system is changed to a two-term system, you will be subject to an interim evaluation, so wouldn’t you act according to the will of the people more than now?”

The ruling party candidate first grabbed candidate Choi Jae-seok’s hand.

It was unclear whether it was because he truly agreed with candidate Choi Jae-seok’s thoughts, or whether it was to absorb candidate Choi Jae-seok’s approval ratings.

What if the ruling party candidate completely absorbs Choi Jae-seok’s approval rating?

Then, there was nothing more to watch in the election, so the opposition party candidate had no choice but to quickly join Choi Jae-seok’s hand.

“I will accept it too. If it is the path to national unity, I will definitely do it even if there is opposition from the party.”

A great unification had already occurred.

The two candidates from major political parties who always had different ideas came together and accepted the proposal.

“I trust the two candidates and will resign as a presidential candidate. I apologize to the people, my comrades of the National Economic Party, and party members who trusted and supported me. However, I will step down as a presidential candidate and contribute to the development of the Republic of Korea as a member of the National Assembly. “I will do it.”

Member of the National Assembly.

It literally meant that I would enter the National Assembly.

It was tantamount to announcing his intention to run in the by-election to be held in the first half of next year.

It was something that anyone who knew even a little bit about politics could understand at once.

Naturally, the moderator in charge of the discussion understood candidate Choi Jae-seok’s meaning and asked a question.

“Have you decided to run in the by-election?”

“For the sake of national unity, we have decided to give up the presidential election and run in the by-election.”

“Which district are you planning to run for?”

“We want to be with the residents of Nowon-gu, Seoul.”

Should I say I apply acupuncture?

Candidate Jae-Seok Choi declared his candidacy for the Nowon-gu by-election.

Then, candidate Choi Jae-seok looks at the two candidates.

The look in his eyes was telling him that if he had something to say, he could say it.

What is there to say here and now?

A presidential candidate with a 30% approval rating announced his resignation.

In that case, he had to attract even 1% more approval ratings to his side.

And this time too, it was the ruling party candidate who moved first.

“We will do our best to continue the will of candidate Choi Jae-seok. Therefore, our party will not submit a candidate in the Nowon-gu by-election.”

This was something that could be said because it was the ruling party.

Nowon-gu was the opposition party’s stronghold, so it was a constituency that could give away as much as it wanted.

It would be beneficial to give up a difficult-to-win constituency and absorb the approval ratings, so I was able to boldly declare no nomination for Nowon-gu.

Now it is the opposition party’s turn.

We could not allow the ruling party candidate to absorb Choi Jae-seok’s approval ratings like this.

Especially since this was a live debate, the moment he showed signs of hesitation, his approval rating would shift to the ruling party.

“Our party will also announce that it will not run in Nowon-gu. Wouldn’t the politics of the Republic of Korea develop healthily only when a great person like candidate Choi Jae-seok enters the National Assembly?”

The opposition party candidate quickly declared that he would not be nominated for Nowon-gu.

It was painful to be nominated without nomination in a place that was like the opposition party’s stronghold, but there was no need to regret it because you could reap greater benefits if you were elected president.

“I am now leaving. Please do not let the Republic of Korea be divided.”

Candidate Choi Jae-seok stands up after saying his final greetings.

The two candidates applauded loudly as if they were pushing his back.

* * *

An annex to the restaurant run by Captain Kang.

We filled the table with healthy foods and even prepared various types of alcohol for candidate Choi Jae-seok, who returned from the big event of resigning as a presidential candidate.

“Thank you for your hard work. It may not have been an easy decision, but thanks to your quick decision, the situation has become much more favorable.”

“I still don’t know if it was a good decision. We are receiving hundreds of protest calls a day, not only from within the party but also from supporters.”

Sudden resignation of candidate.

Since the candidate resigned shortly before the presidential election, his supporters must have been greatly shocked.

So, of course, there would be complaints, but on the contrary, there were many more people supporting his choice.

“An analysis of public opinion shows that there is a higher response to support candidate Choi Jae-seok’s choice. In particular, it resonated deeply not only with voters who support the National Economy Party, but also with moderates and supporters of the two major parties.”

“They may give a positive response now, but when the next presidential election comes, these people will eventually return to the party they support.”

“You only need to grab 1% of them. In a close race like now where the difference is 1%, if you can get 1% of the voters of the other party, you will definitely win.”

Icon of unity.

This was the image of candidate Choi Jae-seok that many people, including the media, thought of.

Of course, we put a lot of effort into creating that image.

However, we did not have the ability to create something from nothing, and we were able to create such an image thanks to candidate Choi Jae-seok’s bold decision.

“First of all, I plan to focus on the by-elections that will be held next year. Isn’t it too far until the next presidential election? So, we need to steadily achieve the goals in front of us first.”

“Aren’t there promises made in broadcast debates? The two major parties will not be able to break promises made in live debates with viewer ratings exceeding 50%.”

Candidate Choi Jae-seok benefited in a way that even I could not have imagined.

Perhaps because he had lived in politics for a long time, he instinctively knew how to gain the maximum benefit.

“We have received promises from the two major parties, but I don’t know if they will keep their promises. The ruling party will give it to them as if it were the right choice since it is a disadvantaged constituency, but it will not be easy for the opposition party.”

“In the end, isn’t it a justification? Nowon-gu residents also watched the live debate, so candidate Choi Jae-seok has a justification.”

“I don’t know if the opposition party wins this presidential election, but if the ruling party succeeds in re-establishing power, the opposition party may do whatever it takes.”

That would be the case if there was nothing visible in front of you.

Even from the opposition party’s point of view, there was nothing good to be gained from squaring off with the National Economy Party.

“Then, if the National Economy Party joins hands with the ruling party, it becomes possible to amend the constitution. If it has more than 200 seats, the opposition party’s opinion can be ignored. So, the opposition party has no choice but to look at the opinions of the National Economy Party and candidate Choi Jae-seok.”

“Hehe, you’ll find out then.”

Is it because I feel like I have to wait another 5 years?

Candidate Jae-seok Choi’s complexion was becoming increasingly darker.

For him, I decided to show him a little bit of hope.

“The next presidential election may be held sooner than you think.”

“What do you mean? The presidential election will be held quickly?”

“According to Taewoo Group’s analysis, we believe there is a high possibility that the ruling party candidate will be elected. If that happens, the ruling party will be in for a big fight.”

Candidate Choi Jae-seok also nodded and agreed with what I said.

There were two factions in the ruling party, and power struggles between the factions were always going on.

“The forces of the last administration and the forces of this administration will fight to take the lead. That does not mean that the presidential election will be brought forward.”

“Of course, it is right now. But if the president makes a big mistake, impeachment may occur.”

The word impeachment was brought up.

The word impeachment was not an unfamiliar word in Korea.

As a result, the impeachment failed, but the impeachment process was carried out.

“Once is difficult, twice is easy. The president is not someone who cannot be brought down as before. If an incident occurs that will anger the majority of the people, he can lose his presidency at any time.”

“I see that’s what happens at Taewoo Group.”

“If the ruling party strongly supports the president, impeachment will be difficult, but if it is divided into two factions like now, the possibility is very high.”

“I think that’s very unlikely.”

Is that really true?

If the ruling party candidate wins.

The Republic of Korea would face another impeachment situation.