Chapter 30: The Time for Decision (2)
― Kang Cheonmyeong (currently CEO of NetinKorea), who grew up in a one-room unit in a shantytown, is a self-made man. He lived in a room barely three or four pyeong with six family members and delivered milk at dawn to help pay for school. Particularly, due to his fiery temperament that couldn’t tolerate injustice, he was once given an expulsion suspension.
This is media massage.
It wasn’t six people, it was four.
Of course, if you count the whole family, that might be true.
What do they mean by a fiery temperament?
Beating up Class President Oh Man-seok happened due to two coincidences.
I kept reading the article.
― He was born with a knack for business. In his first year of high school, he surprised the world by launching a new concept: a delivery agency business. The delivery app ‘Delivery Emperor’ that everyone uses today, in essence, began in 1987.
It actually started at the end of 1987, but the article makes it sound like I succeeded in my first year of high school.
― Delivering milk and working part-time at a lunchbox factory, even while under expulsion suspension, Kang Cheonmyeong ranked first in the entire school during midterms. Moreover, he showed no mercy to bullies. ‘A genius with a strong sense of justice’—that was Kang Cheonmyeong’s nickname during his school days.
Sure, one friend did call me that once.
‘A genius with a strong sense of justice’
But that was just one person.
― Kang Cheonmyeong, who served in the elite Garisan Special Forces under the 3rd Corps, was patriotic enough to receive three commendations during his military service. In addition, he supported orphanages, facilities for the disabled, international environmental organizations, and senior shelters—anywhere from 10 to nearly 20 years. He is also a humanist.
Why on earth did they publish this article?
That question was answered at the end.
― With six months to go before the general election, the major parties are racing to recruit talent. It’s only natural that they are salivating over Kang Cheonmyeong, the head of a global IT company. A person’s past shows the path they will walk. It is a trail of existence and pride. In that sense, Kang Cheonmyeong will be the best gladiator to call out the current administration’s failures.
It was so absurd I couldn’t even speak.
Why did Ji Jeongseok write such an article?
The cover, with its combative eyes, and the word ‘gladiator’ were a perfect match.
Just as I finished reading the article, a call came from Ji Jeongseok.
As soon as I answered, curses came flying.
“Are you crazy? Are you out of your mind?”
― Good timing. You’re at the office, right?
“Hey! How could you publish an article like this without my consent! You have to take responsib—”
― I’m coming up right now.
The call ended.
Of course, Ji Jeongseok had written multiple exposés on the current government’s corruption.
He said that was the mission of a journalist. But a journalist and a politician are entirely different professions.
Why is he trying to decide my future?
Knock knock―
“Come in!”
Ji Jeongseok walked in with a smirk.
There was no way I could be in a good mood.
“Do you think this is funny?”
“Sorry. You were overseas on a business trip, so I couldn’t reach you.”
“If you’re going to write an article, get your facts straight. Do I look like a god to you?”
“It’s all true. You did beat up the evil class president and vice president, you did rank first over Wang Dohun, and you succeeded in business at a young age.”
“You exaggerated. If you’re going to suck up, at least do it in moderation.”
“Everyone acknowledges that you’re a legendary figure in the IT industry. Since you’re going into politics anyway, you should make a glamorous debut.”
Ji Jeongseok sat down on the sofa.
“Give me a glass of water. I’m still a guest, so even if you can’t float a leaf, you should at least serve me cold water.”
“You’re unbelievable. Do you even have enough power to decide the magazine cover?”
“Our editor-in-chief is your fan.”
“Unbelievable…”
I took a drink from the fridge and handed it to him.
“This is why I hate the media. It’s all just tailored to their own taste.”
I remembered the journalists from my past life who pounced on me when they smelled blood.
“I’m sorry for not telling you, but I figured I should steer the direction since you’re considering politics. You seemed really conflicted.”
“Do I look like a democratization activist? I clearly told you then—it all happened while looking for my big brother.”
“Cheonmyeong.”
Ji Jeongseok’s voice grew calm.
“What?”
“You don’t belong with the Korea Unification Party. Your background, values, and dreams don’t align with them.”
“What are you saying?”
“Kind and good-hearted Kang Cheonmyeong. That’s how the people in your neighborhood remember you.”
“What does being kind and good-hearted have to do with politics?”
“I believe you haven’t changed, even after becoming rich.”
Honestly, I didn’t really hear what Ji Jeongseok was saying.
Only one photo kept floating in my mind.
The image of my face, showing a defiant glare while being beaten by riot police, would leave a strong impression on the public, and that would cement my identity.
Ji Jeongseok continued.
“Of course, I’m not a fan of the People’s Union Party either. Most Members of Parliament are obsessed with extending their term. But at least that party has more people who think like you. Without a power base, you can’t achieve a grand vision.”
“You’re my friend. Publishing the article without consulting me was clearly wrong.”
“I do feel sorry about that. But I hope you see it this way. If you want to become President, you’ll have to go through harsh scrutiny anyway. That’s why the opposition is the better choice. They’ll beat the dust out of you on a rainy day.”
How did this guy know my dream was to become President?
“Is being President my dream?”
“You’ve always aimed for the top and achieved your goals. Most politicians dream of the presidency. I think that’s only natural.”
Now that I thought about it, I may have once passionately spoken to Ji Jeongseok about how the country should change. It must have been while drinking. Did I mention the presidency then?
But that wasn’t what mattered now.
The moment my face was enshrined on the cover, I lost my freedom of choice.
“Thanks to you, I’ve only got one way out. You’re really a bastard.”
“There’ll come a day when you thank me. What’s certain is that conservatism has a tradition of not raising people.”
I wasn’t sure.
What was the right choice?
All I knew was that, standing at a fork in the road, one path was now blocked.
That evening, a discreet call came in.
I met with the General Manager of the People’s Union Party after receiving his call. The meeting place was a room at H Hotel.
He, who had a district in Chungcheong Province, said he had been staying at this hotel for a few days because of the National Audit.
“We’ve been watching you carefully, CEO Kang. I’ve been wanting to meet you, and then the article came out at just the right time.”
“Did you know I was interested in politics?”
“I wouldn’t have requested a meeting without reason.”
“Are you saying you heard things from around me?”
“We had to understand what kind of person CEO Kang is. You were under consideration as our second recruitment.”
Though I didn’t like that they investigated me, if I was to be number two, then vetting was only proper.
“Looks like I’m caught red-handed.”
“Taking an interest in social issues in your first year of high school is impressive. You need to understand the issues and think of solutions to be a leader.”
There was no point in telling the truth.
The moment my photo was enshrined in Donghwa Ilbo, I was trapped in the frame of a democratization activist. Ji Jeongseok’s article had shackled me so I could never escape.
“CEO Kang, I believe economic development is critical for national progress. That’s why our party is trying to recruit successful businessmen. Since you grew up in difficult circumstances, I imagine you also value welfare. I’ve heard you make many donations.”
He looked at me subtly, as if trying to understand my thoughts.
I spoke honestly.
“Economic growth is essential for expanding welfare. If welfare comes first, the next generation will inherit a living hell.”
“I agree. Your insight is what our party needs.”
I decided to trust Ji Jeongseok’s words.
The People’s Union Party, where I could build more allies.
The General Manager smiled and said,
“Time is valuable for you, so I’ll be quick. May I ask a few questions?”
“Go ahead. I’ll answer truthfully.”
“CEO Kang, are you conservative or progressive?”
“I pursue freedom and respect tradition. In that sense, I lean conservative.”
“From your background, it seems you’ve made great efforts toward social equality?”
“Conservatives also value the well-being of the community.”
The General Manager nodded and continued.
“Are you currently seeing anyone privately?”
“Is that an appropriate question to ask a married man?”
“I apologize. We have to eliminate anything that could become a problem. I hope you’ll understand.”
“There’s no one. If you mean someone I occasionally see, there’s Reporter Song Min-chae, a college classmate.”
The General Manager took notes.
“Which outlet is she with?”
“She works at YNT. We became close during our time in the volunteer club at university. She covers the economy now and occasionally asks for advice.”
“So you’re saying there are no romantic feelings involved?”
“That’s correct.”
“Have you ever had an affair?”
Why would he ask something like that?
The deep intrusion into my private life made me uncomfortable.
Reading my expression, he immediately apologized.
“If that made you uncomfortable, I apologize. Once the announcement of your recruitment goes public, the media will begin ruthless scrutiny. That’s the tough part of being with the opposition. If even the slightest flaw is found, they’ll pounce.”
I remembered what Ji Jeongseok had said.
That it’s better to go through rigorous vetting if I was aiming for the presidency.
He called it a preventive shot.
“No, I haven’t. Please continue.”
“How much is your total wealth?”
“Including stocks, real estate, vehicles, and cash, it should be around 600 billion won.”
“That’s immense. Any land?”
“I have no interest in land. There is a building under my wife’s name. It houses the office of the ‘Earth Research Institute,’ where she works.”
The following questions focused on whether I had violated the law, such as through address fraud, accounts under borrowed names, drug use, criminal records, or drunk driving.
I denied them all.
“Are all your answers so far true?”
“I swear on the name of my father in heaven.”
“You’ve never engaged in problematic behavior either, correct?”
“Of course. But if I’m recruited, will I be assigned to a district?”
“That I cannot say yet. The election is still more than six months away. There is a process.”
“I’m not interested in proportional representation. I’d prefer to be assigned to either my hometown, Wonju, or Yeongdeungpo, where I spent my childhood and adolescence.”
I had no intention of taking a spot on the proportional representation list. I wanted to be judged directly by the voters.
In both my previous life and now, ease or difficulty never factored into my decisions.
If it was meaningful, I pursued it no matter what.
I thought politics was the same.
He burst out laughing.
“You’re full of spirit. May I ask why?”
“If you write with chalk on a rock, it disappears quickly. But if you carve it with a chisel, it doesn’t.”
“Ha ha. You make a strong first impression. I’ll discuss it with the party and we’ll consider the best option.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you for choosing our party.”
He extended his hand, and I took it.
Indeed, a politician’s handshake felt different. Maybe it was the muscles built from frequent handshakes, but there was a strong energy to it.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m the one who’ll be asking for help. Let’s do well together.”
It was a kind of interview.
A month after meeting him, I got a call to come to the party.