Chapter 98

EP 17 - The Minister is Too Strong (1)

Clank.

I put down the spoon on the empty plate in front of me. A sumptuous feast, rare in today's world, had passed by in about 40 minutes.

Of course, I couldn't really eat properly.

“Well, our Minister...”

“It’s really a shame that our floor leader lost his position...”

It was all because of two middle-aged men.

“Haha...! Now that you mention it, you’re right. We’ve taken away a big figure from the National Assembly!”

“I have faith that even without my supervision, he will handle things wisely.”

Minister Yoo Jae-kyung and Governor Cheong Jung-yeop stuck to me as if they were feeding me side dishes with their chopsticks. The seating arrangement was particularly unfortunate.

Surrounded by the President at the head of the table, the Deputy Prime Minister across from me, and the Governor of Jeju Island next to me, I finished my meal. I wasn’t sure if my digestion would be fine.

Feeling a burning thirst, I poured a glass of mung bean juice down my throat, worrying about indigestion, when...

“Alright, it seems the meal is almost over...”

Yang Pan-seok brought up the main topic.

“Let’s have a light conversation about the transition committee.”

* * *

If you were to pick the most powerful entities in South Korea, there are always a few that are mentioned.

From the four major power institutions (prosecution, police, National Tax Service, National Intelligence Service) to the special prosecutor appointed by bipartisan agreement, and the ace hound team of the State Affairs Adjustment Office—Fair Trade Commission and Financial Services Commission.

Of course, the chaebols are included as well.

However, there was one organization in South Korea that transcended all these powers.

“I have roughly outlined the transition committee’s policy.”

The Presidential Transition Committee.

As the name suggests, it is a committee that prepares for the smooth transition of the elected candidate to the presidency.

However, the reality of the transition committee is more like an occupying force rather than a 'transition' committee. This is especially true when the relationship between the former and current presidents is poor.

The main tasks of the transition committee include dismantling the former president’s strategic projects, restructuring various government agencies, subjugating the prosecution, and beheading the heads of various departments in front of the cameras. Anyone who makes a living in Yeouido (the political district) knows how powerful the transition committee is.

Especially for civil servants, it is a terrifying existence.

This is because one of the main tasks of the transition committee is to restructure government departments. In other words, the place where they have worked for decades could be downgraded from a department to a bureau, or even disappear into thin air.

Moreover, most elected candidates usually start their term by cutting heads to show their power.

However,

“I plan to take measures to avoid phrases like 'clearing out the old guard' or 'judging the old ways' from the transition committee.”

Yang Pan-seok seemed to want to start his term without a sword dance.

“It’s time to tackle the current national issues step by step, not to fight over rice bowls. That’s my thought. Therefore, I plan to start with practical work first, putting aside political matters. I will need a lot of help from all of you to do this. Yes, indeed. Hehe...”

I nodded reflexively.

The elected candidate said that if he were to fail, he would be dead. What could anyone do? Praises for his wise words echoed from all corners.

“Wise words!”

“Um! Um! I feel relieved to hear the elected candidate say that.”

“I agree!”

Yang Pan-seok smiled.

I watched him from the side, inwardly admiring him. Indeed, in a situation of political conflict, it’s a good choice to attack the former president. However, this was not a Cold War situation between the ruling and opposition parties.

Nominal leader Won Ok-bun and Yang Pan-seok were both from the National Defense Party, and a coalition government had been established, so there was no conflict between the National Party and the National Defense Party.

Most importantly, Won Ok-bun was a politician who received overwhelming support from the Republican faction within the National Defense Party. If Yang Pan-seok were to attack Won Ok-bun, there was a risk that the National Defense Party would split again.

So, this was a very clever move. I nodded in agreement.

“So, let me tell you this.”

Yang Pan-seok made a brilliant move.

“I plan to award the Grand Order of Mugunghwa to former acting President Won Ok-bun.”

The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest-ranking medal in South Korea.

Yang Pan-seok smiled gently and spoke as if soothing the surroundings.

“Although it is usually awarded to the President and First Lady, given its purpose of recognizing contributions to national development and security, I believe former acting President Won Ok-bun is fully qualified.”

What could anyone do when the elected candidate said he would award a medal? Praises for his wise words echoed from all corners.

“Wise words!”

“Um! Um! I feel relieved to hear the elected candidate say that.”

“I agree!”

Who would dare to criticize the elected candidate’s plan to start his term with a medal of reconciliation and cooperation? Everyone nodded in agreement, and Yang Pan-seok continued with a cheerful smile.

“In the same vein, I plan to appoint Minister Yoo Jae-kyung as the Prime Minister and Secretary-General Seok Jae-bong as the Chief of Staff. What do you think?”

“...”

“...”

“...”

The most awkward silence in the world followed.

“......”

“......”

“......Wow!”

The silence lasted about 2.5 seconds, but its presence was extremely strong.

“Wise words!”

“Ah, um. I feel relieved to hear the elected candidate say that.”

“......Ah, yes. I agree.”

The atmosphere became tense due to the sudden exercise of personnel authority.

This was because both the Prime Minister and the Chief of Staff were positions close to the second-in-command of the country.

Why are there two second-in-commands? Simply put, the Prime Minister is the second-in-command in the light, and the Chief of Staff is the second-in-command in the dark.

First, the Prime Minister oversees the cabinet ministers. Additionally, he has the power to discipline the chaebols through the Fair Trade Commission and the Financial Services Commission, which are directly under the State Affairs Adjustment Office.

For reference, the Fair Trade Commission is where a single clerk can cause a commotion in mergers and acquisitions between large corporations, and the Financial Services Commission commands the notorious Financial Supervisory Service.

Of course, all of this is possible only if the President values the Prime Minister. Otherwise, he becomes a mere figurehead. And most Prime Ministers have been figureheads.

However, Yoo Jae-kyung is different.

"Minister Yoo Jae-kyung will practically oversee the national administration. I also believe he is the most suitable person for the task of reviving the economy."

In the early stages of the crisis, when all high-ranking officials had died, Yoo Jae-kyung was the one in the government, just as Cha Jae-gyun was in the military.

Before the crisis, he had influence over all government departments and a good grasp of their situations, thanks to his position as the Director of the Budget Office in the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Ultimately, he was recognized for his abilities and led the government complex in Sejong.

The government complex in Sejong is a building 3.6 kilometers long, which can be considered a small village of civil servants.

Considering that most government departments are located in Sejong and that Yoo Jae-kyung led them, he had been practically performing the role of Prime Minister from the early stages of the crisis.

Moreover, he had performed a similar role during Won Ok-bun’s term, so his control over the national administration was nearly 100%. Therefore, unless Yang Pan-seok openly attacks him, Yoo Jae-kyung will not become a figurehead.

Additionally, the Chief of Staff, the second-in-command in the dark, is a powerful position.

While the Prime Minister becomes a figurehead if not loved by the President, the Chief of Staff can only be someone the President loves.

The Chief of Staff commands all senior secretaries from the shadows. Although they are called secretaries, the Chief of Staff is at the ministerial level, and the senior secretaries are at the vice-ministerial level. Therefore, the President’s Office itself can be considered a government department.

In particular, the Chief of Civil Affairs is the President’s enforcer, coordinating the five major investigative agencies. The Chief of Staff is the direct superior of this top enforcer in South Korea.

So, what did Yang Pan-seok mean by his words?

What does Yoo Jae-kyung as Prime Minister and Seok Jae-bong as Chief of Staff signify?

“In such a situation, I believe it is unwise to make significant changes to the national administration. I hope that Minister Yoo Jae-kyung, who has been overseeing the cabinet, will take on the role of Prime Minister, and Secretary-General Seok Jae-bong will become the Chief of Staff, to manage the existing personnel well. Given their outstanding abilities, I am not particularly worried... Hehe.”

First, using former officials to unify public opinion,

and practically, by showing that he values the high-ranking officials under Won Ok-bun, he is telling me that to gain his favor, one must show results, not just connections.

As a result, the expression of Governor Ji Hui-gap of South Jeolla Province deteriorated in real time, and the expressions of some other officials were not bright either.

On the other hand,

“Heavy responsibilities, but I will do my best.”

I noticed that Yoo Jae-kyung, who bowed with a stiff expression, had a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. Seok Jae-bong, the Secretary-General, now the Chief of Staff, was the same.

However, regardless of others' expressions, whether they were bitter or sweet, Yang Pan-seok continued to smile and outline the direction of the national administration.

All of his proposals were very unconventional.

1. Defense Reform

“Since the gates are more like a disaster than an invasion, I believe adaptability is more important than strategy. Therefore, I will revive the military district system and delegate full authority to three military district commanders for immediate response. The commanders for the Chungcheong, Gangwon, and Capital Military Districts will be General Kim Doo-sik, Lieutenant General Yoo Hyun-jong, and Chairman Kang Eui-sik of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, respectively.”

Appointing military district commanders with full authority for each region.

2. Government Reform

“I will minimize the transition committee’s other divisions and focus all efforts on the State Affairs Adjustment Division. Given the serious issues of human resources, budget, and efficiency, I will reduce the 18 departments to 12. The Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Education will be merged, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification will be merged, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy will be merged, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor will be merged...”

Reducing government departments due to the death of civil servants and lack of funds.

3. Four Major Strategic Projects

“I will implement four major strategic projects for people’s livelihood. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport will handle national reconstruction, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs will handle food self-sufficiency, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will handle maritime defense, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare will handle national healthcare.”

Ensuring basic needs and security.

4. Superhuman Reform

“I will promote the Fifth Industrial Revolution. I will stake the nation’s survival on the Superhuman Management Department. This includes the trade of magical stones, superhuman research, superhuman development, and the establishment of an international organization led by awakening agents. All the remaining personnel from the mergers and closures of government departments will be selectively assigned to the Superhuman Management Department.”

As the conversation progressed, Yang Pan-seok’s smiling face gradually turned into a blank politician’s face, and the ease and humor in his voice disappeared, leaving only the charisma of a leader.

"Do you understand?"

"......"

"......"

Thus, only Yang Pan-seok’s voice echoed clearly in the room. No one dared to speak.

In the cold atmosphere, Yang Pan-seok gave a cold order.

“Therefore, I will appoint a special chairman for the Superhuman Management Department in addition to the formal chairman of the transition committee.”

This was a clear warning to anyone who might have complaints.

In the silence, Yang Pan-seok reached for the bottle of mung bean juice and poured it into his cup, then drank it leisurely to quench his thirst.

“Ahem...!”

Until he wiped his mouth with a tissue, no other noise could be heard except for the sounds of his actions.

When the high-ranking officials were even holding their breath,

“Han Seung-moon, special chairman?”

Yang Pan-seok smiled.

“Yes.”

“I will give you two weeks.”

The President’s order was issued.

“Prepare a workplace for the next five years on your own.”

*

Five years as a minister.

In South Korea, ministers are often seen as disposable shields, and those who serve for more than two years are considered long-serving.

Moreover, I need to run in the next general election. I have to resign as a minister about 90 days before the election, and I don’t think Yang Pan-seok is trying to ruin my career as a National Assembly member.

So, does this mean he will call me back to the cabinet after I win re-election?

This is unprecedented.

Moreover, the scale of the Superhuman Management Department was larger than I had imagined. While power is certainly a good thing, unfortunately, I am someone who has realized how troublesome the responsibility that comes with power can be.

Thus, I was lost in thought, filled with both expectations and worries.

“Alright, that’s it for today. Let’s arrange another meeting next week.”

Yang Pan-seok smiled and ended the meeting.

“This is not something to be decided in a day or two, so I hope you all will think it over carefully and share your insights by then.”

Today’s meeting was more like a presentation of Yang Pan-seok’s national administration. Various interests and political calculations must have been swirling in people’s minds.

However, I stood up with a worried expression, slowly picking up my cane. I should buy a can of beer on the way back to soothe my throat.

However.

“Ah, Seung-moon.”

It seemed that today’s drinking would have to be postponed.

“Why don’t you join me for dessert?”

A few people who were leaving the room flinched.

Regardless, Yang Pan-seok calmly smiled and poured mung bean juice into his cup.

I watched him blankly and then spoke.

“...Isn’t sugar dangerous at your age?”

“It’s fine as long as it tastes good.”

Yang Pan-seok’s expression remained unchanged, but I noticed his hand flinch.

“...If you like alcohol and cigarettes, and also sugar, you’re really going all out in life—”

“Take care of your health!”