I had planned to settle the complicated issues caused by the terror attacks, attend Hyunseong’s wedding, and then contact Kim Hakgwon about the North Korean matter.
But the fact that he contacted first ant Pyongyang had already inford the Blue House.
“Yes, Mr. President.”
― The call is late. I heard you had a hard ti in Arica?
“It wasn’t much trouble.”
I checked my watch—still about an hour left until Hyunseong’s wedding.
― Suddenly the North called, saying they would send an economic inspection team to Seoul. But they requested that when they return to Pyongyang, we also send our inspection team along with them—and that you accompany them. Did you hear anything?
So sudden? Was Kim Jongil moving unilaterally without consulting his aides? Faster than expected.
“No, sir. I did have business in the North, but I didn’t expect them to move this quickly.”
― Can you tell what it is?
“I’m sorry. It’s a matter that must remain confidential. If things proceed safely, I’ll explain then.”
Silence lingered on the other end, until he finally replied.
― ...Very well. In any case, in about two months the North’s inspection team will co down. When they return, you can accompany our team to Pyongyang.
“Thank you.”
― I don’t know what it is, but I trust it won’t harm our national interest.
There was a subtle note of expectation in his voice.
“Yes, Mr. President. It won’t be a bad thing for you either.”
― Since you never speak lies, I’ll believe you. But tell —did you hear anything in Arica? I hear the U.S. Forces Korea is still on high alert.
The U.S. had not yet formally declared war on Afghanistan. Only small special forces had been deployed to the north.
The only country sharing intelligence must have been the U.K.
“I haven’t heard anything beyond what’s public. But surely the U.S., to preserve its pride, will attack soone as an example.”
― Let’s hope it’s not the North. Still, I was relieved when Chairman Kim Jongil quickly issued a statent.
“Chairman Kim knows how to read the room.”
We talked another ten minutes about international affairs, then ended the call.
When I stepped outside, Grandma was waiting, dressed up with care.
The sight brought a smile to my face.
“Grandma, you look so beautiful today.”
“Stop talking nonsense. Have you finished getting ready?”
Though she scolded , she was smiling.
Her reaction only made want to tease her more.
“What do you an? My grandma is still young and radiant—like a girl in her teens.”
“What are you saying. We’re late. Let’s go.”
“Alright, I’ll stop. Let’s go, Grandma.”
Embarrassed, she tapped my back a few tis to hurry along.
I finally stopped teasing and escorted her out.
Hyunseong and Kang Mijin were holding the wedding at a hotel in Busan.
Since she had few family or friends, they decided on Busan where Hyunseong’s relatives and acquaintances were many.
They rented out the hotel for several days to host it. It cost quite a lot, but with many guests coming from Seoul, it was a matter of security.
Inside, I saw familiar faces—neighbors we had lived alongside for years.
I sent Grandma toward them and went to greet Hyunseong’s parents and him.
“Father.”
“Oh, Muhyuk, you ca? Thanks to you, we can hold the wedding here. Where’s your grandma?”
“She’s talking with friends. Mother, you look wonderful in hanbok.”
Hyunseong’s mother, beaming, smiled even wider.
Finally, I patted Hyunseong’s shoulder.
“Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you.”
“Where’s Mijin?”
He glanced toward the bride’s waiting room.
“She’s in there. Go see her. She doesn’t have friends around, so she’s alone.”
The care in his tone made smile—this blunt man looking out for his bride.
“Alright. I’ll take Myungsoo with .”
“Thanks.”
Just then, a familiar voice rang out.
“Boss!”
Turning, I saw Eva entering in a bright outfit. I gestured her over.
“Perfect timing, Eva. Let’s go see Mijin together. Stay with her until the ceremony starts.”
“Okay! I’ll greet Hyunseong first.”
While she did, I looked for Myungsoo.
He was talking with soone at a distance.
“Myungsoo.”
He turned his head.
“Oh, Muhyuk. Just a mont.”
After finishing his talk, he walked over.
“Who was that? I don’t know him.”
“A local district assemblyman. Funny thing, he was here before . Look over there.”
At the entrance stood a wreath bearing the na “National Assemblyman Kim Geunho.”
“They’re always fast. Politics isn’t easy. Even the party leader almost ca—I barely stopped him. A scandal would do no good.”
“Good call. Where are the others?”
“They’ll arrive soon.”
I nodded. At least they’d make it before the ceremony.
Eva returned and greeted Myungsoo.
“Assemblyman Park, it’s been a while.”
“Indeed, Director Eva.”
“Introductions done, let’s see Mijin. When Minkyung arrives, she should keep her company too. Mijin had no friends co.”
Her father was in prison, and branded as the daughter of a serial killer, she had lived isolated at school.
Myungsoo, realizing this, nodded quickly.
“You’re right. Let’s go.”
The three of us entered the bride’s waiting room.
Seeing us, Kang Mijin in her wedding dress smiled.
“Mr. Muhyuk, Mr. Myungsoo. Director Eva too.”
“Oh my, Mijin, you’re beautiful!”
Eva sat by her, showering praise.
“With a wedding dress, anyone looks good.”
“No way. You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve seen.”
Blushing, Mijin lowered her eyes.
“Wow! Hyunseong really hit the jackpot.”
Myungsoo added with a laugh. Truly, she was lovely even in my eyes.
Too shy to overpraise, I teased instead.
“I agree. Congratulations, Mijin. Even if Hyunseong is like a bear, now it’s your duty to handle him.”
“Thank you, Mr. Muhyuk. For the ho, and for everything...”
Her eyes welled with tears.
“Mijin, don’t cry, you’ll ruin your makeup. It’s a happy day.”
Eva comforted her and shot a glance—leave.
Catching her aning, I called Myungsoo.
“Let’s go.”
“Huh? Oh, right.”
We stepped outside and found a quiet corner.
“Manager Ma, block access.”
“Yes, Boss.”
When it was clear, I spoke softly to Myungsoo.
“North Korea and the U.S. will soon begin peace talks.”
“What?”
He nearly shouted in shock.
“You’re saying now, in this climate, the U.S. and North Korea are talking peace? For real?”
I motioned for him to lower his voice.
“Yes. In a few months, the North will send an inspection team here. When they return, I’ll enter Pyongyang with them.”
“So the schedule moved up? It was supposed to be late this year or early next.”
I nodded.
“I heard it this morning from Kim Hakgwon. But I can’t fathom why the U.S. suddenly revived talks they had already rejected. What do you think?”
“...Hard to say without proper info. But if they chose this, it must an peace with the North benefits them more. Still, with Arica’s mood now, reconciling seems strange.”
I agreed.
Though I was in the ga, I felt like a chess piece on soone else’s board, unsure of the neocons’ real intent.
“War will break out soon.”
“Of course. The Republicans are in power, and Bush was attacked on Inauguration Day. That fury must be unleashed sowhere. After the wedding, I’ll hurry back to Seoul—we’ll be busy.”
The weight of “war” hit heavily in Korea.
“Keep the peace talks secret. And shape party policy to cooperate with Arica as much as possible.”
“Of course. Now’s no ti to oppose them.”
“The U.S. might ask Korea for troops too. No matter what, the Centrist Party must support deploynt.”
“That decision should co from Leader Yoon. Talk to him yourself.”
He shook his head—drawing boundaries.
“You really are a politician now.”
“I’ve been at it long enough.”
I laughed at his light joke.
Manager Ma approached.
“It’s ti ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) to begin.”
Checking my watch, indeed the ceremony was about to start.
Together we returned. I saw Oh Hyunwoo and friends greeting Hyunseong.
“Hyunwoo!”
Myungsoo called out happily. They turned, smiling.
After greetings, Oh Hyunwoo and Yoon Jaeha walked over.
“Where’s Minkyung?”
“She went to greet the bride. But it’s all groom’s guests here.”
Looking around, Yoon Jaeha murmured.
“Can’t be helped. You know why.”
All nodded. Mijin had told us her past when we t.
“I was shocked first at Hyunseong marrying, then again at learning who her father was.”
“She’s kind. That’s enough.”
“Exactly. She’s herself, not her father.”
We glanced at the bride’s side—so empty. It was sad.
But despite the worry, the wedding passed peacefully without incident.
Afterward, we all parted, agreeing to et in Seoul later.
Ti moved quickly after the wedding.
Before declaring war, the U.S. demanded the Taliban hand over Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.
They flatly refused.
Then Arica deployed carriers and naval power to the Indian Ocean.
Afghanistan’s neighbors, terrified, offered up territory.
They even threatened Pakistan: “If you don’t open the way, we’ll bomb you back to the Stone Age.”
Frightened, Pakistan betrayed the Taliban and opened its skies.
With all preparations complete, Arica began war with Afghanistan.
But in Korea, removed from that global storm, all was abuzz with the first visit of a North Korean high official since the Korean War.
At last, led by Park Namgi, the North’s economic inspection team arrived in Seoul.
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