A single car cut across the streets of Pyongyang.
But the traffic controllers didn’t stop it—if anything, they adjusted the signals to clear the way for the vehicle.
Inside sat Jang Songthaek, his expression stiff and frozen.
The car sped through the city and soon arrived at the Party headquarters.
Jang Songthaek stepped out, climbed quickly to the second floor, and pushed open the doors of the conference room.
Dozens were already waiting inside.
Every one of them was soone who walked around Pyongyang with considerable authority.
When Jang walked in, they all sprang to their feet.
“Director Jang—”
He raised a hand sharply, stopping their greetings.
Then he glared at the long table, his face burning with anger.
“What the hell are you doing!”
“Director Jang, please—sit first.”
A man urged him, but Jang glared back.
“Deputy Director Kim. Are you all gathered here because you want to die?”
“Please calm yourself... and take a seat.”
But this Kim, despite Jang’s fury, remained composed.
And that calmness only stoked Jang’s anger. His voice rose.
“Do you idiots not know what ti we’re living in? If more than four people gather, all of you—and I—can be executed by the Chairman!”
Jang had heard that high-ranking Workers’ Party officials were gathering at headquarters, and his heart nearly stopped.
That was why he rushed here imdiately.
If Kim Jongil learned of this eting, every person here—including himself—would be executed without question.
And yet, he could guess why they had gathered.
The nuclear test conducted recently had failed. Only a handful knew, but those in the upper ranks had learned the truth.
The official announcent declared it a success—but no one believed it.
“Please sit, Director Jang Songthaek.”
It was Kim Hyungseok, Director of the State Security Departnt, who urged him again.
Rumor said Kim Hyungseok was the one who had gathered everyone today.
Jang’s eyes sharpened.
“Kim, what the hell are you thinking?”
“Please—calm down and hear us out. Just listen to what we have to say.”
Jang glared as if he would kill him, but Kim t the gaze unflinchingly.
“If this is nonsense, you’ll die.”
“One life won’t change anything.”
Jang sighed heavily and sat down—naturally taking the head seat, still unoccupied.
He pressed his fingers to his forehead.
“If the Chairman learns about this eting, everyone here is dead. You knew that—and still ca?”
Kim Hyungseok nodded gravely.
“The current situation is abnormal. First, we must discuss counterasures—only then can we speak formally to the General.”
“To speak to him about what?”
“The nuclear test already ended in failure...”
“Who said that? Who said it failed?”
Jang denied it imdiately, but Kim continued calmly:
“We know enough to know the truth. Director Jang... this ti we crossed the line. China and Russia have turned their backs. You saw China’s reaction recently, didn’t you?”
“...”
China had always been North Korea’s final shield. If even China abandoned them, the country would wither and die in isolation.
“The UN ambassador contacted us. Sanctions are being prepared. And he warned—it will be worse than anything we can imagine. China and Russia have no choice but to vote in favor. All because of the nuclear test. We crossed the Maginot Line.”
“So what? Who’s going to bell the cat?!”
Jang raised his voice, trying to drown out the fear creeping into him.
“That is your role, Director. Only you can persuade the General on behalf of all of us.”
“You want to walk into a death trap?”
“...The General will not execute you. The people are starving, Director. If harsher sanctions pass, we all die. Not just the masses—we die too. If a popular uprising erupts? It’s over. For everyone in this room.”
Jang looked around the table.
Everyone seed aligned with Kim Hyungseok.
“So what is your plan? Abandon the nukes? Beg the Aricans?”
“If abandoning nuclear weapons is what it takes—yes.”
“And you think the military will sit quietly? Nukes ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) are their holy dream.”
Jang sighed deeply, rubbing his face.
“Director Jang, I am military myself. So of the people gathered here are as well. Not everyone supports nuclear developnt. If China truly abandons us, we cannot stop the United States. If that happens, every person in this room is finished.”
They wanted him to be the one to tie the bell around Kim Jongil’s neck.
If he refused now, when the ti ca to overthrow Kim Jongil, these people would absolutely not support him.
“One question. If the Chairman refuses to bend even then—what will you do?”
“In that case... we must take action.”
“What?”
Jang slamd the table.
“Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“Director Jang. I know.”
But Kim Hyungseok did not panic—he even seed to hint he knew sothing.
“...”
“Whether it would succeed is unclear. That is why you must persuade the General first.”
“...Fine. In that case, everyone except Director Kim, go ho and wait.”
At his words, everyone rose.
“We await your decision, Director Jang.”
They bowed deeply and left the room.
Only Jang Songthaek and Kim Hyungseok remained—silence weighing heavily between them.
Jang finally broke it with a sigh.
“You want to persuade the General to abandon the nukes?”
“If not that—then persuade China. You must go to China yourself.”
“...Why are you doing this?”
“I hear you are gathering people. I don’t know what you’re planning... but I believe I know. Even if persuasion fails, when that ti cos, everyone who gathered today will support you. But first—please try to persuade the General.”
Jang stared at Kim silently. There was no fear in the man’s eyes.
“You’re serious.”
“I am.”
“For yourself—or for the people?”
“For both. My safety matters—but so do the people.”
Kim t his eyes with unwavering resolve.
At this point, the arrow was already nocked on the bowstring. They could no longer turn back.
This eting would surely reach Kim Jongil’s ears. Perhaps it already had.
Going to him first was the only option.
Having made up his mind, Jang spoke with Kim for a long while.
“Fine. I’ll go. You—go ho and wait.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jang left without hesitation, and Kim bowed deeply.
* * *
Not long after, Jang arrived at the villa where Kim Jongil was staying.
“I request permission to speak with the Chairman.”
“Wait here.”
The attendant soon returned.
“You may enter.”
Jang stepped inside.
Kim Jongil sat at a small table connected to his bedroom—drinking. The table was piled with empty bottles.
“Director Jang! You’re here.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“So—what brings you at this hour?”
Jang swallowed dryly. The words refused to leave his throat.
“You look like you have sothing difficult to say. Co, sit.”
Jang walked carefully and sat opposite him.
Kim Jongil poured liquor into an empty glass and pushed it toward him.
“Drink first.”
Jang downed the harsh whiskey in one gulp. The burning in his throat eased his nerves slightly.
“Director Jang.”
“Yes, sir.”
“What did those reactionary bastards at Party HQ say to you? Did they tell you to bring their damned heads?”
Though his tone was calm, his eyes were murderous.
Of course he knew everything. Jang imdiately denied it.
“No, sir. I heard they gathered and dispersed them imdiately.”
“Then why did those rats gather? Tell .”
“...”
“Well? Speak.”
Jang finally opened his mouth heavily.
“...After the nuclear test, many were worried about China’s reaction. They said we must appease China. They also asked to persuade you, sir.”
“What? Persuade ?”
“Sir... I believe the sa. Without China, our republic has no future. If the United States invades, we cannot defend ourselves.”
Kim Jongil said nothing—only listened.
“The UN Security Council is convening. According to our ambassador...”
Jang went on at length, explaining the entire situation.
That either China must oppose the sanctions—or if they vote yes, they must secretly continue supporting North Korea.
“Director Jang.”
After listening quietly, Kim Jongil called him—using his na, not his title.
“I also received the reports. But tell —why borrow China’s power? If I show them the nukes I already have, everything ends. I may not reach Arica—but I can blow off the heads of the Southern bastards.”
“If war breaks out—our defeat is guaranteed.”
“Of course. I’ll die. You’ll die. Those reactionary bastards will die too. Not a bad outco.”
“Chairman...”
Jang pleaded desperately, but Kim Jongil was unmoved.
“So what is it you want? Are you telling to abandon the nukes? What is it you want to say?”
“If you will not abandon them—then at least bring China back to our side.”
“I don’t trust those Chinese dogs!”
Kim Jongil threw his glass. It flew past Jang’s ear and shattered against the wall.
“But—”
“Shut your mouth and listen!”
His eyes bulged wildly. It was clear his mind was not functioning properly.
“Tomorrow—fire a missile into the East Sea. Show the Aricans and those Chinese bastards our will!”
Jang felt the floor collapse beneath his feet.
He could no longer entrust the republic to this man.
Even if he failed and died—it was ti to act.
And in that mont, Kim Muhyuk’s confident face flashed through his mind.
After gaining everyone’s consent, Bo Yibo smiled and spoke to .
“Well? Will you join hands with to topple North Korea? Then you can carry out all the business you desire.”
“...”
“Why do you hesitate? Do you dislike the idea?”
It wasn’t a bad proposal for . But sothing felt off.
“What will you gain? No—what benefit does China gain?”
“Kim Jongil is unpredictable. But Jang Songthaek—we can reason with him. He will lead North Korea properly. Then North Korea and China can be brothers again. That alone is worthwhile. Left alone, North Korea will collapse anyway—whether we intervene or not. Better to put soone friendly to us in that seat with our own hands.”
Bo Yibo had clearly made up his mind.
But I could not allow them to take the initiative. I wouldn’t cook the porridge only for soone else to eat it.
“No. If China interferes directly in North Korea, the United States will intervene imdiately.”
Even if soone held the reins—they had to be my hands.
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