The Former Chaebol Heir Excels as President

Chapter 39: Turning Point for Reversal (2)

Kim Bu-seong had notified that he would not attend the TV debate hosted by the local public broadcaster. He must have judged that he had firmly seized the upper hand.

It was Sunday, so there was no need for a morning greeting.

Woo Ah-mi had gone to church for volunteer work, and I headed to the Senior Citizens’ Center with my staffer.

Securing the elders’ votes was crucial for victory.

“Candidate, the wind is slowly shifting. Can you feel it?”

“I’m definitely hearing fewer curses than before.”

“That’s what they call the wind. With just a bit more momentum, Kim Bu-seong will collapse.”

“We must make sure that happens. Let’s go in.”

As I stepped into the Senior Citizens’ Center, I bowed low, my head almost touching the floor.

“Hello, I’m Kang Cheonmyeong. I spent my school days around here, but now with the redevelopment, the neighborhood has changed quite a bit.”

Grandmothers playing Hwatu, grandfathers watching TV or sitting on sofas reading newspapers.

One of the grandmothers showed interest in me.

“You came because of the election, didn’t you?”

“Hello, it’s my first time greeting you.”

“You’re tall and good-looking.”

“I’m the third of four siblings. They say the third daughter gets taken away without even being seen. Isn’t it the same for the third son?”

“Is that so?”

“My mother had a very hard life. She used to shine shoes under the overpass in front of Jushin Theater. Before that, she cleaned buildings.”

Perhaps it was a sense of shared hardship.

The grandmothers sitting nearby scooted closer to me.

“She must’ve gone through a lot.”

“When I was born, both my mother and I were in danger. In a situation where she had to give up the baby to survive, my mother gave birth to me. The doctor said the baby wouldn’t make it, so he told her not to report the birth.”

“There were many cases like that back in our day. Quite a few died giving birth.”

“Thankfully, I survived after overcoming several critical moments. Because it was considered a life granted by the heavens, they named me Cheonmyeong.”

“So that’s what happened. You must be a very precious son.”

The grandmothers were deeply moved.

“My father passed away when I was in high school. My mother really struggled to raise us.”

“Oh my. Raising four children must have been so hard.”

“Now is the time to repay her, but since I’m in politics, I’ve become an unfilial son.”

“Why go into politics then? You look so neat and proper.”

The grandmothers genuinely lamented it.

It felt as if my mother’s life was reflected in theirs.

“Seeing you all reminds me of my late father. He would be around your age now. I carry the regret of not being able to be a filial son in my heart. That’s why I want you all to be joyful and happy.”

“Even without a father, you grew up well without bitterness.”

“When I look at my father’s photo, it feels like he’s telling me, ‘Do politics while being filial to the elders.’ Every time I see his photo, I engrave those words in my heart.”

I gave a deep bow and said,

“I will become a politician who serves mothers and fathers.”

Clap clap clap clap―

The elders in the Senior Citizens’ Center clapped their hands.

“Sing us a song.”

A grandfather seated on the sofa made the request.

If I wanted to win, I had to do everything.

“I can sing quite well. My younger sister is a singer, you see.”

“A singer? Who is she?”

“She doesn’t sing trot, but does music popular among the younger generation. I inherited some of her talent, so I sing decently. Let me sing one for you.”

I had practiced a few trot songs and even learned some dances for occasions like this.

— Pink lipstick on a cold glass cup

A festive night buried in music

While singing, I danced my heart out. Even my staffer took off his suit and shook his body in a trance.

“Well done! Great job!”

“Bravo!”

It was a whirlwind of excitement.

“You’re good. Sing one more.”

“Right. Just one song isn’t enough. One more!”

And so the next song began, and the Senior Citizens’ Center came alive.

Just as the song was ending, one of the grandfathers suddenly shouted.

“You there! You’re with the People’s Union Party, aren’t you?”

Seeing that he was holding a newspaper, he must’ve recognized me late.

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re the kind of guy who should be sent up North. What are you doing here?”

“I am a South Korean.”

“You’re pro-North!”

Changing the perceptions of the elderly was difficult.

Even if I couldn’t make them my supporters, I had to make sure they didn’t become enemies.

“Sir, I am a patriot who loves South Korea more than anyone. Please take a look at this.”

I approached the elderly man and showed him a photo of me doing river-crossing training during my military service.

Holding a rifle and crossing the river.

“If North Korea invades, I will be the first to risk my life and fight.”

I showed the next photo.

Shouting in nothing but underwear on the snow.

The grandfather beside me looked at the photo and responded knowingly.

“You were in the Special Forces Regiment. My nephew served there, so I know it well. You must have gone through a lot.”

“It’s something I was naturally obligated to do for the country.”

“Kim Bu-seong didn’t even serve in the military. I heard he didn’t go because of flat feet or something. This young man did it right.”

Even the grandmothers gathered around, smiling warmly as they looked at my photos.

“My son had a hard time in the military, too.”

“Reminds me of my grandson who enlisted. I wonder if he’s doing well.”

The atmosphere had shifted in my favor.

The elderly man who had picked a fight with me cleared his throat and muttered, perhaps not wanting to lose.

“I just don’t like your party.”

“Sir, I promise to serve you well. I remember the noble sacrifices made by elders like you who developed South Korea. My father passed away while working at Guro Industrial Complex. That’s why I want to be even more filial to our elders.”

“Is the party important? What matters is the person. I trust you.”

“I will work hard. I promise to do my best so you can live in comfort.”

I knelt and bowed deeply.

Each and every vote was that precious.

Even if they didn’t vote for me now, I had to make sure they would one day.

By the time I finished visiting the local Senior Citizens’ Centers and returned to the campaign office, it was a dusky evening.

There was no doubt the wind was blowing in our favor.

Leaders from the Marine Corps Veterans’ Association, the Saemaeul Organization, and the Veterans’ Association—groups categorized as conservative—had come to the office.

They were likely hedging their bets, but the once-cold atmosphere had definitely shifted.

I listened to their demands and sent them on their way.

“Whew. It was worth the effort. The mood is definitely turning. You remember the secretary from the Marine Corps Veterans’ Association we met earlier? Honestly, he holds more sway than the chairman.”

“Your advice has been a huge help. What you said about never giving up even if they’re not on our side—those words were spot on.”

“Both camps have already decided their votes. Winning the moderates depends on attitude. You’re doing great.”

“There’s not much time left. Hang in there.”

“If I go home having lost, my husband will beat me to death.”

By husband, she meant Representative Seong Chang-rae.

“We absolutely must win.”

“Tomorrow’s speech is crucial. It’s the chance to seize the upper hand definitively.”

“What do you think of my draft speech?”

“You’ve clearly read a lot—your writing is clean and resonant. Just focus on emphasizing the right points.”

“Looks like I’ll have to practice at home.”

“Let’s head in now.”

“You go ahead. I’ve got plans.”

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

After the staffer left, I looked at the campaign poster pinned to the wall.

[Kang Cheonmyeong]

The strategy was simple.

Raising name recognition came first, so the slogan just had my name.

From hundreds of photos, I picked the best one, and enlarged my credentials to reinforce the image of a successful businessman.

“I do look good, don’t I?”

Lost in self-admiration, I checked the time.

They should be here by now.

Tat-tak—tatatatak—

The sound of light footsteps on the stairs.

Soon, Ji Jeongseok and Song Min-chae entered.

“Welcome.”

“You look pale.”

“It’s fun.”

Song Min-chae placed a plastic bag with dumplings on the table.

“Even if you’re busy, make sure to eat. We’re doing all this to make a living, after all.”

“Thanks. Have a seat. I’ll get you coffee.”

“No need. I already ate.”

Ji Jeongseok and Song Min-chae sat on the sofa.

Having skipped dinner, I was starving. I ate the dumplings while listening to their conversation.

“Looks like Kim Bu-seong is underestimating you. Lately, he’s only been visiting organizations and paying no attention to the grassroots.”

“When I talk to residents, it seems neck and neck. Voter turnout will probably be the key.”

“He’s a three-term lawmaker, so his organization is probably solid. It’s going to be a tough fight.”

“Don’t you think the local people are feeling fatigue?”

With a furrowed brow, Song Min-chae looked at me and asked,

“How’s the vibe? Do you feel a surge?”

“A surge of what?”

“They say veteran politicians can tell if they’ll win just by shaking hands. Don’t you get that kind of feeling?”

“I’m not sure yet. But a lot of people are coming to the office.”

“People are gathering?”

Ji Jeongseok sounded slightly excited.

“From professional groups, social circles, alumni associations—they’re all coming.”

“The atmosphere doesn’t sound bad. Seems like the wind is blowing.”

“There are many to be thankful for. The neighborhood elders are giving a lot of support.”

“You earned the neighborhood’s goodwill. When each person acts like it’s their own election, it’s powerful. You might actually pull off a reversal!”

It was clear I was receiving more love than I deserved.

Not only Ddoli Stationery Owner and Daehwa Supermarket Lady, but even the merchants at Jinpung Market were helping like it was their own business.

“For their sake too, I have to win.”

“Our neighborhood vibe is good, but the area near the Han River is the problem. You live there, so you know, right?”

“They’re not exactly warm. I often hear things like, ‘Why is someone with so much money leaning that way? Are you doing politics for style?’”

Song Min-chae said with a bitter look.

“There are those ‘caviar leftists’ and ‘limousine liberals’ too. Why do the well-educated and successful people act that way?”

“How about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard there’s a partial strike.”

“Since it’s a presidential election year, the pressure is intense. We need to go hard, but we’re not unified.”

Ji Jeongseok shook his head in dismay.

“Reporters should be asking questions, but most are keeping their mouths shut. It feels more and more like we’re becoming stenographers.”

“You’re not wrong, so I can’t deny it.”

“You should quit and come work at our company. Issue Factory still has the spirit of journalism alive.”

Song Min-chae shot Ji Jeongseok a glare of disbelief.

Honestly, the idea of a YNT Deputy General Manager moving to a weekly magazine didn’t seem like a proper match.

“You’re seeing this way too simply.”

“I’m going to stick it out here to the end.”

“They’ll kick you out to some dead-end post.”

“Looks like Reporter Ji still doesn’t know me well. My nickname is Mastiff. Once I bite, I never let go.”

Mastiff.

It was something I had heard directly from Song Min-chae back in university when we did volunteer club activities together.

I remembered Song Min-chae walking over with a washbasin in one hand and a bucket full of water in the other.

“Jeongseok, be careful. Even back in school, Reporter Song wasn’t ordinary.”

“I do admit she’s got guts. Anyway, you’re clashing with Kim Bu-seong on the campaign trail tomorrow, right?”

“It’s a focused rally, so we’ll definitely clash.”

With a clenched fist, Song Min-chae asked,

“You’re confident, right?”

Of course.

Tomorrow, I plan to seize the upper hand with the power of my speech.

I grinned at Song Min-chae and said,

“I’ll be the mastiff.”