Chapter 17
We headed to the NIS (National Intelligence Service) in a heavily tinted car.
I entered a room that looked like an interrogation room straight out of a movie.
“Have a seat.”
His tone seemed polite, but it didn’t sound very pleasant. It was as if he was trying to intimidate me. When someone speaks politely yet sounds rough, most people would feel that way.
But not me.
“Can I have some water?”
The NIS Deputy Director’s eyelids twitched.
“Do you know where you are?”
“The NIS, right?”
“And yet you’re asking for water? You were brought in under suspicion of violating the National Security Act.”
“It’s just a suspicion. Nothing has been confirmed yet, right?”
“You have no fear, do you? Do I need to get violent to scare you?”
It felt like this place still operated the same way.
“Am I supposed to be scared?”
“Because you broke the law.”
“What exactly did I break?”
“The National Security Act.”
Is he deliberately being vague?
“I’d like you to specify exactly what part of the law I violated.”
“You met with a communist.”
I scoffed.
“You’re laughing? Did you just laugh?”
“Can you take responsibility for what you just said?”
“What?”
“It sounds like you’re trying to frame me as a spy for meeting with a communist… If the person I met finds out about this accusation, what do you think will happen?”
“Are you threatening the NIS right now?”
The Deputy Director shouted.
“They say when you’re at a disadvantage, you raise your voice first.”
The Deputy Director was becoming more and more annoyed by Lee Seon-su.
The Deputy Director had been ordered to intimidate him appropriately, but under no circumstances was he allowed to resort to violence. Lee Seon-su seemed to know that and was acting accordingly.
Bam!
The Deputy Director kicked the desk.
“Do you really wanna die?”
It seemed impossible to have a proper conversation with him.
“Can you call the Director of the NIS? If not, then the Minister of Foreign Affairs. If that’s not possible, then even the Russian ambassador would do.”
The Deputy Director was stunned.
“Are you saying I’m not qualified to talk to you?”
“I’m not saying you’re not qualified; I’m saying I want to meet someone with decision-making power. Ah, and I’ll let the Russian ambassador know about this situation and cancel all negotiations if necessary.”
Mentioning the Russian ambassador was a direct threat.
Surely, someone must be watching and listening to this situation right now.
“Stop saying things that are impossible to accommodate. Who did you meet in St. Petersburg? What instructions did you receive?”
“So, you’re really trying to frame me as a spy?”
Is this a battle of willpower? Or have they truly given up?
Whatever it is, I don’t think this will work out the way it’s going.
“Please call a lawyer. I’m invoking my right to remain silent.”
“A lawyer? You really don’t understand the situation, do you?”
The Deputy Director looked at the agent standing by the door.
“Grab him.”
The agent approached and seized both of my arms.
Another agent put on leather gloves.
“Do you know that we can cause pain without leaving a mark?”
At the Deputy Director’s words, the agent in gloves raised his fist to strike the area between my neck and shoulder—the trapezius muscle. It’s a spot that can cause intense pain without leaving any traces.
The agent’s arm went up.
And as it came down swiftly toward my trapezius muscle—
“Stop!”
The punch barely touched me. There was no pain.
The Deputy Director shook his head.
“You didn’t even blink. Not scared at all.”
The Deputy Director gestured, and the agent released my arms.
The Deputy Director sat down across from me.
“Mr. Lee Seon-su, what we want to know is why you joined forces with communists.”
It seems like they still think of Russia as a communist state, just like the Soviet Union.
It’s understandable.
It hasn’t been long since the Soviet Union dissolved and became Russia. Just a few years ago, it was considered an enemy with whom it was impossible to associate.
That perception doesn’t change easily.
“What orders did you receive? Have you ever met with any North Koreans?”
I understood what the NIS was concerned about.
Or maybe they were just exploring all possibilities.
I could see where they were coming from. This is what intelligence agencies do.
But I felt like we were wasting time on such a trivial matter.
I have something to say that would bring in the person behind that mirror.
“Russia will not provide arms or technology support to North Korea. As long as the negotiations go well.”
The Deputy Director’s eyes widened.
“What did you just say?”
He couldn’t believe it. The Soviet Union had been one of North Korea’s biggest supporters.
And Russia, as the successor state to the Soviet Union.
Even though it had become a different country, many believed that the essence hadn’t changed.
The Deputy Director shared the same view.
Yet, here I was, saying that Russia would stop supporting North Korea.
“Russia appreciates the loans South Korea provided. And they feel sorry that they haven’t been able to repay them due to the economic situation.”
That’s a lie.
Neither Putin nor anyone else felt sorry.
But you get good words back when you use good words.
“I was thinking of ways to repay the 1.47 billion dollars. One of them is to stop supporting North Korea.”
This was one of the conditions that the South Korean government obtained in 1995, but now I had to make it seem like it was something I had achieved.
“Oh! Of course, it was my proposal to Russia.”
The Deputy Director’s shoulders seemed to droop slightly.
His spirit had been broken.
“Are you telling the truth?”
“Would I come all this way just to lie? The Russian ambassador to South Korea would have informed you that I have full authority, right?”
Beep.
[Deputy Director, that’s enough. Escort him to my office.]
I knew someone would step in.
“Yes, Director.”
Director? Does that mean the NIS Director?
“Please, get up.”
The Deputy Director’s tone and behaviour became more respectful.
He even opened the door for me.
***
The place the Deputy Director took me to was, as expected, the office of the NIS Director.
When I entered, two people were already there.
“I’ve brought him, Director.”
Both of them stood up from the sofa.
One of them approached me.
“I’m Kim Seong-woong, Director of the National Intelligence Service.”
He extended his hand.
No reason not to shake it.
“I’m Lee Seon-su.”
The other person also approached.
“I’m Lee Han-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
He extended his hand as well.
A show of goodwill, huh.
I shook his hand too.
“Please, have a seat.”
The NIS Director and the Foreign Minister sat on the sofa with me.
The NIS Director spoke first.
“Is what you said earlier true?”
“If you’re referring to Russia’s commitment to not provide weapons and technology to North Korea, yes, it’s true.”
The Director’s face contorted strangely.
He looked like he wanted to express joy but was holding it back.
“Minister, what do you think of Mr. Lee’s statement?”
“Considering what Ambassador Petrov said, there’s a high possibility it’s true.”
Minister Lee Han-se had met with Petrov, the Russian ambassador to South Korea.
He was told that any condition Mr. Lee presented could be regarded as Russia’s intent.
He asked who exactly Mr. Lee was and why he was given the authority to negotiate.
But Petrov simply said that he was following the orders of the central government and didn’t know more than that.
“That means there’s no way Mr. Lee could be associated with North Korea.”
Naturally.
Someone who prevents the supply of weapons and technology to North Korea being accused of being a North Korean spy?
Unless North Korea wanted to kill him, that is.
“We should inform the President about this.”
The NIS Director’s suggestion made the Foreign Minister nod.
“Of course. Weakening North Korea’s power is a big deal.”
“There doesn’t seem to be any other suspicion or charges against him. I believe the NIS has no further business here. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should take over Mr. Lee’s case.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
These people…
Who do they think they are to decide when this ends?
“Do you really think the NIS has no more responsibilities here?”
The Director, who was about to stand, stopped.
“What do you mean?”
“Shouldn’t the NIS protect those who are involved in matters related to national security?”
The NIS Director was taken aback.
“Are you asking for protection? From whom?”
“I was almost arrested at the airport, remember?”
“Oh! You’re talking about the complaint filed by Samdo General Trading.”
The NIS Director didn’t want to get entangled with Samdo Group.
He would soon be leaving the NIS.
The regime had changed recently. He was appointed by the previous administration.
Naturally, he was scheduled to be replaced by someone from the current regime.
Once he left the NIS, he’d just be an ordinary citizen.
“That matter isn’t related to national security.”
He doesn’t want to get involved?
Who said he could decide that?
“Then I’ll be arrested, and the negotiations with Russia will be over. Since it’s not related to national security.”
“……”
The NIS Director couldn’t respond.
At that moment, the Deputy Director, who had been standing behind, stepped in.
“Director, Prosecutor Park Hoon proceeded with the indictment at the request of Samdo General Trading. He obtained the warrant through unjust means.”
So, they have evidence, huh.
“I believe it was a wrongful act.”
“Look, Deputy Director. But still, this isn’t our business to intervene, is it?”
“Director, it is. This is about preventing North Korea from receiving weapons and technology. The authority to make that decision lies with Mr. Lee here.”
They say the real power in the NIS lies with the Deputy Director.
In a way, it’s true.
The Director changes with every administration, but the Deputy Director, who is responsible for operations, rarely changes.
“So, you’re saying we should get involved?”
“If Mr. Lee or Mr. Lee Jeong-seok were actually guilty, intervening would indeed be a problem. However, based on our analysis, neither Mr. Lee nor Mr. Lee Jeong-seok have committed any crimes. This would mean sacrificing national interests for the benefit of a single conglomerate. Director.”
The NIS Director had nothing more to say.
“Do as you see fit. I’m going to report to the President.”
The Director got up and left the office, visibly annoyed.
The Deputy Director then approached me.
“Allow me to formally introduce myself. I’m Kim Yeong-do, Deputy Director of the NIS.”
“Oh, yes.”
It’s awkward to see someone who was hostile a moment ago suddenly acting so respectful.
“I apologize for my behaviour during the interrogation. We had to be cautious.”
“I understand.”
Now that it seems like he’s on my side, I should be understanding.
“I will handle Prosecutor Park Hoon and Executive Director Lee Min-sik myself.”
“Who?”
“Prosecutor Park Hoon and Executive Director Lee Min-sik.”
Since it was Samdo Trading that filed the complaint, I didn’t even consider Executive Director Lee Min-sik.
“Executive Director Lee Min-sik is a key figure in Samdo Group, isn’t he?”
He indirectly referred to him as part of the royal family.
“Even if he’s a key figure, I believe there is nothing more important than national security. If Samdo Group raises an objection, I will put everything on the line and face them head-on.”
This was Deputy Director Kim Yeong-do’s genuine intent.
It was an opportunity to weaken North Korea. And that opportunity was in Lee Seon-su’s hands.
Lee Seon-su could do something that even the entire NIS couldn’t accomplish.
“That’s reassuring.”
“Thank you.”
While he said this because he found it reassuring, he was also grateful for the opportunity that Lee Seon-su brought.
“Minister, would you like to continue this conversation here with Mr. Lee, or should we move to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be better.”
Who do they think they are?
“I just arrived today, so I’m a bit tired. Getting dragged here has been quite stressful as well. Let’s have the conversation in a few days.”
Minister Lee Han-se forced a smile.
“Haha, I see. Please, go home and rest well today, and I’ll contact you tomorrow.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Minister.”
“No, not at all.”
Deputy Director Kim Yeong-do spoke politely.
“Mr. Lee, let’s go. I’ll escort you.”
“Yes.”
I followed Deputy Director Kim Yeong-do outside.
Minister Lee Han-se came along as well.
Then, with the protection of the NIS, I went home.
***
Meanwhile, at the Blue House…
“Is what you just reported true?”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
“Heh.”
President Lee Sam-yeong could hardly believe what he was hearing from the NIS Director.
“A private citizen accomplished something the government couldn’t?”
“It seems that way.”
“Hmm.”
He hadn’t even been in office for a year.
Yet this could become an achievement for the new administration.
It seemed likely that public support would increase.
“Did you say his name was Lee Seon-su?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“He has done a great service for the country and its people.”
“It wasn’t solely for the sake of the country and its people. He has conflicts with Samdo Group. He attached a condition to resolve that matter.”
“Samdo Group? How should we resolve that? Should the government mediate between a company and an individual?”
“It’s not mediation. Samdo Group has filed a lawsuit.”
“What for?”
“They claim he took corporate secrets and used them for his own business.”
“Is that true? Are you saying he’s a criminal?”
“It hasn’t been proven yet. According to NIS analysis, it seems that Mr. Lee is innocent.”
“I see.”
President Lee briefly wondered what to do if Mr. Lee turned out to be a criminal.
But then he realized that even if Mr. Lee was a criminal, he would have to help him no matter what.
Even if it meant using his presidential pardon authority.
That’s the only way Russia would refrain from providing weapons and technology to North Korea.
“Director Kim.”
“Yes, Mr. President?”
“Give Mr. Lee all the assistance he needs.”
The NIS Director was momentarily confused.
“From now on, I’m counting on you to handle things well at the NIS.”
The NIS Director blinked in confusion.
“Does that mean…?”
“Remain as the NIS Director.”
He was telling him that he wouldn’t appoint a new director.
Just when it seemed like his time was up…
Thanks to Mr. Lee, he could remain in his position.
“Make sure Mr. Lee never gets exposed. Who knows what North Korea might do.”
“Of course, Mr. President.”
Suddenly, the NIS Director felt grateful toward Mr. Lee.
***
Meanwhile, in the Prosecutor’s Office…
“Prosecutor Park Hoon?”
Suddenly, people stormed into his office.
“We’re from the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office.”
Prosecutor Park Hoon instantly knew he was done for.
“Please, come with us.”
Prosecutor Park had one thought that came to mind.
‘I should have backed out when the NIS got involved.’
He hadn’t realized he’d buttoned the wrong button right from the start.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Comment