Chapter 28: Counter-Coup (1)

Democracy or militarism, victory in war has a massive impact on a regime's support.With the spectacular success of Park Han-jin's gamble, my support base had become stronger than ever.

The military was obedient to me, and the government recognized my authority.

I was now confident I could do anything.

It was time for His Excellency Lee Sung Joon, the standard-bearer of national modernization.

First, there was a need to innovate the Empire into a country matching 'Western standards' policy-wise.

The first step was education reform.

"Koreans have the responsibility to receive 9 years of compulsory education."

Six years of elementary school, and three years of middle school.

At least 9 years of education was necessary.

I issued these directives to the Ministry of Education.

Civilian officials expressed their bewilderment at such orders.

"But, Your Excellency. We need a budget and teachers to build schools. We don't have such resources immediately…"

"Proceed even if it means increasing the number of students per teacher."

Just cram 80 students into one class, what's the problem?

If it's not possible, make it possible.

The officials nodded reluctantly at my forceful drive.

I also made it clear to the cabinet.

They would be held responsible if this education policy wasn't properly implemented.

After education policy came radio.

"The rate of national growth depends on how well policies are promoted. The Ministry of Communications is responsible for distributing radios to every household."

Nazi Germany, 'currently' our ally, was enthusiastic about distributing radios to every home.

It was a strategy aimed at public mobilization through national propaganda and improving support, but I wanted one more thing.

When people understand what the government intends to implement, policy execution becomes that much more efficient.

"Um, by when should we do this?"

"Start immediately."

The immobile imperial bureaucrats were the type who wouldn't move unless you kicked their behinds.

Next,

"It's time to start the war on corruption. Catch those worms eating away at the nation's hard-earned gains."

We disgraced Park Han-jin's military faction as corrupt profiteers and seized their assets, but they were just a part of this society's privileged class.

The deep-rooted corruption of chaebols and bureaucrats that had persisted for centuries remained.

I established an agency modeled after Hong Kong's ICAC1to deal with Korea's deep-rooted corruption problem.

I named it the Ministry of State Security2 .

The name alone exuded an aura of firing howitzers at criminals.

I also pushed various projects like the national enlightenment movement and rural modernization.

Where's the money for this, you ask?

From China of course! I spent ¼ of the Empire’s budget knowing we would get those sweet war reparations from the ching chongs.

While everything seemed to be going smoothly, it wasn't quite so.

As I pushed for intense reforms, voices of discontent began to rise domestically.

How dare these bastards try to obstruct my grand ideal of recreating this Empire-Republic of Korea.

I didn't leave such malcontents alone.

"Do you know what happens when a person has bamboo shoots driven under their fingernails?"

"Well, they'd suffer immensely, wouldn't they?"

"Indeed. And in that agony, they tend to start speaking the truth very quickly."

I had the Defense Security Command suppress the malcontents.

In fact, this wasn't a recommended method if dreaming of a democratic nation.

But I had no choice.

This country was abnormal, with citizens intoxicated by militarism.

Extraordinary means were necessary to reform and normalize public consciousness.

Like morphine used as a painkiller for cancer patients, Korea needed the medicine called DSC.

Does it sound too justifying?

Hmm. I admit that.

But isn't that how it always is?

Human psychology tends to point fingers at others' actions while being lenient on one's own.

I'm no different.

Of course, the National Salvation Military Committee strongly supported my policies.

They even demanded stronger measures.

"Your Excellency. The evils of this land have accumulated for over a thousand years. To sweep away those rotten groups cleanly, intense measures are needed. Please make a bold decision for reform."

Well, it was natural to hear such words from the quasi-Imperial Way faction3 I had nurtured as reformists.

"I understand what you're saying. But everything has its limits."

I controlled the dissenters while tightening the reins on the quasi-Imperial Way faction.

While I thought this was an appropriate level of reform intensity, it seems the other side didn't think so.

As I was making plans for the country's future, an important report came from the DSC.

"Your Excellency. We've received information about a counter-coup."

The moment I heard those words, reform became completely unimportant.

Someone was trying to snatch my throne away from me, how could I focus on anything else?

"What do you mean by that?"

"We've only gathered rumors so far. But the information isn't entirely baseless. Considering the possibility it might be true, it would be good to start preparing for a coup."

I thought I had cut off hands and feet and stepped on those who needed stepping on.

Yet the fact that someone still dared to rebel was bewildering.

"I understand for now. Keep watching. Report immediately when you get more detailed information!"

"Yes, Your Excellency."

I hastily picked up the phone first.

I couldn't just sit idly while a counter-coup was being prepared.

Even Park Chung-hee had pulled in the Marine Corps to stage a coup.

There was no law saying I couldn't face the same situation.

"Operator! Connect me to the Marine Corps Commander's office. Hello, senior. This is Lee Sung-joon from the Army. I'm calling to ask for your cooperation regarding some unsavory rumors going around lately."

I then made phone calls to the heads of the Air Force and Navy, urging them to strictly control any unauthorized troop movements.

That's how the human mind works.

If you know someone's targeting you from behind, you can't feel at ease even if you know you're safe.

Ungrateful bastards who don't appreciate the tireless efforts of His Excellency Lee Sung Joon to rescue the country from the pit of war and make it a normal nation.

Such bastards should be caught and thrown into the gulag.

Suddenly, I empathized with the human butcher Stalin.

For about 1 second.

Anyway, I thought about it.

The essence of a counter-coup is to overthrow the coup regime.

So I needed to put myself in their shoes and consider how they could bring down our regime.

I was the leader guiding the National Salvation Military Committee in all aspects - politically, ideologically, and hierarchically.

There was Kim Sung-joo who could be seen as second-in-command, but he was not someone who could fill my void.

From the beginning, I wasn't the type to nurture a strong second-in-command.

In terms of being an assassination target, that is.

While pondering, I called for my aide.

Jong-Gil was now a seasoned Chief of Staff, so Captain Lee Sung-myung from the arrest team was serving as my aide-de-camp.

"You called, Director?"

"From today, you'll move with the security detail. I'll tell the Chief later, but make sure to arrange my movements considering vehicle routes, timing, and all spaces where I'm exposed."

"Yes, sir."

While at it, I also summoned the new Provost Marshal, Major General Lee Jeong.

Lee Jeong was a former regimental commander of the 16th Reserve Division and also a member of the Ilwonhwa.

"You called for me, sir."

"The DSC says there's information about a counter-coup. I don't think it's just an unfounded rumor."

"What? How could there be such treacherous elements in our military? Don't worry about coup surveillance. I'll keep my eyes open even at night, watching the military."

Lee Jeong said resolutely.

Man, talk about overreacting.

It's fascinating how power works in these situations.

"I understand your feelings. The DSC will handle that, so focus on my security. From today, I'd like you to assign one company of military police for my protection. Is that possible?"

"I'll prepare three companies, sir."

Frankly, it was excessive loyalty.

But in this situation, it seemed right to be a bit over-prepared.

If I were to be exposed to an attack, everything would be over.

"Alright, do that then."

While I was at it, I also called Capital Defense Commander Baek Dong-seok.

"Ah, General Baek. It's me. I have a job for you."

I ordered Baek Dong-seok to closely monitor troop movements around the Capital.

I told him to report to me immediately if anyone moved in violation of orders.

After talking with my subordinates like this, I felt a little more at ease.

With such solid walls built and preparations made, what could those bastards possibly do?

I had no intention of giving conspirators 43 chances as Hitler did.

I wasn't the mustache man, who loved to shout absurd nonsense.

***

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