Empire of the Ring

Finally, the new administration was launched and the whole Kazakhstan seemed to be back to normal. It was because General Kasim, appointed by the Queen, became the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. It was only a formality to get approved by the House and Senate after the decision of the Royal Personnel Committee. Kasim was credited for stabilizing the political situation by leading the revolutionary forces, and his character of neutrality played a part in his approval.

Now, it was absolutely necessary for the unity of the people, that a person with public support, regardless of individual abilities, should take the premiership. When the head of the ministry was confirmed, new ministers and vice ministers from each ministry would also be appointed to perform normal functions of the government. The next follow-up was to elect ambassadors to send to each country, the most competitive place was none other than South Korea.

Youngho tilted his head to find out such many applicants wanted to go to South Korea instead of big countries such as the U.S., Britain, China, or Russia.

Youngho looked at Ericsson. It was his habit when he did not understand the situation.

“Your Majesty, isn’t it obvious? If they go to Korea, they’ll be treated differently from now on. I’d also apply if I were them.”

“I’ve never been conscious of the Republic of Korea. I have no intention of treating Korea as special. But I don’t know why they’re doing this.”

“It’s not what you do. It’s who you are. I’m sure Korea will cooperate better than anyone.”

“Other countries are also cooperating well.”

He called out his junior soldiers, who had no jobs and were suffering from low salaries in Korea, to live like a person, and he had to attract Korean companies to make money, but he had no memories of receiving help from the Korean government. In the early days, he traded Korean products, but with his ability, he would have earned enough money even if they were foreign products.

He was startled since Korea became so popular just because it was his home country.

At the same time, Kazakhstan had become a special country to Korea due to his existence regardless of his will.

“Duke, I don’t know why you are turning a blind eye to Korea when it has been making love calls.”

“Well, I’ve never looked away. I just think it’s one of many countries. If it’s going to help us, of course, we should keep a close relationship.”

“For us, Korea is a very important country. It has economic power and high technology.”

“Would Korea offer that so easily?”

“If you secretly send a special envoy, Korea will give you a great gift.”

“Even now, Korean companies are doing well in many areas of Kazakhstan. I think it would be faster to deal with Korean companies than with the Korean government.”

“You distrust Korean politicians and bureaucrats.”

“That’s part of the reason, but I think we’ll get more from talking to Korean global companies.”

Youngho thought that he would rather do business with Korean companies than deal with politicians who were talkative and ill-advised. The moment he interacted with Korean politicians and bureaucrats, they would act as if they had helped the revolution to success.

“Is that why you returned the Korean politicians and ambassadors who came here at the Queen’s coronation without meeting them?”

“Korea is politically cornered these days. In that situation, shouldn’t they have brought a message asking for help for Korea? What kind of conversation will I have with the politicians who only care about taking pictures with me?”

“Politicians in every country are the same. They think they’ll get public support only when they show the evidence that they’ve been involved with well-known figures. It’s a political skill to innocently take pictures with other politicians when asked.”

“But I don’t want to meet people who think only of their political power putting their country and people behind them. If I had time to do that, I’d rather have a drink with workers who are struggling.”

“I get that, but you shouldn’t ignore international relations.”

“Okay. I’ll send a secret envoy to seek the technology transfer. Before that, I should meet Korean companies in Kazakhstan.”

“They’ve been waiting in line to see you for days already.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that earlier? They must be so anxious.”

“I did that on purpose.”

***

Kim Joo-hyuk, the President of H Corporation, was very sorry that the chairman could not come to the meeting.

“Mr. Kim. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to connect for months. I’ve been so busy.”

“Duke, I know you’ve been busy. I’m glad that I finally got to meet you. In Korea, you are a huge topic right now. The whole nation is thrilled to know that the one who has taken over a huge country is a Korean.”

“That’s a huge misunderstanding. I just belong to one of the so many ethnic groups here.”

“But Koreans don’t see it that way. They see Kazakhstan as another Korea.”

“That’s a very dangerous idea.”

“It’s not too much for Koreans to think so. It’s a pleasant surprise to see someone achieve such a big thing since they’ve been swayed by great powers for so long. You inspired confidence in Koreans. Some people are even lining up to immigrate to Kazakhstan.”

“Well, I’m sure they’d expect that the Korean-born would receive privilege here, but there’s nothing I can do for them. They’ll be treated equally as other people in Kazakhstan.”

It was understandable to be proud that the person who took control of the ruling party of Kazakhstan was from Korea since there was no such case before.

In Japan, there was a case where a Japanese born in Peru was elected as a president, which was a great issue. However, during his ten-year tenure, he had committed all sorts of irregularities that he was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the end.

Anyway, a person who was born in Korea and came to the Caucasus as a merchant was now a leader of the revolution in Kazakhstan. It was something to be proud of for Koreans. However, Koryoins in Kazakhstan and Koreans were in fundamentally different positions.

Koryoins were still not treated as proper citizens in Korea, and that was why Koryoins were still in Kazakhstan. There was bitterness toward Korea among Koryoins in Kazakhstan.

“I’ll be inviting all Korean company representatives in Kazakhstan this weekend. Before that, I wanted to ask Mr. Kim for some advice.”

“It’s a great honor for me that you called to meet privately. I’ll gather all representatives if necessary.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that. I’m going to propose a technical partnership with Korean companies. I also wonder what kind of attitude the Korean government will take when I ask the companies to participate in reconstruction projects of Kazakhstan.”

“The general technical partnership will depend on the circumstances of individual companies, but the defense industry will be subject to the Korean government. However, Kazakhstan is different from just a foreign country. Kazakhstan is a foreign country, but Korean people think it’s closer than that.”

“Well, there’s no reason for me to refuse that sentiment.”

“Why don’t you contact the Korean government? There are many Korean state-run companies invested by the Korean government such as the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.”

“Aren’t those companies called God’s workplace among young Koreans these days?”

“Yes. Most of their work is private, so they pay higher wages than other companies.”

“Are they competitive compared to other companies?”

“That’s something I can’t tell.”

“You’re saying they have no competitiveness among private companies.”

“…”

“That’s why I want to deal with private Korean companies that have international competitiveness. Even if we do a partnership with the Korean government, the people who work in the field are from private companies. I know how it works in Korea. The government or big companies would attract jobs and take huge profits and hire small companies who do the actual work only to pay them a little.”

“It’s a structural problem. It ends up as a decline in quality.”

“I hope that doesn’t happen in Kazakhstan.”

“H Corporation pays partnering companies fairly even if they’re just starting companies. They are treated as the same as our employees.”

Kim Joo-hyuk was nervous that Youngho would say something even harsh.

Although H Corporation would be no different than other huge Korean companies, Youngho decided to believe that it would be conscientious. On that day, the two had a deep discussion about the difficulties of Korean companies in Kazakhstan and the technical partnership.

***

When the new government was established and the political situation was stabilized to a certain extent, Youngho took Prime Minister Kasim to his official visit to Russia.

Before the trip, Kazakhstan’s stance was fully explained to other countries by special envoys since it was possible that other countries might misunderstand Youngho’s move.

The world knew that Kazakhstan was geographically inseparable from Russia, and the reason why Youngho was trying to win Putin’s heart was that international relations heavily depended on personal connections of the leaders of each country.

“I didn’t realize that visiting Russia right under your nose would require this complicated procedure, Duke.”

“General Kasim, there’s no choice since national interests are at stake. I used to come in and out of this place any time I wanted, but I won’t be able to do that from now on.”

“I see. I guess you and I are going instead of a special envoy.”

“Well, my pride is hurt but what can we do? We have to maintain a good relationship until Kazakhstan grows stronger.”

“I think I’ve really come far now that I can be on a private jet.”

“We’ll set up a separate plane for you now that you’re the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.”

Youngho bought a jet for the royal family to prepare for a trip abroad.

Due to the rush to get it, he bought a used one but it was Boeing’s latest 747 and had a second story. The first floor was occupied by unofficial entourage and reporters, and the second floor was for the royal family and public entourage.

“The government couldn’t even afford to buy a jet for you. How can I think of a personal jet?”

“In a few years, Kazakhstan’s state in the world will be completed changed. Then, you’ll have to travel all the time. Of course, you need one for yourself.”

“There’s no reason for a poor country like us to have two jets. It’ll look better if I borrow the royal jet when I travel overseas.”

It was actually a good idea.

It would be seen as a cooperation between the royal family and the government. So, Youngho decided to provide a 12-seater jet for the prime minister’s domestic business trips.

Moscow International Airport was crowded with people welcoming the visit of two Kazakh leaders. It seemed that Putin was showing an exclusive welcome.

The moorings were covered with red carpets, with the Russian foreign minister and defense minister waiting. A military band played music when Youngho and Kasim arrived. It was a little too overwhelming, but this was the Russian-style welcome. It was Putin’s strategic move to show the world that Kazakhstan was pro-Russian.

“We sincerely welcome the visit of the Duke and the Prime Minister.”

“Thank you for welcoming us this way.”

“It’s a special request from the President.”

“Please say thank you to the President. I didn’t expect this welcome at the Moscow airport.”

“Your Grace has a special relationship with Russia, and it’s no wonder.”