Kim Jae-gu smiled and hung up the phone.
‘Would my parents be surprised if they found out?’
I must ask for a photo.
***
A few weeks later, an invitation came from Seol Gyeong-taek to attend the presidential inauguration ceremony.
‘This is my first presidential inauguration, so I have to match my clothes.’
After receiving the invitation, I realized that a person I knew well had become president. I thought of the first time we met after being introduced to Im Han-ul, and the two of us drinking tea at Dowon Dawon.
‘Seol Gyeong-taek would do well.’
I saw him as a trustworthy person.
As a politician, it cannot be said that there is no corruption at all, but compared to other members of the National Assembly, it could be seen as clean.
‘He took care of four sheets.’
It was clear that we had invited all of our families.
‘It would be nice if Elisa went with you. It’s a pity.’
If I had married her, I would have sent 5 copies. But that was in the past. Since Elisa is an American, she could not attach much importance to it.
Ha-yeon and I headed to the country house where my parents were staying. Upon arriving at the yard, the bodyguards came out first and opened the door.
“He’s inside.”
The guardians of the parents consisted of people who could speak Korean.
When I entered the living room, I could smell the delicious stew.
‘It’s soybean paste stew.’
I remembered my childhood.
Soybean paste stew made with zucchini and onions, with almost no meat. To me, soybean paste stew was not something I ate because it was delicious, but something I ate as a memory.
“It’s been a while since I smelled this.”
“Is your son here? Come and sit down.”
“grandma!!”
Ha-yeon ran to her mother at full speed. The mother smiled and hugged the child.
“Is our Hayeon here?”
“yes.”
“How are you?”
“Happy is guarding the house.”
“It’s extraordinary.”
“that’s right.”
Ha-yeon laughed.
My father brought a pot from the kitchen and set it on the table.
“Have you come back?”
“Yes. Father.”
“I cooked some soybean paste stew.”
“yes.”
It was food eaten for memory rather than taste.
My father lifted the lid of the pot. Soybean paste stew filled with meat appeared.
“You guys said you were coming, so I added Korean beef and boiled it.”
“How fragrant it smells. Do you know how much they scold me for saying that I can eat it only when you guys come to taste it?”
At Mother’s rebuke, Father grimaced.
“Then why don’t you help?”
“The soybean paste stew you made was delicious.”
My father’s expression melted away at his mother’s praise.
“Right? Everyone sit down and eat.”
My father was excited and served the stew.
“thank you for this food.”
The taste of soybean paste stew with lots of meat was excellent.
‘It’s delicious.’
“Hmm? Hmm?”
Hayeon also opened her eyes wide and twinkled. My father put on a happy expression.
“How is it? Is it delicious?”
“yes!” / “yes.”
After answering at the same time as Hayeon, they faced each other and smiled. I was embarrassed, but I felt good.
Dinner ended with the most delicious soybean paste stew in my life.
Ha-yeon ate it deliciously with her small mouth, to the point that the bottom of the pot was exposed.
I sat down in the living room, eating the apple I brought for dessert.
“Oh, I’m here because I have something to tell you.”
“Didn’t you come to see my face?”
“Of course I wanted to see your face too.”
I took the invitation out of my bag and handed it to the two of you.
“do not be surprised.”
“Did you get a wedding invitation?”
My parents laughed and took the invitation out of the envelope. As they read the contents, both of them opened their eyes wide.
My mother covered her mouth with her hand, and my father looked at me without even thinking about closing his gaping jaw.
“You’re not kidding, are you?”
“Why am I playing around with this?”
“You said you were invited to the presidential inauguration ceremony?”
“Congratulations, son.”
Mother was in tears.
“Thank you for growing up well.”
“Heh heh. This is really great.”
My father returned the envelope with a satisfied smile.
“Have a good trip.”
“I’m going with you.”
“what?”
“He told us to come together.”
“Really?”
Mother almost cried. Father burst out laughing.
“I never thought I would be able to go to the inauguration ceremony of the president.”
“Who knew this day would come?”
Tears like chicken droppings fell from her mother’s eyes.
“Are you okay.”
My mother wiped away the tears with the back of her hand.
“It’s because I’m happy. I’m happy. Thank you. Jaegu.”
“I’m more grateful. Thank you for raising me and trusting me.”
Sincerely, he bowed his head.
When I was falsely accused and imprisoned, I could have made the worst choice if the two of you hadn’t believed in me either.
“hehehe. Since it’s outdoors, can I wear sunglasses?”
“Ii really!”
Mother’s palm flew into Father’s back.
puck! But it wasn’t strong.
“Even if the sunglasses don’t work, I’m going to get new clothes.”
“It feels good! We’ll even match our son and granddaughter’s clothes.”
“You. Do you have any good thoughts?”
“Man, 90% of my thoughts are good thoughts.”
Father chuckled.
***
Wearing matching clothes at a department store, he attended Seol Gyeong-taek’s presidential inauguration ceremony. As the venue is the National Assembly Building, the two of them seemed quite excited.
“There are people I know.”
“Why are you acting so gracefully? You should be quiet.”
Both of them were well dressed and looked like a wealthy couple. He didn’t mention that he would use the sunglasses, perhaps because he was joking.
“Chairman Kim Jae-goo and 3 others will be served here.”
The bodyguard directed me to the seat of honor in the center of the front row. Party magnates sat around and glanced at us.
“Is that the person he is?”
“I heard that Congressman Seol Gyeong-taek is a great person.”
“I heard that he has been hosting Dusnyland by himself. He is a big man.”
The corners of his father’s mouth twitched.
“Jaegu. Those great people say you’re amazing.”
“hahahaha.”
“Chairman Kim Jae-goo.”
Han Seong-min took a seat behind me.
“Rep. Seongmin Han. It’s been a while.”
“They over there will take pictures for you, so keep that in mind when managing your facial expression.”
“Yes. Thank you for your advice.”
It was nice to see her brighter than before while working as a member of the National Assembly.
After waiting for a while, the place filled up quickly.
Cheers began to be heard from afar. When I checked the live broadcast on my cell phone, Seol Gyeong-taek was waving to the citizens and walking. He held hands with some citizens and had friendly conversations.
‘You’re doing well.’
He passed by where the citizens were, came in front of the podium, and greeted them. Then, he exchanged greetings with the distinguished guests from each country who were seated in the front row.
He spotted me and smiled and waved. I couldn’t help but smile and wave my hand.
‘ah. I think this will be filmed somehow.’
It sounded like a click.
After the handshake and greeting, the moderator walked up to the podium.
[We will hold the inauguration ceremony for the XXth President of the Republic of Korea.]
You’re good too
The presidential inauguration ceremony proceeded in order. The opening of the ship, salute to the national flag, singing of the national anthem, and silence for the martyrdom and heroic spirits of the patriots continued. This was followed by a meal by the Prime Minister of the previous government, followed by the oath of office of the President.
Seol Kyung-taek climbed the podium with a serious face. Originally, a person with an aura wore nice clothes and stood on the podium, and his spirit was extraordinary.
‘It suits you well.’
Looking at it like this, it was an infallible presidential feeling.
He raised his right hand and showed the palm.
[Oath. I solemnly swear before the people that I will faithfully fulfill my duties as president by abiding by the Constitution, defending the country, striving for the peaceful reunification of the country, promotion of the people’s freedom and welfare, and promotion of national culture.]
He made eye contact with the attendees.
[President Seol Gyeong-taek]
Applause poured in along with cheers. I got up from my seat and clapped.
“Seol Gyeong-taek!”
“Seol Kyung-taek! Fighting!”
Immediately after that, the march of the military band began with music. While playing wonderful music, the military band came forward from the podium and fired 21 salutes.
Seol Kyung-taek saluted in front of the podium and waited for their salute to end.
‘I must have practiced a lot to do that.’
Still, such a protocol was necessary. Influential figures from various countries came to congratulate the inauguration ceremony, but how cold would it be without such an event?
[Next, there will be an inaugural address from the President informing the people of the nation’s vision and policy direction.]
Seol Kyung-taek smiled with a relaxed expression.
[Fellow Koreans whom I respect and love. 7 million overseas Koreans. Distinguished guests from all over the world and conscious citizens of the world who are here today. Thank you all.
I am today I was inaugurated as the President of the Republic of Korea at the call of the people.]
He conveyed a heartfelt message to the people of Korea and the world by talking with a serious face.
[I promise to the people here. We will boldly break with the wrong practices of the old era and create a Republic of Korea where people can speak the truth. We will develop the economy and create jobs in order to create a country that develops indefinitely and is infinitely proud. We will develop science and technology, fulfill our responsibilities to the international community, and contribute to the common prosperity of mankind.]
Seol Gyeong-taek’s policies were closely related to the development of science and technology. He believed that a competitive nation could be completed through global competition.
And I believed that his dream would come true.
He talked about his vision, aspirations and determination. He said that his Republic of Korea will be a developing Republic of Korea, a country where everyone can work freely and receive fair wages amidst equality.
His resolve was firm, and his supporters were moved by his opinion.
[Respected and beloved citizens! Moving forward may be an arduous and difficult road.
However, if the people are together, we can move forward to a better Republic of Korea.
I, Seol Gyeong-taek, will take the lead, so the people should believe and follow me.
we can do it
thank you.]
Cheers and applause poured in. When a few got up first, people stood up like a wave and gave a standing ovation.
“Seol Gyeong-taek! Seol Gyeong-taek!”
My father also chanted his name with a cracked voice. I also joined the wave. It felt like everyone there was united.
After completing the rest of the order, the presidential inauguration ceremony was over. After the ceremony, my father was in tears.
“I never thought I’d be able to see the presidential inauguration up close in my lifetime.”
“Thank you, son.”
Her mother’s hand rested lightly on her shoulder.
“Thank you. Ha-yeon, thank you for staying calm.”
Ha-yeon lowered her head slightly, probably embarrassed, and twisted her body.
“There were a lot of cameras, so I stayed still.”