Presidential Candidate Debate.
The debate gathered three presidential candidates, each holding around 30% approval ratings, and as a result, it received overwhelming public attention.
So much so that it even rivaled the legendary 1997 presidential debate, which had been the hottest in history, with viewership ratings once again exceeding 50%.
As the debate went on for quite some time, it was finally the turn of Candidate Choi Jae-seok.
He became the questioner and, at that moment, directed a question to the other two candidates.
"I have a question for the two of you. Right now, the Republic of Korea is deeply divided. Supporters of opposing parties see each other as enemies and are fighting bitterly. What do you think about this situation?"
The opposition party's candidate answered first.
"If the current political climate in Korea continues, division will only accelerate. That's why, if I become president, I will form a cabinet designed to prevent division and achieve national unity!"
The ruling party's candidate took a brief pause before responding.
"Through economic democratization, I am already pursuing reconciliation between conservatives and progressives. I am the only presidential candidate capable of preventing further division."
Choi Jae-seok nodded deliberately before speaking again.
"So I take it that both of you are concerned about the division of our nation. On that note, I would like to make a proposal to the two of you."
It was a sudden and unexpected suggestion.
At those words, both opposing candidates simultaneously turned to look at him.
And at that very moment, Candidate Choi began to speak with an unyielding tone of voice.
"If it means preventing Korea from falling further into division, I am even prepared to withdraw from the presidential race. If the two of you accept my proposal, I will resign my candidacy here and now."
A shocking declaration from Candidate Choi.
Both candidates visibly stiffened in surprise.
Not only they, but also the program director in charge of the broadcast, broke out into a cold sweat as this unexpected crisis unfolded live.
The ratings, without a doubt, would skyrocket.
But if a single mistake was made here, every ounce of criticism and disgrace that one might receive in a lifetime would rain down today.
The PD, the writers, and the camera directors —
They all worked together with a single purpose: to broadcast every vivid second of this historic debate live.
And as if understanding their efforts, Candidate Choi turned toward the camera and, one by one, laid out his proposal to the nation.
"I propose introducing a two-term presidential system. Under our current system, only short-term plans can be made. I believe our democracy has grown strong enough to rival any other. Therefore, for the sake of Korea's continued development, the time has come to implement presidential re-election."
The two candidates did not look particularly shocked.
Conversations about allowing presidents to serve multiple terms had already been circulating in political circles.
"Along with a re-election system, I want to establish a communication channel where all political parties and the Blue House can engage directly. How long can our politics continue as nothing more than constant fighting? If the two of you support the idea of national unity—beginning with the two-term presidency—I will renounce my candidacy right here."
National unity. A communication channel.
These were nothing more than justification and rhetoric.
The real proposal, the core of it all, was the two-term presidency.
Both candidates sank into deep thought.
It was hardly the type of issue one could decide on the spot, which made answering extremely difficult.
However, the ruling party's candidate was quick to organize his thoughts and voiced support for Choi Jae-seok's proposal.
"I agree. With the single-term system, there is a risk of governing in opposition to the people's wishes. But with a re-election system, the president would be judged at midterm, which would make it more likely that governance adheres to the will of the people."
The ruling party's candidate was the first to take Candidate Choi Jae-seok's hand.
No one could know whether he truly agreed with Choi's vision or whether he simply wanted to absorb Choi's supporters.
And if the ruling party candidate absorbed Choi Jae-seok's entire approval base, then the election would essentially be decided. The opposition party candidate would have no choice but to quickly grasp Jae-seok's hand as well.
"I will accept it too. If this is the path to national unity, then even if my party resists, I will see it through."
At that moment, it was as if national unity had already been realized.
The two heavyweight candidates, who had always taken opposing views, now stood together in agreement.
Choi Jae-seok then turned once more toward the cameras.
"Trusting in both of you, I will withdraw my presidential candidacy. To the citizens who placed their faith in me, to the members of the People's Economy Party, and to my fellow party colleagues—I sincerely apologize. But instead of running for president, I will continue to serve as a member of the National Assembly, contributing to the Republic's progress."
A member of the National Assembly.
His words implied an intent to enter parliament.
In reality, it was a declaration of his decision to run in next year's by-election, scheduled for the first half of the year.
Anyone with even a modest understanding of politics could instantly grasp the meaning of this.
Naturally, the debate moderator understood and pressed forward with a direct question.
"So you have decided to run in the by-election?"
"For the sake of national unity, I have given up the presidential race and will stand in the by-election."
"Which district do you plan to run in?"
"I intend to stand alongside the residents of Nowon-gu, Seoul."
Could it be called sealing the deal?
Candidate Choi Jae-seok had now officially declared his candidacy for the Nowon-gu by-election.
Then, turning his gaze toward the two remaining presidential contenders, he gave them a look as if to say: If you have anything to say to me, say it now.
But really, what could they say at such a moment?
A presidential candidate, holding a solid 30% approval rating, had just stepped down from the race.
That meant both of them needed to seize the opportunity to draw even a fraction of those supporters to their side.
Once again, the ruling party candidate was the first to act.
"I will do everything I can to carry out Candidate Choi Jae-seok's vision. Therefore, in the Nowon-gu by-election, our party will not be fielding a candidate."
Only the ruling party could afford to make such a statement.
After all, Nowon-gu was a stronghold of the opposition party. It was a district they could easily give up without much loss.
By relinquishing a constituency they had little chance of winning anyway, they could reap enormous benefits by absorbing Jae-seok's significant popularity.
Thus, they boldly declared they would not present a candidate in Nowon-gu.
Now it was the opposition's turn.
They could not simply stand back and allow the ruling party to swallow up Choi Jae-seok's support base right in front of a national audience.
Especially in a live-broadcast debate—the mere appearance of hesitation would tip public opinion and support toward their rival in an instant.
"Our party, too, will not field a candidate in Nowon-gu. Would it not be best for someone as outstanding as Candidate Choi Jae-seok to enter the National Assembly in order for our nation's politics to develop in a healthy direction?"
The opposition candidate hurriedly announced their own withdrawal from the constituency.
Abandoning a district that was practically their own turf was a painful sacrifice.
But if winning the presidency was the greater prize, then losing Nowon-gu was a small price to pay.
At last, Choi Jae-seok stood up to make his final words.
"Then I shall take my leave here. Please ensure that the Republic of Korea does not fall back into division."
With this last farewell, he rose from his seat.
And as though pushing him onward with their clapping, both candidates broke into loud applause behind him.
The annex of Captain Kang's restaurant.
To celebrate Choi Jae-seok's return after the monumental event of resigning from the presidential race, an elaborate feast had been prepared: wholesome dishes for his health, accompanied by an assortment of fine liquor.
"You must have endured a great deal of stress. It couldn't have been an easy decision, but thanks to your quick resolve, the situation has shifted heavily in our favor."
Choi gently exhaled and shook his head.
"I'm still not sure it was the right choice. Inside the party, and even from my own supporters, I'm receiving hundreds of angry calls each day."
It had been a sudden withdrawal.
For a candidate who had been running so close to the election day, stepping down was a devastating shock for his followers.
So, of course, there were waves of protest. Yet, in truth, the number of people who supported his decision was even greater.
"From our analysis of public opinion, the overwhelming response is in your favor. Not only your base in the People's Economy Party, but moderates and even supporters from both of the major parties felt deeply moved by your decision."
"They may say positive things now, but once the next presidential election comes, they'll all simply return to their own parties."
"You only need to capture one percent. In an election this close, where victory or defeat is decided by a mere margin of 1%, pulling over just that sliver of voters from the other camps means certain victory."
The Icon of Unity.
That was the image most of the media—and by extension, many citizens—now associated with Candidate Choi Jae-seok.
Of course, much effort had gone into crafting that image.
But no amount of effort could have worked if Choi hadn't dared to make such bold decisions. His resolve was what gave authenticity to the image.
"For now, I'm focused on the by-election next year. The next presidential race is too far away to worry about. For now, I need to achieve what's directly in front of me."
"And don't forget what you gained from the broadcast debate. With viewership soaring above 50%, the two major parties made their promises in front of the entire nation. They can't easily take back what was said."
That was yet another advantage I hadn't anticipated—an opportunity Choi instinctively knew how to exploit. After years in politics, he had developed a natural talent for securing maximum benefit.
"It's true I forced them into making those promises. But whether they'll keep their word is another matter. The ruling party can afford to be generous since Nowon-gu is already unfavorable territory for them, but it won't be so easy for the opposition."
"That's where legitimacy comes in. The residents of Nowon-gu all saw the debate live. With that shared memory, you hold the stronger claim to a just cause."
"It might be different if the opposition wins the presidency. If, however, the ruling party succeeds in retaining power, then the opposition might go to extreme lengths to fight back."
Yes, if they felt backed into a corner, that might well happen.
But from the opposition's standpoint, there was nothing to gain in outright alienating the People's Economy Party.
"Besides, if the People's Economy Party were to ally with the ruling bloc, constitutional amendments could even be possible. If they secure over 200 seats combined, the opposition would have no voice."
Choi gave a faint laugh.
"Well, that's something we'll have to see when the time comes."
Was it the thought of having to wait another five years? His expression grew visibly darker.
Wanting to lighten his mood, I decided to offer him a small glimmer of hope.
"The next presidential election might happen much sooner than expected."
"What do you mean? How could the election happen early?"
"According to an analysis from Taewoo Group, the likelihood of the ruling party's candidate winning is quite high. If that happens, the ruling party will face serious infighting."
Choi Jae-seok nodded in agreement.
After all, there were two factions within the ruling party, and power struggles between them were constant.
"The previous administration's faction and the current regime's faction will surely battle for dominance. That alone, though, doesn't mean the presidential election will be moved up."
"Of course, not immediately. But if the president makes a serious mistake, impeachment could become a reality."
The word "impeachment" was brought up.
In South Korea, that was hardly an unfamiliar concept.
There had even been an actual impeachment process in recent history, though it ultimately failed.
"The first time is hard, but the second is much easier. The president is no longer an untouchable figure like in the past. If something happens that enrages the majority of citizens, the president can lose their position at any moment."
"That's the scenario Taewoo Group envisions?"
"If the ruling party stood firmly behind the president, impeachment would be extremely difficult. But with two rival factions, as things are now, the likelihood rises dramatically."
"Personally, I still think the odds are very low."
Is that really so?
If the ruling party's candidate wins—
The nation could soon find itself embroiled in yet another impeachment crisis.