The Joseon Prince Went To America And Didn’t Return – 165



< The Man in the Mask (3) >

Park Yong-man and Jeong Sun-man quickly walked toward Seo Jae-pil and pretended to know him.

“Hello Mr. Seo Jae-pil.”

“It’s been a while.”

Seo Jae-pil just stood there still like a stone statue as they greeted each other.

At this Syngman Rhee slowly extended his hand to Seo Jae-pil with a look on his face that said “Well then that’s true.”

“Doctor Jason.”

“Dr. Lee.”

Seo Jae-pil finally responded when his English name was called.

He took Syngman Rhee’s outstretched hand and shook it gently up and down in a Western-style greeting.

“Congratulations. You are the first Korean to have a doctorate.”

“Hahaha thank you.”

“I have known for a long time that you are very talented. But I did not expect you to earn a doctorate in three years. You sometimes surprise me in unexpected ways.”

Seo Jae-pil kept praising Syngman Rhee for his hard work and showed that he understood how hard it was for him to study among white people.

“Didn’t you teach me many useful tips? Thanks to them I was able to successfully complete my degree without failing.”

“You must have followed my advice very faithfully without missing a single word.”

“yes.”

“I always say that the best secret of success is to act like an American in everything you do. You should never forget my advice.”

During the conversation Seo Jae-pil kept mumbling “I’m glad I didn’t run away in the middle like someone else.”

It wasn’t specified who it was.

But at first glance it reminded me of Yu Gil-jun the second representative of the Synthetic Association.

Syngman Rhee Yongman Park and Sunman Jeong looked slightly embarrassed.

“….”

“….”

“Woosung (Park Yong-man) and Geum (Jeong Soon-man).”

There are four Koreans gathered together.

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Two of them keep their mouths shut while the other two continue to communicate in English.

If someone who didn’t know the inside story saw this they would tilt their head and ask ‘What are they doing?’

To break this strange situation Syngman Rhee took his two close friends to the opposite side of Seo Jae-pil and asked for their understanding.

“Would you like to come and take a look around our school grounds for a moment?”

“What are you going to do Unam?”

“I’d like to stop by here and talk to Professor Seo Jae-pil for a moment.”

“What? Are you saying just the two of us should go?”

“Isn’t he my old teacher?”

“….”

“….”

“Please I beg you. Please understand my circumstances. I’m sorry.”

Jeong Sun-man who had a lot of affection looked back and forth between Seo Jae-pil in the distance and Lee Seung-man in front of him then made a knowing expression.

“I’ll come back to this spot in an hour. Which side of Woosung would you like to see first?”

“Black. Why should we leave? What did that son of a bitch say who forgot Korean? Oh! Why are you hitting me? I’ll quietly follow you. Stop pinching me.”

Jeong Sun-man forcibly dragged Park Yong-man away who refused to leave.

Now for real.

A situation where only two people are left.

“Master.”

Syngman Rhee met his old teacher again with a much more relaxed mind.

“Okay Unam. What do you plan on doing after graduation?”

“I don’t have any plans yet. I just want to take a break.”

“That’s true. After a hard day of studying you need to rest. But resting too much isn’t good for your body. Humans are such cunning creatures that they quickly adapt to their surroundings.”

They say laziness is a sin.

Seo Jae-pil quoted a Bible verse and then made a proposal to Syngman Rhee to recruit him.

“When you have time do something with me?”

“What’s going on?”

“Didn’t I start a Korean newspaper a year ago?”

“Are you talking about US Korea?”

“okay.”

Seo Jae-pil is a pathologist.

It would have been nice if he had devoted himself to developing new drugs making use of his major.

Syngman Rhee clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘If I had done that I would have gained the king’s trust and made money… Tsk tsk. I guess I had to take the difficult path.’

Lee Kang was currently investing a lot of money in new drug development.

Because the amount of money was so huge some of it was blind money.

If you just eat that you won’t starve to death.

Strangely Seo Jae-pil does not utilize his major but is only interested in expanding his influence among Koreans.

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Syngman Rhee did not understand Seo Jae-pil and secretly looked down on him.

“I want you to do some editorial work at the Hanmi Shinbo.”

“Me?”

“Yes. You who have even earned a Ph.D. are the perfect person for this job.”

The second largest Korean newspaper the Hanmi Shinbo.

This newspaper is currently on the verge of collapse having been overtaken by Daily Korea.

Although Seo Jae-pil recently secured another investor and provided emergency operating funds the media company could go bankrupt at any time.

hereto.

Syngman Rhee looked slightly embarrassed.

“Well it seems like too big a task for me to take on.”

“Please come to me at least for the sake of the Korean people.”

“For the Koreans?”

“People tend to have narrow-minded views when they only get information from one source. Don’t you know that? All Koreans only read Daily Korea.”

Seo Jae-pil held Syngman Rhee’s hands tightly and pleaded.

“What do you think? Would you like to work with me?”

“….”

“Do you have other plans that you haven’t told me about? Are you going back to Hawaii?”

Hawaii is like a second home to Syngman Rhee.

Wasn’t Hawaii the first American soil he set foot on?

That is why Seo Jae-pil mentioned this and tried to find Syngman Rhee.

“I heard that the number of our residents in Hawaii has increased a lot recently. I wonder if they are thinking of resuming their activities there.”

The Korean population is growing rapidly.

Until 1908 the situation was concentrated only in California.

If you gather too much in one place you may be held back by the locals who settled there first.

Lee Kang was encouraging the immigration of Koreans by purchasing land in Hawaii and two other western states (Oregon and Washington).

That is why the number of Koreans in Hawaii is increasing again.

“No I’m thinking of working in Washington D.C. or London.”

“Washington or London?”

Syngman Rhee did not want to tell Seo Jae-pil his future plans.

That’s why he just blurted out random words but Seo Jae-pil continued to question Syngman Rhee without knowing his true intentions.

“Washington may be like that but London… that’s a bit random.”

“Under the circumstances Britain is the world’s greatest military power. In order for Korea to become independent we need Britain’s absolute cooperation.”

“hmm.”

originally.

In this era ‘patriotism’ and ‘independence’ are the secret weapons.

It is said that if you just shout these two words you will be halfway there.

Seo Jae-pil was left with nothing to say in response to Syngman Rhee’s excuse.

He was like tsk tsk-

I glanced at Syngman Rhee licking my lips.

“As expected you are a natural born patriot.”

“….”

“You are on a different level from other people who just talk big and chase money. You are truly my disciple.”

Seo Jae-pil looked Syngman Rhee up and down then stopped his gaze on his right hand.

“Huh? What is that in your hand? Isn’t that Daily Korea?”

You’re holding a competitor’s newspaper.

Seo Jae-pil narrows his eyes.

“I can’t believe you’re reading such yellow journalism in the Hanmi Shinbo (US Korea) the national newspaper… I’m so disappointed in you Unam.”

“Oh Master. This is what Woosung gave me as a gift earlier.”

“okay?”

“Yes. Didn’t you see Woosung and Geumgeum earlier?”

Seo Jae-pil made a displeased expression as he remembered the two people who had suddenly started speaking to him in Korean.

Still the anger he had shown towards Syngman Rhee for a moment was withdrawn.

“Huh? Prince Haepungbuwon was assassinated?”

Seo Jae-pil glanced at Syngman Rhee’s hand with displeasure then unintentionally read the front page article of the Daily Korea.

His eyes suddenly opened wide.

He looked quite surprised as it was information he had not been able to obtain from his newspaper.

“You said there was a gaksi mask next to the body of Buwon-gun? Judging from the fact that they left behind various masks such as the Hahoe mask and the gaksi mask as markers it must have been the work of a commoner. Oh my. You can’t hide your true nature. How shallow you really are.”

Seo Jae-pil is a greater diplomat than Syngman Rhee.

For him those who advocated armed struggle were close to being objects of hatred that had to be eradicated.

Seo Jae-pil criticized those who advocated armed struggle by listing recent assassination incidents.

“Britain and the United States are blocking our annexation of Japan. If we act like this will they continue to take our side?”

“….”

“I can’t even imagine how far the armed struggle advocates will go to overturn the Korean Empire.”

Seo Jae-pil spoke passionately even spitting out saliva.

He even said something he shouldn’t have said at the end.

“This is all because of the entourage of the King of Ui who only talk big. They are covering the eyes and ears of the King of Ui and the King of Ui is losing his sense of humor.”

Syngman Rhee’s political instincts were sparked.

Syngman Rhee the first person to receive a doctorate.

His biggest competitor was none other than Seo Jae-pil the first student to study abroad.

At the very moment when I was wondering how to overcome him Seo Jae-pil came walking into the trap on his own two feet.

Syngman Rhee whispered to Seo Jae-pil with a slightly mean expression on his face.

“Strictly speaking isn’t it the problem of the King himself rather than his entourage?”

“What?”

“Since the last attack Uiwang has been very emotional whenever Japan is mentioned. That’s why he can’t distinguish between public and private policies toward Japan.”

“Yes. That’s what I meant. Ha! It’s really nice to meet a like-minded comrade after such a long time.”

Syngman Rhee once again urged Seo Jae-pil and said the following:

“Because no one is stepping forward Uiwang continues to do such reckless things.”

“That’s right. You’re right.”

“Now more than ever we need true journalists.”

At this Seo Jae-pil looked at Syngman Rhee with sparkling eyes.

“Would you mind writing an editorial for our newspaper?”

“Oh that’s a bit.”

Syngman Rhee took a step back with a troubled expression.

“I’m not feeling well because of the hard work… As I said before I need some rest.”

“Oh that’s right.”

“I’m sorry Master.”

Seo Jae-pil showed an expression of understanding and withdrew the suggestion to write the editorial he had mentioned earlier.

“Then I have no choice but to write it myself. Anyway I’ll be busy tomorrow so I won’t be able to concentrate. I’ll call you again soon after the graduation ceremony. Then we can have a meal and talk about the editorial work of the Hanmi Shinbo.”

“Yes. See you again soon.”

Syngman Rhee crossed his arms while looking at the back of Seo Jae-pil.

As his back became smaller Syngman Rhee’s mockery toward Seo Jae-pil grew louder.

“Oh my Master… I didn’t know that someone who founded a newspaper company could be so ignorant of the times.”

Syngman Rhee muttered to himself as he threw away the US Korea business card that Seo Jae-pil had given him into the trash can.

“That’s why Hanmi Shinbo is in this state. It’s all the fault of the founder sitting at the top. Do you think the management will improve just by changing one editor?”

* * *

“Uman (Kim Kyu-sik) Dosan (Ahn Chang-ho).”

Is it because it is the first Korean doctoral degree award ceremony?

The fun-loving Koreans who are always looking for a place to stay have gathered together.

“Thank you for coming. I haven’t been able to contact you recently because I’ve been busy with my studies but let’s contact each other more often in the future.”

“okay.”

Syngman Rhee especially welcomed Ahn Chang-ho who had just arrived at the graduation ceremony.

An Chang-ho is one of the most influential figures among Koreans living in the United States.

But he has less political ambition than others.

That is why Syngman Rhee tried to become friendly with Ahn Chang-ho even at this time.

At a very crucial moment.

This is because the idea of ​​getting a concession by talking about friendship was in his head.

【I sincerely congratulate you on your graduation. From now on you can fully display your abilities in society.】

This year’s commencement address was given by Dean and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Woodrow Wilson.

After finishing his congratulatory speech he came down from the podium and started shaking hands with the graduates.

“Wow.”

“Is that the Asian guy I heard rumors about?”

“Is that prince or something?”

“okay.”

People are crowding toward the stadium entrance rather than toward Woodrow Wilson.

Because a more famous figure than Woodrow Wilson had just stepped foot onto the athletic field.

“Wow what kind of Asian guy is that big?”

“That’s right. But isn’t the aura no joke?”

“That guy has so much money?”

“They say it’s one of the top five in the United States.”

“What? It hasn’t even been five years since I immigrated and already?”

“I told you so.”

“I’m jealous. I want to have a meal with this prince or whatever and hear about the stocks he’s invested in.”

Princeton students cheered at Lee Kang’s appearance.

However they could not get close because of the security guards who were concerned about safety.

He just looked at Lee Kang with eyes filled with jealousy and envy.

“Hello Your Majesty.”

“Woo-nam. Long time no see.”

“Your Majesty I sincerely thank you for coming all the way here to congratulate me despite your busy schedule.”

As Syngman Rhee shook hands with Kang he could feel the many eyes on him.

Not only the Koreans present here but also many white people are paying attention to him.

At this Syngman Rhee felt it again.

How great of a being Lee Kang is.

“Oh my prince. It is truly an honor to have you come to our Princeton University commencement.”

“Who is this person?”

Woodrow Wilson also came down to the playground in a hurry to talk to Lee Kang.

He looked at Syngman Rhee with longing even forcing a faint smile.

“Ah! This is Dr. Woodrow Wilson my advisor and the president of Princeton University.”

“Oh really?”

“I was going to tell you this anyway. The Dean wanted to have a meal with the Prince sometime.”

When it was time to introduce himself Woodrow Wilson quickly extended his hand.

“This is Woodrow Wilson.”

“Nice to meet you. My name is Lee Kang.”

Is it because there are a lot of people around?

Groan groan.

I can’t hear the conversation very well.

“I can’t understand what you’re saying Dean Wilson. Do you have time today?”

“Oh right. Since a noble person is here… I will also cancel my schedule.”

“Oh really? Then let’s have dinner together and talk.”

“Okay.”

Looking at Lee Kang who was making even the dean nervous Syngman Rhee made a promise.

He said that he wanted to somehow project Lee Kang’s influence onto himself.

“Then before that… let’s talk for a moment.”

Syngman Rhee had a feeling that this was coming.

It was like that before too.

Because Lee Kang wanted to know every single thing about Woodrow Wilson.

“Isn’t today’s main character Unam? I really want to congratulate Unam on his graduation. I’d like to be alone for a while… Is that okay?”

Woodrow Wilson declared that he would give up his own office.

Syngman Rhee and Kang Lee.

He personally arranged the location for their conversation.

“So where should I start talking….”

Lee Seung-man looked rather intimidated by Lee Kang’s tiger-like gaze.

He began to open his mouth looking very nervous like a dwarf standing before a giant.

< The Masked Man (3) > End