The Joseon Prince Went To America And Didn’t Return – 80



< Lighthouse (4) >

After casually bringing up the topic of ‘association president elections’ I stepped back.

I could have taken the lead and continued to lead them.

It was because I wanted to quietly watch how the Korean community would overcome this situation as if it were a lighthouse that only provided direction.

“Your Majesty I would like to request the opportunity to speak.”

Lim Jeong-su who was sitting next to me raised his hand.

He was one of the early settlers of Hawaii.

Lim Jeong-su who was popular among Korean residents in Hawaii is currently serving as the vice president of the Synthetic Association along with Jeong Myeong-won.

“Tell me.”

“There are several prerequisites to holding an election for the association president.”

“I agree with you too. I intend to debate with those here today until my mouth stinks.”

“majesty.”

The other side.

So another deputy representative Jeong Myeong-won who was sitting to my left also asked me to speak.

“Then we should deal with the application for the association president candidate urgently.”

With too many candidates running the election campaign could easily become chaotic.

That is why as Jeong Myeong-won argued a certain level of hurdles were necessary.

I nodded quietly.

“How about creating a new rule that only those who have received a certain number of recommendations from among registered Korean residents can register as candidates?”

“I agree with the representative’s proposal.”

“Your Majesty. How many people do you think would be appropriate?”

Even though the two were discussing it they asked me to make the final decision.

Why is it like this?

I am the president and moderator of the association.

I’m just throwing out a topic you guys have to discuss the details.

I shrugged and said nothing in response.

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Then the Korean residents who had been keeping their mouths shut also began to participate in the discussion and exchange their opinions.

“I think a thousand would be appropriate.”

“Why Mr. Lee Myeong?”

“There are 80000 Korean residents registered with the Korean Residents Association. Wouldn’t it be possible to run for the position of association president only if you have the support of at least 1% of the total?”

“Hey but isn’t a thousand too many? A hundred seems about right.”

“A hundred is too few. I’m right in the middle! Five hundred seems about right.”

The debate method has the advantage of receiving multiple opinions and gradually evolving but of course it also has its drawbacks.

Sometimes time just passes without any conclusion.

Just like now.

“There is a lot to discuss.”

That’s why I quickly intervened as a moderator.

“Let’s try it out first and then decide on the matter by a show of hands so that we can change the rules. We’ll put the five most frequently mentioned options to a vote to see how many people recommend them.”

The vote was held in this manner and it was eventually decided that there were more than 500 recommenders.

“The next thing I would like to suggest is how to vote.”

“That’s right Your Majesty. The show of hands we just had is a very convenient way to vote but in the process your pros and cons are visible to others.”

“Anonymity must be guaranteed as it can easily hinder the ability to vote with conviction.”

“That’s right. We need to introduce a secret ballot system.”

After the voting method is decided who will be given the right to vote?

The discussion began again on whether it should be given.

“How far do you plan to go in setting the number of people who can vote?”

“Wouldn’t it be better if it was a male of adult age?”

“That’s great. Isn’t the United States where we live also doing the same?”

“Then how do we determine the standard for adulthood? Our traditional method is a little different from the American standard.”

In the United States the age of majority is considered to be 18 or 19 years old although this varies from state to state.

On the other hand the Korean Empire considers married people over 15 years old or unmarried people over 20 years old to be adults.

“Let’s make it 18 years old like in the US but let married men over the age of 15 also exercise their right to vote.”

“I agree.”

As opinions were gathered and voting was about to take place again.

“I object.”

A woman raised her hand in surprise.

* * *

“I would like to request the right to speak His Majesty the King.”

I turned my head and checked the face of the woman who was raising her hand.

A face I’m seeing for the first time since I met him.

But strangely I felt affection for it.

‘uh?’

She was a woman who was friendly with Lee Kang the original owner of this body.

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I jumped up and expressed my interest.

“It’s been a while.”

“Hello Your Majesty.”

As the woman and I exchanged greetings everyone looked back and forth between me and the woman with strange looks.

I think he thought there was some strange connection between the two of us.

I ignored her gaze and continued my conversation with the woman.

“When did you return from Joseon?”

“After the World Peace Conference… I decided to return to America again. With my husband.”

The woman soon came up to the podium and identified herself.

“I am Kim Ran-sa who studied abroad at Wellesley College in the United States with His Majesty the King. Nice to meet you all.”

When I revealed my hidden connection with her the Korean residents started gossiping about who Kim Ran-sa was.

In particular much attention was focused on Kim Kyu-sik who studied abroad with me.

But she continued speaking ignoring the public’s reaction.

“I believe that women should have the right to vote too.”

“Why?”

One of the Korean residents who looked quite shabby seemed to be opposing Kim Ran-sa’s opinion.

At this Kim Ran-sa clenched her fists and raised her voice.

“Because women like men are fully capable of making their own decisions and can contribute to the rights of Koreans living in the Americas and to the true independence of their home country.”

She exchanged glances with every Korean in the conference room lending weight to her argument.

“I would like to go further and demand the right for women to be elected. Your Majesty what does Your Majesty the King think about my opinion?”

Attempting to strengthen one’s argument by borrowing the opinions of those in authority is a method that has been used frequently since the past.

It’s obvious what the intention is.

But this time I decided to be fooled by his intentions.

Because I also agreed with Kim Ran-sa’s opinion.

“I would rather not share my opinions with you. I’m a little afraid that I might influence your decisions.”

I pretended to hesitate a little and then started preaching my opinion to the Korean community.

“I basically believe that all Korean citizens who can make their own decisions should have the right to vote.”

Nobility and baseness of status.

The extent of one’s wealth.

Skin color.

religion.

Regardless of gender.

“I firmly believe that at least everyone should have the right to vote. That’s my belief.”

Everyone looked surprised.

Because the person at the very top is saying that he or she should break down the class theory.

“That’s why… I also agree with Sister Kim Ran-sa’s opinion here. Women are also full-fledged citizens of Joseon just like us.”

Even if I agree Kim Ran-sa’s opinion may not pass.

As the Joseon Dynasty progressed the male-superiority and female-inferiority ideology became more and more evident.

‘The West is similar.’

Except in a very small number of countries voting was still limited to men.

‘I’ve given it this much strength but if it doesn’t pass…’

Even my authority could be shaken.

Of course this alone won’t do it but just like a big dam can collapse with a small hole this could cause someone to challenge me.

To convince them more clearly I brought up a case from the past.

“I’ve never told you but the person I respect the most is my mother.”

Even if they converted to Christianity the idea of ​​’filial piety’ was very strongly rooted in the minds of Joseon people.

I was thinking of using this.

“My biological mother advised me to be a proactive person in everything I do. It is all thanks to my mother that I am who I am today.”

I sniffled slightly and emphasized my mother.

ah!

The mother I mentioned was not the deceased ‘Queen Min’.

Her biological mother is ‘Lady Jang’.

‘Min Ja-young is the worst woman in the world who ruined the country…’

Because of Lee Kang’s memories the dead queen’s face sometimes appears in his dreams.

Every time I had bad luck all day.

Anyway I continued to show a slightly depressed expression and added strength to my argument.

“I suddenly miss my mother. When the late Queen Min sent someone to set fire to our house my mother tried to take care of my safety more than her own even breathing in the pungent smoke.”

The atmosphere becomes solemn.

Some people even shed tears inside the conference room.

okay.

Emotional appeal is the best way to incite.

If it’s done to this extent Kim Ran-sa’s opinion will be accepted to some extent.

“Ahh… The conversation has gone off on a tangent. Where were we? Oh! We were discussing the subject of the vote. Then let’s vote on this too.”

* * *

The method has been roughly decided.

All that remains is the specific schedule and location of the regular general meeting.

I’m slowly deciding when to end the meeting.

“Your Majesty. May I say something?”

Lim Jeong-su who was next to me asked to speak.

I nodded and accepted.

“Your Majesty’s profound intentions are well known to all of us here. However if the election is held as is… isn’t the result obvious? We have discussed the election in detail but in reality only Your Majesty can run for the association president.”

but.

You could think of it that way.

Because running as a different candidate means you want to fight against me.

Who would take up the challenge?

Even if I were to challenge myself where would I find 500 recommenders?

‘But if you run as a sole candidate and run in the election it won’t look very good.’

I’m afraid that I might be seen by others as a dictator or a believer in royal authority.

Europe where royal families exist doesn’t matter.

America is not like that.

Since we were currently living in a three-room apartment we had to take a quick look at what they thought of us even if they weren’t overtly interested.

Because this incident could potentially have a negative impact on the image of Koreans.

“Your Majesty I also request the right to speak.”

An Chang-ho raised his hand.

I exchanged glances with him and then gave him the floor.

“I also believe that if we continue to recruit candidates and hold a vote His Majesty will run as the sole candidate and be elected as the first president of the association.”

“Do you think so too Dosan?”

“Yes. May I dare to guess the reason?”

I nodded in agreement.

“Try it.”

“Unfortunately it’s because no one was prepared.”

An Chang-ho exchanged glances with the Korean residents attending the meeting and raised his voice.

“Who else but Your Majesty can lead us now?”

Right. Right.

The Korean residents unanimously agreed with Ahn Chang-ho’s opinion.

“But I think contrary to my earlier opinion that we should push ahead with the vote.”

“Why?”

“Because we can let the world know that we all support His Majesty the King. Wouldn’t that have some significance?”

The Shinminhoe executives glanced at Ahn Chang-ho and whispered something among themselves.

Perhaps he was talking about his proposal now.

“I agree with you too.”

Following Ahn Chang-ho Yu Gil-jun also raised his hand.

“I will grant your request for the right to speak. Please continue speaking.”

“thank you.”

Yu Gil-jun came forward to the podium and spoke to the Korean residents.

“It is not common for His Majesty to run for office alone but it is not completely unheard of. Don’t we have a very good example just in the United States where we live?”

Yu Gil-jun persuaded the Korean community by citing American history as an example.

“I think you all know that the United States founded by British immigrants elects its leaders.”

Yu Gil-jun came forward and mentioned a person.

“Nowadays there are many candidates running in elections but it is said that the first and second elections in the United States were not like that.”

right.

Washington was the first president who ran unopposed.

In the second election he ran alone and received confirmation from the public whether he would be re-elected.

Yu Gil-jun cited that example and argued that there would be no problem even if he ran alone.

“Like them we too must continue to push for voting even if it is only a formality. As Dosan previously argued it is because it allows us to make our intentions known to the Korean community our home country and even to the outside world.”

Everyone nodded in agreement with Yu Gil-jun’s opinion.

In fact since coming to America Yu Gil-jun has also been receiving a lot of trust from Korean residents knowingly or unknowingly.

He is also one of the few closest associates who have been with me since Japan.

‘He is also a nobleman who held a high official position in Joseon.’

Additionally he was one of the first students to study abroad in the United States although he failed.

He asked me after putting strength into his voice.

“Oh before that… Your Majesty. I would like to ask you a question.”

“Tell me.”

“We have not yet confirmed the most important thing Your Majesty. Will Your Majesty run for the position of Association President in the next election?”

“…”

I kept my mouth shut.

Then Yu Gil-jun said to me.

“Before hearing that answer I would like to suggest one thing to Your Majesty.”

“Tell me.”

“If you are thinking of not running please take this back.”

“Why?”

“To be exact I want you to act.”

“What does that mean?”

“Our people have never thought of such a situation. As Dosan said earlier they never even imagined who else but His Majesty could lead this group.”

Yu Gil-jun analyzed the reason.

“The Koreans are accustomed to the monarchy. They have never experienced this kind of voting before. That is why I dare to suggest to Your Majesty. If you are thinking of not running in order to prevent confusion in the Korean community please take on the position of association president at least until the next session.”

Yu Gil-jun made another suggestion raising another finger.

“If that’s too difficult… please give us some time.”

“Can you give me some time to think about who would be a good candidate for the next chairman? For example can you please stay in this position for another year or so?”

“Yes. Of course this too would have to be passed by a full vote. It’s a bit different but it’s related to the election of representatives.”

“hmm….”

I pretended to think for a moment.

“Actually I was thinking of stepping down from my position as president this time.”

“majesty!”

I commented on the position of president of the association with a nonchalant expression.

“The president is just an individual who leads the association. Even if I step down from the position of president I will not abandon you. I will always be your family. Whenever you need me I will take off my shoes and come to you.”

“majesty….”

Everyone looks at me with moved eyes.

also.

Politicians have to be good at putting on a show.

If you just do well in shows and speeches you can get 70% of the points.

‘I can just put up a puppet for the position of association president.’

The number of overseas Koreans is increasing exponentially.

It will become more difficult to manage as time goes by.

If you run it wrong you’ll get a lot of hate.

‘You pour out energy as energy and take criticism as criticism.’

In that case the association president should appoint a puppet.

I plan to continue to look for easy things to do that will make me hear good things.

‘This is also why we separated the scholarship foundation when we established the association.’

When did I say I was stepping down from the position of Association President or from the position of Scholarship Foundation Chairman?

I will continue to hold the sweet job that will never be cursed at.

‘If I step down from the position of association president now it will be effective…’

Talking to members of Shinminhoe I felt many things.

Even though I was throwing money around like this they distrusted me and the entire Joseon royal family.

‘The people in America will probably like me because they’ve experienced it firsthand.’

20 million Koreans.

A significant number of intellectuals among them will probably harbor antipathy toward me.

For no other reason than the fact that I am the son of Emperor Gojong.

‘That idea will soon spread throughout the world.’

The communist ideology that originated in Europe will spread to Asia like an epidemic.

That might not be the case though.

You have to think about what if.

‘Communism is an ideology that is very attractive to modern intellectuals.’

If you look at just one idea it seems like a utopia.

Of course if you look at it one by one it makes no sense.

Communism was quite popular in this era.

‘That’s why you have to be careful.’

When you become obsessed with ideology you become like a madman with a mental disorder.

I had to be wary of this because it made me act like I was from a different country even though I was Korean.

‘I could be assassinated by a fellow Korean not a Japanese person…’

If communism spreads across the Korean peninsula the chances of my assassination will increase with time.

Basically when a Japanese person approaches me everyone is wary but when it comes to Koreans it’s not like that.

the other side.

I would be a thorn in the side of anarchists and communists.

For those who deny class theory I a member of the royal family and a capitalist am a devilish figure.

That is why I keep an eye on the Shinminhoe executives and keep paying attention to them.

‘It’s not because they’re pretty.’

It is because I want to persuade my opponents who remain in Joseon through them.

at least.

Even if the atmosphere of hatred towards the entire royal family cannot be changed.

I wanted to instill the awareness that Lee Kang is different.

That’s why I decided to boldly throw away the power I had in my hands.

At least on the surface.

* * *

The Shinminhoe executives who had attended the Synthetic Association general meeting were returning to the lodging where they had been staying.

“Professor Woo Kang.”

“….”

“Professor Woo Kang!”

“You called me?”

Yang Gi-tak who could be called a key figure along with Ahn Chang-ho had a look of confusion on his face.

Lee Dong-hwi who was a pro-democracy supporter along with Yang Gi-tak approached Yang Gi-tak and spoke to him discreetly.

I opened my mouth to comfort Yang Gi-tak because I thought he was greatly shocked.

“You seem to have a lot of worries.”

Shinminhoe executives were suddenly treated rudely at a Kyominhoe event.

Lee Dong-hwi recalled this and patted his colleagues on the back.

“Are you feeling better?”

“It’s okay.”

“Hey you don’t look okay at all. Haven’t you had that blank expression on your face since earlier?”

In response to Lee Dong-hwi’s question Yang Gi-tak turned his head toward the conference room where the general meeting of the Korean Residents’ Association was held.

Ugh ugh-

He licked his lips and imagined the face of a person in his mind.

“I feel a bit sorry that’s why.”

Could it be because of the activity fees?

Lee Dong-hwi interpreted Yang Gi-tak’s actions in that way.

We were trying to raise a lot of money for our activities in the Americas but that plan fell through.

Lee Dong-hwi also felt uneasy so he made a face that seemed to agree with Yang Gi-tak’s words.

“It’s a shame. Well… I also have a lot of regrets. I came all the way across the Pacific to America with hopes but I ended up returning empty-handed and without anything.”

Yang Gi-tak looked at Lee Dong-hwi and shook his head.

He cut it straight and said it wasn’t about the money.

“Then what is it that you regret Mr. Woo Kang?”

Yang Gi-tak thought about it for a long time.

Then unexpectedly words burst out of his mouth.

“What if… what if His Majesty the King had ascended the throne?”

“Huh? What does that mean?”

“Let’s assume for a moment. If Your Majesty had been running the government instead of Your Majesty I think the current dark situation would not have occurred.”

Yang Gi-tak continued to grumble very quietly.

However because his pronunciation was so clear not only Lee Dong-hwi who was standing next to him but also the other Shinminhoe executives were able to hear what Yang Gi-tak was saying.

“If His Majesty the King had been sitting on the throne the People’s Assembly would have been successful.”

Yang Gi-tak recalled the past.

He was an executive member of the People’s Assembly held in 1898.

At that time events from that time suddenly flashed through Yang Gi-tak’s mind.

“Ma the People’s Common Assembly? Why is the word ‘People’s Common Assembly’ coming out of your mouth?”

“That’s because the appearance of today’s general meeting is very similar to that of the People’s Assembly ten years ago.”

“….”

“Professor Seongjae may not remember the incident at that time because he was currently serving in the military but I still remember that day clearly.”

Yang Gi-tak made a bitter expression as he recalled those days in his 20s.

“I can never forget how we came together and how we fell apart.”

He clenched his fists as he recalled the faces of King Gojong and Yi Gang alternately.

“It is not as easy as it seems to give up power voluntarily. Haven’t we seen it before? The emperor’s change of heart.”

“That’s true but Uiwang is also in the end….”

Yang Gi-tak quickly cut off Lee Dong-hwi’s words that were blurting out.

“Yes. We will have to wait and see whether His Majesty will keep his word or not.”

“….”

“But somehow I feel like His Majesty the King will step down from the position of Association President just as he promised.”

Whenever I think about his father King Gojong I become increasingly suspicious.

But in the last place.

And just thinking about what I saw of Lee Kang at this general meeting I felt like he would really keep his word.

‘I wish that were the case.’

Yang Gi-tak wanted to believe.

Although I support democracy because of King Gojong I still have high hopes for the Joseon royal family in my heart.

“I also agree with what Mr. Woo Kang said.”

“I think so too.”

“No you guys too…..”

Lee Dong-hwi was embarrassed.

Because it seemed as if those who had been his comrades yesterday had just betrayed him.

But even in his heart a small change was stirring.

Because Lee Kang seemed really cool as a person.

I just don’t want to admit it.

Because Lee Kang was the son of Emperor Gojong whom he hated extremely.

“Excuse me… Please stop for a moment.”

The Shinminhoe executives were leaving the conference room and moving to the accommodations where they were staying.

at that time.

A familiar face appeared in the conference room.

“No you…..”

The one following them was Woo Hyeon-sik the safekeeper of Lee Kang.

Although others did not know Ahn Chang-ho had already met Woo Hyeon-sik so he quickly asked the Shinminhoe executives to stop for a moment.

“Huk huk Master Dosan. You walk too fast.”

“Why did you follow me here?”

“That is because His Majesty has ordered me to do this.”

“Your Majesty?”

“Yes please take it.”

Woo Hyun-sik emphasized the following words while handing over an envelope.

“This is not a subsidy from the Synthetic Association but is entirely your own money.”

“Your Majesty’s Sabira…”

“Yes. His Majesty has asked Master Dosan to give him personal support. This is the end of it.”

“….”

“You said that you would receive support through the Synthetic Association. Of course as I suggested last time you would have to go through the proper procedures to receive that support.”

Due process means that an audit is followed.

Dosan accepted the gold medal with an awkward smile.

“Okay I’ll put it to good use.”

“Then that’s it…”

Woohyunsik moving away.

Ahn Chang-ho who had been watching his back soon turned his gaze back to the Shinminhoe executives.

“There’s a lot more to talk about once we get back to the dorms.”

“….”

What will happen this time?

Will the two sides split into polar opposites like last time and show a rupture?

An Chang-ho was worried about the internal conflict that would soon arise.

“Master Dosan.”

“Please speak Mr. Woo Kang.”

However Yang Gi-tak asked Ahn Chang-ho a question that broke his expectations.

“Your Majesty this audit you mentioned. Can you explain to us in detail what it is?”

< Lighthouse (4) > End