Chapter 51 – South Korea’s President Syngman Rhee

“Nice to meet you, Dr. Kim Ji-hyuk.”

Welcoming Kim Ji-hyuk warmly in his characteristic voice was Syngman Rhee.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. President.”

“Hahaha, I finally get to see the famous Dr. Kim Ji-hyuk.”

“Pardon my presumption, but I am not that famous.”

“If President Eisenhower praises you to high heaven, you are indeed famous. He said you are a very competent doctor.”

“You flatter me.”

“By the way, was the meal to your liking?”

Syngman Rhee asked Kim Ji-hyuk with a gentle smile.

“Yes. I enjoyed it very much.”

“It is a relief that it was to your liking. What in particular was delicious?”

“Looking at the food, bean sprout Japchae and steamed chicken seemed to be the main dishes. Furthermore, the fragrance of the bamboo shoots in the steamed chicken was very impressive.”

“Hahaha, was it?”

“Besides that, it was good because they were foods where one could properly feel the flavor of Korea, such as chestnuts, pine nuts, gingko nuts, shiitake mushrooms, and jujubes. In particular, Vice President Richard Nixon also highly praised the steamed chicken!”

“Hahaha, it seems our chefs have enhanced the country’s prestige, making me feel very good. Did Vice President Nixon say he liked it that much?”

President Syngman Rhee asked Kim Ji-hyuk with a hearty laugh.

“Yes. He raised his thumb, calling it ‘Glorified Chicken!’”

“I see. It seems his conversation with Dr. Kim Ji-hyuk was as good as the food, wasn’t it?”

“Pardon?”

“No, looking at Vice President Nixon’s expression when he came down to the dining hall, he looked very bright. I was curious what kind of pleasant conversation you shared with Dr. Kim Ji-hyuk.”

Indeed, President Syngman Rhee was a shrewd man. Although he was dying of curiosity about what conversation Nixon and Ji-hyuk had shared, he did not ask directly.

President Syngman Rhee subtly asked about the content of the conversation he had shared with Richard Nixon.

“I am somewhat introverted and shy. I tend to stammer when there are many people around.”

“Hahaha, is that so? Secretary! Take the staff out and show Vice President Richard Nixon around Gyeongmudae.”

“Yes? Ah, yes. Understood.”

The quick-witted Syngman Rhee dismissed his secretaries.

A moment later.

“Mr. President, pardon my presumption, but do you have a close friend?”

“Are you referring to a companion?”

“Yes. A childhood friend, so to speak.”

“Hahaha, of course! A while ago, my old friend Lee Deok-je came to Gyeongmudae, so I sent him off with three roots of ginseng.”

“You mean that precious ginseng?”

“Yes. Ginseng is precious, but it doesn’t suit my body, and since my friend Deok-je has been in a difficult situation lately, I sent it with him. But why do you ask that?”

President Syngman Rhee asked curiously.

“The relationship between South Korea and the United States is no different from that, Mr. President!”

“……!”

President Syngman Rhee’s eyebrows twitched at Ji-hyuk’s words.

“In today’s South Korea, not to mention the physical destruction from the war, the remaining finances were entirely consumed by war expenses, leading to inflation, soaring prices, and rampant speculation.”

“It is regrettable, but it is unavoidable.”

President Syngman Rhee’s expression became serious.

“Currently, more than half of the rural areas are poor farming households, and they are on the verge of ruin due to temporary land income taxes, various miscellaneous taxes, and the low grain price policy.”

“…….”

At Kim Ji-hyuk’s painful point, President Syngman Rhee’s face turned red.

“In this midst, the United States is providing surplus agricultural products under Public Law 480. Surplus agricultural products!”

“Surplus… you mean they are useless grains to them?”

“It’s not that they are useless, but that they do not suit us. Just as ginseng does not suit your body, Mr. President! In the end, by aiding us with their overflowing grains, they are saving their own crisis-ridden farmers, and at the same time securing the justification of rebuilding South Korea.

For the next two years, they will pressure you and South Korea while aiding us with rotting grains. While importing these agricultural products will certainly help solve the immediate food problem, South Korea’s farming households, which are mostly poor, will eventually suffer a fatal blow. Pardon my presumption, but it is the same logic as your close friend selling the ginseng you gave to solve his immediate meal, but being unable to do anything afterward!”

“Hmm…”

“In short, the era of US aid aimed at global economic hegemony will arrive, but this is not a pure heart of granting kindness, but the export of US capitalism to secure hegemony in East Asia!”

“Even so, we cannot refuse US aid, can we?”

“That is true, but Mr. President! How long do you think the US will continue its aid? How long can you provide those three roots of ginseng to your friend? I think your friend needs to learn how to grow ginseng, not just receive the three roots of ginseng you gave him.”

“Hmm…”

“Currently, the dollar is experiencing a liquidity crisis globally. Surely when the dollar crisis arrives, free aid will change into another form.”

“Another form…”

“It will be in the form of lending.”

“You mean a loan system?”

In fact, when the liquidity crisis of the dollar arrived after 1957, the United States cut off free aid and sought a change in aid methods to loans.

“Yes. So it would be good to prepare measures in advance.”

“Hmm… If grain prices drop due to aid, small farmers will find it hard to cope. In the end, they will have no choice but to flow into cities and live as urban poor.”

President Syngman Rhee’s anxiety deepened.

‘South Korea buttoned its coat wrong from the start! About 14% of South Korea’s gross national product is US free aid, and half of South Korea’s budget relies on the US! Of course, we cannot escape the US shadow immediately, but we must start! The start of South Korea’s self-reliant economy!’

“Yes! Pardon my presumption, but I dare say so!”

“Hahaha, there are many prominent foreign policy and economic experts, but no one has spoken like this to me.”

‘Of course! They are only smooth-tongued, but no one was clear-sighted about the global situation! Furthermore, aren’t they all flatterers blinded by self-interest? I know. Even if I give this advice, it is uncertain whether President Syngman Rhee will accept it. But knowing the future of South Korea, I cannot just sit back and watch!’

“Then in what areas do you think we should focus right now, Dr. Kim?”

In an environment filled only with flatterers who would flatter him at every turn, President Syngman Rhee liked Kim Ji-hyuk’s clear insight and attitude.

“Do not focus only on the Three White Industries, but invest actively in the medical field.”

“The medical field?”

“Yes. If we choose the two most urgent fields for South Korea, they would be food and medicine!”

“Then you are saying we should request medical aid from the US?”

“Yes. Isn’t the justification good too? If we emphasize humanity, a common value of the world, the US won’t dare refuse. Furthermore, hasn’t South Korea historically been a very dexterous nation? If the government receives proper aid, we will fully be able to achieve immense results in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals. This will become a great livelihood for our South Korea in the future.”

“Hahaha, did you share such a story with Vice President Richard Nixon?”

‘Well, not exactly…’

“Yes! Having conversed with him, he didn’t seem to be a completely closed-minded person! You must yield what can be yielded and secure what can be secured! Do not just receive three roots of ginseng, but make sure to obtain the method of growing ginseng, Mr. President!”

“Are you saying Vice President Richard Nixon can do that much?”

‘As the man who will become the US President later, of course he can. Of course, by the time he sits in the presidential chair, you won’t be in this Gyeongmudae.’

“Yes. He is a person of extraordinary caliber and drive. Perhaps he will exert even greater influence than President Eisenhower in the future. It would be good to strengthen your relationship with him, Mr. President!”

“Hahaha, since it has turned out like this, how about you take charge of the medical field by my side, Dr. Kim?”

‘No, no! Not that far!’

“No. I think being by the side of the sick and poor citizens is the way to serve this country and you, Mr. President!”

“It is a wise answer to a foolish question, but it is truly a pity for me.”

President Syngman Rhee smacked his lips in regret.

“However, if my humble opinion is ever needed, I will visit you anytime!”

“Yes, yes! Hearing that makes me feel as reassured as gaining an army of thousands. Can you discuss the medical development of this country with me through the night tonight?”

“Hmm… If you promise to secure the latest ultrasound medical equipment developed in the US as aid, I can stay up even for two nights with you, Mr. President!”

“Hahaha! Is that so? Indeed! That’s how business is done. When you are on high ground, you must secure what can be secured.”

“I beg of you. Please receive a firm promise from Vice President Richard Nixon before he returns to the US!”

“Understood. I said I understood!”

President Syngman Rhee bent his waist backward and laughed heartily.

* * *

Yeouido Airport.

“Mr. President, having understood your deep intentions, I will return to my country and report them to the President!”

Having concluded his conference with President Syngman Rhee, Richard Nixon finished his schedule and was returning to his country.

“South Korea and the United States share a relationship like brother countries. If the older brother requests, how can the younger brother refuse? Return to your country and convey my words well to President Eisenhower.”

“You mean the medical aid?”

“Yes. We will expect the deep generosity of the great nation, the United States.”

“Do not worry about that. Seeing the citizens of South Korea suffering from disease, I felt truly sorry.”

“Indeed. South Korea will now make a new leap forward.”

“Of course. It must be so!”

“In particular, please look after the ultrasound equipment! Since my friend earnestly requested it.”

“Are you referring to Dr. Kim Ji-hyuk?”

“Hahaha, yes. Although he is young, he is a young man of great patriotism who loves this country.”

“I am also his friend! So how could I refuse a best friend’s request? As soon as I return, I will immediately review the medical aid, Mr. President!”

“Thank you. Thank you so much!”

President Syngman Rhee grasped Richard Nixon’s hands tightly.

Having received Kim Ji-hyuk’s advice, President Syngman Rhee made a joint peace declaration guaranteeing that war would not break out on the peninsula again, giving Richard Nixon and the US what they wanted. In return, he requested food aid and active medical aid. Vice President Richard Nixon promised this on humanitarian grounds.

And a few days later.

Finally, Professor Jeong Gi-ryeo, the head who would take responsibility for the surgery department of the National Medical Center, arrived.