21st century Goguryeo

Chapter 37

December 24th, 2016 09:10

Seoul Jong-ro Ku Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister’s office.

Minister Kim Jae-hak urgently called the United States Ambassador to Korea Jackie Robins regarding the CIA agents of the Korean branch’s involvement in the leaks of the national secrets.

“Ambassador Robins, how could they conduct espionage activity in an allied country?”

“Minister Kim, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play dumb with me. The NIS has concrete proof that this was the work of the CIA’s Korean branch.”

Jackie Robins fell silent when he heard there was concrete proof. His expression showed he had no choice but to answer the question quietly.

“Minister Kim! A year ago someone from Korea hacked the U.S government’s secret agency, but few confidential documents were leaked. It seems the CIA’s activity was related to identifying the hacker.”

“What? Are you suggesting that the Korean government hacked into a secret agency? Do you have any proof?”

“The hacking point started from Korea, and that type of hacking capability was not something an individual could do.”

“Ambassador Robins, let’s say the incident did happen. What confuses me is how the U.S conducted espionage in an allied nation when they could have just conducted a cooperative investigation.”

“Hmm, the documents that were leaked by the hacks had such a high confidentiality rank to conduct a cooperative investigation... The document was vital to the U.S. I believe they acted because they had no choice in the matter as an intelligence agency.”

“An act they had no choice in? What you’re suggesting is that Korea cannot be trusted as an ally. Wouldn’t you say so, Ambassador Robins?”

“I apologize for that part, Minister Kim.”

“Our president adamantly ordered that we follow the principle in processing this case. The CIA agents related to this confidential information leak will be imprisoned at the NIS indefinitely.”

“How long will they be held?”

“I’m not certain, but it seems they will be imprisoned for at least 5 years.”

“5 years or more? That seems pretty harsh for your allies.”

“You think that’s harsh? Is espionage activity towards an allied nation fine?”

“When you put it like that, I have nothing to say. However, I would like to make a request.”

“Please. I am all ears.”

Ambassador Jackie Robins leaned his body closer to the table and spoke quietly.

“I request this incident be processed as the U.S government not being involved. When considering world politics, there is no point in exposing this scandalous incident between allied countries internationally. This would also harm the relationship between the U.S and Korea.”

“I also believe this incident being exposed internationally is pointless, but the final decision will be made by the president. You will hear the decision from the press conference at the NIS this afternoon.”

“I will put my faith in you, Minister Kim.”

“I also have a request. Ambassador Robins, I would like to request cease all other espionage activities in Korea from this point. Could you give me your word?”

“This is not something that I can decide, but on my honor, I promise that your request will be fulfilled.”

“Good. I think we are done here.”

The TV was flooded by reports from the various news outlets about the shoot-out near Sejong intersection and the 17th Fighter Wing from last night. The Korean citizens, who never witnessed a shoot-out of this caliber before, were shocked yet intrigued by the incidents. In response, the NIS was to hold a press conference about the incidents at 1:00 pm.

* * *

December 24th, 2016 11:00

Seoul Jong-ro ku Blue House President’s office.

“We will begin the briefing regarding the confidential information leak involving the CIA’s Korean branch.”

The NIS was able to obtain proof and confessions by conducting an intense interrogation. NIS Secretary Na Bong-il was reporting about the incident.

“Three years ago, Director Arnold of the CIA’s Korean branch and two other agents were stationed in Korea until the Pyeong Yang terrorist attack occurred on Augst 15th, 2015, and eight more agents were deployed to the Korean branch. Their main mission seemed to be political observation regarding improving relations between the Korean government and North Korea. After NASA was hacked at the end of last year, they changed their main mission to keeping tabs on Korean corporations. Afterward, they received intel about the underground research facility in the 17th Fighter Wing from CIA headquarters. They obtained blueprints for the research facility from Minister Ahn Sang-Tae and used a spy drone to infiltrate the underground research facility to conduct espionage. In this situation...”

The president, who was listening to the explanation, stopped the briefing for a moment.

“Secretary Na?”

“Yes, Mr. President?”

“How did the CIA obtain information regarding the underground research facility in the 17th Fighter Wing?”

“We can’t question Director Arnold in such a critical condition, but we were able to obtain basic information from one of the arrested agents. The U.S satellite seemed to have confirmed the construction of the facility in the 17th Fighter Wing during its regular military base reconnaissance activity of our nation.”

“The U.S’s intelligence capabilities are amazing. All right, please continue.”

“Yes, Mr. President! This case was solved by the quick thinking of agent Lee Ja-sung, who was charged with bodyguarding Minister Ahn Sang-Tae. He found out about the secret meeting between Director Arnold and Minister Ahn Sang-Tae, and the NIS responded with a large-scale surveillance activity to close this confidential information leak case.”

National Security Director Oh Jang-soo, who was listening intently with his arms crossed, asked, “How much information was leaked to the CIA?”

“We have confirmed that the blueprints for the 17th Fighter Wing underground research facility were the only information that was leaked by Minister Ahn Sang-Tae and nothing else.”

“Is that true? If so, then that’s a relief.”

“It appears so. An agent from the NIS Investigation unit 1 was able to confiscate the spy drone that infiltrated the underground research facility and the memory card that holds all the recorded footage, and the vehicle the suspects used was obliterated by the explosion.”

Beep!

“Mr. President! We have an incoming call from Minster of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak.”

“Yes, put him on the line.”

The president held up on the receiver and hung up the phone after exchanging a few words with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Placing his chin on his hand, he said, “It seems the Minister has just finished speaking with the American Ambassador. As expected, the American government seems to be reluctant in this incident being known internationally. He also received a promise to cease all espionage activities in Korea. Secretary Na?”

“Yes, Mr. President?”

“Refrain from mentioning the U.S involvement in the press conference and just announce the contents we prepared earlier. America probably won’t keep their promise forever, but if they cease all espionage activities, then it gives us a chance to buy some time. Thus, it seems accepting America’s request would benefit us. Also, let’s learn from our mistake and make sure to educate our agents regarding secrecy and keep a close watch on leaking confidential information. ”

“Yes, sir. I will prepare as you have requested.”

* * *

December 24th, 2016 13:00

Seoul Kangnam-Ku NIS press conference room

The press conference room of the NIS was more packed than ever from the numerous reporters that swarmed in. A spokesperson for the NIS soon stepped up to the podium, put the microphone near his lips, and started the conference.

“We will begin the press conference to hold a short briefing regarding the shoot-out at Sejong road and answer questions.”

The reporters began buzzing and pressed the camera shutters repeatedly as they focused on the conference.

“This incident was an espionage activity involving a foreign multi-national military company that tried to steal confidential military information of Korea. Their motive was to obtain information early related to importing various weapons based on the unstable national security, and the NIS detected this activity beforehand. The incident occurred during the arrest process.”

When the spokesperson finished his briefing, many reporters raised their hands and bombarded him with questions. The spokesperson pointed to the front row and spoke.

“The man sitting in the second front row, please speak.”

“Reporter Oh Gil-dong of Shilla Times.”

“Yes, ask away.”

“Is this incident also in lieu with the one in Chungju?”

“Yes, it is. The multi-national military company’s target included confidential information in the 17th Fighter Wing as well, and we have apprehended the suspects.”

“This is Han Ma-um times. Were any of the documents leaked?”

“No. Luckily, we arrested all the criminals before they were leaked.”

“Then where are the criminals from the multi-nation military company from?”

“I apologize. Because that is a matter of national security, I cannot answer. I will take one more question before ending this conference. If there is any other information that we must inform our citizens, then we will open another press conference.”

“Excuse me, reporter Kim Kyung-hee from CBS news.”

A female reporter sitting in the front row shot up her hand to ask the last question.

“Yes, reporter. Please go ahead.”

“We have information that a high ranking government bureaucrat was involved in this case. I don’t believe you spoke of that, did you? We would like an honest answer.”

Minister Ahn Sang-Tae’s arrest was still considered confidential information. While bewildered from the woman’s questioning that seemed to indicate she knew that fact, the spokesperson regained composure and answered.

“Yes, that is true. We will tell you of the person’s identity later when we open another press conference.”

“Can’t you tell us who it is now?”

The spokesperson sternly answered the female reporter’s prodding question.

“We are still investigating the matter, so it is too early to release the information. We will announce it during the next press conference.”

“We will close the conference now.”

“Mr.Spokesperson, please take one more question. Reporter Yeon Moon-ho from We newspaper. There is talk of suspects using an American embassy vehicle. Does this mean the U.S is involved? Please answer us.”

“Everyone! The press conference is over. Please leave.”

The NIS spokesperson swiftly left the press conference room, and the bodyguards were restraining the reporters who would not stop their barrage of questions.

The numerous reporters from different news agencies broadcasted the announcement live and piqued the interest of the citizens as they hinted the NIS might be hiding something.