Chapter 78
End (3)
One day in December 1918, with the year nearly over—
I arrived in London.
They said I was to receive a medal in recognition of my achievements at Cambrai… honestly, it was a hassle. They could’ve just tossed it to me—why go through the trouble of calling me here?
I’d already received the Legion of Honor in France, and the United States was handing me various decorations as well. It’s better than nothing, sure—but these people have a track record, don’t they?
Still, there wasn’t much to do in terms of unit management, and most of the remaining tasks were being handled smoothly at subordinate levels, so at least getting some fresh air was nice.
But surprisingly, what awaited me in London—guided by some captain-level officer—was a massive crowd.
At first, I thought I was mistaken. But what confused me even more was the sight of Union Jacks flying everywhere, side by side with waves of Stars and Stripes.
No way…
Are these barbaric, so-called “gentlemanly” pirates actually waiting to shower me with handshakes?
Is my moment finally here?
“What’s going on today?”
“Uh, well—oh, right!”
Of course, that wasn’t it.
As it turned out, today was the day President Woodrow Wilson himself was visiting London.
Figures.
I quietly stuffed that brief flicker of hope back into a corner of my heart.
But just as I was letting go of my expectations—
Something happened.
Was it because the car I was riding in was a roofless model?
The crowd, already primed and ready to erupt in cheers, saw me.
The unmistakable U.S. Army dress uniform that stood out too much.
The even more eye-catching single star gleaming brightly.
And above all, this Asian face that couldn’t possibly be mistaken for anyone else.
“Yujin Kim?”
“That Yujin Kim from Cambrai?”
“Everyone, please make way—”
“It’s Yujin Kim!!”
“General Kim! Over here!!”
“The Last Samurai! Thank you for defeating the Kaiser!”
“Kyaaaaaah!!”
Since there was still time before President Wilson’s arrival, the London police hadn’t yet tightened control.
The fragile line separating road and sidewalk collapsed instantly, and the car I was in was swallowed by the crowd.
“Haji! Hold on tight!”
“Aaaaargh!”
“Kim! It’s Kim!!”
“I’m a reporter from The Times! Do you have any connection to President Wilson’s visit today?”
“Is this related to strengthening Anglo-American-Japanese relations?”
“Shake my hand! Please!!”
“Please step back! This is official business! Everyone calm down—aaagh!”
“General Kim! My son survived Cambrai thanks to you! Please—please accept my thanks!”
Getting out of that situation was not easy.
Like dominoes collapsing one after another, the crowd that had been waiting endlessly for Wilson surged like a swarm of ants the moment they heard Yujin Kim had appeared.
And instead of “the land of gentlemen,” a different name came to mind.
No wonder they call it the land of hooligans. Damn it.
Was this that infamous bubbling island energy?
The Londoners, far more intense than Parisians, had already punched my guide and poor Haji a few times before hoisting me out of the car and tossing me around in celebration.
For two hours, I didn’t touch the ground once—by the end, I was completely wrecked.
I’m sorry.
I’ll never crave popularity again.
Just as I was desperately praying for a second chance from whoever was up there—
Peeeeep! Peeeeep!
With the sound of whistles, London’s famed mounted police arrived, subduing the half-hooligan crowd with batons.
“The police are beating us!”
“Run away!!!”
“Are you alive?!”
“Ah… yes. Barely.”
“You almost became the first general torn into seventeen pieces by allied civilians. Let’s get you out of here!”
“Wilson! President Wilson is here!”
“Wooooaaaah!!”
“Form up! Don’t get buried!”
“Oh no…”
Even the mounted police trying to rescue me were swallowed by the overwhelming crowd.
It seemed this hell wasn’t over yet.
***
The decoration ceremony was postponed that day.
“Haji. You alive?”
“I wish I weren’t.”
“Same here.”
After pressing my uniform, replacing insignia torn off by someone’s rough hands—
Only after all that chaos did I finally manage to receive the damned medal.
From now on, if anyone calls Britain the land of gentlemen, I swear I’ll knock out a tooth to replace the rank insignia I lost. Just wait and see.
Anyway, at the end of that physical ordeal awaited a new kind of suffering—mental.
“Please go in.”
“Haji, you—”
“I’ll wait in the car.”
Deep breath.
Deep breath.
“I’m going in.”
“Yes.”
The door opened, and a man sitting on a plush sofa stood up and extended his hand.
“It’s even more of a pleasure to see you in London, Brigadier General Kim.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
I was trembling.
When in my entire military career would I ever meet a head of state?
A one-on-one meeting with President Woodrow Wilson.
This had to be it. He must be upset that I stole some of the attention meant for him. He’d probably say, ‘You’ll be returning to lieutenant,’ and then ship me off to the Philippines—
“I may not know much about military matters, but I have heard repeatedly how much you have elevated the honor and prestige of the United States. I thank you once again.”
“I have only fulfilled my duty as a soldier of the United States.”
Stick to the manual. Stick to the manual.
Just repeat “Yes, sir” and “Understood” like a parrot.
“I also read the report you wrote previously.”
Damn it.
“So I became curious—what do you think of the Fourteen Points I proposed?”
That? It’s kindling.
More unrealistic than I was when I was being tossed into the air earlier.
Nothing good ever comes from clinging too tightly to idealism. Sure, idealism can be a step toward the future—but it’s not exactly the kind of thing you say in front of Frenchmen screaming for blood revenge.
Of course, regardless of my thoughts, my mouth was doing its job in society just fine.
“Like the Ten Commandments given to Moses, I believe it will become a great step forward for humanity to move beyond barbarism and live as a civilized people.”
“Ho ho. Is that so? Such high praise embarrasses me. As a Christian myself, I feel shame that such a catastrophe occurred in the 20th century…”
He spoke with great pride about the new principles he intended to present.
But I knew—
About the child that would be born from the Paris Peace Conference: the Treaty of Versailles.
And about Adolf Hitler, who would rise under its shadow.
Who was it that said—
It was too harsh to be called reconciliation, yet too lenient to prevent Germany’s resurgence?
Of course, Wilson couldn’t know that. He wouldn’t live long enough to see it.
But for me, knowing that the seeds of the Second World War were being sown right before my eyes, I couldn’t simply smile happily.
The Second World War was necessary.
Whether to establish the United States as a superpower and usher in the Pax Americana.
Or for Korea’s independence.
Or simply for my own achievements and advancement.
But—was that worth a hell that would claim tens of millions of lives?
As I wrestled with that thought, Wilson finally finished his long speech and said with satisfaction—
“Come to think of it, there is a matter in which I would like to request your help.”
“Help, sir? As Commander-in-Chief, you need only give an order.”
“It’s not quite something I wish to order. I would prefer that you personally agree with my opinion and cooperate.”
What could it be?
What matter could possibly require my cooperation from the President himself?
Don’t tell me he still wants to sell war bonds.
Is he going to have me dress up as Fu Manchu, put on a queue, and dance like a Cossack for some ridiculous bond advertisement?
Contrary to my anxious expectations, what came out of his mouth was not some nonsense like “Shaman America.”
“I intend to use this opportunity to break the grasp of the Empire of Japan.”
“?!”
What kind of windfall was this?
For a moment, it felt like a halo was shining behind Wilson.
So this is where Jesus himself was. If it’s about breaking the arms of the Japs, what couldn’t I do?
“You mean—”
“The Empire of Japan fought alongside us against Germany and provided considerable assistance. As compensation, they are to receive the Shandong Peninsula in China, which had been under German control.”
I already knew that story.
In the end, Japan would take it—only for the massive May Fourth Movement to erupt in China.
But this was the first time I learned that Wilson was opposed to Japan’s expansion.
“Is it to uphold the principle of self-determination you spoke of, sir?”
“Precisely. The Chinese possess an ancient civilization and have now been freed from German oppression. Therefore, should not the United States, a nation that understands peace and justice, help these poor Chinese people?”
An idealist, through and through.
Yes—if you’re a true idealist, you live and die by principle.
If I helped Wilson, perhaps things could be resolved better without going through another storm of world war.
I couldn’t help but feel hopeful.
“So at the upcoming conference in Paris, I intend to propose that the Shandong Peninsula be returned to the Chinese rather than given to Japan. At that time, General Kim, your role will be very important.”
“If it is within my ability, I will do anything.”
“Thank you, haha.”
Wilson smiled warmly.
“Wouldn’t the Japanese be quite angered if they heard this?”
“Th… that’s likely.”
“I’ve heard that you are already widely renowned across Asia as a war hero. All the yellow peoples of the East are calling out your name—Yujin Kim.”
Something about this conversation was starting to feel off.
The halo behind Wilson vanished without a trace.
In its place stood not some savior—but a politician worthy of the White House.
“We received a proposal through the Japanese embassy. They requested that General Kim be sent to Japan. They are willing to grant you state guest treatment, and as an allied nation that fought alongside us, they hope you will visit Japan, comfort their people who have suffered through the long war, and inspire pride among Asians.”
What the hell is this guy saying to me?
“Admiral Togo, who repelled the Russian Empire, has also sent praise regarding you. Since we cannot disregard our friendly relations with Japan, I hope you will contribute to improving U.S.–Japan relations.”
So basically—
If we side with the Chinese, Japan will get angry.
So you want me to go over there, pat them on the head, and say “Japan is great!”
Am I misunderstanding something here?
“Mr. President.”
“Yes, General.”
“I must apologize, but I am Korean.”
“I am aware. I’ve spoken with Dr. Rhee several times.”
“Koreans also have a long history comparable to China’s, yet we are currently suffering under the oppressive rule of the Japanese Empire—much like Ireland under British rule.”
As my explanation grew longer, Wilson frowned slightly—but I didn’t care.
He was essentially asking me to shoot my own foundation in the foot—there was no way I could just listen quietly.
“As you yourself said, under the principle of self-determination, Koreans too—”
“Ah, yes. I agree with that as well.”
Wilson waved his hand dismissively, as if he already understood everything.
“But the timing is not yet right. I have given much thought to the situation of the Koreans, but I believe they still have more to learn from the civilized Japanese.”
“Mr. President.”
“I hesitate to say this, but… despite the disadvantage of being Asian, you have been able to rise through the ranks. Such a thing is only possible in the land of freedom and opportunity—the United States.”
I clenched my teeth and simply nodded.
“But to become a general, one must act… more politically. Of course, I am aware of your closeness with the Republican Party. But there is no reason you cannot maintain good relations with both parties, is there?”
If you handle this matter well, I will fully support your career as a general.
Wilson presented what was essentially an offer I couldn’t refuse.
So this bastard is saying that if I refuse, he’ll scatter landmines all over my future—just phrased nicely.
“…What exactly would you have me do?”
“I won’t ask for much. Just say a few appropriate things to please them.”
“I’m a soldier by nature, so I’m not very good at speaking indirectly. May I be a bit blunt?”
“Of course. Go ahead.”
Damn. I really miss the ivory-gripped pistol I left with Haji.
Hold it in. Hold it in.
“If I go around spouting lines praising Japan, are you aware that my fellow Koreans will be desperate to take my head off?”
“If they are so barbaric, that only proves they are not yet fit to join civilized society. You need not worry.”
“A large portion of my supporters are Korean. What about the fact that I would be betraying them?”
“You were concerned about that? Haha. The United States Congress will support you from now on—what is there to worry about?”
Okay. I understand perfectly.
Our President… really doesn’t listen, does he?
No wonder he was suddenly praising China. A Southern Democrat supporting “yellow” self-determination? I’d sooner believe a baseball team investing in itself.
After pouring a bucket of cold water over my thoughts, everything he said earlier translated to this:
China is a market we need to profit from—so no one else should touch it.
Germany’s Kaiser wasn’t worth confronting directly—but letting arrogant little Japan take a share? That, he couldn’t tolerate.
“So, should I depart for Japan immediately?”
“That won’t be necessary. Next year or the year after will suffice. You’ll need some time to return home first, won’t you?”
Good. Good.
Then that changes everything.
Thank you, President Wilson, for lifting this heavy burden from my chest.
From here on, Woodrow Wilson is destined to taste every hardship and bitterness the world has to offer.
His idealism will fade into empty echoes, leaving behind only a twisted bastard child like the Treaty of Versailles.
And I’ll gladly hammer the nails into his coffin.
Europe clearly needs one more world war.
Without a shred of guilt, I resolved to profit from the blood of these people.
And before that world war arrives—
It’s time to write a new bill, paid in the blood of my Democratic “friends.”
There are plenty of ways to collect what I’m owed.