Perhaps because walking was somewhat difficult for him, Kim Jong-il approached me with slow, measured steps.
“Are you Teacher Kim Mu-hyeok? It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Kim Jong-il.”
“I’m Kim Mu-hyeok. It’s an honor to meet you, Chairman Kim Jong-il.”
Kim Jong-il nodded, walked past me, and plopped down in the seat of honor.
“Teacher Kim, have a seat as well.”
I walked over and sat down slowly. I made sure to act cautiously so I wouldn’t provoke the soldiers surrounding him.
“Everyone, move farther away.”
At his single command, the soldiers guarding him moved well back. Unlike them, however, Baek Cheol-su remained behind Kim Jong-il, standing there like a robot. As I stole a glance at Baek Cheol-su, Kim Jong-il’s gaze swept over me from head to toe.
The silence in the awkward room was broken when women dressed in fine clothes entered and began setting up the drinking table. In an instant, the reception room filled with the bustle of activity. Once the table was set, Kim Jong-il opened a bottle of liquor and filled his glass.
Then he looked at me and spoke.
“Would you like a drink, Teacher Kim?”
I picked up my glass and stood, taking a few steps toward Kim Jong-il. Baek Cheol-su came forward from behind him and blocked my path.
“Boss Kim, do not approach the Chairman until he tells you to move.”