Notes

- Most people and organizations in this story are fiction. 

CNN News Program in the Samjogo Palace, Jinsil, Unified Principality of Korea (2019)

"This is Anderson Cooper, coming to you live from what was once called DMZ or 38th Parallel, and now the Capital of United Korea, Jinshil." Anderson Cooper spoke in front of the camera.

"I'm standing in front of the Samjogo Palace Tower and currently waiting for Crown Prince Taegon to arrive for his commencement speech. As the viewers may remember, today marks the 5th Anniversary of the Reunification of North and South Korea." Anderson continued until the CNN program switched to its monologue, describing the new Korean nation.

"What seemed like an impossibility to the rest of the world occurred before our very eyes. The death of Kim Jong Un, the purge of the North Korean communist regime, and the revitalization of North Korean economy by what was then an unknown power helped in the smooth political union between it and its southern counterpart."

"The North and South Korean Governments resolved its greatest difference, the necessity of strong executive, by reestablishing a royal family as the executive branch. The original Royal Family of South Korea, the House of Yi, descended from the last dynasty of South Korea was deemed ill-suited by the North Korea power, as it was the dynasty mediatised by the Japanese Imperial family in World War II. Thus a whole new Royal Family was established from the descendants of the dynasty of Goryeo, the actual namesake of what we know as Korea."

The House of Taejo

"The position formerly known as the President of South Korea was merged to the legislative branch and renamed as Prime Minister, as the leader of the party, with a term of five years. The legislative party retains the authority to make and amend laws, wh the executive maintains the running of the military and treasury."  

"The 4 main members of this new Royal Family, who would be known as Princes of Korea, were already very well known and recognized by the international community, which added to cement its legitimacy outside of its bloodline."

"The oldest of the princes is none other than Prince Haneul Choi, also known as Sky Choi, the CEO of Sky International Consulting and President/Chairmen of Cloud Foundation. Also the second richest man in the worth with a net worth of $175 Billion, Prince sky is considered the powerhouse amongst the princes. Ever since the establishment of the Korean Principality, the eldest prince has spearheaded its technological advancement and modernization of the northern regions with astounding success. The construction of metropolises with advanced high-speed railways connecting North and South are almost solely his accomplishments. In addition, the development of liquid air cycle engine (LACE) by the Cloud Foundation for alternate energy energized the engineering sectors of Korea on all fronts, tripling Korea's GDP in five years. He has been described as Modern Day Howard Hughes. As such, it is not hard to see why Prince Sky also holds the position of Secretary of Treasury."

"The second oldest of the Princes is Prince Choi Yushin, Sky Choi's younger brother. Unlike his brother, Prince Yushin developed his career in the military. Draft to the South Korean special forces out of high school, he was put into South Korean Special Forces. Training with US Rangers and SEALS, Yushin was involved in the liberation of Sri Lank from self-proclaimed warlord and general Majeha Rieyeke. It is even rumored that he was the one responsible for the general's assassination, though this has never been confirmed by the US Military or FBI. What is even more confusing is that Prince Yushin was said to be the leader of the special forces team that removed Kim Jong Un and his power circle, though that has yet to be confirmed by the Korean Government. What is known, however, is that the united Korean military changed drastically since the reunification. To what extent is unknown, but according to Pentagon reports, the Korean military is far more danger than before. What can be said is that Prince holding the position of Secretary of Defense makes the Korean nation formidable by all means."

"The third oldest Prince is Prince Choi Bidam, paternal cousin to Prince Sky and Prince Yushin. An 2x Olympic Gold Medalist in both Taekwondo and Volleyball in 2012 and 2016 , Prince Bidam is known as the Michael Jordan of Volleyball, as his participation in the sport raised its popularity to unknown heights, rivaling basketball and soccer internationally and domestically. His near-unrivaled good looks and athleticism has also garnered international recognition and earning of the moniker "Prince Hwarang." While simultaneously being an Olympic Athlete, he had studied international law and even became the UN Ambassador to Korea. Even after he retired from Olympics, he continued his work, eventually becoming the Chief Ambassador and Diplomat of Korea to other nations. He had been named Ambassador to United States by President Biden last year, alongside other leaders. As Prince, he continues his foreign policy work for United Korea. "

"Finally, and certainly not the least, the reigning prince is now other than Sovereign Crown Prince (Taeja, 태자) Choi Taegon, the executive of Unified Korea. A rather accomplished mathematician, he was chosen unanimously by his cousins to take the throne due to his countenance and intellect. And ever since his sudden enthronement five years ago, Prince Taegon has led smooth unification of the North and South to what it is today. His reforms against the Chaebols, corporations, corruption, and lobbying, on top of social reforms such as free education, health care, and unconditional natural rights revolutionized all of Korea. Not only were his social reforms a resounding success, so has his initiative to make clean energy a priority. His initiative, called the Korean Growth, was started 4 years ago to move Korea from the use of fossil fuels and move to clean energy and prioritize recycling. His success has been such that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman openly stated that he seeks to emulate the Korean Ruler's success in his own country by 2030. Coined as the 'Perfect Ruler' by modern times, Prince Taegon is said to be the Korean Constantine by many of the modern political scientists."

"The formation of Unified Korea has not been seen as universally positive, however, by some countries. China, for one, currently seems threatened by the existence of a country that has an extremely powerful military and robust capitalist economy right at their doorstep. So is Japan. South Korea has grown to dominate the Eastern Asia's trade, replacing the majority of China's and Japan's exports.

"United States as well has been frustrated in terms of trade. The Korean Principality has held the LACE technology monopoly and has refused to sell it commercially to other nations. This technological advantage has stumped both America's private and military sectors. Hopefully that end-" 

Suddenly, the program shifted back to Anderson, who was hearing something through his earpiece. "It seems that Prince Taegon will be giving his speech soon!" Cooper spoke as journalists and news anchors crowded over into the arranged seats in front of the podium. And from palace entrance, the one and only Prince Taegon came out and stood in front of the podium to address everyone. And behind him another person, who was also well known in his own right. But why he was there was unknown to the reporters. 

"Before I start the actual Unification Address, there is something that I would like to say." Taegon started.

"I will make this as concise as I can." Prince Taegon stated. "In the past five years since Unification, Korea has grown more prosperous than ever thanks not only to the bravery of its people but also to the ingenuity and integrity of my supporters. Without them, Korea as we know today would not exist, and there would be a perpetual cold war between the North and the South. However, this unprecedented success itself bears a great burden. It calls for greater oversight, management, and vision to make sure that it does not implode upon itself. As my fellow cousins and I are all fully occupied with our own responsibilities, it is time to call upon another."

The media people in front of the prince, recording every word and action that the Prince said and made. The Prince took a moment of silence before speaking again.

"Thus I will hereby instate the Fifth Prince of Korea to fulfill his promise and finally take his place as my current heir." Tae Gon continued, and flashes of photos being taken shot from everywhere. Behind Taeja, a figure approached the podium, dressed in royal attire. 

"I present to all of Korea its Fifth Prince..."

The day before the 2019 MNet Asian Music Awards was held in Nagoya Japan, with a boy band ready to set a record for award winning. 

But for one of its members, things were going to get very complicated. VERY COMPLICATED.