Kang Jiwoo was a big eater.
Watching her eat sometimes made others worry.
Was it too much to let her eat this much?
What if she gets sick at such an important time?
With these concerns, Park Seokji asked her.
“Jiwoo, how’s your stomach feeling?”
“I’m a little hungry… Do you have anything to eat?”
“???”
He asked if she was feeling unwell, but she simply said she was hungry again.
At this point, something seemed off.
“You didn’t used to eat this much. Have you been holding back your hunger all this time?”
“I wasn’t holding back. My stomach is always hungry… But I don’t really need to eat…”
“Let’s stop eating for today. Eating too much all of a sudden might upset your stomach.”
“Okay.”
Jiwoo Kang responded calmly, as if nothing was wrong, and went to play quietly with Jinsoon.
Park Seokji made a call to Han Seoyoung.
“Yes, Chief Han. I’m calling because I’m a bit concerned about Jiwoo… It’s just that she…”
Hearing this, Han Seoyoung was shocked.
“She ate that much?”
She had been making an effort to ensure Jiwoo lacked nothing.
Each meal was prepared with the proper balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Whenever they visited a convenience store, Jiwoo’s eyes would light up at the sight of food, so she even bought her snacks frequently.
“It wasn’t like she was lacking anything. I was actually worried she might gain weight.”
Since suddenly being put in charge of 9-year-old Kang Jiwoo, Han Seoyoung had studied hard about child nutrition.
It was true Jiwoo ate more than most children her age.
However, her weight had shown no significant changes during their regular morning weigh-ins.
Still, just to be safe, they made a hospital appointment.
Jiwoo Kang wasn’t an ordinary child; she was a TS patient.
Being cautious could only help.
“What if she has some sort of complication?”
Overwhelmed by fear, Han Seoyoung called Bong Soohee.
After hearing the situation, Bong Soohee replied with interest.
“Sounds like she’d be a hit on mukbang.”
“That’s not the point!”
Bong Soohee was clearly the type to offer no practical help in such situations.
After hanging up, Han Seoyoung opened her laptop to look for information on TS syndrome.
She referenced the latest research papers compiled by an acquaintance.
The material was up-to-date and of high quality.
Patients with TS syndrome often experience significant physiological changes.
Some mistakenly interpret these changes as “superpowers,” but they are merely extreme shifts in their physiology.
For example, Patient A, a 78-year-old male, gained the strength to deadlift 200 kg after transforming into a 17-year-old female.
This patient had no prior experience with exercise.
However, this phenomenon was attributed to temporary harmony between the nervous and muscular systems rather than actual physical development…
The data included details about these extreme physiological changes.
It was almost at the level of superhuman abilities.
Perhaps Kang Jiwoo’s enormous appetite was a result of such changes.
“A mukbang featuring the president…”
She imagined Kang Jiwoo , as president, doing a mukbang.
“Today… I’ll eat ten hot dogs for my mukbang!”
Nom nom.
With her tiny mouth, Jiwoo would eat diligently.
Her face would be smeared with sugar, ketchup, and honey mustard.
“Hot dogs are the most delicious in the world!”
It would definitely be adorable.
But.
“A president doing mukbang content? That’s absurd.”
Even if she was just an elementary school student, such content would be undignified for a president.
It might be better to film her eating heartily at a traditional market.
“Well, at least it’s better than not being able to eat.”
Being a good eater was an advantage for a politician.
It would work in her favor during campaigns and diplomatic exchanges.
She opened the refrigerator.
It was completely empty since they rarely cooked at home.
“I should stock up now.”
She went out to buy snacks—healthy ones, even if they were a bit pricey.
Thump thump.
When she tapped her stomach, it sounded hollow, like a drum.
It should have been full of food by now, but there was no feeling of bloating or discomfort.
In truth, she felt quite happy.
“To eat this much and have no issues? My stomach must be a blessing!”
Since childhood, she had struggled with nervous stomach issues.
After starting her political career in Yeouido, she had developed acid reflux, stress-induced colitis, and headaches.
Her chronic illnesses were no joke.
The problem was, she couldn’t even eat to relieve stress.
Stress → overeating or drinking → stomach issues → more stress.
This vicious cycle would start all over again.
She had to be careful about what she ate, avoiding greasy foods entirely.
Saying goodbye forever to black bean noodles, fried chicken, and pizza.
Even tteokbokki, fritters, gopchang, makchang, and even ramen must be approached with caution.
It’s safe to say almost half of my life is ruined…
But now?
“Burp.”
I’ve acquired the insane ability to digest ten servings by myself in just 30 minutes!
Ah~ This is life…!
At that moment, the front gate opened, and someone walked in.
They looked about three or four years older than me.
“Uh…”
I froze in place, startled.
The kids were just as surprised.
“Wow, it’s really Chirp Chirp…!”
“Oh my, our little bird has come, hasn’t it?”
“Grandma! Grandpa!”
They seemed to be the grandchildren of Park Seokji.
Looks like I’ve made some friends.
It seems the remaining evening won’t be boring.
“Chirp Chirp!! Chirp Chirp!”
“Genius Korea Tree Party! Idiot Korea Tree Party !”
“Hahaha…!”
The kids were running wildly through the house, playing without a care.
At first, they were shy, but they quickly became friends.
“Isla, be careful. What if you hurt the candidate running around like that?”
“Careful Korea Tree Party!!”
“She’s really…”
“Just leave them be.”
Watching them have so much fun, I decided to let it be.
The older kids were keeping an eye out, making sure everyone was safe.
“Here, have some fruit.”
“Mom, you should sit and eat too. Dad as well.”
“Hmm… alright.”
Park Seokji and Baek Mihye had three children.
Today, it was their eldest and youngest daughters who had come.
A parent-child gathering.
The atmosphere wasn’t particularly pleasant.
Park Seokji asked bluntly,
“What’s the occasion, coming without notice?”
“We didn’t come without notice. We told Mom everything.”
“Did you hear?”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me beforehand?”
“You say knowing is better than getting blindsided.”
An awkward cough didn’t help ease the tension.
Although Park Seokji was a four-term lawmaker outside, he was more of a troublemaker at home.
Especially in the eyes of his two daughters.
“You’re quitting now, right?”
The youngest daughter asked while munching on fruit, her eyes fixed on the TV.
“Quitting what?”
“Don’t play dumb. Politics. You promised this would be your last term. You’ve served four terms. Isn’t it time to retire?”
The TV was showing political news.
The topic was presidential candidates’ approval ratings.
Kang Jiwoo was trailing slightly in second place.
In the footage, Park Seokji also made an appearance beside Kang Jiwoo.
“I’ve worked tirelessly for the neighborhood during these four terms. Now it’s time to make my move into central politics…”
Zap.
The gazes of his two daughters felt like daggers piercing him.
“You promised this would be your last term.”
“That was before I realized how well Jiwoo would do… Am I supposed to just step back after making her president?”
“It’s not like Dad’s hard work is what’s boosting her approval ratings. Why are you taking credit?”
“I-I contributed a little, at least…!”
Park Seokji’s face began to flush.
His daughters had always wanted him to quit politics.
You’d think it’s unfilial of them, but…
They had their reasons.
“There was another news article about you recently. Something about saying awful things to a female lawmaker.”
“Awful things? What now?”
“Look at this.”
The youngest daughter showed her phone to her older sister.
It was an article about Park Seokji’s abusive remarks directed at a female lawmaker.
“Sexual harassment?! I can’t believe this! How could you say such things in this day and age?!”
“She started it by cursing Jiwoo!”
“Dad, there are kids here! Watch your language!”
“Ugh…”
Park Seokji could only let out a heavy sigh, unable to defend himself further.
He carried a lot of guilt over the matter.
“Do you know what they’re saying? They’re asking if Grandpa is a bad politician. Kids at school said so. They told her that if you search his name online, you’ll see everything,” the daughter said with a hint of frustration.
“Alright, I get it…”
From his early days as a freshman lawmaker—or even before that, when he first entered politics—Park Seok-ji had never held back.
He was always the first to step forward in fights and the first to take blows.
It was all for the party or to uphold loyalty.
Thanks to that, he had managed to survive in politics until now.
But the sacrifices his family had to make along the way were significant.
“Aren’t you tired, Dad? Always fighting, getting criticized…”
“I’m not doing this for my own good. It’s for our party and the country…”
“I know you’ve dedicated your life to the country, but can you start thinking about your family too?”
“I swear, I’ve never done anything shameful. It’s just the media and the opposition distorting the truth.”
“What’s the point of all this? How far do you need to climb to feel satisfied? You’re saying even becoming the party leader is hard now?”
“…”
Becoming the party leader was indeed out of reach now.
After all, he had left the major party.
But even so, there was still a chance of becoming a minister, wasn’t there?
Surely, that was possible.
‘Maybe this is just my greed…
When I think of my family, stepping down now might be the right thing to do.’
It was true that he had made his family suffer for the sake of his career.
And with the kids being at a sensitive age, stepping back might indeed bring them happiness.
At that moment, his eldest daughter spoke up harshly.
“I’ve told you time and time again, Dad, you’re great in local elections, but you can’t make it any further. Having a long contact list in central politics doesn’t matter—you need actual ability.”
“Are you saying your dad doesn’t have ability?”
“Isn’t it obvious? If you had ability, you’d have been a minister several times over by now. And you’d have seized the chance to become the party leader when it came. But who blew all those chances? You did, Dad. So just stop already.”
“You watch your mouth…”
His eldest daughter seemed thoroughly fed up.
Park Seok-ji couldn’t even get angry—he simply stayed silent.
Because, honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
A lack of political skill.
Mistakes made at critical moments.
These were the traumas of Park Seok-ji, the politician.
Deep down, he knew it.
‘Maybe my daughter’s right… maybe I’m just not cut out for this.’
This was probably his limit.
He couldn’t rise any higher.
Just then, he felt a peculiar gaze from the side.
“Hm?”
The daughters turned their heads.
There stood Kang Jiwoo, her eyebrows forming a determined “V” shape.
She seemed to have something to say, her fists tightly clenched as she looked at them.
“Do you have something to say?”
“I…!”
Kang Jiwoo was panting, her face flushed red.
She must have just come in from playing.
With excitement, she exclaimed, “Grandpa is a political master!”
“A master? Politics?”
“Grandpa must not quit! If Grandpa quits, I’m doomed!”
“…!”
With that, she ran and hugged Park Seok-ji tightly.
“Hahaha. You little rascal. Want some fruit?”
“Yes!”
When he handed her a pear, she happily nibbled away at it.
Even though she’d already had a big dinner and wasn’t supposed to eat more, her cuteness made it impossible for Park Seok-ji to refuse.
Park Seok-ji looked at his daughters.
“Alright. I’ll quit politics after this term. But if a future president insists they need me, then I might not have a choice.”
His shoulders were held high, his pride restored.
The idea of a leading presidential candidate asking him not to retire?
What politician wouldn’t feel great about that?
“In the meantime, I’ll do my best to make sure our family doesn’t face any backlash.”
“I’ll protect Grandpa!” ,
Kang Jiwoo declared firmly.
“Hahaha. Thank you for that.”
The daughters couldn’t press him further.
They simply smiled warmly, watching the adorable Kang Jiwoo.
‘Maybe being around such a cute child means I won’t face much criticism…?’
And thus, the evening at Representative Park’s home ended on a lighthearted note.
Because I had fallen asleep too quickly.
After all, I had walked around so much with Park Seokji that it wasn’t surprising.
“Goodbye, Chirp-Chirp!”
“Wishing you luck in becoming president!”
“Go for it!”
“Bye-bye, unnie, oppa~”
Park Seokji said her farewells to the grandchildren.
She also bowed politely to the adults, one by one.
“Bye-bye to Aunt Jinsoon too!”
Woof!
They said goodbye to the kind dog, Jinsoon, as well.
Just as they were about to get into the car, the lady of the house came out carrying a bundle.
“What’s this?”
“Side dishes. Keep them in the office to eat, or send them to Chief Han’s place. I’m not sure if they taste good since I made them in a hurry…”
“That’s a lot.”
“I doubt it’ll last three days with Jiwoo.”
“Cooking Ping… I-I’m grateful!”
“Come again, alright? You absolutely must visit again. I’ll make even tastier food for you then.”
“Hahaha.”
“Y-yes…!”
They had acquired provisions!
It was enough to make their hearts feel full from the morning.
Jiwoo and Park Seokji got into the car and headed to the party office.
When they parked and prepared to get out, reporters were already waiting, just like yesterday.
This time, the number had grown, forcing Park Seokji and Mr. Kim to physically block them.
“Jiwoo, don’t get out yet. Understand?”
“Yes.”
The two struggled to hold off the reporters.
It seemed they’d have to wait until the security team came down.
Just then, a reporter managed to slip through and knocked on the car window.
A dull sound echoed through the glass.
“Candidate Kang Jiwoo! Please grant us an interview!”
It was the same person from yesterday.
Do you even know what politics is?
Do you understand what you’re doing, aiming to become president?
That question had prompted Jiwoo Ping to decide to study politics.
Even if it was just a single day of studying.
Now, Jiwoo Ping was ready to answer.
She pressed the button to lower the window.
“Huh…?”
The reporter looked surprised, as if he hadn’t expected her to roll the window down.
Caught off guard, he stared, dumbfounded.
Jiwoo responded to him.
“At first, I was scared because I was a presidential candidate… I….”
“S-scared?”
Fear.
That was the first emotion—and trauma—Jiwoo had experienced after being TS’d (transformed).
It was also an emotion she was now overcoming.
“But… Thanks to the support of the people, I’ve become okay. That’s why… I want to support them too.”
Politics that supports the people.
Applauding their lives.
Respecting their lives.
“So that the people don’t have to be afraid…”
Politics that alleviates their fears.
That was Jiwoo Ping’s political philosophy.
The far-left YouTuber from the politics division had been persistently following Kang Jiwoo for a reason.
I’ll ask her what politics is and catch her off guard.
Viewers will love seeing her flustered.
His aim was to ask Kang Jiwoo about politics.
He expected her to freeze and stare blankly, revealing her incompetence.
Viewers would cheer at her helplessness.
But then…
“I want to support the people… so they won’t have to be afraid…”
Kang Jiwoo gave an answer.
And it was a decent one.
“……”
A completely unexpected blow.
He was left speechless.
Even the viewers were stunned.
The flood of comments in the live chat suddenly stopped.
It was a live broadcast with hundreds of viewers.
For the chat to stay silent for a full ten seconds was unheard of.
The video spread widely.
The political philosophy of the elementary school presidential candidate became known to the world.