Chapter 163: Let’s Burst It Open

After a long time, I decided to have dinner with my friends.

Considering we might be seen, I intentionally arranged to meet at a restaurant in Gyeonggi Province instead of Seoul.

When I arrived at the restaurant, only Myeong-su was there.

"You got here fast!"

"Oh, did I?"

"Where are the others?"

"They should be here soon. Just sit down."

Prompted by Myeong-su, I took off my coat and handed it over to Manager Ma before heading into the room.

"How's Chairman Cheon?"

"Same as always."

"Even with all his money, it's a mess. How can he come back to Korea after so long and immediately think about filing a lawsuit? I just don't get it."

Myeong-su grumbled as he poured me some soju.

I raised the soju glass, receiving the flowing liquor.

"Let's have a drink."

A cheerful sound rang out as our glasses clinked.

The soju slid down my throat with an unusual bitterness.

"Let's set things off now."

As I set my empty soju glass down, Myeong-su's eyes narrowed.

"What are we setting off? Is it about Kim Joong-geun?"

Even though I had only referred to 'that,' Myeong-su grasped the point.

I nodded silently.

"Are we really doing it now? Weren't we supposed to make an issue at the time of next year's nominations?"

"I had planned to, but it seems Kim Hak-gwon and Seo Yong-geon have teamed up. They're stirring up trouble by linking my grandfather to the Geungseong Group. We need to release this information early to silence the issues."

Issues need to be covered by other issues.

No matter how shocking an event is, a scandal involving the president won't prevail; it will all be buried.

"Yeah, I've seen it. It seems like Il-sung is serious. The Speecial Investigations Unit is pressuring the Geungseong Group properly, and I've heard the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office is digging into Chairman Cheon's case too."

"Right. They're probably desperate to find something to pin down."

My calm words seemed to eat away at Myeong-su, who hastily drank from his glass of soju.

Then, he rubbed his lips clean and muttered a curse under his breath.

"Damn it, what are they thinking when there's someone sick?"

"I didn't think they would target my grandfather, not me. The prosecution probably won't pursue further investigations now anyway."

Sensing Myeong-su's confusion, I added to my words.

"It's not the regular prosecutors but the higher-ups who are all involved. If things escalate… to save themselves, they'll probably try to bury this case."

"This is frustrating. When should we set it off?"

"Let's do it after this weekend, right on Monday. You summon Kim Joong-geun first. Ignore any pressure from above. If you move first, Goryeo Daily will report it exclusively. Then, other media outlets will naturally follow suit."

A hint of solemnity flickered across Myeong-su's face. I chuckled slightly as I watched him nod.

"If they pressure us from above, we must record everything, you know? After the press conference, you can hand over the case to Hyeon-woo and step back. I'll make you look like a hero."

Kim Hak-gwon had once again withdrawn his hand after shaking. Because of that, I could comfortably target Kim Joong-geun.

Through this opportunity, I aimed to bury issues related to my grandfather while simultaneously crafting Myeong-su into a tragic hero prosecutor. It wasn't intended, but everything exploded at just the right time.

"Hero? No way. What kind of hero…"

"You saw how Yoon Chang-ho entered the political world, right? The public wants that kind of hero. Someone who doesn't cower in front of the living powers, a Don Quixote-like figure."

"Huh…"

At that moment, the noise outside suddenly grew louder.

The door burst open, and Oh Hyeon-woo and Han Min-kyung entered together.

"What's up? You two got here quickly! Have you already started?"

Without responding, Myeong-su stared blankly at the two who joined us.

"What? What's going on with you two?"

He teased in his typical sarcastic tone.

"Why are you acting all disgusted?"

Han Min-kyung shot Myeong-su a disdainful look as she walked in.

"What's with you two coming in together? This looks odd."

"It was quitting time, so we left together. It was obvious we'd drink, so I asked her to take my car. What's odd about that?"

Myeong-su's playful banter was met with Oh Hyeon-woo chiming in with a grumble as he walked behind.

Han Min-kyung took a seat next to me, while Oh Hyeon-woo sat beside Myeong-su.

"How have you been?"

Though I had heard the news, I asked to be polite. Han Min-kyung returned the inquiry.

"Justice is still the same. What about you? I heard your grandfather is quite unwell. I was going to visit but heard visits weren't allowed."

"The hospital insisted he must have complete serenity, so they're not allowing visitors."

Han Min-kyung couldn't hide her sympathetic gaze at my words.

Avoiding her gaze, I turned to Hyeon-woo.

"What about you?"

After bickering with Myeong-su, Hyeon-woo replied as he looked at me.

"Me? Nothing much to do. With the election season on, everyone seems to feel we should avoid any actions that might influence the elections, so I'm just gathering information."

"Any major events happening?"

"Not really, not yet. When have we ever waited for an event? We've set things off when necessary."

That was indeed true, so I nodded.

Within the Special Investigations Unit, various corruption cases regarding chaebols and politicians were compiled.

Decisions on when to take action weren't made by prosecutors but initiated when the unit chief issued orders.

"By the way, you heard what Min-kyung said about Chairman Cheon, right? His condition is reportedly worse, and rumors are circulating in the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."

"Rumors are spreading?"

"It seems there's no high-ranking official who hasn't received pocket money from Chairman Cheon."

A sardonic smile briefly flickered on Oh Hyeon-woo's lips before returning to his usual expression.

"With Chairman Cheon being linked to the Geungseong Group, the prosecutor in charge of the Geungseong Group case reportedly went to the Chief Prosecutor with a pale face."

"The Chief Prosecutor is on Kim Hak-gwon's side. He's probably trying to tie my grandfather to create issues, but I doubt they'll genuinely pursue an investigation."

Oh Hyeon-woo nodded, seemingly in agreement.

"What's up? Everyone got here fast!"

While chatting with friends, Yoon Jae-ha opened the restaurant door and walked in.

"Am I the last one here?"

"Hyeon-seong hasn't arrive yet. Hey, Jae-ha. More importantly, hear me out. Hyeon-woo and Min-kyung came in together. Doesn't that seem suspicious?"

As Yoon Jae-ha sat down, Myeong-su grew excited.

"Why is that?"

"It's weird, right? Why would they need to come in together? I'm not the only one seeing this, right?"

"You crazy?"

At Myeong-su's nonsense, Yoon Jae-ha chuckled and turned to me.

"They've been urging progress on the Atlantic side. I'll handle it. You don't need to worry."

"Is that so?"

"They probably want a quick advancement on their side. However, we don't need to adjust to their schedule. The judge initially suggested we reach an agreement before resuming court, but they requested to swap judges with the court instead."

Looks like things aren't going smoothly for them, right?

I was already aware that Il-sung and Cheon Su-man waanted to swap the judge for one favorable to them.

"What do you think? Will they manage to swap?"

"They probably will. But I'll make sure it won't happen in the way they want, so you don't need to worry too much."

"Thanks."

"It's nothing. More importantly, why are you holding a ceremony instead of letting the food be? If we eat, Hyeon-seong will surely come. I'm starving. Let's eat quick!"

"No, it's not about the food. Jae-ha, listen to me!"

Though Myeong-su continued his sarcasm, all my friends turned a blind eye and picked up their chopsticks.

Soon, Hyeon-seong joined us, and we finished our meals chatting about various updates.

After enjoying the sujeonggwa and coffee that followed for dessert, I finally brought up the serious topic.

"Hyeon-woo, we're starting the Kim Joong-geun case now."

Startled, Hyeon-woo looked at me with wide eyes as he swallowed his coffee.

"What?"

"I don't want my grandfather's name floating around in public. It's fast, but we need to kick off Myeong-su's political debut too, so we have to move quickly."

"When are we breaking it?"

"I'll be issuing a summons next Monday. That'll kick things off, starting with Goryeo Daily…"

I slowly explained the prepared scenario for the Kim Joong-geun case.

After hearing everything, Hyeon-woo nodded.

"I'd better be prepared too."

"Kim Hak-gwon can't stop this. If he tries, it's like saying he's giving up on the upcoming election. In the end, he'll have to abandon his son."

Noticing something, Hyeon-woo followed up my words with a solemn expression.

"So after the press conference, I'll receive the case once I've handed it over to you."

"Exactly. You can't just act recklessly with the Chief Prosecutor too."

Even though he had stepped back from the front lines, there was no one who could pressure Oh Jeong-seok, the Chief Justice's grandson, in the legal field.

"Alright. No matter what anyone says, I'll persist and investigate."

"Thanks."

"What's friends for? Next time, buy me a drink."

"If we wrap this up well, let's meet again. Right now, I'm overwhelmed."

With that, I stood up from my seat.

Since everyone had been drinking, I instructed Manager Ma's staff to send them home.

Having intentionally cleared my schedule, the weekend passed swiftly.

On Monday afternoon, I received a message from Myeong-su.

[I just sent the summons now.]

After receiving Myeong-su's contact, I contacted Goryeo Daily to instruct them to break the news tomorrow.

Today, Asung Daily was still relentlessly attacking the Geungseong Group, and recently, other newspaper companies began to take notice and fall in line.

Among the publications reporting on the case, only Asung Daily was a major outlet, but I couldn't disregard the others.

"All newspapers that mention an article linking the Geungseong Group and my grandfather should cut off their advertisements."

"Yes, Boss."

After giving the order, I began reading the documents Manager Ma had prepared on Jang Dae-ho.

With each page I turned, I instinctively frowned.

"So… are you saying the founder, Seo Il-seong, was close with Jang Dae-ho?"

"Yes."

"Then, how come it's never been known to the world?"

The documents contained only summaries, not detailed content.

Instead of examining the paper scraps, it seemed better to pay attention to Manager Ma's speech.

"Basically, it says he didn't significantly intervene in Il-sung's business. During the Korean War, he fled south from North Korea and settled in Daegu, where he presumably met Seo Il-seong. I heard that after that, he's been farming in Gyeongsan."

"He seems to be quite old?"

"Yes."

Jang Dae-ho was nearing eighty.

"What's his health condition?"

"I believe he has no issues at present."

"Does Seo Yong-geon let a person like that be?"

"While Jang Dae-ho isn't well-known among the public, all of Seo Il-seong's children, including Seo Yong-geon, are aware of their connection. They say he'd bring his children during holidays to visit him when Seo Il-seong was still alive."

If Seo Il-seong and Seo Yong-geon shared a close relationship with that individual, it would be difficult for me to target him.

If his children were unruly, it would be easy to manipulate them, but I found only Jang Dae-ho's name in the records.

However, the documents had no mention of the names of his children.

"There are no names for his children?"

"I heard that he hasn't remarried since settling in Daegu. There are rumors about family members left behind in North Korea, but it's not confirmed."

If I couldn't directly seek assistance, I wanted to find someone eligible for inheritance, but hearing he had no children in the South left me feeling distressed.

"What about his assets?"

"In addition to stocks, he owns significant lands in Gyeongsan. He lives quietly, but everyone in Gyeongsan knows him as Old Man Jang. He has a good reputation for helping needy people."

He seemed like a good person.

People with wealth are usually stingy in helping others.

Yet here was someone who continued to assist the needy without flaunting it; he seemed different from Seo Yong-geon, who coldly disregards others.

I wanted to meet him at least once.

"Old Man Jang…"

I repeated his name as I rubbed my chin.

It was a day filled with deep thoughts.

* * *

"What? Stop it!"

President Kim Hak-gwon had no knowledge of the allegations regarding Kim Joong-geun's bribery.

However, he was well aware that this could greatly damage his political standing.

"I've already instructed the Chief Prosecutor to put a stop to it."

"Tell Joong-geun to come in immediately."

"Understood."

Kim Hak-gwon pressed his temples hard, feeling a throb in his head.

"Of all times, why now, during the election season…"

Kim Joong-geun, upon receiving Kim Hak-gwon's call, rushed straight to the Blue House.

Upon entering the Blue House office, he flinched at the furious expression on Kim Hak-gwon's face.

Kim Hak-gwon glared at Kim Joong-geun with trembling fists.

"You…"

"Father, it's not what it seems."

"Huh… Just sit down for now."

"Yes, Father."

Suppressing his rising anger, Kim Hak-gwon questioned his son.

"Is it true? Have you taken money from various sources?"

"…"

"Why can't you answer? Did you take it or not?"

"I'm sorry…"

Feeling as if the sky was collapsing as he saw his son bow his head in apology, Kim Hak-gwon felt a wave of despair.

"…Why? What was going on with you? Wasn't being a congressman enough? Why did you do this?"

"I must have been insane."

"No, I said reasons—not excuses!"

"…I met him through a friend at first. Then, we had a few drinks together…"

Kim Joong-geun struggled to find words in his defense.

"Then, when he shared his difficulties, I stupidly said I'd help him while drunk."

"That's fine; offering to help is understandable. But why did you take the money?"

"…"

"If your words are right and your interests were purely as a friend, then you shouldn't have accepted the money!"

"I'm sorry…"

Kim Hak-gwon barely restrained his urge to hit the back of Kim Joong-geun's head, who was still remorsefully bowing down.

Sighing in frustration, Kim Hak-gwon managed to calm down and asked again.

"How much did you take?"

"…About 4 billion won. I didn't receive any cash, only items like watches and stocks."

"Ugh… For now, I'll try to shut this down, but stay out of the public eye for a while. Got it?"

"Yes, Father."

Only then did Kim Joong-geun lift his head, tears glistening in his eyes.

Seeing his foolish son, Kim Hak-gwon felt his heart ache.

At that moment, however, Kim Hak-gwon had no way of knowing just how serious the situation would become. He thought it was still manageable.

But things did not unfold as Kim Hak-gwon expected.

* * *

The day after the prosecution sent a summons to Kim Joong-geun, Goryeo Daily featured his bribery case on the front page as well as pages two and three.

The article didn't just hint at suspicions; it presented detailed circumstances and evidence, throwing the public into extreme confusion.

President Kim Hak-gwon had gained public support through his reputation for integrity.

Yet his own son was embroiled in a bribery scandal.

Even a mere suspicion would be a major blow to his political career, not to mention the actual evidence that surfaced.

Both the Moderate Party and Conservative Party rushed to criticize Kim Hak-gwon.

In contrast, the Progressive Party condemned the prosecution as conducting a political attack.

A fierce debate erupted among the public. Whenever two or more people gathered, they were quick to discuss Kim Joong-geun's bribery scandal.

And as I expected, my grandfather and the extreme group faded from the spotlight.

Although favorable opinions about Kim Joong-geun still outnumbered the negatives, once Lee Myeong-su held his press conference, the fire of criticism would certainly ignite.

"How much longer?"

"About an hour left."

Having thrown the nation into chaos, I was now leaving Seoul, heading to Gyeongsan to meet Jang Dae-ho.