A nuclear bomb exploded, known as the "Chonsuhan Slot Machine Case."
Originally, Chonsuhan's name should not have appeared in this case.
But...
* * *
Early April.
I was at a restaurant in Seocho District, Seoul.
"Muhyuk, it's been a while."
"Good to see you, Chief Prosecutor."
As I waited, Prosecutor Yoon Chang-ho of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office entered the room and greeted me.
I stood up and responded.
After taking off his jacket and sitting down, Prosecutor Yoon laughed heartily.
"Haha. I never coveted the position of Seoul Central District Prosecutor, but after that incident with you, such an opportunity came to me too. I owe you, my junior."
I smiled in response.
"I think you've reclaimed a position you should have had. You were pushed to Busan due to internal competition, but you've handled many major cases and, considering your seniority, you could even aim for the next Prosecutor General."
"Hahaha, you flatter me. I have no more ambitions. Excessive ambition always leads to ruin. You should remember that."
"Yes, sir."
"So, why did you ask to meet today? You even turned me down when I suggested meeting after you entered university. Is it something important?"
"Let's eat first."
"Sure, let's start with a full stomach."
As he said that, the food arrived.
"This place is my favorite in Seocho. The food is great, and it's perfect for a quiet conversation. What do you think?"
"The staff's attitude is also very attentive and considerate."
Nodding, Prosecutor Yoon picked up his spoon and said.
"Sadly, this place has become a venue for political discussions instead of proper investigations. It's a sad story. Let's eat. The seaweed soup here is a work of art."
"Yes."
We finished our meal while chatting about school life and recent events.
After rinsing his mouth with the dessert, Prosecutor Yoon said.
"Alright, now tell me. What's this about?"
I took a sip of the dessert and replied.
"Do you know about slot machines?"
"Slot machines? Pachinko?"
"Yes."
"Of course. Who doesn't know about them?"
I put down the dessert bowl and looked at Prosecutor Yoon.
"Chongsuho, who is known as the godfather of the slot machine industry, will soon be arrested by the prosecution. After that, many high-ranking officials in politics and government will likely be implicated."
"A big case."
"It's likely to become the biggest scandal of the Sixth Republic. A prominent figure in the Sixth Republic, Representative Kim, is also involved."
"Representative Kim? You mean Representative Kim Chul-sung?"
"Yes."
"Phew, this isn't going to be easy."
"Indeed. The investigating prosecutor will face continuous threats and inducements. That's why, Chief Prosecutor, I want you to handle this case properly."
"Me?"
Prosecutor Yoon raised his eyebrows in surprise.
I nodded firmly.
"Also, the prosecutor currently investigating this is a junior prosecutor at the Central District Prosecutors' Office. If the case grows, the Central Investigation Department will likely take it over."
"Phew..."
"You must not let that happen. Once it's handed over, everyone will try to escape. Especially Representative Kim. Chonsuhan is also involved."
"Chonsuhan? You mean your maternal uncle? Surely not..."
Prosecutor Yoon looked at me in shock, and I met his gaze without flinching.
After staring at me silently for a while, Prosecutor Yoon shook his head in exasperation.
"Even after the last incident, you... You're a truly scary person. It doesn't fit your age."
"Once it's reported to the President, a political storm will hit. The Chief of Civil Affairs is one of your people, so everything will proceed without Chonsuhan."
"......It will likely be handed over to the Central Investigation Department."
I nodded silently and added.
"Before that, please block all pressure. I'll handle the side of your grandfather."
"......"
Prosecutor Yoon remained silent.
I didn't say anything more to give him time to think.
A moment later.
Prosecutor Yoon spoke heavily.
"Are you asking me to risk my career as a prosecutor?"
"If it goes wrong, I'll take responsibility. But if you succeed... You'll become the next Prosecutor General. A Prosecutor General who isn't from the planning, public security, or special investigation departments. You should leave a mark in the history of the prosecution."
I subtly touched on Prosecutor Yoon's ambition.
He must have given up on promotions when he was sent to Busan.
But he became the Seoul Central District Prosecutor due to the incident involving me.
Now, he might want to aim for the top position.
"Can you persuade Chairman Chon?"
"Once he's arrested, I'll handle the rest. The Blue House can't act easily in the early days of the administration. No matter how much money they have, it's ultimately an underground economy."
"What if I ignore the Blue House's orders and lose my head? Then it would be like feeding porridge to a dog..."
I smiled, seeing that Prosecutor Yoon was almost convinced.
"First, just leak it to the media. Pressure will come from above. I won't compromise with power. I need the help of the people. I'll be at the forefront of the President's war on corruption!!!"
"Hmm."
"Isn't that exactly what His Excellency would like to hear? He'll think there's no need to hand the case over to the Central Investigation Department."
Prosecutor Yoon's tense face relaxed, as if his thoughts were clearer.
"Alright, let's try it. I was destined to quit in Busan anyway. Since I'm here, I might as well aim for the Prosecutor General."
"Hahaha, thank you."
"But, is this the favor you're asking for?"
Prosecutor Yoon brought up the "one favor" we had agreed on before.
"If you want, I can do it that way."
"Haha. You're not one to lose out. Alright, it's a mutual benefit. Next time, ask for something that benefits you."
He extended his hand, and I shook it.
"This case must be called the Chonsuhan Slot Machine Case. Remember that!"
* * *
"What were you doing while this got so big? What about our people in the Blue House? And what about Yoon Chang-ho?"
"......"
Director Ha, who had been listening to Grandfather's scolding, finally spoke.
"A crazy prosecutor leaked it to the media. It's too late to contain it now. He says it's better to take responsibility and wrap it up appropriately. The VIP is considering whether to hand it over to the Central Investigation Department or the Central District Prosecutor."
"Phew..."
Grandfather sighed and closed his eyes.
"......Is there no way?"
His voice was weak.
Director Ha shook his head.
"It seems impossible to avoid a prison sentence."
"Even if we spend a lot of money?"
"We will suffer significant damage. It's not a good idea to upset the VIP."
Grandfather's gaze turned to me.
"Muhyuk, do you have any good ideas? A way to save your uncle?"
"......Negotiate with Prosecutor Yoon. That seems to be the best option. Once the case is handed over to the Central Investigation Department, it will end based on the President's judgment."
"That's true."
"Instead, the best strategy is to have Prosecutor Yoon, who has connections with us, handle the case to the end. Wait for the moment when the President's influence wanes... and then aim for a special pardon."
"This incompetent person is digging his own grave. You shouldn't work with politicians... I made a mistake. I shouldn't have arranged that marriage."
Grandfather, whose blood pressure seemed to be rising, grabbed his neck, and I rushed to support him.
"Muhyuk, is there really no way...?"
"Grandfather will lose a lot. If you're okay with that, I can look for a way. But... you might lose even more for a few years..."
Grandfather seemed to have given up, looking at Director Ha.
"Start with the in-laws and thoroughly ruin everyone involved. No acquittals or suspended sentences. Spend whatever it takes. Make them suffer more than my son."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Let me know if you need my help."
"Understood."
In the end, Grandfather gave up on saving Chonsuhan.
I gained a lot from the slot machine case.
I sent Chonsuhan to prison for a few years.
And I brought down one of the violent organizations backed by the Cheongpung Association.
I planned to use this gap to advance Park Dong-su's entry into Seoul.
* * *
After his call with Chairman Chon, Prosecutor Yoon moved quickly.
He began summoning investigations of high-ranking officials who had received bribes, senior police officers, and even members of the National Assembly.
The National Assembly members appealed to the media in front of the prosecution building, claiming it was a political conspiracy, while others quietly bowed their heads and appeared before the prosecution.
"Mr. Chonsuhan."
A young prosecutor and Chonsuhan sat facing each other in the interrogation room.
"Mr. Chonsuhan! Answer me."
Chonsuhan was exercising his right to remain silent.
"I'll talk when my lawyer arrives."
At that moment, the door opened, and a lawyer entered.
Seeing him, the young prosecutor stood up and bowed deeply.