The Genius Grandson of the Loan King - Chapter 27 (27/840)
< The Slot Machine Case of Chansoo Han. >
The Slot Machine Case of Chansoo Han.
A bomb, known as the 'Slot Machine Case of Chansoo Han,' exploded.
Originally, Chansoo Han's name was not supposed to appear 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 Yoon."
As I waited, Chief 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 coat and sitting down, Chief Prosecutor Yoon laughed heartily.
"Haha. I never wanted to be the Seoul Central District Prosecutor, but after that incident with you, I got this opportunity. I owe it to 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 the competition for positions, but you've handled many major cases and, considering your seniority, you could even aim for the next Chief Prosecutor."
"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 asked to meet after you entered university. Is it something important?"
"Let's eat first."
"Sure, let's start with a full stomach."
As he said this, the food arrived.
"This place is the best in Seocho. The food is good, and it's a great place for a quiet conversation. What do you think?"
"The staff's attitude is also very attentive and considerate."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon nodded and took a spoonful of seaweed soup.
"Sadly, this place has become a place where politics is discussed instead of proper investigations. It's a sad story, isn't it? Let's eat. The seaweed soup here is a work of art."
"Yes."
We finished our meal while having a casual conversation about school life and recent events.
After rinsing his mouth with the dessert, Chief 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."
"I know. Who doesn't know about them?"
I put down the dessert bowl and looked at Chief Prosecutor Yoon.
"Chansoo Han, 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, such as... Representative Kim, is also involved."
"Representative Kim? You mean Representative Kim Chul-sung?"
"Yes."
"Wow, this isn't going to be easy."
"Indeed. The investigating prosecutor will face continuous threats and inducements. That's why, Chief Prosecutor, I'm asking you to handle this case properly."
"Me?"
Chief Prosecutor Yoon raised his eyebrows in surprise.
I nodded firmly.
"Also, the prosecutor currently investigating this is a regular prosecutor at the Central District Prosecutors' Office. If the case gets bigger, the Special Investigation Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office will likely take it over."
"Wow..."
"You must not let that happen. Once it's handed over, everyone will try to escape. Especially Representative Kim. This is also related to Chansoo Han."
"Chansoo Han? You mean your maternal uncle? Surely not..."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon looked at me in shock.
I met his gaze without flinching.
After staring at me silently for a while, Chief Prosecutor Yoon shook his head in frustration.
"Even from the last incident, you... you're really a scary person. It doesn't match your age."
"Once it's reported to the President, a political storm will hit. Since the Chief of the Civil Affairs Office is one of your people, everything will proceed without Chansoo Han."
"...It will likely be handed over to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."
I nodded silently and added,
"Before that, please block all the pressure. I'll handle the side of the Chief."
"..."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon, who didn't respond, gave me a moment to think.
A few moments later,
"Are you asking me to risk my career as a prosecutor?"
"If it goes wrong, I'll take responsibility. But if you succeed... you will become the next Chief Prosecutor. A Chief Prosecutor 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 Chief Prosecutor Yoon's ambition.
He probably gave up on promotions when he was sent to Busan, but he became the Seoul District Prosecutor due to the incident involving me.
Now, he might want to aim for the highest position.
"Can you persuade Mr. Chansoo Han?"
"Once he's arrested, I'll handle the rest. The Blue House can't act easily in the early stages of the administration. No matter how much money they have, it's still 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 Chief 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 will be at the forefront of the President's war on corruption!!!"
"Hmm."
"Isn't that exactly what His Excellency would like to hear? Then he won't need to hand the case over to the Special Investigation Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon's tense face relaxed, as if his thoughts were organized.
"Alright, let's try. I was destined to quit in Busan anyway. Since I'm here, I might as well aim for the Chief Prosecutor."
"Hahaha, thank you."
"But, is this the favor you're asking for?"
Chief 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, are you? Alright, it's a good deal for both of us. Next time, ask for something that benefits you."
He extended his hand.
I shook it.
"This case must be called the 'Slot Machine Case of Chansoo Han.' Remember that!"
* * *
"What were you doing while this case grew 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 he will take responsibility and wrap it up appropriately. The VIP is considering whether to hand it over to the Special Investigation Department of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office or the Seoul Central District Prosecutor."
"Wow..."
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 good to upset the VIP."
Grandfather's gaze turned to me.
"Muhyuk, do you have any good ideas? A way to save your uncle?"
"..."
"Try to reach an agreement with Chief Prosecutor Yoon. That seems to be the best option. Once the case is handed over to the Special Investigation Department, it will be decided by the President's judgment."
"That's true."
"Instead, the only good strategy is to have Chief 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 foolish person is digging his own grave. You shouldn't work with politicians... I made a mistake. I shouldn't have arranged that marriage."
Seeing Grandfather's blood pressure rise, 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 in this. 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 Mr. Chansoo Han.
I gained a lot from handling the slot machine case.
I sent Mr. Chansoo Han 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 Mr. Chansoo Han, Chief Prosecutor Yoon moved quickly.
He started summoning and investigating high-ranking officials who had received bribes, senior police officers, and members of the National Assembly.
The members of the National Assembly 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. Chansoo Han."
A young prosecutor and Chansoo Han were facing each other in the interrogation room.
"Mr. Chansoo Han! Answer me."
Chansoo Han was exercising his right to remain silent.
"Ha... Everyone else has already been questioned. Resisting will only harm you."
"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 90 degrees.
"Senior, it's been a while."
"Right, Park. It's been three months, hasn't it?"
"Yes, Senior."
"Sit down first."
"Yes."
The roles were reversed, with the prosecutor and the lawyer switching places.
The lawyer greeted Chansoo Han.
"Mr. Chansoo Han. I've been sent by the Chairman."
"Oh, right? Phew... I'm suffocating. When can I get out?"
"Park, can I have a moment alone with my client? I'll be back in a bit with a coffee."
"Ten minutes?"
"Sure, thanks."
"No problem. I'll come back in ten minutes. Would you like me to get you a coffee, Senior?"
"Hahaha, no need. I can get one from the prosecutor. I'll treat you next time."
The prosecutor left the room.
Once the prosecutor was gone, the lawyer spoke in a low voice.
"Frankly, it will be hard to avoid detention."
"What? What nonsense are you talking?"
Chansoo Han shouted.
But the lawyer continued without changing his expression.
"The Chairman's message. He says to think of it as a break and to clear your head. He will get you out with a special pardon, so you need to reflect on your actions."
"Father?"
"Yes."
"Don't lie. Father wouldn't do that."
"I don't lie to my clients. I'm just relaying the Chairman's message. Mr. Chansoo Han has reached an agreement. But Representative Kim... probably..."
"Why the father-in-law?"
"The Chairman is very angry. He wants you to make everyone involved in this incident irredeemable. He has already talked to the higher-ups."
"..."
"Absolutely no rash actions. If you cause another incident, he says he will disown you."
"Ha... Can I at least talk to Father?"
The lawyer shook his head.
"He says he doesn't want to talk to you because it will weaken his resolve. He had to make many concessions for you. Don't forget that."
"Then, can we just go through the motions with the investigation?"
"Yes. The case will be announced to the media as the 'Slot Machine Case of Chansoo Han.' But due to the involvement of high-ranking officials, your name will likely be forgotten. That was the agreement between the VIP and the Chairman."
"..."
"My name will be announced?"
"Yes."
Shocked by the news that his name would be announced to the media, Chansoo Han was silent for a long time.
Soon, the prosecutor opened the door and entered.
"Did you have a good talk with your senior?"
"Yes. Did you receive instructions from above?"
"Yes."
"Entertain him and send him to the detention center."
"Understood."
"Mr. Chansoo Han, I'll be going now. I'll visit you every day."
"..."
The lawyer greeted him, but Chansoo Han didn't respond, just staring blankly ahead.
* * *
A few weeks after the initial investigation.
The old man, Chansoo, who was sitting alone in his study, looked much worse.
At that moment, Director Ha entered with a serious expression.
"Chairman."
"What is it? Why do you look so tense? Did something go wrong with the agreement with Suhan? Did he break it?"
"No, everything is going according to the agreement. But the atmosphere is strange."
"What atmosphere?"
"Some key directors at the Economic Planning Board have gone on long-term leave or overseas trips. It's unusual for them to all be away at the same time, and there are no records of them leaving the country. It's clear they are up to something."
"..."
The old man's eyes, which had been lifeless, regained their sharpness.
After a few minutes of silence in the study, the old man spoke.
"How is the account cleanup going?"
"It's not fully done yet."
"Drop everything and focus on that. Once the anonymous accounts are cleaned up, reduce the number of nominee accounts to those of trustworthy people."
"It will take until next year to clean up the nominee accounts."
"That's fine. They are likely to announce it in the New Year's message early next year. Finish all the work before then. What about the 400 billion sent to the U.S.?"
"It will be laundered and arrive in the U.S. in a month."
"Good. Through whom?"
"Through Daehyun Construction."
"Hmm... I need to have dinner with Chairman Song. Understood. You can go now."
Director Ha bowed and left.
"Muhyuk, I can't understand what he sees. Is it his ability to judge the flow of events, or is there something else?"