After finishing all my schedules in the United States, I returned to Korea.
As soon as I arrived, I headed to Seocho-dong to meet Prosecutor Yoon, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.
"It's been a while, Prosecutor Yoon."
I arrived earlier than the scheduled time, but Prosecutor Yoon was already seated.
"Welcome, junior. It's been a while."
Prosecutor Yoon greeted me warmly.
As I took my seat, I offered some pleasantries.
"I heard rumors that you will become the Chief Prosecutor next year? Congratulations in advance."
"Hehe. Thank you."
Although the current Chief Prosecutor still has a long term left, he has not achieved much despite his pro-presidential stance.
His role was limited to following the instructions from the Blue House.
Despite this, the checks on Prosecutor Yoon have been consistent. However, due to the significant cases he solved at the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office, there was not enough reason to remove him.
"Are you getting a lot of attention from the political circles?"
"Hahaha. Both the ruling and opposition parties are trying to get close to me, but it's just a lot of hot air."
"Don't waver. You can reach the top of the prosecution and then enter politics. I will provide ample political funds, so focus on maintaining a strong image."
He seemed slightly moved by my words.
"Are you suggesting I enter politics after retirement?"
"Of course. With the current public support, you could win any election. After becoming the Chief Prosecutor, the highway to Yeouido will be open."
The thought seemed to please him, and a bright smile spread across his face.
"I see."
As the meal was coming to an end, I brought up the reason for our meeting today.
"When do you think the historical rectification will be completed? The two former presidents are the ultimate goal, right?"
Prosecutor Yoon put down his spoon, looking surprised.
"How did you know that? It's a secret investigation."
"Hahaha. You know I do."
Ultimately, the end of the historical rectification would be the arrest of the two former presidents.
The Cheongpung Society, despite being continuously restrained by the presidents, gained even more power during the foreign exchange crisis with the support of Japan.
We need to take over Gangnam when the Cheongpung Society is weakened. Missing this opportunity would result in a lot of bloodshed.
"Is the prosecutor who investigated the slot machine case still at the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office?"
"Who? Oh, that stubborn one?"
"Yes, is he still a prosecutor?"
"He seems to have a strong attachment to being a prosecutor. He seems to be getting tired, but I told him I would transfer him to the Central Investigation Department next year."
"Don't do that. Transfer him to the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Investigation Department. Let's clean up the Gangnam gangsters this time."
Prosecutor Yoon choked on his drink and coughed several times.
"What? Gangnam? It's tough. They have many connections in the political circles, so the pressure will be immense. They survived the war on crime and even disguise themselves as legitimate businesses, making it even harder."
"When the two former presidents are arrested, the politicians will be cautious. We can arrest them all under the Special Act on the Punishment of Organized Crime, Article 4."
"Hmm..."
After a moment of contemplation, Prosecutor Yoon asked worriedly.
"There's not enough evidence to arrest them as a criminal organization. Even if the entire Criminal Investigation Department gets involved, they're not just any small-time gang; they're a nationwide organization. They will likely try to cut their losses."
"We will provide the justification. In return, please give our people lighter sentences."
I explained the plan I had in mind.
Prosecutor Yoon, who had not wasted his time as a prosecutor, made a few adjustments to my plan on the spot.
"Good. This should work. I'll send that friend back to the field. He'll like that."
"The D-day is the day the two former presidents are arrested. When everyone is distracted, Park Dong-soo will launch a surprise attack. Just be ready to arrest them all."
"Clashes in the heart of Gangnam... It will be noisy."
Prosecutor Yoon said this with a worried tone, but his lips were curled up.
After all, catching the leaders of a nationwide gang with his own hands would be a great achievement.
After finishing the meal, I got back into Manager Ma's car.
"Please take me to Geumseong Construction."
After a long drive, we arrived at Geumseong Construction.
Following the employee's guidance, I reached the CEO's office.
"Welcome, CEO."
Park Dong-soo was not there, and Lee Sang-geun was buried in a pile of documents.
"Where is CEO Park?"
"He will be here soon. He mostly works near construction sites."
I heard that after the bloodless entry into Daeji-dong, he focused on establishing a foundation. It seemed that Geumseong Construction was completely under Lee Sang-geun's management.
As I took my seat, Lee Sang-geun sat next to me.
"Are you busy?"
"It's interesting."
"Is the orphanage well-supported?"
"Thanks to you, it's running smoothly."
After Lee Sang-geun became fully loyal to Park Dong-soo, he provided proper support to the orphanage he came from.
The cost of winning his loyalty was surprisingly low.
At that moment, the CEO's office door opened, and Park Dong-soo entered.
"Hey, Dong-sang!"
Park Dong-soo, with a smile, took a seat opposite Lee Sang-geun.
"You should have called. I'm late."
"How is Daeji-dong?"
"There's nothing for us to do there."
"That's right. It's a foothold for entering Gangnam, so just be prepared."
"A full-scale war with Gangnam is disadvantageous for us. How can we deal with the Baekho Gang alone, let alone the Shin-Gangnam Gang and the Honam PK Gang?"
No matter how much of Seoul's southwestern region, including Busan and Yeongdeungpo, Park Dong-soo controlled, he could not handle all of Gangnam alone.
Without the help of the prosecution, it was impossible.
"If you and your subordinates attack their core business locations, the prosecution will move in simultaneously."
"What? Then our subordinates will all be arrested?"
"Most of them will be released from the police station. If the situation gets worse, prepare someone to take the blame. What's the name of the person in charge of Busan?"
"Who? Su-hyung?"
"Yes. Put him forward as the responsible person."
Park Dong-soo, who had been smiling, suddenly stiffened.
"Su-hyung is like a brother to me. How can I use him as a scapegoat?"
"Don't worry. We'll minimize his sentence. On the other side, they will be charged under the Special Act on the Punishment of Organized Crime, Article 4, with a minimum of five years."
"Still..."
"CEO Park, this is about taking over Gangnam. Not just a district, but the entire area. If you can't accept some losses, how can you achieve your goal?"
"Hmm..."
Park Dong-soo, feeling frustrated, loosened his tie like an office worker.
"Minimize the sentences as much as possible. Got it?"
"Yes. It's a contingency plan in case the situation gets worse. A gang fight in the heart of Gangnam won't end easily."
No matter how much Prosecutor Yoon and I try, we can't control all the media and public attention. Not only the Gangnam gangs but also some of Park Dong-soo's people need to be arrested.
Yang Su-hyung, who manages Busan, would be a good story for the media.
The media could use the sensational headline of a gang war between Busan and Seoul.
"Since there's still time, clean up the area near Yeongdeungpo thoroughly. I'll let you know when the plan is set."
"Got it. Want to have a drink today?"
"I just got back from the U.S. I'm tired. Let's do it next time."
I left Geumseong Construction, leaving behind a disappointed Park Dong-soo.
I felt exhausted after moving around without resting after returning from the U.S.
When I arrived at Pyeongchang-dong, Cheon Ji-yeong was talking with my grandfather in the living room.
"I'm back."
"Why are you so busy right after arriving?"
I smiled and replied to my grandfather's scolding.
"Hehe, that's true."
"Brother!"
"Ji-yeong, you're here?"
"Yes, I've been coming for a few days because I thought you might be lonely without you."
"Thank you. Come often."
"Sure!"
Cheon Ji-yeong was gradually returning to her former lively self.
"I'll go up and rest now."
"Sure, let's talk tomorrow."
"Ji-yeong, see you next time."
After saying goodbye, I went upstairs.
"Manager, rest well. Take your time preparing for the PMC establishment."
Manager Ma, who had been waiting until I entered my room, bowed and left.
Only then could I finally relax and rest.
I spent some time focusing on recovering the bonds my grandfather owned.
Time passed quickly, and finally, on November 1st, the first former president in Korean history was arrested.
History did not change.
The Cheongpung Society was likely preparing to form a new party for the 1996 general election, as they believed the current president's party offered little room for their influence. They were working to unite the 5th and 6th Republic forces.
However, the president was arrested due to the opposition party's exposure of illegal funds. The Cheongpung Society mobilized all their resources to save him.
But with the passage of the 5.18 Special Act and the execution of the arrest warrant at the former president's residence, the situation escalated.
I instructed Park Dong-soo to be ready with all preparations completed.
ā You're moving. It's time for you to move too.
After receiving a call from Prosecutor Yoon, I immediately gave instructions to Park Dong-soo.
"Let's take over Gangnam. Execute the plan."
ā Okay.
Park Dong-soo mobilized his subordinates to simultaneously attack the key business locations of the Gangnam gangs. It was a large-scale war involving people from Busan and subordinates in Yeongdeungpo.
As dawn broke and the morning sun rose, I received a call from Park Dong-soo.
ā They were all arrested.
"Good job. Wait at Geumseong Construction. When I contact you, have Yang Su-hyung turn himself in."
ā Got it.
After ending the call with Park Dong-soo, I received a call from Prosecutor Yoon.
ā We've arrested all the leaders. We need to charge them as a criminal organization. Today will be quiet due to the president's arrest. We'll leak the news to the media, so tell the Dong-su Gang's deputy leader to prepare for surrender.
"I've already given the hint. Good job. How about the prosecutor?"
ā Hahaha. He's in his element. He says the field is the most interesting place, and he loves it.
The next day.
Due to the unprecedented arrest of a former president, all daily newspapers and news outlets could not report on the events in Gangnam.
However, Prosecutor Yoon used all his resources to leak his achievements to the news and newspapers.
The arrest of the major figures in the organized crime groups, who had evaded the war on crime, was enough to attract public attention.
The large-scale brawl in the heart of Seoul, particularly Gangnam, with dozens of injuries, shocked the nation.
The president demanded strict law enforcement, and Prosecutor Yoon responded by charging all the Gangnam gang leaders as a criminal organization and arresting them.
Of course, Park Dong-soo could not avoid the consequences.
Yang Su-hyung and a few action leaders were arrested, and several gang members were also detained.
It was a necessary choice to take full control of Gangnam.
Park Dong-soo mobilized all remaining personnel to eliminate the remaining forces and take over all business locations in Gangnam.
The Cheongpung Society would not be able to move immediately.
It was a choice made with confidence.
* * *
"Mu-hyuk attacked Gangnam?"
"Yes, Chairman."
After a long moment of contemplation with his eyes closed, Chairman Cheon stood up.
"Min-hoon, it's been a while since I went out. Contact Yong-hyun. Tell him I'm coming."
"Yes."
With only Secretary Ha as his bodyguard, Chairman Cheon did not say a word until he reached his destination.
Finally, the car carrying Chairman Cheon arrived at the residence of Yong-hyun in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.
"It's been a while since I've been here."
Chairman Cheon muttered to himself as he got out of the car.
The residence, which looked like a traditional Korean house, actually had glass windows instead of paper, tatami mats on the floor, and Japanese-style corridors with glass doors.
In the yard, an old man with a sharp, white-haired appearance was waiting to greet Chairman Cheon. This was the master of the Cheongpung Society, Yong-hyun.
"Chairman Cheon, it's been a while."
"Yong-hyun, you've aged a lot."
The two spoke like old friends.
< Let's take over Gangnam. Execute the plan. > End