Free Web NovelWith the dot-com bubble bursting and the Afghanistan war weighing down the U.S. economy, the American government and the Federal Reserve implemented a low-interest-rate policy to stimulate growth.
Borrowing became less burdensome, and people poured loans into real estate and stocks.
Thanks to that, the shaken market stabilized quickly.
But as a side effect, U.S. housing prices were soaring at a dangerous pace.
At my question, Park Younggeun answered with a grave expression.
“Our country relies far too heavily on a conglomerate-centered economic structure. We won’t see another foreign exchange crisis like before, but if even one major conglomerate collapses, everything will freeze. If we don’t gradually fix this, another type of economic crisis could eventually appear.” freeweɓnovel.cѳm
He wasn’t wrong. But his vision was something that required decades to reshape.
“We can’t overhaul the structure overnight. It’s an economic system that has lasted for decades.”
“It’s a house built on sand. An unstable structure that could collapse at any time.”
“So you truly believe a major crisis like the foreign exchange crisis could happen again?”
No one yet foresaw the economic disaster that would soon begin in the United States.
“Yes. The starting point will likely be the U.S. or Europe.”
He responded decisively, predicting that the next shock would begin in the West.
I was a little surprised—but pretended otherwise.
“The U.S. or Europe?”
“U.S. housing prices aren’t normal. House prices are rising, but interest rates aren’t keeping up. Everyone is taking out loans to buy homes. If those skyrocketing prices collapse, the American economy will be devastated. And ordinary citizens will suffer the most.”
He spoke bitterly.
“Like the real estate bubble bursting in Japan? The U.S. won’t collapse like that. America is different.”
“Yes, I don’t think they’ll fall apart to that extent either. But no matter how powerful, even the U.S. isn’t immune. The longer they maintain the low-rate policy, the higher the risks.”
As expected, Park Younggeun had a sharp eye for economic movements. When I didn’t reply, he continued.
“Or the crisis could begin in Europe and sweep across the world. Our own foreign exchange crisis was triggered by Southeast Asian economies collapsing, after all. The global economy is now interconnected—when one country falls, it doesn’t end there. We need to prepare.”
He continued speaking for quite a while, giving multiple examples of how a global crisis could unfold.
He accurately foresaw some parts of the future, though a few key points were slightly off.
Still, it was interesting.
“Fascinating. If your predictions came true, the global economy would quite literally collapse.”
He foresaw asset price rises but didn’t understand the dangers of ABS and CDO derivatives.
While we were deep in conversation, a man approached.
“Chairman.”
Park Younggeun turned. The man leaned down to whisper something in his ear.
“...I understand. I’ll come shortly.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll wait.”
When the man left, Park explained.
“Apologies, President Kim. People are waiting to meet me.”
“Not at all. You must be busy. Go ahead.”
“Then I’ll trust you and deal with the Ilseong Group matter myself. I’ll finish it before I’m appointed Deputy Prime Minister.”
He understood exactly why he had been placed at the top of the Fair Trade Commission.
I nodded slightly.
“I’ll get going first.”
He rose and disappeared into the crowd with brisk steps.
I watched his figure for a moment and then attempted to stand—
“President Kim Muhyuk?”
Barely had Park walked away when someone else appeared. Today was unusually busy.
“Yes. I’m Kim Muhyuk.”
“I’m Kim Woohyung, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office.”
I knew his face—but this was our first direct meeting.
“I know who you are.”
“May I sit?”
Before I could answer, he sat down.
“I’ve heard many things about you, President Kim.”
“And I’ve heard much about you as well, Deputy Prosecutor General. But why seek me out today?”
There was no connection between us.
Unless it had to do with Ilseong Group’s legal department and his friendship with Jang Geunseok.
Or perhaps—because of the Seo Jaehun case.
“It’s because of Legal Director Jang Geunseok’s request.”
As expected, Ilseong Group’s issue. I raised an eyebrow.
“And why come to me? What does that have to do with me?”
“No need to pretend. I know who you are. What kind of person you are—and what you do.”
“That sounds like a threat.”
“Haha, not at all.”
He laughed loudly, shamelessly cheerful.
I really didn’t want to raise my voice on a day like this. A fly had come buzzing.
“What exactly do you want?”
His smile vanished.
“Director Jang is my senior. He begged and begged, so I couldn’t refuse. Not that I’m here to ask you for something. Even if I did, you wouldn’t accept.”
He spoke with the tone of someone who thought he understood me—annoyingly so.
“If that’s all, I’ll leave. It’s my friend’s wedding, and I haven’t had time to talk with them properly.” ƒrēewebnovel.com
“Just five minutes. There are eyes on us.”
I glanced behind him. As expected, several people were watching.
Probably sent by Jang Geunseok.
“If I just sit with you for a moment, Director Jang will stop pestering me. Why he keeps calling me—I don’t know... I might lose my position any day now, you see.”
“You could just refuse the request, couldn’t you?”
“I’ve taken benefits from him—I can’t exactly say no.”
Surprisingly honest. He admitted he’d taken money without hesitation.
Seeing my expression, he shrugged.
“No point hiding it. Pointless with someone like you. I don’t want to make an enemy of you.”
He seemed like someone I could reason with. I tapped lightly on the table, thinking.
“I’ve seen what happens to everyone who makes an enemy of you, President Kim. That’s why I won’t get involved in anything between you and Seo Jaehun. But money I took long ago has become a chain around my neck. Please—just this once. Help me end my career without disgrace.”
Hard to say no when he was this earnest.
I let out a quiet sigh and nodded.
“Fine. Five minutes.”
“Thank you.”
“Were you an Ilseong Foundation scholarship student?”
He wasn’t on the list I knew.
“No. I just happened to end up as Deputy Prosecutor General. When I was a junior, I wasn’t capable enough for Ilseong Group to bother with me. But Director Jang supported me privately. And now that tie has become a leash.”
Technically second in rank after the Prosecutor General, but not truly powerful.
The head of the Central Investigation Department, the Seoul District Prosecutor, the Justice Ministry’s Prosecutorial Affairs Director, even the Public Security Division head all outranked him in influence.
Before resigning from the prosecution, the Deputy Prosecutor General position was practically ceremonial.
“How is your relationship with President-elect Yoon Changho?”
“Well... there’s little contact.”
We exchanged a few more empty, time-filling remarks.
I checked my watch and stood.
“I’ll take my leave. It was a pleasure, Deputy Prosecutor General.”
“Thank you for your time.”
He stepped aside without fuss. We shook hands, and I walked away.
When I returned to the table, everyone was chatting happily.
“Why are you working even at a wedding?”
Myungsoo scolded me. I could only give a dry laugh—I couldn’t exactly deny it.
“It just happened.”
He glanced toward Kim Woohyung and whispered.
“That was Deputy Prosecutor General Kim Woohyung, right? Did he ask you for something? He looks like he’s about to resign soon.”
“You know something?”
Shaking his head, he continued:
“President-elect Yoon plans a massive overhaul of the prosecution. Not sure of the details, but when the Prosecutor General’s term ends, most High Prosecutor-level officials will be forced out.”
“Really? Unexpected. I thought he’d protect the prosecution more than anyone.”
“He was Prosecutor General. He knows the organization too well. It’s taming—he’ll rebuild it with people loyal to him.”
Some at the table began glancing our way.
I cleared my throat and nudged Myungsoo’s side.
“We’ll talk later.”
He rubbed his flank and turned back to the group chat.
I didn’t join in. I simply listened with a faint smile.
Except for Hyunseong, everyone at the table had taken the bar exam, so that topic dominated.
A little later—
Oh Hyunwoo and Han Minkyung approached, now in comfortable clothes, greeting people. Eventually, they reached us.
“Ha...”
Hyunwoo sank into a chair, exhaling deeply.
Then he grabbed the water in front of me and drank it in one go.
“Tired?”
“Yeah. But now that it’s over, I feel relieved.”
Fatigue was written on Minkyung’s face as well.
“You okay, Minkyung?”
“Yes. I can manage.”
“Good. I’m relieved.”
Leaving her to chat with acquaintances, I turned to Hyunwoo.
“You’re heading straight to your honeymoon, right?”
“Yeah. Leaving right after the reception.”
“When you get to Greece, someone will be waiting. Follow them. Everything’s prepared there. Rest well.”
They were spending their honeymoon on my island in Greece.
A large island, fully equipped with facilities—and extremely secure.
They could enjoy time together without anyone watching.
“Thanks. That takes a load off my mind.”
“There’s a helicopter too, so go into the Greek mainland, shop, have fun. When else will you get a proper break?”
While talking with him, I glanced around.
Oh Jeongseok was surrounded by people, beaming.
Many approached him to make an impression, and he enjoyed every bit of it.
He aimed for a position in the incoming Yoon Changho administration.
Hyunwoo seemed aware; he frowned.
“Funny, right? It’s my and Minkyung’s wedding, but the guests are all Grandfather’s.”
“Well, that’s what weddings are designed to be.”
Eventually, the ceremony wrapped up.
Oh Hyunwoo and Han Minkyung left in their wedding car for Incheon Airport amid applause. The reception continued.
Later, I arrived at the Seoul Prosecutors’ Office.
With Chief Ma, I reached the 6th floor where the Criminal Division 5 was located.
We passed a barred security gate and arrived at the monitoring room where we could see the interrogation room.
Through the one-way mirror, I saw Seo Jaehun.
“He hasn’t said a word for ten days?”
At my question, Prosecutor-in-Charge Jung Taehun answered quickly.
“Yes. Vice Chairman Seo hasn’t spoken once. No matter how much we press him or show evidence, Jang Geunseok answers everything.”
“And he still {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} denies everything?”
“Yes. Seo Jaehun and Han Jiho remain completely uncooperative. But there’s no issue with indicting them.”
As expected. I nodded.
“Clear the room. I need to speak with him alone.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Chief Ma, block anyone from entering.”
Issuing that order, I left the monitoring room with Jung Taehun.
I stopped before the interrogation-room door and told him:
“Prosecutor Jung, please wait in your office. I’ll call you when I’m done.”
He waved his hands nervously.
“No, sir. I’ll stay right here and ensure no one enters.”
“That’s even better.”
“Yes. Even if a lawyer arrives, I won’t let him in.”
His dramatics made me chuckle. I turned the doorknob.
I entered, but Seo Jaehun didn’t react—his eyes closed.
I stood across the table, looking down at him.
“Seo Jaehun.”
