Chapter 104: The Reckless Moves of the Prosecutors

Yoon Hyung-min, CEO of Yun & Jang, introduced U.S. legal services to Korea in the 1970s when he was still in his twenties.

He brought the system from the U.S. but adapted it to fit Korea’s unique circumstances, helping it thrive in the local market.

Within ten years, Yun & Jang became the top law firm in Korea, and today, it’s ranked in the top three in Asia. It’s also the law firm most feared by prosecutors and other domestic firms.

“Am I mistaken, Deputy Ha?”

“Not at all. The charges against Kim Mu-hyeok are too clear, whic is why we’re conducting the investigation here.”

“Oh really? And what exactly are these charges?”

When Yoon Hyung-min asked, the deputy prosecutor hesitated, unable to answer immediately.

Yoon Hyung-min shook his head, as if he had expected this.

“If the charges were so clear, you should’ve requested an arrest warrant. Instead, you brought him in for questioning voluntarily. Are you still stuck in the days of the military regime?”

“Let’s stop here, Mr. Yoon.”

The voice came from behind Yoon Hyung-min.

It was the Seoul District Prosecutor, Bae Beom-gyu.

“Prosecutor Bae, it’s been a while. I heard you took over as head of the Seoul office, but this is quite the way to meet.”

“Seeing you here in person, Mr. Yoon, makes me think we really did catch the right guy.”

“He’s one of the few friends my son has. I intend to handle this thoroughly.”

Yoon Jae-ha, who had been whispering to me, stood up and bowed.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Prosecutor Bae. I’m Yoon Jae-ha. I look forward to your guidance.”

“So you’re Yoon’s son, huh? Nice to meet you.”

With a polite smile, Bae Beom-gyu nodded at Yoon Jae-ha before turning back to Yoon Hyung-min.

“Mr. Yoon, shall we head up to my office? You seem to have plenty of lawyers here already.”

Yoon Hyung-min glanced at me and Yoon Jae-ha.

“Yoon, can you handle things here?”

“Yes, sir.”

With a satisfied smile, Yoon Hyung-min left with Prosecutor Bae.

The group of lawyers that had stormed in earlier followed them out, leaving the once-chaotic interrogation room silent again.

“Why put yourself through this? You should’ve refused the voluntary questioning. You know this is all part of the prosecution’s script.”

Yoon Jae-ha’s whisper was full of concern.

“It’s fine. I haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Yoon Jae-ha shook his head and turned to face the deputy prosecutor.

“Shall we begin, Prosecutor? You do know that without a lawyer present, none of this conversation holds any legal weight, right? Yun & Jang can make sure of that.”

Though clearly irritated by being talked down to by someone much younger, the deputy prosecutor couldn’t say anything, knowing Yoon was the son of Yoon Hyung-min.

Unfazed, Yoon Jae-ha pressed on.

“What exactly are the charges against Kim Mu-hyeok?”

“Organized crime, solicitation of murder, foreign exchange violations, and threats.”

Organized crime?

Looks like they’re going for the heavy stuff.

Even Yoon Jae-ha seemed caught off guard, staring silently at the deputy prosecutor.

In a stiff voice, the prosecutor elaborated.

“The prosecution believes that Kim Mu-hyeok has been funding Pak Dong-su, the leader of the Dong-soo faction, encouraging them to stir conflict with other gangs like the Baekho faction.”

“Let’s hear it. If you’re going to bring up organized crime charges, I hope you have solid evidence.”

Yoon Jae-ha’s demeanor shifted, his usual carefree attitude replaced by a sharp, focused intensity.

The cheerful guy who used to joke around with friends was nowhere to be found.

“We have testimony that Kim Mu-hyeok ordered the murdersof Shin Seong-il and Moon Tae-beom, and that he instructed Oh Gil-seok, a mid-level boss in the Baekho faction, to cripple someone.”

Yoon Jae-ha glanced at me.

I shook my head.

“My client denies any involvement. Do you have any actual evidence?”

“Oh Gil-seok’s testimony. He claims that during a brawl in Myeong-dong, intended to prevent the kidnapping of Shin Seong-il, the Dong-soo faction clashed with others. He says Kim Mu-hyeok was present at a fatory where Shin Seong-il and Moon Tae-beom were taken. Baek Jeong-gi, the imprisoned leader of the Baekho faction, corroborates this.”

Upon hearing that they had secured testimony from the Baekho faction, I spoke up.

“I’ve met Shin Seong-il a few times, but I’ve never heard of the other two.”

I had expected something like this when I let Oh Gil-seok go.

But testimony alone wasn’t enough to pin anything on me.

“I don’t even know who these people are, nor do I understand why they’re targeting me.”

“Myeong-dong falls under the influence of Cheon Tae-san. There’s no way thekho and Dong-soo factions would clash there without a reason. I believe the testimony is credible.”

Yoon Jae-ha stepped in.

“Do you have any evidence? Charging someone with soliciting murder and organized crime based solely on gang members’ testimony is a huge leap.”

If they had real evidence, they wouldn’t have brought me in for voluntary questioning.

As expected, they were stalling. They wanted to use the media to trap me while they scrambled to get a warrant.

Seeing the prosecutor’s hesitation, Yoon Jae-ha pressed harder.

“So, without any real evidence, you’re pressuring my client based only on gang members’ testimony…”

Before Yoon could finish, the deputy prosecutor interrupted.

“We have clear evidence of foreign exchange violations. We’ve tracked illegal transfers overseas.”

He handed a stack of documents to Yoon Jae-ha.

As Yoon reviewed the papers, the prosecutor turned to me again.

“Two loan sharks who worked under Cheon Tae-san disappeared after Ku-hyeok appeared on the scee. Coincidence?”

He kept trying to provoke me while Yoon was busy reviewing the documents.

But I didn’t utter a word.

Finally, Yoon closed the file and spoke.

“We acknowledge the foreign exchange violations, but that’s a matter of fines, nothing more.”

“That’s for us to decide.”

“No, that’s for the courts to decide. I don’t think there’s any reason for us to stay here any longer. Do you?”

“…”

It was clear they had already applied for a warrant.

The prosecutor, now visibly anxious, spoke up.

“We still have four hours left.”

“This is a voluntary investigation. We can leave anytime we want. I think we’ve helped you enough. Aside from the foreign exchange violation, you have no evidence. There’s nothing left to argue.”

Just as the deputy prosecutor was about to respond, there was a commotion outside.

The door to the interrogation room swung open.

“President Yoon!”

The deputy prosecutor stood up and bowed deeply.

Even though they were from different factions, he couldn’t ignore the head of the Prosecutors’ Office.

“Ha Seok-jin, it’s been a while. When did you come back from Gwangju?”

“Just recently, sir.”

“Good. Keep up the good work. Let’s make sure you don’t get exiled again.”

The deputy prosecutor’s face was hidden, but I was sure it twisted in frustration.

“President Yoon, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Yoon Jae-ha.”

“So you’re Yoon’s son, huh?”

“Yes, I’m also a Korea University Law graduate, sir.”

“Hahaha, another Korea University graduate? Looks like we’re all alumni here.”

Behind President Yoon, all the big shots from the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office had entered. Even Oh Hyeon-woo was there.

“Yun & Jang is handling this case?”

“Yes, sir. The CEO is currently speaking with the district prosecutor.”

“Yoon himself? Haha.”

It was as if the prosecutor wasn’t even there. The mood had shifted completely.

“When I heard one of our alumni was dragged in here, I figured I’d bring the whole crew. This is the first time you’re meeting them, right?”

“Yes, President.”

The lineup of prosecutors all answered in unison. The deputy prosecutor, meanwhile, remained silent, clearly feeling out of place.

Korea University graduates dominated the Prosecutors’ Office, the undisputed elite.

“Introduce yourself.”

“Hello, seniors. I’m Yoon Jae-ha.”

“Nice to meet you, junior.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you, seniors. I’m Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“So you’re Kim Mu-hyeok, huh? I’ve heard plnty about you from the President. Let’s grab a drink sometime. Korea University alumni are always welcome.”

The interrogation room had turned into a Korea University alumni gathering, catching the attention of passing Seoul District prosecutors.

“Deputy Ha, what’s going on here? There’s no issue with the procedures, right?”

“No, President. We asked for voluntary cooperation, and Mr. Kim agreed.”

“Good job. The prosecutors have to change. We can’t investigate recklessly like in the old days. We have to follow the law, right?”

“Of course.”

“You said Yoon and the district prosecutor are talking?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll head over there first. See you later, junior.”

After the storm passed, the room fell silent again.

The deputy prosecutor’s face twisted into a scowl as soon as President Yoon left.

“Can we leave now?”

“Please wait a moment.”

Desperate to stall, he began dialing a number.

But when the call didn’t go through, he frowned.

I watched him for a moment before speaking.

“The warrant isn’t coming.”

“What?”

“If you’re waiting for a warrant, let me save you the trouble. It’s not happening.”

He shot me a death glare.

“We all know the script. I get that you want to pin something on me, but it’s too weak. Are you really going to hold an innocent man without evidence?”

“An innocent man? Are you talking about yourself?”

The deputy prosecutor had dropped the formalities.

“I came in voluntarily because I have nothing to hide.”

Grinding his teeth, the prosecutor was about to argue when the door opened again.

“Who is it now?”

The prosecutor, struggling to maintain his composure, finally snapped.

A man entered, quickly bowing his head in fear.

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“What is it?”

“Well…”

The man approached the deputy prosecutor and whispered something.

“What? Is that true?”

“Yes, we just received word that the warrant was denied, and unusually quickly at that.”

It seemed the staff who had gone to the courthouse had just informed him.

“Looks like we’re done here. Let’s go, Mu-hyeok.”

I stood up as Yoon Jae-ha spoke.

“Hold on a second. Who said you could leave? There’s still the matter of an emergency arrest.”

“Unless you’re confident you’ll secure a warrant within 48 hours, don’t even think about an emergency arrest. We won’t take it lying down.”

The prosecutor glared at Yoon, who stood his ground.

“Yoon, don’t get cocky just because your dad’s backing you. Remember, I’m still your senior.”

“Oh, you went to Korea University too? You should’ve mentioned that earlier. My apologies.”

“What?”

“Didn’t you just call yourself my senior?”

Yoon smiled slyly, clearly knowing better.

The prosecutor’s fist tightened on the table.

“You didn’t?”

“…Enough. I’m not from Korea University.”

“Oh, really? Then why act like my senior? I’m not even a prosecutor.”

Yoon’s sarcastic tone had turned into open mockery.

The prosecutor’s face turned bright red as he shouted.

“Under Article 200, Section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Code, as of 3:30 PM, you are under emergency arrest for solicitation of murder and violations of the Foreign Exchange Act. You have the right to an attorney and to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court.”

“There’s no evidence for the murder charge, and the foreign exchange violation doesn’t meet the requirements for an emergency arrest.”

“That’s for the prosecution to decide, Yoon.”

Losing his cool, the prosecutor’s tone had turned harsh. Yoon just smirked in disbelief.

The deputy prosecutor barked at me.

“Sit down. From now on, you’re not just a witness, but a suspect.”

“I voluntarily agreed to this questioning. Now you’re shifting to an emergency arrest? We refuse to comply!”

As tensions escalated, Yoon raised his voice.

The prosecutor remained defiant.

“Do what you want. File a complaint if you must.”

Even if we did, I’d still be stuck in their hands for 48 hours.

Once they had me under emergency arrest, they’d have 24 hours to search my home and office without a warrant.

It was obvious they’d stop at nothing to find evidence.

‘An emergency arrest… Why are they so desperate to hold me?’

This could be a political misstep that might cost the prosecutor dearly, but there had to be a bigger reason for taking such a risk.

“Hand over your phone and any other belongings. Let’s get this over with.”

“Deputy Ha!”

Yoon’s face flushed red as he shouted, but the prosecutor remained unyielding.

“Everything’s by the book. Now, hand over your stuff and sit down.”

Just then, the prosecutor’s phone rang.

“Yes. Yes, just a moment.”

He glanced at us before stepping outside to take the call.

Yoon ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

“Once they have you under emergency arrest, you’re stuck for 48 hours no matter what. Do you have anything on you that could get you in trouble?”

I slowly shook my head and thought to myself.

‘Should I pressure the President through Han Gyeong-yeong?’

But my thoughts were cut short by the prosecutor’s return.

“Damn it… Fine, you’re free to go.”