Chapter 727: Let’s Resolve This Through Dialogue First

Just as Oh Hyeon-woo was pressuring Han Hyun-soo, the phone rang loudly.

Checking the caller ID with a smile, Oh Hyeon-woo answered the call.

His demeanor was a stark contrast to how he had been regarding Han Hyun-soo like an insect moments before.

“Mu-hyeok.”

Han Hyun-soo flinched at the familiar name that escaped Oh Hyeon-woo’s lips.

— Are you in the middle of a search and seizure?

“Yeah. I’m talking with Han Hyun-soo, while the other prosecutors and investigators are rummaging through everything else.”

Despite Han Hyun-soo listening, Oh Hyeon-woo showed no hesitation.

— I see. What does Han Hyun-soo have to say?

“He says that, since you mentioned it, he’s planning to pass all responsibilities to Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyeon-woo, but he claims he doesn’t know where they are?”

— Haha. If he doesn’t know, he doesn’t know.

Oh Hyeon-woo frowned at the hearty laughter.

“This isn’t a laughing matter. Someone has to take responsibility. If it’s not Han Hyun-soo, then one of his brothers has to. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to let him off the hook. You know how cults work—they revolve around their leader.”

As Oh Hyeon-woo grimaced, it seemed Kim Mu-hyeok had already predicted this response and quickly provided a perfect answer.

— Don’t worry. I’ve already talked with President Yoon Chang-ho and decided to shift all the blame onto Han Seong-jin and Kim Seon-ja.

“What? Han Seong-jin?”

Han Hyun-soo’s eyes widened at the mention of Han Seong-jin’s name.

Though it was obvious he was greatly unsettled, Oh Hyeon-woo ignored Han Hyun-soo’s reaction and asked.

“Was this the plan from the start?”

— No way. If the plan went awry, we need a new one. Han Hyun-soo is still useful. If I’m going to keep him under my thumb, it’s better to remove unnecessary obstacles. So, I’m trying to eliminate any small chance Han Seong-jin has left.

“That’s terrifying. Hey, Mu-hyeok. I haven’t done anything wrong to you, right? If you’re upset, just say it. I don’t want to turn into an enemy with you.”

As Oh Hyeon-woo clicked his tongue, he heard Kim Mu-hyeok laugh heartily over the receiver.

“This is no joke. You’re talking about crushing Han Seong-jin again after he’s already been ground into dust. If we become enemies and you fall into my schemes… Wow, just thinking about it is frightening.”

— That won’t happen. If there’s something you’re upset about, we’ll sort it out through conversation first. You’re my friend, after all.

“Thanks, buddy. The second best thing I’ve done in my life is making you a friend.”

As Oh Hyeon-woo shook with laughter, Han Hyun-soo couldn’t help but shiver in response.

He recalled Kim Mu-hyeok’s chilling warning.

— Yeah, buddy. No more jokes. You know what I mean, right?

Oh Hyeon-woo, nodding absentmindedly, glanced at Han Hyun-soo before replying.

“I do want to knock some sense into this guy… but since it’s your request, I’ll go along with it.”

“— Thanks. Once I arrive in Korea, let’s grab a drink together. By the way, isn’t there one more person besides Han Hyun-soo?”

“How did you know? Even when I tell him to go out, he always hangs around.”

— That’s the person sent by Manager Ma. They’re watching Han Hyun-soo as part of the bodyguard detail. Ensure they come out unscathed.

Oh Hyeon-woo let out a small impressed sound.

It made sense; the atmosphere had felt off. Hearing it was someone sent by Manager Ma, everything clicked into place.

“Got it. I’ll do that.”

— Thanks. It’s nice to have a good friend.

“If you could just say things clearly, I wouldn’t feel so bad about it. I would’ve done the same even if it wasn’t me. Anyway, once you’re in Korea, let’s all reunite together after a long time.”

— Understood. Let’s chat again soon. Hang in there just a bit longer.

After finishing his call with Kim Mu-hyeok, Oh Hyeon-woo slipped his phone into his suit pocket.

Then, contrary to the smile he’d worn throughout the call, he stared coldly at Han Hyun-soo.

“So, Han Hyun-soo. You’ve got a pretty good backer in your corner. Mu-hyeok has called me twice because of you.”

“Haha…”

“This time, because Mu-hyeok is involved and has made a request, I’ll overlook this. But remember, I’m watching you closely.”

“Understood. But… there was mention of my father. Is something going on there?”

Han Hyun-soo asked, but Oh Hyeon-woo simply shrugged his shoulders, giving no satisfactory answer.

“That’s something you don’t need to know about. It seems like it’s about time to wrap up the search and seizure.”

Oh Hyeon-woo stood up from his seat.

Han Hyun-soo followed suit, getting up with him.

“There will be a summons investigation.”

“Yes.”

“As long as you cooperate, Han Hyun-soo, you won’t be detained. Although you will stand trial in a non-custodial state… if Mu-hyeok has moved, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

It was clear that if it was Kim Mu-hyeok, he would have been clearing things with the trial in mind.

Han Hyun-soo bowed his head slightly.

“Thank you.”

“What’s there to thank me for? I want to catch you even now. Thank Mu-hyeok instead, and I’ll be having a glass of tea before I leave.”

As soon as Oh Hyeon-woo left, Han Hyun-soo showed signs of irritation.

“What’s up with that guy? Why’s he so high-handed?”

The mercenary leader, who had merely watched the conversation, came closer.

“You did well to keep your composure.”

“Phew. For now, it seems the flames of the situation won’t reach me. Once things settle a bit, I’ll need to take care of the guys.”

“Be prepared.”

“Always grateful for your help.”

Just before Oh Hyeon-woo arrived, Han Hyun-soo had been unable to say a word, but now he spat at the direction where Oh Hyeon-woo had gone.

* * *

When the prosecutors and investigators loaded all the computers and documents they had collected from the search and seizure into the vehicles, Oh Hyeon-woo appeared.

As the reporters waiting at the entrance of Heaven Church spotted him, they snapped their shutters continuously.

Oh Hyeon-woo paused for a moment, allowing the reporters to take their pictures.

A reporter from the broadcasting station handed him a bundle of microphones tied together.

Accepting it, a barrage of questions immediately bombarded him.

With several people clamoring, the area in front of the base descended into chaos. Oh Hyeon-woo raised his hand to silence the journalists.

“Please ask your questions one at a time. I only have one mouth. If you all bombard me with questions, how can I respond? Should I use a clone technique or something?”

It wasn’t the funniest joke, but the reporters erupted in loud laughter.

To legal reporters, Oh Hyeon-woo was more challenging to contend with than high-ranking officials.

He was an elite among elites, with no shortcomings in family background, educational pedigree, or connections.

Though his marriage connections were a bit weak, that hardly mattered.

As long as he continued to progress like this, legal circles believed Oh Hyeon-woo would become the top in the field.

“Hmm… you there, muscular reporter. Please, you go first. Even if you’re a sports player, I’d believe it.”

Pointing to the selected reporter, they didn’t even identify themselves, just suddenly blasting out a loud question.

“It’s true that finding precedents for a search and seizure on a religious organization is challenging. In Korea, freedom of religion is prioritized. What does this incident mean…”

Freedom of religion.

It was a provision clearly stated in Article 20, Section 1 of the Constitution of Korea.

It was one of the rights guaranteed to the people by the Constitution.

When asked if this was being infringed upon, Oh Hyeon-woo raised an eyebrow.

“I respect the freedom of religion as stated in the Constitution. However, everything must be conducted within what is permitted by law. Freedom isn’t granted for illegal activities that hide behind the cloak of religion. Every freedom comes with responsibility. That’s Korea.”

“Yet, acting without any evidence to search a religious organization is reportedly driven by the President’s will. Isn’t this a sophisticated political investigation aimed at shifting the responsibility for the violent incident in Gangnam onto Heaven Church?”

Oh Hyeon-woo gazed steadily at the reporter who posed the question.

Was this guy a member of Heaven Church? It felt like a question from an aggressive supporter.

“The Prosecutors’ Office is an independent institution. Of course, we moved after the President’s public address. However, we had already been investigating the illegal activities of Heaven Church prior to this.”

Oh Hyeon-woo firmly stated that the investigation was unrelated to the President.

As he gave a resolute answer, the reporters murmured among themselves. But Oh Hyeon-woo did not cease his speech.

“While it is true that this recent violent incident served as a catalyst, we already have a precedent of investigating the former president of Heaven Church, Han Seong-jin. Attempting to frame us politically is an act of belittling our office. We are an independent organization that maintains political neutrality. And I, Oh Hyeon-woo, regard that aspect more highly than anyone else. If there is a crime, it doesn’t matter if the person is the head of a religious organization, the ruling party leader, or the opposition party leader—they should all face the law’s judgment.”

The confidence with which Oh Hyeon-woo expressed his unfiltered thoughts left the reporters agape.

Such an arrogant statement was only possible because of Oh Hyeon-woo’s position.

“This was a legitimate search and seizure operation, and there are no political opinions involved in it. Does that answer your question sufficiently?”

Other similar questions followed, but Oh Hyeon-woo handled them smoothly.

“Lastly, I’ll take one more question. Yes, you in the back, please go ahead.”

Oh Hyeon-woo called on a reporter for the final question.

“I’m Shin Min-a. If all of Heaven Church’s illegal activities are revealed, will you arrest Han Hyun-soo?”

“I can’t give you a definitive answer. However, if the criminal facts are clear, then I will proceed with such actions. Now, I must return to the Prosecutors’ Office to check the evidence items gathered during the search and seizure.”

Oh Hyeon-woo handed the microphone to someone beside him and walked toward the vehicles.

The reporters, intimidated by Oh Hyeon-woo’s presence, parted to clear a path for him.

Just before he got into the car, Oh Hyeon-woo turned back and spoke to the reporters.

“I don’t care how you write your articles. However, if you try to shake the investigation with malicious coverage…”

As his sharp gaze swept over the reporters, Oh Hyeon-woo closed the car door.

Though he didn’t finish his statement, everyone present understood the menacing warning behind it.

As soon as Oh Hyeon-woo got inside the car, all the vehicles involved in the search and seizure began to leave.

“Ugh, every time I deal with the reporters, it drains me. How did it go, Investigator?”

“You did well. I’ve been on edge. Just keep this up. I really don’t want to get fired yet.”

“Haha. Why would you get fired? I have to stick around with the Prosecutors’ Office to the end.”

The confident words from Oh Hyeon-woo left the investigator horrified.

“Oh dear. That’s enough for me. I prefer a long and steady path. If I get involved with the old gentleman, I feel like I won’t live out my days.”

“You keep saying that. When have I ever made you feel uncomfortable? I even remember your wedding anniversary and your wife’s birthday. What other prosecutor would do that?”

“Yeah, yeah. Thank you for that.”

Oh Hyeon-woo showed a cheeky demeanor, contrasting sharply with how he had treated Han Hyun-soo and the reporters.

This was the real side of Oh Hyeon-woo, known only to a select few.

“By the way, old man. Is there a particular reason we didn’t arrest Han Hyun-soo right away? Didn’t the arrest warrant come out already?”

“Oh, that? Han Hyun-soo is only a tail. If we improperly detain him and the bigger fish escapes, what then? In the end, our target will be Han Seong-jin. He’s the main culprit.”

The investigator was impressed by Oh Hyeon-woo’s words.

No matter how close they were, he couldn’t reveal everything.

Once he mischievously told the investigator to hurry, Oh Hyeon-woo stated.

“I need to go in and check the materials. Call your wife and tell her you’ll be home late for the next few days.”

“Oh boy. She’ll go wild again.”

“I feel the same. I wonder how mad my wife will be this time.”

“You should just date instead. Still, you love your wife, right?”

“Oh, of course. I married her because I love her.”

The two shared jokes, laughing as they looked at each other.

Then they took out their phones and started making calls.

* * *

A few days later.

Japan also faced a major issue.

An article accusing the Japanese branch of Heaven Church and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki burst onto the Yomiuri Shimbun.

[Hiroyuki’s Death and Heaven Church.]

Though Hiroyuki had become a lowly politician entangled with the Yakuza, this article claiming he was mixed up with a cult obliterated whatever was left of his honor.

Prime Minister Koizumi immediately instructed an investigation into the Japanese branch of Heaven Church.

The Police Department quickly sprang into action, and the Japanese branch of Heaven Church faced a search and seizure just like Korea.

Alongside this, the Yomiuri Shimbun published another article.

This one contained a recording that implicated Hiroyuki in ordering the kidnapping of Han Hyun-soo.

Though he hadn’t explicitly ordered a death, the nuance alone was sufficient.

Japan was thrown into shock, and Korea fell into great chaos with the news.

Public sympathy for Han Hyun-soo began to rise.

“Public opinion is a fascinating weapon. Right, Manager Ma?”

“I never expected there to be sympathetic public opinion for Han Hyun-soo.”

A hint of exhaustion could be felt beneath the blunt tone, prompting a chuckle from me.

I then extended my hand toward him.

“It seems things are roughly settling down. Now we need to handle China. Did the documents regarding Luo Gan come through?”

“Yes. I received not only the previous documents but also all the new material gathered in the investigation.”

Manager Ma handed me the binder he was holding.

I narrowed my eyes at the unexpectedly thick binder.

“This is more than I expected.”

I started to open it up and read from the first page.