Chapter 137
Chapter 137
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 137
Chapter Title: Trial Preparation and Court Debut
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Kwon Yong-sik tilted his head, looking at Kang Hyun.
"Really... is this going to help?"
"Yes. Just do what you normally would."
Kang Hyun started filming the video. Kwon Yong-sik looked awkward at first and stumbled a bit, but soon he was playing happily with the dogs around him.
"Come on, let's go this way!"
"Woof! Woof!"
"Woof!"
He looked quite natural and joyful running around the small grassy area of the puppy daycare with the other dogs.
Kang Hyun's plan was simple.
'I need to make the judges empathize.'
To tilt the judgment even slightly toward the plaintiff, each cold-hearted judge had to feel a deep connection to this case.
They needed to grasp how much Kwon Yong-sik loved and grieved for his dog.
How devastating the impact of this incident had been on him.
"Good. You're looking natural now."
"Latte used to play so happily with his friends here..."
He wore a bitter, sad expression. Kang Hyun couldn't fully understand his feelings, but he nodded as if he got it a little.
Next up was gathering memories with the dog.
The two sat down near the puppy daycare and talked for a long time.
"I know it hurts, but like I mentioned before, any photos or videos. Even small mementos would help. If you share them with me, I can do more for you."
"Yes. I've got a lot of videos saved. Can I show them to you one by one?"
"Of course. From when he was a puppy all the way to now, when you're like his grandpa."
"Grandpa?"
"Yeah. He's twelve years old."
"Right, right. Haha."
A dog wagging its tail, bringing a ball in its mouth. One that licked his hand when petted, or slept curled up in his arms.
Kwon Yong-sik had been hesitant at first, but as Kang Hyun eagerly jotted down notes with bright eyes, completely absorbed in his explanations, he seemed to grow more trusting.
What started that morning continued until the sun dipped low in the sky. By the time the sunset had faded and dusk settled in, Kang Hyun heard the account of the dog's final moments.
"This is Latte right before the accident. I had no idea he'd get hurt this badly."
"It was a car accident, so how are they claiming fault?"
"...I was watching him during the walk, but I couldn't stop the car from suddenly coming in. They said it was partly my responsibility."
"What about medical bills?"
"Treatment cost three million won. Money isn't the point, really..."
"Yes, of course. But in the judgment, medical costs matter. Since Latte's treatment was covered under the car's property damage insurance, you probably only got something like the market value for a dog of his breed."
"Yeah. I got 300,000 won."
"And no talk of emotional damages after that?"
"None."
"Good."
Kang Hyun stood up. Kwon Yong-sik followed suit.
"The hearing is next week. I'll keep asking you the same kinds of questions, Yong-sik. Now that we've practiced once, I hope it helps you prepare."
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
"And my approach might've seemed stiff, but I think I can understand a bit of what you're feeling. How Latte was family. How much you loved him."
"I'm so grateful you get it. I won't forget this kindness."
"No need. It only counts as a kindness if we win."
Kang Hyun and Kwon Yong-sik shared a smile. Then Kwon Yong-sik threw out a surprise question that caught Kang Hyun off guard.
"You have a pet, right?"
"Huh?"
"You just give off that vibe. I'd love an intro to one of your dog friends later."
"Oh, uh, I don't actually have one?"
Kang Hyun scratched his head at the words. Maybe his fear of dogs stemmed from building walls around himself and never stepping out.
"Still, I like them. If I can introduce you to a close friend's dog sometime, that'd be great."
Kwon Yong-sik's face lit up.
"Thank you! It's been so tough, but meeting you gives me strength."
"Good luck with the rest of the trial."
"I'll do my best. Thank you again!"
As Kwon Yong-sik bowed deeply, Kang Hyun bowed back in kind.
Now all that remained was the courtroom.
Surprisingly, this was his first time handling a civil case from start to finish, out of all his experiences so far.
Kang Hyun savored the faint thrill rising from his heart as he thought of the courtroom he hadn't visited in a while.
He had to start it right and end it perfectly.
Central District Court. Civil Small Claims Single Judge 16. District Courtroom 1301.
These cases, tied closely to everyday life, usually lacked any tension or high-profile visitors.
From petty squabbles over daily inconveniences to trivial matters with no room for controversy in the ruling.
The courtroom saw such cases ping-ponging back and forth. That's why the staff, including the judges, wore relaxed, casual expressions.
In short, the case Kang Hyun was handling was just one ordinary, run-of-the-mill dispute.
But when Kang Hyun sat next to the plaintiff, Kwon Yong-sik, the atmosphere shifted.
"It's Kang Hyun."
"He's even taking the lawyer role."
"Heard they're starting a legal aid office at his school."
Murmurs rippled through.
It was natural for young spectators curious about Kang Hyun or law enthusiasts to head to the gallery.
And one standout figure: former Songha-dong Branch Chief.
Dressed plainly to avoid attention, people still glanced his way.
Likely due to his recent media appearances, but for insiders, it was more about his involvement in Korea University's Legal Clinic program.
Since Songha-dong had agreed to help Kang Hyun, he could offer at least a word of advice.
He had connections with lawyers and court staff alike.
Yet just as Kang Hyun hadn't sought him out, Songha-dong didn't approach with any tips.
He wanted to see the pure skill of the talent he'd been watching.
Clink, clink.
"Is the courtroom always like this?"
Like everyone else tense and jittery, Kwon Yong-sik was sweating bullets already. Fidgeting with his neatly pressed shirt, it seemed uncomfortable.
"Yes, it's always like this. Don't worry—just speak slowly. I'll help you."
Kang Hyun soothed him while slowly reviewing the documents.
He moved like a seasoned legal pro.
His calm expression and expert motions fascinated the onlookers.
In contrast, the bench was stiff.
"All rise."
Judge Kim Kwang-taek, looking robust in his robes, strode in briskly and took his seat. The clerk announced again,
"You may be seated."
Kim Kwang-taek was a longtime civil division judge—plain, with no political leanings or power trips.
He rarely got media spotlight or made waves with rulings.
That's why this case weighed on him heavily. His face was already rigid, his movements stiff and awkward.
"Hold on, just a moment."
He fumbled for something, then spotted the documents right in front of him and stared straight ahead rigidly.
"Ahem."
Clearing his throat, he glanced alternately at the plaintiff and defendant sides. No microphone in the small courtroom.
The murmuring audience fell silent then.
"I'm Judge Kim Kwang-taek for Civil Small Claims 16. This is the highly publicized Ga-so 67890 damage compensation case, which serves to remind our citizens of the rule of law in the Republic of Korea and demonstrate the excellence of our judicial system through a just ruling..."
From Judge Kim Kwang-taek's monologue, it seemed like this case was a history-altering blockbuster to him.
Kang Hyun instantly clocked the tension and smirked awkwardly, but to most, it felt like a massive deal—they were all swallowing hard.
'This won't be easy.'
The more nervous the bench, the more they stuck to precedent. Overturning cases with fresh perspectives was rare.
Kang Hyun glanced at the defense table. Shockingly, two lawyers. Mechanical expressions as they listened intently to the judge.
Not a twitch. Fully prepped, waiting for the fight.
'Familiar faces...'
These weren't junior hacks from some podunk firm. Their attire, badges, bags... then a glimpse of the logo on the documents.
Flash.
'Daesan?'
Daesan.
Two mid-level attorneys from 'Daesan Law Firm,' one of the top three elite firms without question.
It was absurd for lawyers to show up personally for a piddly case like this.
Yet Korea's top-tier counsel were here in person. Kang Hyun suppressed an incredulous laugh.
'So Gong Hyun-jeong sized up the situation.'
Everyone knew Korea University student Gong Hyun-jeong, vice chair, was a former star at Daesan.
Now in the Justice Ministry with Daijin Group's backing.
There was even snark like 'Director Gong loves her "Daes" (big),' but she wore her past proudly.
All the better. This case wouldn't flip based on their moves.
They'd steer it by the book, per precedent, safely conventional. It favored them.
So Kang Hyun held the knife's handle. If Daesan's big names got cut, it'd be his legacy.
"We now commence the Ga-so 67890 damage compensation case."
The judge paused briefly, his gaze turning to plaintiff-side Kang Hyun and Kwon Yong-sik.
"...Plaintiff, Kwon Yong-sik. Are you present?"
"Y-Yes! Here!"
"State your birthdate and address."
"Yes, got it... I am..."
Even as Kwon Yong-sik gave his details, the judge's eyes stayed fixed on Kang Hyun.
Like someone itching to say something to him.
Kang Hyun's fame in legal circles made this his first civil litigation debut.
The judge seemed thrilled to preside over that historic moment.
"Yes. Noted. And the litigation representative."
"Yes."
Kang Hyun rose. The judge couldn't hide a flash of awe, then composed himself.
"Under Code of Civil Procedure Article 87, only those authorized for courtroom acts by law or attorneys can act as litigation reps, right?"
Confirming what was already pre-approved, Kang Hyun smiled.
"Yes. But per Article 88, in single-judge cases where the claim value is below a certain amount, someone with a set relation to a party can get court permission to rep even if not covered by 87."
Kang Hyun's confident face, relaxed tone. Thus began his first civil rep gig. He'd hit the button on his debut trial.