Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 171
Chapter Title: Turning the Tables at the Briefing
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Kang Hyun opened his mouth in front of the reporters, speaking fluently as if fully prepared, his words flowing like clear mountain water.
"This incident occurred at an intersection heading from Namyangju toward Gwangjin-gu, past Jamsil Station. The intersection was paralyzed for hours due to the overturned vehicle and the collided cars. Although the scene was cleared about three hours later, there are over ten casualties, and the death toll is currently estimated at five."
-What was the cause of the accident? What are the circumstances?
"I'm aware that the fire station chief in charge has already briefed on the exact details. The reason the incident escalated was that one vehicle struck the car ahead of it at an angle from the left, causing the primary impacted vehicle to cross the center line and collide with vehicles on the left side, leading to a chain reaction across the entire intersection."
Kang Hyun neatly summarized the incident and explained it coherently against the barrage of reporters.
Then, one reporter at the front thrust a microphone aggressively toward Kang Hyun.
It was a microphone marked with TBS.
"Hello, this is TBS. Are the deceased scheduled for autopsy?"
"Autopsy..."
Kang Hyun paused for a moment, but his answer was already decided.
"No, we will not. The bodies will be immediately released to the families to proceed with funeral arrangements."
"...!"
The reporters buzzed in surprise, momentarily halting their questions.
That was right.
Kang Hyun intended to shoulder the entire incident by himself.
"Does deciding against autopsies mean no criminal suspicions were found in this case?"
The TBS reporter's question, microphone thrust forward, was sharp and clearly aggressive.
-All deceased to be released to families?
-Is it simple negligence? A vehicle mechanical failure?
Following the TBS reporter's question, the cluster of reporters around him piled on with more to Kang Hyun, but he fell silent for a moment, scanning the surroundings.
Countless cameras. All pointed at Kang Hyun.
'The media is already covering the incident heavily.'
Kang Hyun's face was currently being broadcast live on special news reports.
He had no choice but to be cautious.
Every word he said, every gesture, was riding the airwaves in real time.
It was that horrific and massive an accident, and controversies were already brewing about why it happened.
"..."
As Kang Hyun remained silent without responding, the TBS reporter followed up relentlessly.
"The police keep repeating that they're investigating the cause—why is that?"
Every word mattered. Kang Hyun took a breath and began his response.
"It's only been a few hours since the accident, so the police focused on scene recovery and rescuing casualties. As a result, identifying the cause is delayed, but we will immediately direct the investigation to uncover it."
"Are you blaming the police? Wasn't the prosecution's response also problematic?"
"I've stated the facts of the current situation. Less than three hours have passed since the casualties were handled and the scene cleared."
No sooner had his words ended than counterquestions flew.
"The situation is so serious and the cause unclear—why won't you autopsy the deceased? Please give a clear reason!"
"We agree! Why have you decided against autopsies?"
Click, click!
Being in front of the morgue, questions about autopsies were inevitable. But Kang Hyun planned to use this to stamp his authority over the case.
He let his body follow his thoughts and his mouth move with his heart.
"In this case, I judge that autopsy results on the deceased won't significantly impact identifying criminal elements. Even if they provide minor corroborating evidence, considering the bereaved families' grief, the value to the investigators outweighs their evidentiary worth. We plan to expedite funeral proceedings."
-Trying to cover it up because the Namyangju branch has too many incidents lately?
-Haven't you considered that skipping autopsies without knowing the cause is a dangerous decision?
The reporters' voices, chaotic in response to Kang Hyun's words, pounded at his ears.
'Our branch's trust is completely rock bottom.'
The weight of the title "Namyangju Prosecutor" seemed heavier than Kang Hyun expected, dragging him down.
With the branch chief's name bouncing around in controversies and no notable investigative successes.
The public's gaze on the Namyangju branch was harsh; one misstep and they seemed ready to tear into them.
Feeling a bit stifled, Kang Hyun let out a slight sigh.
"Let me ask again. Why do you say autopsy results won't affect identifying suspicions?"
The questions bordered on interrogation, but Kang Hyun responded calmly, unyielding like a sturdy tree.
Fortunately, composure was his strength and skill.
"I can't disclose exact details, but the top priority is investigating the driver of the initial sudden acceleration vehicle. Whether it's throttle malfunction or vehicle defect, 'human error,' or other criminal factors—we must investigate swiftly and thoroughly."
"Isn't that sophistry? Since we don't know the initial sudden acceleration vehicle, don't we usually reconstruct the incident through cause of death via autopsy?"
The reporters swarmed like bees again.
-Has the driver of the cause vehicle been identified?
-Why stick to the police's 'still confirming' stance?
Amid the relentless tough questions.
Kang Hyun was stunned speechless by the TBS reporter's final question.
"What about the rumors lately of incompetence in the fire department, police, and prosecution? There are claims the incident handling was delayed, missing the 'golden time.' Your thoughts on that?"
'What... did he say?'
He had been at the scene, and everyone there had done their utmost.
No one backed down to save lives at the accident site, no one fled. Everyone risked their lives, sweat-soaked, to rescue even one more person.
Rustle.
Only after this absurd question did Kang Hyun lift his head to look at the TBS reporter shoving the mic in his face.
'...!!'
It was a shock.
'He's... smiling?'
He was thrilled at snagging a scoop, barely suppressing a grin.
Just dragging out baseless questions to smear those who gave their all and stir up more controversy.
"Ha..."
-He sighed!
-He looks cornered!
Click, click!
The reporters erupted at Kang Hyun's short, incredulous sigh.
That was right.
They had come running to criticize Kang Hyun and the police and prosecution, eager for the slightest edge to claim a exclusive.
Catching any hook to bash them and puff up their own egos.
Now, facing Kang Hyun who stepped up to block them, they unleashed their prepared attacks with glee.
In that instant, Kang Hyun was seized by a strange emotion.
It was profound sadness.
If the law earns trust, people will trust the law.
But as today's situation showed, reality still had a long way to go.
When a major incident occurs.
When a hot ruling comes out.
People distrust and curse the prosecution and courts as a matter of course.
And fanning those citizens further.
'Can't stand up to rotten reporters, huh.'
Kang Hyun fell silent, closing his eyes briefly. Then, with stronger, heavier eyes, he addressed the reporters.
"01ga1357 A6. The initial cause vehicle. Since it's not on the casualty list, autopsy results would only be circumstantial evidence, not strict proof. Thus, no need for autopsies to prove guilt."
-What!
-No way!
Click! Click!
As far as the reporters knew, the investigation was ongoing, unconfirmed, no evidence.
Yet Kang Hyun recited the cause vehicle's number and model.
-Lying now too?
Snicker.
The reporters scoffed. Because it had only been hours since the accident was cleared.
They knew but clung on for scoops, and even the police hadn't pinpointed the initial collision spot.
The TBS reporter sneered sharply.
"Do you have some spy intel? An A6? How do you know to spread such nonsense? Or did you read tea leaves?"
-Hahaha!
'Laugh it up all you want.'
Now, time to reveal the truth.
The fact that Kang Hyun himself was on the bus right behind the initial sudden acceleration vehicle at the scene.
Thus, he knew the exact model and plate, and could reasonably judge no autopsy needed.
"...Before explaining, I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families..."
He raised his head.
"I personally witnessed the accident. I was right behind the initial cause vehicle."
"...!"
The TBS reporter looked like he'd been clubbed over the head.
And more.
-What did he say?
-Breaking news, breaking! Prep questions quick!
The reporters' atmosphere churned, flipping like they'd hit a jackpot.
That was evident as the questions thrown at Kang Hyun shifted.
-Prosecutor Kang Hyun confirmed at the scene!
-Tips coming in!
-Is it true you rescued citizens trapped in the overturned vehicle with police?
-How did you find the courage? Any motivation?
What caught Kang Hyun's eye then were the photos.
Photos shown as they thrust mics forward, tipped off to reporters.
Paramedics, police, citizens at the intersection.
Photos of Kang Hyun risking his life.
Administering first aid right after the explosion.
Guiding others to safety.
Helping clear damaged vehicles to minimize harm, seriously discussing with officials.
Those had been submitted as tips and reached the reporters.
That was right.
Thus, the situation flipped dramatically.
-No way!
-So that's why...
Kang Hyun locked eyes again with the frontmost TBS reporter.
His status reversed, the reporter cowered before Kang Hyun, face pleading for a soundbite.
"Please! Just one good word... on your decision siding with the families..."
To stand at the center of the buzz, begging with pitiful eyes for one line—the TBS reporter. Kang Hyun hit him with heavy words.
"I have one message for you reporters."
"...?"
"Please consider the bereaved families' feelings and don't turn this incident into tabloid fodder."
Click! Click!
"..."
Sweat beading on the TBS reporter.
"For this case alone, don't chase issues—make all media share the sorrow and offer comfort."
Bow.
Click! Click! Click!
Then Kang Hyun glared at the TBS reporter who'd attacked him most fiercely.
"No more weird questions."
One line, a total counteroffensive.
In this place where everything aired live.
The reporter couldn't lift his head, slinking back, then scurrying away— the TBS mark looked pathetic.
In short, Kang Hyun's victory.
"...I really have nothing more to say. Inquire through the press room for investigation results."
Click! Click!
As Kang Hyun finished and quickly exited, the reporters, stunned by the reversal, could only unleash a shutter storm.