Chapter 207
Chapter 207
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 208
Chapter Title: Closing Arguments
-----------------------------------------------------------------
As the case grew into a major one, it could no longer be handled solely by the small Namyangju Branch Court, so the trial was naturally transferred to the Uijeongbu District Court, its supervising jurisdiction.
In this situation, the trial division of the Uijeongbu District Court wanted Kang Hyun, the investigating prosecutor from Namyangju, to speak during the closing arguments for both defendants—specifically, during Gu Ik-hwan's trial, the former head of the Namyangju Branch Office.
There was no particular reason to refuse.
Kang Hyun was in a position where he just needed to say a few words on the basic facts and then step back.
Even that alone would make Gu Ik-hwan want to vomit, and Park Jeong-seok would tremble in fear.
In other words, Kang Hyun could already sound the victory bells and calmly observe the outcome.
"It's a shame I can't go all the way to the final appeal. I wanted to chase them to the ends of the afterlife and demand the death penalty."
He had reached this result without sleeping, devoting himself entirely to the work, overcoming hardships and adversity.
Yet his expression as he headed toward the finale showed no tension at all—it was utterly composed.
On the contrary, as he drew closer to the courthouse, Kang Hyun's heart began to pound with pleasant excitement.
To him, the trial was now just a stage.
A singer who fears their own stage isn't top-tier. In that regard, Kang Hyun was indisputably first-class in the legal world—no one could argue otherwise.
"You've arrived! Prosecutor!"
"This way, please. We'll escort you to the waiting room first."
As soon as Kang Hyun arrived at the courthouse, a group of men surrounded him like an escort and guided him inside.
"Uh, uh. There aren't even people around, so I could just go by myself..."
"No, sir. We've made every preparation for any possible incident!"
"Don't worry! We'll protect you from any threat."
They were security guards with impeccable professionalism.
The court, aware of the chaos caused by reporters and onlookers wherever Kang Hyun went, had been waiting with full preparations.
But this time, the place was so empty that it felt awkward instead.
The interest in Kang Hyun inside the courthouse was extraordinary.
"It's Kang Hyun."
"He has real presence in person."
"I can hear you all."
The full attention of court clerks, administrative staff, police sergeants, and all internal employees.
Even the defense attorneys.
"Oh! Prosecutor Kang Hyun! I'm Kang Hee-su, a public defender."
"Nice to meet you."
"Every case you handle is so admirable. I watched your last trial too."
"Uh, uh. I'm honored."
"Your speech today—no, your entire statement. I'll listen closely and draw some positive energy as a fellow legal professional!"
"Pardon? Sure..."
That was the atmosphere.
The mood inside the courthouse. The scale of the correctional officers preparing for in-court detention behind the annex. The attitudes of the public defenders newly appointed after all the original defense counsel resigned.
Everyone was waiting, eager to devour the traitors Gu Ik-hwan and Park Jeong-seok.
It couldn't be said that Kang Hyun alone had created this scene with his efforts.
Even so, Kang Hyun felt immense pride and joy that all the threads of the cases had converged exactly as he had worked toward.
Morning session. The drug case involving defendant Park Jeong-seok and his son James Park.
His closing arguments proceeded sequentially, separated from the drug case and the KW case that Kang Hyun had tied together.
The trial lasted a grueling five hours and thirty minutes.
Park Jeong-seok, sitting in the dock, couldn't lift his head, looking wronged as he sat there like his neck was broken.
"I'm sorry..."
"Why did you knowingly aid your son James Park and his associates in fleeing repeatedly?"
"It's my fault for not raising my son right..."
The man who had boldly declared his absence without even glancing back now shed tears.
Simply watching from behind gave Kang Hyun no small amount of satisfaction.
The chairman-level figure of a mid-sized company who had declared he would refuse all investigations. The puppet of Daijin Group and father to Namyangju's street thug son.
Only when he begged for forgiveness with tears did Kang Hyun finally nod slightly.
'There's still a long way to go, but not everyone in Namyangju is an idiot.'
Soon, it was three in the afternoon.
"Hello."
"Oh, Prosecutor Kang. First time meeting you. Please speak well."
Kang Hyun took his seat at the prosecutor's table from the gallery, exchanging greetings with the Uijeongbu prosecutors.
From that moment, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The murmurs from the gallery grew louder, and when the second defendant, Gu Ik-hwan, appeared, a small commotion stirred in the courtroom.
It was a stark contrast.
The gallery cheered and praised Kang Hyun without reserve.
"It's Kang Hyun!"
"Show them what you're made of!"
In sharp contrast, Gu Ik-hwan faced a barrage of harsh criticism as he took his seat.
"Bribe-taking scum!"
"Let's see if you can take bribes in prison too!"
Even before the trial began, the judge had to call for order, showing just how intensely he was being condemned.
The gallery's jeers during the identity verification showed no sign of abating despite the judge's words.
"Gallery, quiet down, or you'll be removed."
They reluctantly shut their mouths but kept their faces twisted in anger.
Finally, the trial began.
The co-defendants Gu Ik-hwan and Park Jeong-seok answered basic personal details in weary monosyllables.
"Occupation?"
"...Prosecutor."
"What was your exact position?"
"...Head of the Namyangju Branch Office."
After a long silence on his turn, Gu Ik-hwan's heavy voice echoed.
"Ptooey!"
"Die, you bastard!"
A prosecutor's corruption—the people, outraged, couldn't hold back and spat more insults.
The trial proceeded amid this.
The presiding judge glanced at the prosecutor's table as if checking readiness, and Kang Hyun signaled to the lead prosecutor that they were prepared.
"Then, the prosecution may proceed with its closing statement."
The finale of the KW case.
Kang Hyun stood up, and just that elicited faint applause rippling through the courtroom.
"Prosecutor Kang Hyun! I, I thought so highly of you! Must you go this far? It's not too late—submit a plea for leniency..."
Amid the noise, a quick voice slipped through. Kang Hyun looked at Gu Ik-hwan in disbelief. He was babbling nonsense like a defeated old man.
Anyone might panic hearing such words in this situation, but Kang Hyun smirked and replied in a low voice meant only for Gu Ik-hwan.
"You still don't get it? I was the one who tipped off the Supreme Prosecutors' Office about the bribery. Does the tipster submit a plea for leniency?"
"W-What?"
"Like your co-defendant Park Jeong-seok, it'd be better to keep your head down quietly. Unless you want to hear more harsh words."
It was a response that left him speechless. Gu Ik-hwan slowly bowed his head. The gallery murmured for a moment.
He seemed to regret not staying silent. Kang Hyun's smile widened slightly at the sight.
Then, the closing statement began, brimming with the thrill and joy of wrapping up this epic saga.
"First, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak first in this closing argument. Having watched the morning session, I believe this case exemplifies the power of the law, judged on the foundations of fairness and justice. With utmost respect, I thank everyone in the courtroom."
Kang Hyun closed even his thin prepared notes and scanned the room.
Everyone listened intently to his words.
It was their response to his speech and demeanor, infused with respect for the people and the law.
"In this case, Defendant 1, Gu Ik-hwan, accepted a 500 million won bribe from Defendant 2, Park Jeong-seok, and abused his authority multiple times to sabotage the investigations at the Namyangju Branch Prosecutors' Office.
Defendant 2, Park Jeong-seok, setting aside the drug escape charges, offered 500 million won to the then-head of the Namyangju Branch Office, Gu Ik-hwan, to shift blame for the building collapse accident involving structures won by KW Construction in the Namyangju area and to obstruct the investigation."
As Kang Hyun's words flowed steadily, the two defendants' heads drooped even lower. The judges' eyes fixed on him, the gallery concentrated fully, and a few reporters sneaked photos amid them.
After a brief mention of the bribery, he explained the KW case, reviewed the investigation, and shared his views on punishment.
Fire lit in Kang Hyun's eyes as he continued.
"Of course, there are regrets. Under the current Korean Constitution, it's not easy to hold top executives accountable for major casualties—what we call 'industrial accidents.'
From the layperson's legal intuition, it's clearly a slap on the wrist. The legal community must heighten awareness on this and consider enacting special laws alongside existing criminal and building codes.
I hope the Legislation and Judiciary Committee will promptly propose a special law under review: for major on-site accidents, fines up to 5 billion won for corporations, and up to five years' imprisonment and 1 billion won fines for executives responsible—to increase penalties."
Concise, easy to understand, yet firm without evasion—he expressed his opinion decisively.
His eloquence as a prosecutor was now nearing its peak.
Before, it had been a mere recitation of statutes and legal analysis of facts. Now, he stepped back from the case, gaining insight into the whole, reading directions and futures, explaining coherently.
Even sensitive topics, naturally and strongly.
This growth came from real-world tempering and the power from the growing number of supporters who admired and followed him.
"Of course, in the broader context of numerous bribery and fraud economic crimes, 500 million won isn't a huge sum.
The co-defendants standing here don't control all corruption and crime in Uijeongbu and Namyangju, nor are they responsible for every crime.
But if we don't set a proper example with these two, we won't decisively punish the next crimes by Jack Daniel, James Park, and other criminals. The public doesn't want showy punishments—they demand firm and severe ones."
His final statement as a first-year prosecutor, wrapping up all these major cases.
As his words concluded, thunderous applause erupted in the courtroom.
Despite announcements against photos, clicks from phones and cameras rang out, and the two defendants' heads sank further.
Kang Hyun sat calmly, but his complexion was brighter than before.
No matter his exceptional talent for composure under pressure,
The satisfaction of personally confirming the case's successful closure exploded "joy" in his mind.
'It's over.'
His role ended here. Kang Hyun suppressed a smile inwardly.
Seated at the prosecutor's table, he scanned the courtroom. The trial felt finished, but it was only just beginning.
With such a solid foundation laid, the rest would be handled by other righteous people.
Honoring his achievements with respect and gratitude.
Yes.
Kang Hyun had successfully conquered Namyangju.
With tremendous exhilaration.
'This is why it's worth being a prosecutor.'