Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: The Dawn Verdict
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The tense moment as the verdict was about to be announced.
Everyone focused their attention on Judge Choi Chun-sik.
"Case No. 2016 Arrest Review 17, Review of the Legality of Arrest. Ruling."
The judge, having reached his decision, continued in a dignified tone.
Im Cheol-su's anxious eyes.
Kang Hyun's tense gaze.
All of it hung on a single moment's judgment—whether it would turn into a smile or despair now rested in the judge's mouth.
And that decision soon rang out, leaving everyone unable to hide their shock.
"I order the release of the suspect."
"Huh!"
"Whoa."
Detective Yu Geon-hyeong and Prosecutor Han Tae-woong let out exclamations at the judge's words.
Even the court staff who had kept watch through the night widened their eyes and leaned in to hear the judge's explanation.
"The suspect shall be released, but must faithfully comply with the designated conditions listed in the attached schedule hereafter."
"Hic! Hiccup..."
Im Cheol-su was so shocked that at the word 'release,' his shoulders heaved dramatically, and he burst into loud sobs.
Kang Hyun, too, let out a silent cheer of triumph inside.
'It was granted!'
Unaware of Kang Hyun's pounding heart, Judge Choi Chun-sik continued without pause.
"The claimant has requested a review of the legality of arrest. This case does not fall under any of the provisos in Article 214-2, Paragraph 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act. However, the suspect must appear at the times and places designated by the investigative agency and submit a written pledge not to destroy evidence. Additionally, they must submit a written pledge not to leave the country without permission from the investigative agency. Violation of these may result in re-arrest."
This miracle Kang Hyun had wrought in the dead of night.
It was an monumental event that would etch a major mark in the history of Korean law.
Whether Kang Hyun knew it or not, he simply wore a proud expression, gently patting the shoulder of the tearful Im Cheol-su.
The release procedures went off without a hitch.
Investigative agencies react most swiftly and sensitively to judgments on the illegality of detention or arrest.
With the court ruling that continuing the arrest was unjust—granting the review of the legality of arrest—the police had no reason to hold Im Cheol-su any longer.
Around 4 a.m. at the Seocho Police Station.
Detective Yu Geon-hyeong, with dark circles under his eyes, unlocked Im Cheol-su's handcuffs alongside his junior and said,
"Kid, how're you getting home?"
"Not sure yet."
"Give your mom a call. If she doesn't pick up, let me know."
"Yes..."
From arrest to transport to release, Yu Geon-hyeong and his team had handled the most work, and following procedure to the end, they seemed intent on seeing him home safely.
"...She's not answering."
"Alright, I'll take you then. What about you, Kang Hyun? Don't you live around Seocho?"
"Oh, how'd you know?"
"My daughter's a fan. You went to Korea High and Korea University, right?"
At Kang Hyun's surprised look, Yu Geon-hyeong rubbed his nose as if amused by his own words, then made a proposal.
"It's dawn—no buses running. Hop in with us."
Kang Hyun smiled gratefully at the offer but politely declined, as he had someone else to meet.
"Thanks just for saying it, but I think I need to head out separately."
"Shame."
"Take good care of Cheol-su from here on. Investigate the wrongs thoroughly, and clear up the injustices clearly."
"Of course. Gotta make sure he's properly scolded and regrets it big time. Anyway, Kang Hyun..."
Detective Yu Geon-hyeong extended his hand.
Kang Hyun's gaze went to the hand, then back to his face.
Fortunately, he didn't seem too bothered that the dedicated team's investigation had been overturned, making detention investigation difficult in this Im Cheol-su case.
His face was filled only with surprise and wonder.
"I've always thought wrongs need to be righted. But the longer my investigative career goes, the harder it gets."
"Cheol-su was the suspect, and cases have to be viewed conservatively—that was the natural choice."
"No. That's why it feels like I got hit in the back of the head. Whether police or prosecutors, our essence is uncovering the substantive truth of the case. But realizing there's something more important than results isn't easy."
Kang Hyun clasped the hand offered. He felt the firm grip of Yu Geon-hyeong's calloused hand, hardened by years of investigations.
"Seeing you reignites my passion. Let's keep in touch, and I'll say hi now and then."
"Yes. Me too. You worked through the whole night—thanks. See you."
Kang Hyun gave Im Cheol-su a wink to rest well, then slowly exited the police station.
The surroundings were still dim with predawn light, but the city's fog was lifting gently, as if dawn was breaking.
Kang Hyun looked around, searching for someone. Spotting a burly man parked in front of the station, waiting for him, he approached and bowed.
"Prosecutor."
"Yeah. Get in."
It was Han Tae-woong.
He had pulled an all-nighter ahead of his morning shift at the courthouse, watching Kang Hyun in action, becoming the first prosecutor to witness the court's astonishing judgment live.
He looked a bit fatigued, with stubble shadowing his jaw, but his eyes burned bright.
The classic gaze of a prosecutor facing a big case.
Clunk, vroom.
"You okay?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Han Tae-woong seemed about to say something but held back, and Kang Hyun sat silently in the passenger seat.
If Prosecutor Kim Jeong-min felt like a friendly uncle or dad, Han Tae-woong exuded the aura of a stern, serious father—a bit intimidating.
Even back when Kang Hyun worked as a student aide at the prosecutor's office, if he slacked off, Han Tae-woong would quietly approach and drop a word of advice before leaving.
With such a man silently gripping the wheel beside him, Kang Hyun felt more tension than when Judge Choi Chun-sik had sat before him.
Finally, Han Tae-woong spoke.
"You're working hard."
"Pardon?"
"I mean you did well."
Han Tae-woong subtly acknowledging Kang Hyun.
Any prosecutor in the Central District Prosecutors' Office seeing this would have been shocked and made a fuss, but here in the car, it was just the two of them.
Yet Kang Hyun felt a different emotion rising, distinct from the cheers and applause of the crowds.
The pure joy of genuine recognition—his alone.
A profound pride no one else could claim in this dawn.
"Thank you. Honestly, I wondered if I went too far."
"No. You did well. I'll vouch for you."
"The courts are gonna blow up over this. It's not some old case—plenty of talk, backlash too."
"It's fine. Don't back down."
Hearing that, Kang Hyun looked up at the impassive, bear-like face of Han Tae-woong.
He said he'd vouch.
Don't back down.
That meant he could stand tall.
If Han Tae-woong acknowledged him, no one in the Central District Prosecutors' Office would challenge his actions.
But the prosecutors' office moves fast.
Early morning reports on cases would go up, department heads would hear, it would reach the deputy chief.
Soon, the chief prosecutors would learn of this unprecedented granting of an arrest review—accomplished by Kang Hyun this dawn—and the news would spread like wildfire to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office via grapevines.
Even so, Kang Hyun could stand proud. The prosecutors' office itself had recognized him.
Han Tae-woong's word was an ironclad shield protecting him.
Further, it was the prosecution protecting him.
'Good.'
Only after hearing Han Tae-woong could Kang Hyun finally exhale in relief, all his worries melting away.
In the quiet car.
Han Tae-woong, breaking the silence, asked,
"Not prepping for the judicial exam?"
"I'm prepping for law school."
"Why?"
"Want to pass the judicial exam and graduate law school."
"Ha, you think that'll fly?"
The car reached Seocho as their subdued but warm conversation continued.
"Thank you."
"Yeah, head in."
Prosecutor Han Tae-woong coolly bid farewell and turned the car around.
'What a long night.'
Kang Hyun headed home, thinking he needed a wash and some sleep.
The case still had loose ends, so no time for much rest.
But feeling the solid backing of the prosecutors watching his back gave him some breathing room.
Morning was gradually brightening.
Savoring the thrilling shiver spreading through his body with the rising sun, Kang Hyun gazed at the lightening sky and smiled brightly.
Time itself seemed to flow for him, letting him face the next day with confidence.
Central District Prosecutors' Office, First Deputy Chief's Room.
From the Chief Prosecutor down, overseeing numerous departments: First to Fourth Deputy Chief Prosecutors.
Among them, the room of First Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jeong Jung-hun—the only one at chief prosecutor level, not deputy.
Prosecutor Jeong Jung-hun.
Commander of immense power, overseeing Criminal Division 3—including Han Tae-woong's team—six criminal divisions total, and Public Trial Division 1 packed with key assistant prosecutors like Kim Jeong-min.
Called the 'Prosecutor's Prosecutor,' he was rigid and inflexible, yet his exceptional ability earned him universal respect.
"Choi Chun-sik... made waves."
He had already received a shocking report on the series of events at the Central District Court but merely gave a concise assessment of warrant specialist Judge Choi Chun-sik, then gazed calmly out the window.
And at that moment,
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Clunk!
"You've had a long night, sir. Criminal Division 3, Han Tae-woong."
"Greetings urgently. Public Trial Division 1, Jeong Ji-eun."
The door opened, and a large-framed male prosecutor catching his breath and a female prosecutor in casual attire—having worked overtime past dawn—bowed deeply.
Jeong Jung-hun frowned, giving them a somewhat stern look. It wasn't common for two assistant prosecutors to be summoned to the deputy's office.
"You're busy."
"Not at all."
"It's fine."
They stood rigidly before Jeong Jung-hun, heads bowed, unable to lift them—as if they already knew why the deputy had called them.
"Han pro, Jeong pro combo. Add Kim Jeong-min, and that's the law school prosecutors' big three, right?"
"...No such thing."
Han Tae-woong barely answered, sweat beading, while Jeong Ji-eun subtly hid behind him.
"Heard a prosecution office legend flipped the Central District Court with this arrest review."
"Kang Hyun, the special-track student aide."
"You all recommended him together?"
Jeong Jung-hun latched onto the words, but they neither denied nor corrected—offering silent affirmation.
Then, abruptly, Jeong Jung-hun asked,
"But why!"
"Pardon?"
"Why are you bowing your heads like that? Do you think Kang Hyun stirred up trouble too?"