The Plight of Baseball's Supreme Authority
"...Let's talk for a moment, about Doyeon and Dojin."
"Sure."
Do Hakhoon, president of the association, pushed up his glasses and approached slowly. He stopped about ten steps away from me.
"Have Doyeon or Dojin ever mentioned anything about me to you?"
"Dojin has. He called you an shameless parent who abandoned his siblings to start a new family."
"...I see. That's not wrong."
Do Hakhoon wore a bitter expression.
He met my eyes, then suddenly did something I never could have imagined.
Thud!
"...!?"
Do Hakhoon dropped to his knees in front of me without warning.
I couldn't help but be flustered by this abrupt turn.
"President, what the—?!"
"I know it's utterly shameless of me, but could you help me just this once?"
"Help how, exactly?"
"...I'd like to apologize for my mistakes and clear up any misunderstandings. You're the only one close to both my daughter and son that I can turn to."
"Hmm."
From what Dojin had told me about this man, and from running into him at the orphanage, I'd suspected something was up.
"I'll hear you out, but if it doesn't meet my standards, I won't help. Any objections?"
"...That's fair enough. Expecting more would be greedy."
"Then go ahead. Tell me about these 'circumstances' of yours."
Do Hakhoon nodded.
He began his tale with somewhat sad eyes.
"Back then, our family was truly happy."
#######
Do Hakhoon had been a reliable backup infielder for a pro team.
Not a starter, but whenever one was sidelined, he stepped up solidly, contributing to the team.
He wasn't a big name, but he was content.
He had a loving wife, a daughter, and a toddling son.
Even as a backup, Korea's league was the world's best.
He earned a hefty salary, but he couldn't relax.
Talented young players entered the league every year, eyeing his spot.
Earn as much as I can while I can. For the kids...!
Do Hakhoon knew better than anyone how precarious a baseball player's career could be—one wrong move and it was over.
He yearned to spend more time with his beloved family, but he poured himself into honing his skills, leaving Doyeon and Dojin's care to his wife.
"Honey, I'm leaving all the money management to you."
"You sure? It's the money you worked so hard for..."
"Of course! Who else but my queen of household affairs?"
And so, his wife took over the finances.
At first, she aligned with her husband's wishes, tightening their belts to save as much as possible.
But as the saying goes, money attracts flies like dung.
Once the apartment housewives learned she was married to a pro player, they started making sly overtures.
"Doyeon's mom, interested in a spot to grow your money?"
"Huh? Grow the money...?"
"Yeah! The Kims next door tripled theirs!"
"...!"
It started with good intentions.
Of course, the outcome was disastrous.
"What? Say that again."
"I'm sorry. I was trying to make it grow, but..."
Do Hakhoon let out a deep sigh.
She'd followed the neighborhood ladies to an illegal gambling den and lost a fortune.
His naive wife's mistake.
He forgave her this time and tried to cover it somehow.
"Sigh... How much did we lose?"
He'd given her about 500 million won of his savings.
Even if it was wiped out, he figured he could rebuild. But reality was harsher.
"One billion..."
"What...!?"
"Th-they said if you don't have stake money, pay next time, so I borrowed your seal briefly to write an IOU and got some cash..."
"Are you insane...?!!"
Bam!
"Kyaa...!!"
Unable to hold back, he slammed the wall. His wife collapsed to the floor. Seeing his own outburst, he gasped.
"Honey, I didn't mean—"
He tried to salvage it, but things snowballed into the worst possible chain reaction.
"Mom? Dad? What's going on...?"
Screech!
"...!!"
Doyeon, entering through the open door, clapped a hand over her mouth in shock. Her father's face twisted in rage, her mother huddled on the floor, trembling and covering her face.
Bam!
Doyeon fled the scene in trauma.
"Doyeon! Doyeon...!"
Too late to fix it; the damage was irreversible.
Burdened with 500 million in debt, the couple couldn't keep up their harmony. Daily fights led Do Hakhoon to file for divorce.
Of course, he planned to take custody of Doyeon and Dojin. The evidence was clear: she'd gambled away a fortune, shattering family peace.
But the first-instance court ruled in her favor.
"We acknowledge the plaintiff's argument that the gambling debt strained the family finances to some extent, but..."
"Considering the young ages of the two children, we cannot overlook the mother's crucial role in their emotional stability as they grow. Thus, this court awards custody to the biological mother, Kim Yun-seo."
"...!!"
Modern Korean courts prioritize the child's welfare, weighing finances, environment, and morality comprehensively. But back then, they leaned heavier on the mother's role and maternal instinct.
Do Hakhoon lost custody to his wife.
His lawyer, outraged, urged an appeal.
This ruling is absurd. We can definitely win on appeal...!
Agreeing fervently, he prepared for round two—until his wife came to him.
"I don't have long to live. Incurable disease. Doctor says three or four years at most."
"What...?"
"I admit I share blame for the divorce. But are you going to take the kids away during my final days? While I'm suffering to raise them, you've just been training carefree...?"
"......"
Seeing her diagnosis softened Hakhoon's resolve. He dropped the custody battle.
Time will heal it. Time will...
She wouldn't live long anyway.
Maybe it was better for the kids to be with Mom for her remaining time than with a scary-imprinted Dad.
He threw himself into baseball even harder.
To pay child support and clear debts, he needed more effort than ever.
Sacrificing sleep and rest.
Then disaster struck.
"Argh...!"
Neglecting his body took a brutal toll. The doctor said he could no longer play.
Whoosh—
"......"
On a rainy day, he wandered aimlessly outside.
His shirt soaked through, looking like a drowned rat, but he kept walking.
How did it come to this?
Was trusting his family a sin?
He'd only thrashed to live harder for them, yet here he was in the abyss.
Baseball was all he knew.
Smart as people called him, he'd devoted his youth to the sport. Losing family, then baseball, left a gaping hole in his chest.
I just want to rest now...
He ended up on a Han River bridge.
He decided to jump. That instant...
"No...!!"
"...!?"
Suddenly, someone yanked him back from behind. Coming down from the railing snapped him awake.
"Wh-what was I about to...?"
Then he saw his savior: a woman in her late twenties, a couple years younger than him.
"Huff, huff... I saw you wandering with that dazed look in this weather and thought it was dangerous, so I followed. But you were really going to...!"
"......"
"What happened? If you're okay with me, I can listen."
Normally, Do Hakhoon wouldn't bare his soul to a stranger. But he had no one left.
He spilled everything.
"How could..."
She wept as if it were her own story.
Wiping her tears, she took his hand.
"This won't do. Come on!"
"Where...?"
"My place, obviously!"
"...!?"
Of course, nothing scandalous happened.
Just a warm bath and a home-cooked meal.
That touched his heart.
Meeting often under the guise of healing, they grew drawn to each other.
But he drew a line at first.
Divorced or not, he had an ex-wife and healthy kids.
He felt guilty marrying a woman with a future. But she understood even that.
"I'm fine with it. Even if you're been married and have kids..."
"You..."
"We don't need a ceremony right away. We can do it when your kids accept me as their new mom."
They started living together in de facto marriage, no legal papers or ceremony.
When word reached his terminally ill ex-wife, she went berserk and badmouthed Hakhoon to the kids.
"Mom, when's Dad coming? I miss him..."
"He's not coming. He fell for another woman and left me."
"...!!"
Another trauma etched into Doyeon.
For an elementary schooler, realizing family harmony was gone forever was cruel beyond words.
"Weird, why no contact...?"
No matter what, Hakhoon couldn't reach the kids. They'd moved from the old place long ago, changed schools too.
Some time later, he heard of his ex-wife's passing.
They'd fought to court, but once they'd loved each other to death. He attended the funeral, but...
"How dare you show up here!"
"Shameless scum! Get lost...!!"
His father-in-law and maternal relatives shut him out. Still, he endured for one thing.
"It's all my fault. I'll apologize until your anger fades. Just let me see Doyeon and Dojin."
"You madman! Guards! Guards...! Drag him out!"
"Urk, let go!! Doyeon, Dojin...!!"
He couldn't even stand by his kids at the funeral.
Misfortune comes in waves, they say.
On the way home, he got the worst call.
"What? The hospital...!?"
Rushing there, he found his wife—his new one—dying from a car accident.
"We tried everything, but she's passing soon. Say your goodbyes..."
"Dar, ling..."
"...!!"
"Go... to the kids. I want you... not to be lonely..."
Beep, beep, beeeep—
"Aaaargh...!!"
Do Hakhoon wailed.
Days later, a summons from her father.
In a grand building, atop the Korean Baseball Association, he met him.
Association President Jung Ki-pyo.
Their first encounter.
"So you're the one living with Heeya."
"Yes."
"Tch. If you were gonna run off, at least live happy..."
Jung Ki-pyo exhaled smoke bitterly. He spun his chair and made an offer.
"Heeya's gone now."
"...Yes."
"The last trace of my daughter is only in you."
Creeak!
The man rose and approached.
He made a blunt proposal.
"Come under me."
"Pardon? What do you—"
"It'll be hell. Endless drudgery. But finish my tasks, and I'll put you in a position no one can ignore."
"...!!"
"Fail, and you're out—no soup for you. This chance is for dead Heeya. Turn away, and we're strangers forever."
"......"
Do Hakhoon shut his eyes.
His injury-riddled body barely sustained manual labor.
No choice.
"I'll do it."
"Heh, good choice."
Thus, Do Hakhoon entered Jung Ki-pyo's service.
He saw baseball's underbelly—dirty work, moments of despair—but gritted through.
I have to endure. For the kids...!
Sleeping three hours a day, he persisted.
Legally, I could fight for the kids, but...
Not now.
Handling Jung's tasks and kids? Impossible.
He broached it subtly.
"President, I want to be with the kids. I'll cut sleep more to finish your work—just arrange it somehow."
"Can't promise, but okay?"
"What do you mean...?"
"Half-ass this, and you're a nobody. Becoming someone who can flash a business card—that's best for your kids long-term, no?"
"......"
Jung was his only lifeline. Hakhoon obeyed.
He'd regret it later.
He hadn't seen then that Jung was a failure of a father too—driving his daughter away.
Anyway, no kid care possible. But one reliable ally: brother-in-law.
...My brother-in-law's trustworthy.
Smart, caring guy who'd backed him during wife troubles and funeral ejection.
The kids? Fine, I'll handle them...!
Grateful, Hakhoon sent most earnings to him.
Still, fatherly longing hit hard after years apart.
Brother-in-law always said:
Doyeon's still scared of you—trauma lingers...
Dojin's the same, heard from sis.
Write a letter? They'll get your sincerity eventually.
...Hmm.
Doyeon fearing him hurt, but her terrified eyes that day lingered.
Sensitive minor girl—scars last. He accepted it.
Years of endurance later, one day he saw her: high school senior Doyeon, handing out flyers in the neighborhood instead of studying.
"Wh-why...!?"
Realization dawned.
Most money went to brother-in-law's pocket. Rage exploded.
"You bastard...!!"
Bam!
"How can a human do worse than a beast...!"
"Haha, bro-in-law. I took care of basics, just skimmed a bit."
"You still won't wise up...!"
"Get real."
Brother-in-law spat back defiantly.
"Pfft, then raise 'em yourself. Think they'll listen? To the dad who ditched dying mom for a new bitch?"
"...!"
"They're thriving without you. Anger at you fuels 'em. Don't shake 'em up—live quiet like a dead rat. Best for them."
He stormed off.
Hakhoon clawed back much of the money, but too late for proper child-rearing.
Soon after, Jung summoned him to the hospital.
There, in ICU, Jung eyed him.
"Ah, you're here."
"Sir, this is...?"
"What else? Old man's time's up."
Casual as ever, Jung tossed a file.
"Next month, you're president. Lead Korean baseball. I've paved the way."
"Wh-what?!"
Korean Baseball Association President—the undisputed overlord of Korean baseball.
Influence over the world's top league.
Panicking, he refused repeatedly.
"Too much for me! Reconsider...!"
"No, you're the man for it. Heeya picked well..."
"...!"
"President title'll give face with your kids. Go now. Want to be alone at the end."
"Rest well, sir."
Beep, beep, bweeeeeep!
Death's cry as he exited.
Do Hakhoon succeeded Jung as president. Doyeon's college entrance exams just ended.
Perfect chance, he thought.
Prestigious role to be a dad they could boast about.
...Meet, talk, clear misunderstandings.
He sought his daughter.
"Doyeon, forgive this father? I can explain everything."
Instead, venomous glare, tears streaming.
"That's all you say after years?"
"......"
"I cried daily in pain, never saw your shadow. And you can explain? What? Was the reason so grand you couldn't visit once?"
"Doyeon..."
Hakhoon bowed his head.
Misfortunes piled, but life is first-person. His struggles didn't eclipse her young battles against harsh winds.
Had he known her hardship amid maternal indifference, he'd acted sooner. Too late—impassable wall in her heart.
"Never show before me or Dojin again. We'll live fine without you."
"I see..."
Slumped shoulders as he turned away.
In a nearby park bench, endless sobs.
"Sob, hic, urk......"
Not star player caliber, but solid dad returning—too much had changed over time.
No family left for Do Hakhoon.
Just the hollow title of Korean Baseball Association President.
Youngest ever, eyed suspiciously, but proved with ability.
"Fairness" slogan, sweeping reforms. Hailed 21st century's best.
What's the point...?
Top of grand building, legions serving him, pinnacle of baseball bureaucracy—yet unhappy.
Modest apartment, family bliss days.
Wished to return hourly.
What could he do?
To kids, worse than absent.
"Sigh..."
He haunted their orbits quietly.
Daughter at orphanage volunteer? Watched from afar.
Son's game? Disguised attendance.
Then oddity: siblings linking to one man.
"...Geum Seong-muk?"
Golden generation high school baseball—he knew all standouts. Geum Seong-muk? New.
The guy recruited Dojin to his team, had Doyeon analyze data, won nonstop.
Privately close too.
Doyeon going to orphanage with him? Special bond.
If it's that guy, maybe...
Lost in thought—caught by Geum Seong-muk. Spying on Doyeon, no less.
Daughter's dad-image already rock-bottom; exposure could shatter nuclear family hopes.
No retreat now.
...Last chance.
Lived on slim reconciliation hope. Fail this? Might end it all.
Thus, Do Hakhoon came to Seong-muk.
And knelt.
"I know it's utterly shameless, but could you help just once?"
"......"
A top-tier power player in this world—someone he'd never converse with—kneeling, spilling every detail.
Tch, tricky...
Seong-muk scratched his head, glancing at the rear stairs. For some reason, the door—closed moments ago—stood slightly ajar. Just a crack.