The Molka Scandal Erupts
Is this how the insiders have been having fun all this time?
After it was confirmed that hidden cameras had been installed, Lee Seok-chan had planned to contact a police contact he already knew and a lawyer.
"No, better than me getting involved..."
But a better idea occurred to him. There was an easy and certain way that didn't require him to get his hands dirty.
He found one contact in his phone and pressed the call button.
"Hmm..."
The awkward ringtone dragged on. It had been ages since he'd reached out to this person first.
Soon, a deep, resonant male voice answered.
"...Seok-chan?"
"Yes."
A brief silence followed his curt reply. The father and son both sighed inwardly at the awkward tension palpable even over the phone.
'Sigh.'
Lee Seok-chan reminded himself once more that he'd already forgiven the past. Since he'd initiated the call for a reason, it was only right for him to speak first.
"Ahem. It's been a while."
"Yeah."
"Could you help me out with something?"
"Got it."
"...Without even hearing what it is?"
"Ah... right. Ahem."
Lee Seok-chan let out a hollow chuckle. It was amusing to see this coldly calculating corporate bigwig come off so sloppy.
"Calling me of all people—must be big trouble, huh? Don't tell me you messed up with some girl..."
"No. Unlike some people, I practice safe sex religiously."
"......"
Lee Seok-chan regretted it the moment the words left his mouth. He'd thought he'd moved past it, but years of ingrained habits didn't vanish easily. He'd sniped without thinking.
"...Sorry."
"It's fine. Good to hear you're being responsible."
"Haha..."
Lee Seok-chan laughed awkwardly. Trying to have a normal conversation with his father after so long felt strangely off, and the unease wouldn't fade. He'd reached out using the incident as an excuse, thinking it was a good effort, but...
He decided to wrap it up quickly.
"Tch. Anyway, it's kind of a big deal. Looks like there are hidden cameras at school, and Jeong Ha-yeon might've been caught on them too..."
"What?! Hey now."
The big-shot CEO was pissed.
*
The investigation proceeded swiftly. Even on the weekend, police mobilized. The sudden police probe turned Da-an University upside down.
"Two in the women's restroom, two in the men's."
"Damn, even the men's room?"
"Is the investigation limited to our Publishing Content Department?"
"Nah, gotta search the whole school."
"That'll take forever..."
"No choice. It's on us."
A comprehensive sweep of the entire Da-an University. Shockingly, more micro-cameras turned up in another department—one full of mostly women, the Business Aviation program.
"Tsk tsk. Whoever did this is ruining it for all guys."
"Tell me about it. A few bad apples make us all look bad. Jeez."
They all assumed the culprit was a guy, naturally. But contrary to expectations, the perps were women. In both departments.
"...Captain, this is way bigger than we thought."
"Bring in more manpower!"
The probe expanded. The molka incident didn't end as a Da-an University problem.
Kim Su-ji and Mun Ji-min, where it all started, were suddenly hauled in by police.
"The newly discovered files don't seem to have been leaked yet."
"Tch. Small mercies."
"But the ones going back four years..."
"This is gonna blow up."
As the investigators predicted, the scandal snowballed. It spread nationwide beyond Da-an University.
The full story, uncovered over the weekend, hit the airwaves and reached every citizen. The perps didn't stop at filming—they shared online, judging and mocking the victims in the videos. Kim Su-ji and Mun Ji-min were part of it, as was the one from Aviation.
Imprisonment for up to 7 years or a fine of up to 50 million won.
Kim Su-ji and Mun Ji-min couldn't even attempt a settlement. The case had long exceeded simple filming.
*
Even after over two weeks, articles kept pouring in. The embers refused to die down, prompting schools nationwide to launch their own sweeps. The government even mandated full inspections for public interest. More micro-cameras turned up in schools, companies, subways, and public spots—but fewer than expected.
"Four in our department alone—really nothing else?"
"Most probably yanked them once the news hit."
"Whoa. What about the people filmed?"
"Who knows? Maybe they kept copies? Or deleted everything out of paranoia."
"So, not certain."
"Yeah."
"If we hadn't found ours quick... Ugh, gives me chills!"
Yoo So-jeong grimaced and rubbed her arms.
"Ugh, me too. Lucky it wasn't shared."
"Kim Su-ji and Mun Ji-min are total trash. Women filming other women? Just film yourselves!"
"Right?! Filming girls and guys—they're insane."
"I'm more curious why they filmed guys. Heard they were lesbians—no interest in men, right?"
The women, including Yoo So-jeong, chatted with furrowed brows. Then Kim Mi-jeong piped up as if remembering something.
"What about Park Do-hee? She's a lesbian too, right? Super tight with those girls. Hasn't shown up since it blew up..."
"Mi-jeong."
Seo Joo-hwan cut her off. He turned in his seat, locking eyes with her. His expressionless face startled her into silence.
Seo Joo-hwan soon smiled.
"Do-hee isn't like that."
"R-really?"
"Yeah. She's not a lesbian—they just used her. And she had zero involvement in the molka."
"Oh... Yeah, I think I heard she was a victim too."
Kim Mi-jeong nodded readily. Rumors about Park Do-hee in the department were ambiguous. She'd caught flak for hanging with the perps, but those in the know defended her as a victim.
Seo Joo-hwan added, since it was out there,
"She even provided key evidence this time. Recorded Kim Su-ji and Mun Ji-min talking."
"For real?"
"Yeah. So if you hear anyone badmouthing her, set 'em straight. She doesn't deserve the misunderstanding."
Kim Mi-jeong nodded, glancing at him cautiously.
"Oppa, you're not mad, right? I didn't know..."
"Nah, not mad at all."
"Phew, good. You went stone-faced—thought you were pissed. Kinda scary."
"Pfft haha. Maybe I should drop the smile more often? Kids don't listen to me."
"Eek! Keep smiling! Hmm... Actually, blank face looks hotter?"
"Pfft. Anyway, bored. Wanna play some tunes? Hey, Seok-chan, music?"
"Sure. Hook it up."
Seo Joo-hwan connected Bluetooth and queued upbeat tracks.
♪ Blue hills~ Backpack on~ ♪
"Ahh, perfect road trip vibes."
The second the words left his mouth, Lee Seok-chan rebelled from the driver's seat.
"Dude, your taste sucks ass!"
"What? This is a classic! Perfect for travel—"
"Boo! Change it!"
Backseat protests too.
"Oppa, no new songs? So many bops!"
"Different song!"
Seo Joo-hwan pouted. What was wrong with it? Total travel anthem!
Then Yoo So-jeong chimed in.
"Why? I like it. Oldie but fits perfect."
"See? So-jeong gets it! Rest of you, work on your taste."
Im Su-jeong yelled,
"Don't lump me in!"
"Gasp, Su-jeong, you hate me?"
"No, Mi-jeong, that's not it."
"Su-jeong's mean!"
"Hey, Yoo So-jeong!"
Yoo So-jeong, Im Su-jeong, Kim Mi-jeong—the Jeong sisters trio cackled and bantered.
Seo Joo-hwan sank deep into the seat, listening to them. Lee Seok-chan side-eyed him.
"Sleep and die."
"Jealous? Get your license."
"Fuck."
"Yup. You insisted on driving. I'm napping."
"Argh!"
Lee Seok-chan floored it in annoyance. Destination: Gapyong Pool Villa. They were en route to the long-awaited pension.