You Have Been Defended - Chapter 100
The news ticker scrolled across the dedicated news channel as Kang Minjae set the just-delivered black bean noodles on the table.
Broadcast stations beyond the cable news networks were quick to run it as breaking news too. Maybe because it was the prosecution's first real breakthrough in ages—beyond the names Ge Nam-ho had already spilled.
"Good thing the search warrant didn't get shot down."
Kang Minjae mumbled around a mouthful of noodles. They'd been worried after failing to get an arrest warrant for Jo Hyun-seok due to no flight risk, but this was a relief. Even if someone inside the prosecution was in Yangjin's pocket, the organization's reputation was in the toilet—they'd grasp at any straw. And since it was just a lowly secretary, not some Yangjin exec, it had been easier.
If justice was the goal, he hoped every Yangjin exec who'd taken sex-for-favors from Jo Hyun-seok would be rooted out. But Cha Juhan's top priority remained securing proof that Go Sang-kyung, the chairman, had ordered the video shoot.
"We need evidence from Joo Min-ji's phone or hard drive that she got the mission straight from Chairman Go Sang-kyung."
"Once we have it, we'll switch to public investigation and announce the Jeong Yeong-jun video was faked. She'll tip us off before then."
If the world learned Jeong Yeong-jun was innocent, how would Ko Jin-ah react? They suspected she'd forced the divorce knowing he was framed to cover her parents' sins. But once the truth came out, she'd have no grounds to push it. Still, patching up a marriage in this mess? Who knew if that'd be a happy ending. Jeong Yeong-jun's personality meant he'd likely forgive Go Sang-kyung if Ko Jin-ah backed off. But what about her?
"Lawyer, phone's ringing."
Kang Minjae grabbed the cell from Cha Juhan's desk. Caller: Lee Ye-jin.
"Yes, Cha Juhan speaking."
"Hey, Cha. It's me."
"Didn't expect a call when you're so busy."
"Just wrapping up at Joo Min-ji's place. No handwritten lists or anything from a quick look. Heading back to the office with her notebook, phone, hard drives, and such."
"Glad it's helping the case, but real-time updates? Didn't see that coming."
"Felt like I'd been freeloading, so figured I'd give you a heads-up. I'll check for that video you wanted too, but doubtful it'll be on the phone or drive. Probably wiped clean, whenever it was shot."
"Digital forensics might recover it... Ah."
"Digital forensics? Evidence value's too low on that."
Cha Juhan sighed too. Digital forensics wouldn't gain real weight until 2015. In 2009, they were training experts, but recognition wasn't like his 2018 days.
"We'll see when we crack it open. Trust me. I want to pile on special rape-by-inducement and porn distribution charges against Jo Hyun-seok more than you do."
"Any black box?"
Back then, most cars skipped them. By 2018, constant news of dashcams cracking cases made them essential.
"Got one. Jackpot, right?"
"Perfect."
"Can cross-check dates she met Jo Hyun-seok, dig up more. Might even tie to Jeong Yeong-jun's video."
"Thanks. Looking forward to it."
"Will call back."
Law changes hadn't come yet, so she'd profited before—but now she was caught. Cha Juhan hung up and returned to the table. Kang Minjae had scarfed his noodles and was at his laptop.
"Lawyer, your noodles are soggy now."
He glanced over. Sure enough, lifting a clump brought up a watery strand. Appetite gone—too dependent on Lee Ye-jin's results for a relaxed meal—Cha Juhan set down his chopsticks.
"Ko Jin-ah must've gone to work."
Cha Juhan pulled up a portal site. Main page: Prosecution briefing on Yangjin and Jo Hyun-seok ties. Breaking news meant mostly empty articles, but one stood out. Reporters had swarmed Yangjin F&B fast. Today's shots caught Ko Jin-ah on camera.
"Reporters everywhere."
Yangjin F&B's entrance was already mobbed by those hungry for divorce scoops on Jeong Yeong-jun. Now social affairs reporters joined, swelling the crowd. Background: the underground lot where Jeong Yeong-jun had entered for HR files.
"She probably got advance warning, but why show up?"
Kang Minjae scrolled. "Not arriving—looks like rushing out. Timing fits, and she's getting into the car, not out."
Stuck there, she'd be trapped till the press dispersed.
"She leaked to screw Jeong Yeong-jun with reporters, but karma's a bitch." Kang Minjae chuckled.
"Hate these articles most. Serious scandal, and boom—fashion piece."
"Fashion article popped up?"
"Want the link?"
No sooner said, a messenger link pinged. Sure enough: Analysis of Ko Jin-ah's suit, shoes, accessories, bag—tones and colors "revealing" her mood.
"Reminds me picking Jeong Yeong-jun's outfit for HQ, thinking of this crap. He dodged exposure; she gets dissected."
Her suit: some brand's S/S line, full set 20 million won. Finger zoomed: no wedding ring. Divorce push was public, but no progress announced—hence the buzz. (Truth: no progress to announce.) Lots of close-ups on her hand.
Come to think, Jeong Yeong-jun still wore his.
"That necklace? 8 million won. Tiny, barely see it."
Kang Minjae pored over it. Cha Juhan skipped the rant, scrolled to comments.
Netizens dissected expertly: No match in H's past shows, catalogs, wallpapers. Custom design, they claimed. Rare for H to bespoke—and the tassel was a March debut, so ordered post-March 2009.
Netizens mourned unaffordable luxury, but for Cha Juhan, jackpot. H custom bag, rare, post-March 2009. Conclusion? Obvious.
"Kang."
"Yeah?"
"Read that long comment below."
Kang Minjae scrolled, face serious. Eyes widened at Cha Juhan.
"This... Jo Hyun-seok's custom bag for his lover, right? Blog confirms—no H design like Ko Jin-ah's."
He looked baffled. Same thought. Lips moved soundlessly. Cha Juhan felt it too—the conclusion from that comment was shocking, something he'd dismissed outright.
"Jo Hyun-seok's lover isn't Joo Min-ji... It's Ko Jin-ah. Joo Min-ji just had Ko Jin-ah's ring."