You Have Been Defended - Chapter 218
Whether they were genuine Minwoo Party supporters or paid trolls, who could say.
"Isn't Lee Se-hyung really pitiful? Already miserable about his disability, and now people are doubting if it's even real."
"Right? Must feel so wronged."
"But from the video, it looked like he was just holding the bodyguard's hand—no real help walking. And after the bodyguard left, he stood fine on his own."
"He can stand on his own, sure. And just holding a hand shifts your center of gravity a bit, makes it easier, right?"
"Yeah? Hmm, still kinda funny though. Lee Se-hyung's just Lee Jeong-chan's son—why's the Minwoo Party issuing statements on his behalf? Hiding behind the scenes. If anyone's speaking for him, shouldn't it be the foundation where he works?"
"No, the Freedom Justice Party demanded an explanation from Lee Jeong-chan first."
"Exactly. So let Lee Jeong-chan do it himself. Why's Minwoo Party speaking for Lee Se-hyung? He's nobody special—just a social worker with a powerful dad. And since when does Minwoo Party listen to Freedom Justice?"
"You like Freedom Justice?"
"Huh? Why bring that up out of nowhere? And what does it matter? I'm just saying the whole situation's weird."
"Nah, sounds like you're desperate to trash Lee Se-hyung."
"You the Minwoo Party fanboy? Bashing Lee Se-hyung makes me Freedom Justice?"
Overhearing folks chatting while waiting for my coffee at the cafe, it was clear public opinion was leaning toward Lee Se-hyung. Wonder if rich boy Lee Jeong-chan got a good night's sleep with legs stretched out.
"Good morning."
Carrying my coffee into the office, I spotted Oh Yanghun, the office manager, facing an unfamiliar back at the consultation table.
"Ah, perfect timing."
Assuming it was a new client, I absentmindedly headed to my desk to set down my bag—
"Attorney."
The voice calling me felt familiar. Turning, I saw the face across from Oh Yanghun: Pastor Lee Kang-jin, head of the Light and Salt Foundation.
"Pastor, what brings you here?"
The reason was obvious. But playing dumb, I sat beside Oh Yanghun.
"Ah, um, I know it's rude, but I had something to confirm, so I came by."
"Speak freely."
"Ah, you've seen the news, but no fire broke out at the event that day. Thankfully no injuries. You're unhurt, I hope?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Good! That's a relief. But... um..."
Lee Kang-jin rolled his eyes, hesitating long. Makes sense. No need to risk offending the big donor who'd shelled out 500 million won right off the bat.
"...As you know, some reporter filmed welfare worker Lee Se-hyung walking out and streamed it online. He's taken a lot of flak for it. Luckily, after Minwoo Party's statement yesterday, it's died down."
I waited silently, face neutral, no tells.
"From what police said, and Choi Jonghyeon's broadcast of the scene... it seems someone staged the chaos to expose Lee Se-hyung's disability as fake."
"Is that so."
"...Yes. So our foundation's checking the attendee list from that day, trying to track down who did it."
"Essential work."
"...Right."
Lee Kang-jin dabbed sweat with a handkerchief, forcing an awkward smile.
"Not that we suspect you, Attorney, but given the circumstances... I heard you defended Jo Bongjun, who broadcasts with Choi Jonghyeon..."
"Ah, yes. Correct."
"And you appeared on their show, seem quite close."
"Yes."
"...So,"
He wasn't outright accusing me. A foundation head coming here alone signaled he wanted to tread lightly, keep things amicable. He suspected me inwardly but didn't want to burn bridges if wrong. Nothing more awkward than forcing "Did you do it?" from such a man.
[Lie]
Wouldn't it be better if they just admitted among themselves that I looked suspicious?
Poor guy, struggling to cushion every word.
"And you said you'd bring three escorts. We gave out three name badges for them. But no one at the venue saw anyone besides Attorney Kang Minjae..."
"No idea about that. Our office staff checked the badges with your employees, so I passed it on. Then the blackout hit with the incident—no fire, sorry. Must've arrived just before."
"Pardon, but is this office manager one of them?"
Pastor Lee Kang-jin pointed at Oh Yanghun. Planning to cross-check CCTV?
I smiled faintly. "No. A few more staff haven't arrived yet. They're Christians too, big on welfare, so I planned to bring them... Didn't expect the suspicion. I donated in good faith, attended gratefully... This is awkward."
Lee Kang-jin waved frantically, butt half off the seat. "No, Attorney, that's not—"
"As you know, I was wrongly investigated for real estate and stocks recently, cleared up. It prompted me to return my wealth to society. After research, I chose Light and Salt. But if this taints you, I'm sorry. I'll find another cause."
Face full of regret. He panicked harder, waving and squirming.
"Attorney, no! Aigoo, not what I meant. Just confirming to move past it—no suspicion at all. The situation's just..."
"I understand. I'd suspect too. Big donation pre-event, ties to Choi Jonghyeon. But who throws away 500 million just to pull a stunt? It's big money to anyone."
"Of course! We know your intentions."
Sweat turning to near-tears. Catch the perp or the whale? He chose the latter.
"I was there myself, so I'm digging too. Checked with Choi Jonghyeon—someone else orchestrated it. If my ties to him fuel suspicion, better prove he just followed a tip. Thoughts?"
"Aigoo, do whatever eases your mind."
Taking Choi's case despite this? Could raise more flags. But this ties it neatly—no suspicion on helping him.
"Have Kang Minjae from our office—who was there—on it. Passed evidence too."
"I see. Sorry for the trouble..."
"Necessary. Actually, wonder if the tipster framed us to slip away clean. Got their goal without exposure."
"You're right."
"We'll look into it. Rest easy, Pastor."
"Thank you. Sorry if I offended."
He bowed obsequiously. Tables fully turned.
Grabbing his coat, he hurried out. "I'll be going then."
As Lee Kang-jin left, Oh Yanghun burst out laughing, barely holding it before.
"Came to grill us, but folded before you."
Clearing the cup from his spot, I replied curtly. "That's the power of money."
"Money scares, yeah. What can't it buy in Korea? Oh, police briefing this morning. Probably on now?"
He grabbed the remote, flipping on the TV.
Perfect timing—good news on air. Korea's CCTV superpower. No way they'd act without blinding them first.
Lee Kang-jin hasn't heard yet; manual checks will be a slog.
Police work's glacial though. Incident days ago—fire dept first, fine—but missing glued CCTVs yesterday? Laughable announcement now.
Whatever. Slow officials suit us. We're comic-book apostles of justice—best incognito, foes fumbling.
"Alright, Minwoo Party's spoken. Time for phase two."