บท 27: Chapter 27: The Cheon Su-han Slot Machine Incident
A bombshell known as 'The Cheon Su-han Slot Machine Incident' had just exploded.
Originally, Cheon Su-han's name wouldn't have appeared in this case.
However…
* * *
Early April
I was at a restaurant in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
"Mu-hyeok, it's been a while."
"Hope you've been well, Chief Prosecutor."
As I waited, having arrived first, Yoon Chang-ho, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor, greeted me as he entered the room.
I stood up and returned his greeting.
Yoon, now seated after removing his coat, chuckled heartily, seemingly in good spirits.
"Ha! I never even aimed for Seoul Central District Chief Prosecutor, but after that incident with you, this opportunity came my way. I owe you one, junior."
I responded with a smile.
"I believe you've simply reclaimed the position you always deserved. Weren't you pushed down to Busan due to internal politics? With your track record of major cases, you could even aim for Prosecutor General based on seniority."
"Haha, you're too kind. I've lost my appetite for ambition. Excessive greed always leads to downfall. Keep that in mind."
"Yes, senior."
"So, why did you want to meet today? You've been turning down invitations since starting university. Is it something important?"
"Let's eat first."
"Alright, let's fill our stomachs before we start."
As he spoke, the food arrived.
"This place is the best in Seocho-dong. Great food and perfect for private conversations. What do you think?"
"The staff's attentiveness shows they've put a lot of thought into the service."
Yoon nodded, reaching for his seaweed soup.
"It's a bitter truth, but even this place has become a venue for political discussions rather than proper investigations. Sad, isn't it? Anyway, let's eat. The seaweed soup here is exquisite."
"Yes."
We finished our meal, chatting about school life and recent events.
After rinsing his mouth with the sujeonggwa dessert drink, Yoon spoke.
"Now, tell me. What's this about?"
I took a sip of sujeonggwa before answering.
"Have you heard of slot machines?"
"Slot machines? You mean pachinko?"
"Yes."
"Of course. Who hasn't?"
I put down my sujeonggwa cup and looked at Yoon.
"Soon, a man named Jung Soo-ho, known as the godfather of the slot machine industry, will be arrested by the prosecution. High-ranking officials in politics and government are likely to be implicated as well."
"Sounds like a big case."
"It could potentially become the biggest scandal of the Sixth Republic. Even Assemblyman Kim, a key figure in the current administration, is involved."
"Assemblyman Kim? You don't mean Kim Chul-seung?"
"That's right."
"Hmm, this won't be easy."
"Indeed. The investigating prosecutor will face constant threats and attempts at persuasion. That's why I think you should take charge of this case, Chief."
"Me?"
Yoon's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
I nodded firmly.
"The prosecutor currently digging into this is a junior at the Central District Prosecutor's Office. Once the case grows, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office will try to take it over."
"Hmm…"
"You absolutely can't let that happen. If you do, everyone who can slip away will do so. Especially Assemblyman Kim – he'll definitely escape. Cheon Su-han is also involved in this."
"Cheon Su-han? You mean your uncle? Surely not…"
I met Yoon's shocked gaze without flinching.
After a long silence, Yoon shook his head, looking defeated.
"First that incident, and now this… You're truly a frightening person, Mu-hyeok. It doesn't suit your age."
"Once the President is briefed, a storm of internal investigations will hit. The Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs is my grandfather's man, so everything will proceed without Cheon Su-han's involvement."
"…It'll go to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office then."
I nodded silently and added,
"Before that happens, please shield us from all pressure. I'll try to handle my grandfather's side."
"…"
Yoon didn't respond.
I remained silent, giving him time to consider.
After a while,
Yoon spoke heavily,
"Am I right to interpret this as you asking me to put my career as a prosecutor on the line?"
"If things go wrong, I'll take responsibility for the aftermath. But if you succeed… you'll be the next head of the prosecution. You should make history as a Prosecutor General who didn't come from the planning, public security, or special investigation divisions."
I gently prodded Yoon's ambition.
He probably abandoned his desire for promotion when he was demoted to Busan District Prosecutor.
But now, he had risen to Seoul District Prosecutor through his involvement with me.
It was natural for him to consider aiming for the highest position.
"Can you persuade Chairman Cheon?"
"Once you've made the arrest, I'll handle the rest. Even grandfather can't act freely if the Blue House gets involved. No matter how much money he has, it's still part of the underground economy."
"What if I ignore the Blue House's orders and lose my head first? That would be all for nothing…"
Seeing Yoon almost convinced, I smiled.
"Just leak it to the press. Say you're facing pressure from above, but you won't compromise with power. Ask for the public's support. Declare that you'll lead the charge in the President's war on corruption!"
"Hmm."
"Isn't that exactly what the President wants to hear? He'll see no need to transfer the case to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office then."
Yoon's tense face relaxed as his thoughts seemed to align.
"Alright, let's give it a shot. I was destined to retire in Busan anyway, but I've come this far. As you said, I should aim for Prosecutor General."
"Haha, thank you."
"But is this the favor you want to ask of me?"
Yoon was referring to the 'one favor' I had promised him before.
"If that's what you want, we can consider it as such."
"Haha, you never lose, do you? Fine. This benefits us both. Next time, ask for something that only benefits you."
The Chief Prosecutor extended his hand.
I shook it firmly.
"This case must be known as the Cheon Su-han Slot Machine Incident. Without fail!"
* * *
"What on earth were you doing while this escalated? What about our people in the Blue House? And that Yoon Chang-ho, what's he up to?"
"…"
As the chairman thundered, Chief Ha, who had been silent, spoke up.
"It seems a rogue prosecutor leaked it to the press. It's too late for damage control now. He claims it's better to take responsibility and wrap it up at an appropriate level. The VIP is apparently deliberating whether to hand it over to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office or the Central District Prosecutor."
"Hah…"
The old man sighed and closed his eyes.
"…Is there no way out?"
His voice was weak.
Chief Ha shook his head.
"A prison sentence seems unavoidable."
"Even if we spend any amount of money?"
"We'll suffer considerable damage. I don't think it's wise to upset the VIP."
The old man, who had been sighing, turned his gaze to me.
"Mu-hyeok, don't you have any good ideas? A way to save your uncle?"
"…Let's try to reach an agreement with Chief Prosecutor Yoon. That seems to be the best option. Once this case goes to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, it'll end based on the President's judgment."
"That's true."
"Rather than that, it's better to keep the case in Chief Yoon's hands, as we have some connection with him. After waiting for the President's influence to wane… we could aim for a special pardon."
"This fool has dug his own grave. He shouldn't have worked with politicians… I made a mistake. I shouldn't have arranged that marriage."
The old man grabbed his neck, his blood pressure seemingly rising. I rushed to support him.
"Mu-hyeok, is there really no other way…?"
"Grandfather, you'll lose a lot. If you're okay with that, I'll try to find a way. But… you might lose even more for the sake of a few years…"
The old man seemed to give up, turning to Chief Ha.
"Starting with my in-law, make sure everyone involved in this falls hard. No suspended sentences or probation. I don't care how much it costs. Make them suffer far more than my son."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Let me know if you need my influence."
"Understood."
In the end, grandfather abandoned the idea of saving Director Cheon Su-han.
I gained a lot while handling the slot machine incident.
I sent Director Cheon Su-han to prison for a few years.
And I brought down one of the violent organizations backed by the Cheongpung Group.
I planned to use this gap to accelerate Park Dong-su's expansion into Seoul.
* * *
After speaking with Chairman Cheon, Chief Prosecutor Yoon moved quickly.
He began summoning and investigating high-ranking officials, from those who received bribes to senior police officers and members of the National Assembly.
The Assembly members cried political conspiracy to reporters in front of the Prosecutors' Office, while others quietly bowed their heads as they entered for questioning.
"Mr. Cheon Su-han."
A young prosecutor sat facing Cheon Su-han in the interrogation room.
"Mr. Cheon Su-han! Answer me."
Cheon Su-han was exercising his right to remain silent.
"Sigh… Everyone else has already confessed. You're only hurting yourself by holding out."
"I'll speak when my lawyer arrives."
Just then, the door opened and a lawyer entered.
Seeing him, the young prosecutor stood up and bowed deeply.
"Senior, it's been a while."
"Ah, Prosecutor Park. It's been what, three months?"
"Yes, senior."
"Have a seat."
"Of course."
The roles of prosecutor and lawyer seemed reversed.
The lawyer greeted Cheon Su-han.
"Director Cheon, the Chairman sent me."
"Oh, did he? Huff… I'm suffocating here. When can I get out?"
"Prosecutor Park, could I have a moment alone with my client? Why don't you step out for a coffee?"
"Would ten minutes be enough?"
"Yes, thank you."
"It's no problem. I'll be back in ten minutes then, senior. Would you like me to bring you a coffee?"
"Haha, no need. I can't accept treats from a prosecutor. I'll treat you next time."
The prosecutor left the room.
Once he was gone, the lawyer spoke in a low voice.
"It seems we won't be able to prevent your detention."
"What? What nonsense is this?"
Cheon Su-han shouted.
But the lawyer continued without changing his expression.
"This is a message from the Chairman. He says to think of it as taking a break and cooling your head. He'll arrange for a special pardon later, so just lay low for now."
"…Father said that?"
"Yes."
"Don't lie. There's no way my father would say that."
"I never lie to my clients. I'm just relaying the Chairman's exact words. Director Cheon, you've reached a compromise. But Assemblyman Kim…"
"What about my father-in-law?"
"The Chairman is furious. He ordered to make everyone who led you into this irredeemable. He's already spoken with those above."
"…"
"He said not to do anything rash. If you cause trouble again this time, he'll disown you."
"Sigh… Can you let me talk to my father?"
The lawyer shook his head.
"He said he doesn't want to speak because it might weaken his resolve. Don't forget, Director Cheon, he had to give up a lot because of you."
"So the investigation will just be a formality?"
"Yes, it will be announced to the press as the Cheon Su-han Slot Machine Incident. But with so many high-ranking officials implicated, your name will likely be forgotten. That was the agreement between the VIP and the Chairman."
"…My name will be made public?"
"Yes."
Shocked by the news that his name would be publicized, Cheon Su-han remained silent for a long time.
Soon, the prosecutor opened the door and entered.
"Senior, did your conversation go well?"
"Yes, you've been briefed from above, right?"
"Yes."
"Treat him to a meal and then send him to the detention center."
"Understood."
"Well then, Director Cheon, I'll be going now. I'll visit you every day."
"…"
The lawyer bowed, but Cheon Su-han didn't respond, staring blankly ahead.
* * *
A few weeks had passed since the initial investigation.
Old Man Cheon, sitting alone in his study, looked noticeably more haggard.
Just then, there was a knock, and Chief Ha entered with a grim expression.
"Chairman."
"What's wrong? Why do you look so serious? Is something wrong with Su-han's case? Did they break the agreement?"
"No, that's all proceeding as agreed. But there's something strange going on."
"What kind of atmosphere?"
"Several key bureau and department heads from the Economic Planning Board have suddenly taken long vacations or gone on overseas business trips. It's unusual for people in such positions to be away simultaneously… There are no records of them leaving the country either. They must be up to something."
"…Just a moment."
The old man's eyes, which had seemed lifeless, suddenly regained their sharp glint.
After about ten minutes of silence in the study, Old Man Cheon broke the quiet.
"How's the account cleanup going?"
"We haven't finished everything yet."
"Drop everything else and focus on that. Once the anonymous accounts are cleared, reduce the number of accounts under borrowed names to only those we can trust."
"It'll take until next year to clear even the borrowed name accounts."
"That's fine. They'll likely announce it during the New Year's address early next year. Finish all operations before then. What about the 400 billion sent to the U.S.?"
"In a month, it'll be cleanly laundered and arrive in the U.S."
"Is that so? Which channel did you use?"
"We worked through Daehyeon Construction."
"Hmm… I should have dinner with Chairman Song sometime. Alright, you can go now."
Chief Ha bowed deeply and left.
"Mu-hyeok, that child… I can't tell what he sees. Is it an ability to judge the trends, or is there something else?"
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