Chương 346: Chapter 346: You’ll Find Out Soon Enough
In the video, Lee Song-hee's eyes were already vacant.
Even though Assemblyman Jung Chan-sung hadn't taken drugs,, the footage clearly showed Lee Song-hee was under their influence.
"Ah… turn it off."
I couldn't shake the feeling that I had seen something disgusting. When Manager Ma turned off the video, the room fell silent.
How could I use this to my advantage? I was lost in thought.
"Boss, what should we do? Should we pass this to Goryeo Daily…?"
"Just a moment, Manager."
My head was in a jumble. I raised my hand, silencing Manager Ma.
Leaning back in the sofa, I drummed my fingers on the armrest as I sank deep into my thoughts.
'The media? Or hand it to the Prosecutors' Office?'
With how explicit the video content was, I knew both the media and prosecutors would only release it publicly and move on.
Suddenly, I remembered Cheon Ji-young's anxious face as she looked around nervously.
Why should Ji-young have to live in fear of others' opinions?
Following the law wouldn't put my anger to rest. I finished my thoughts and spoke up.
"Manager, let's post it online."
"What? What are you saying?"
"Upload it to all the popular community sites and P2P sharing programs where young people hang out. If we pass it to the Black Bear's Korean branch, they'll handle the rest."
Only then did Manager Ma realize my true intentions, nodding in understanding.
"We could pass this to the prosecutors and the media to leave them with no way to recover, but that would only let it fade from people's memories in a few months. We need this to stick with Lee Song-hee like a scarlet letter for life."
The spread of computers and the internet brought along its own set of issues.
The illegal sharing of MP3 music files and the widespread distribution of explicit content were among them.
In a time when copyright laws were not firmly established, everyone shared and enjoyed this without a hint of guilt.
But what if the files being shared were about Lee Song-hee, who was currently riding high on the stock market?
The moment it was uploaded, it would become a hot topic without question.
I couldn't even guess how far the repercussions would spread.
"A day, maybe? It should be enough. I'll organize the bribe amounts and locations from the ledger and send them to the prosecutors and media. For the prosecutors, we should send it to Oh Hyeon-woo, and for the media… let's go with Goryeo Daily. We'll make it an exclusive report."
"Yes, I understand."
"We need to wrap everything up by tomorrow. I don't want to drag this out."
I shook the video in front of me.
"Make sure to copy this and send it to the prosecutors too."
A chilling smile spread across my face as I spoke.
* * *
Seo Hyeong-jun looked at me, puzzld.
"What does that mean?"
"You'll find out soon enough. I don't want to bring any trouble to you, but I can't predict what will happen. In any case, Ji-young really wants to do this project. If she wants to, we should let her. I'll cover all production costs. So for now, step back and avoid the media's fire."
Seo Hyeong-jun fell silent for a mment, lost in thought.
He probably couldn't grasp what I was implying.
Who would have predicted that a video of Assemblyman Jung Chan-sung and Lee Song-hee's scandal would circulate online?
His contemplation stretched on, causing him to check his watch. There were about two hours left until my appointment with Oh Hyeon-woo.
"I should be moving along, but… what will you do?"
I had no intention of waiting around. I subtly pushed him for an answer, and Seo Hyeong-jun's lips twitched.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"Is there really any need for that? You'll find out soon enough."
"Hah… Fine. By the way, will you have a production company to hand it over to?"
"Yes, I do."
A flicker of surprise crossed Seo Hyeong-jun's face.
"You do? Have you worked in this sector before?"
"No, but I know of a company that merely has the production company banner. They made films in the past, but I think they've mostly backed out recently. Still, if we pass it to them, they'll know what to do."
Among the subsidiaries of Heavenly Group, there was a production company that barely operated. I was planning to hand over the film to them.
"Kim Mu-hyeok, making a movie isnt just about money. It doesn't work that way."
"Is that so?"
"If the production company doesn't provide enough preparation and support, the filming site could face delays at any time."
I had no idea about film production. It was only after hearing Seo Hyeong-jun's words that I consdered that possibility.
"Hmm…"
"If it's a company that just has a name, they probably won't have professional staff, so the production will likely drag on indefinitely."
That was concerning. I only wanted Ji-young to be able to film comfortably, but I hadn't thought about these details at all.
Bringing this subject up implied I might have ulterior motives, raising an eyebrow in inquiry.
"So?"
"We'll send someone to assist you."
I silently studied his face without responding.
"Um, this is just a proposal from my desire to maintain a good relationship with you, Kim Mu-hyeok."
Seo Hyeong-jun spoke awkwardly as e felt the weight of my gaze.
Maintaining a good relationship with this man wouldn't be such a bad idea.
With time, JC Entertainment would become an empire ruling Korea's media.
If it helped Ji-young's smooth career in the entertainment industry, that would only benefit her.
I nodded and spoke.
"Alright then. I'll send a lawyer tomorrow to discuss the details."
"Got it. We'll be prepared as well."
Despite being from the Seo family, I found him quite likable.
Even without considering Ji-young, it might be good to have him on my side.
I suddenly became curious about why he was going this far.
"By the way, Seo Hyeong-jun, what's your dream?To take over JC Group? Or maybe Il-seong Group?"
At my nonchalant question, his expression hardened instantly.
"I'm just curious. It seems you're going through great lengths to form even a small connection with me."
Friendship? Maintaining a good relationship? Those were mere illusions.
Most relationships made at a certain age tended to come from mutual need.
Especially for those holding significant power and stakes.
I tossed the question knowing Seo Hyeong-jun's desire to establih a connection with me.
"…I'm not interested in JC Group or Il-seong Group. Even if I'm ambitious, I can't obtain them."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. My grandfather has already stepped down, and the succession plan is complete. Considering that my uncle is now the owner of JC Group, it would be fortunate if I don't get kicked out of this position."
It seemed the power transfer to Seo Jae-sang was already complete. Naturally, this must be unsettling for Seo Hyeong-jun, a collateral relatve.
"Is Chairman Seo's health deteriorating?"
"He is currently recuperating at home."
"I see. I knew he retired, but I didn't realize he was in poor health."
"I already know that Kim Mu-hyeok is a major shareholer in our group. I'm aware you can replace the successor whenever you want. I don't know what you've discussed with my grandfather, but you did aid in transferring shares to my uncle."
Seo Yong-geon's fall was a common goal between me and Seo Mang-geon, the chairman of JCroup.
At first, it was a forced alliance through intimidation, but Seo Mang-geon eventually requestea complete alliance with me.
The condition was not to interfere when he transferred management rights to his son, Seo Jae-sang.
For me, it wasn't a bad offer, so I accepted.
Thanks to that, JC Group could escape from the complicated cycle of cross-shareholdings and reorganize as a holding company.
Simultaneously, Seo Jae-sang had successfully assumed the position of successor.
"So, I have no ambition. I simply want to make this company the best entertainment firm in Asia. Even though it's delicate as a fly's life, it's all I want."
Seo Hyeong-jun was still smiling, ut a hint of sorrow was unmistakable.
It seemed that teaming up with Assemblyman Jung Chan-sung was also a means off self-preservation.
Yet, I had an odd feeling that he was orchestrating the entire situation.
He could have noticed Ji-young's connections and intentionally matched her up with Lee Song-hee.
If my thoughts were accurate, that would make him quite a capable person.
Yet, I said nothing further.
An awkward silence fell in the director's room until a knock sounded.
"Come in."
At Seo Hyeong-jun's permission, the dor swung open and the secretary entered.
"Director, I urgently need to report…"
"What is it? I have guests here."
"I'm so sorry. It's really urgent."
Seeing the urgency on the secretary's face, Seo Hyeong-jun paused mid-sentenceand glanced at me.
I nodded slightly, prompting Seo Hyeong-jun to gesture to the scretary.
"Go ahead."
The secretary approached Seo Hyeong-jun and whispered in hi ear. Shock spread across his calm face.
"What? Is that true?"
"Yes. It's chaos right now."
"Hah… Fine. I understand. Go check it out."
The secretary rushed out of the director's room, and Seo Hyeong-jun finally opened his outh.
"Was it you who did this, Kim Mu-hyeok?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Apparently, a video of Assemblyman Jung Chan-sung and Lee Song-hee iss spreading across the internet right now."
Seems it has already spread. The effects are definitely impressive.
I shrugged instead of answering. He'd certainly have some idea of who was behind this.
Seo Hyeong-jun's curiosity was cler, but he didn't speak.
"In any case, you look busy, so I'll take my leave. I'll send a lawyer tomorrow."
As I stood to leave, Seo Hyeong-jun also rose from his eat and extended his hand.
"It was nice to meet you. I'd love to talk more, but I guess I need to erase everything related to Lee Song-hee. Thanks to you."
"Haha, good luck with that."
He remained as slippery as ever. Exiting the director's room, I finally turned to Manager Ma.
"What do you think, Manager? He seems like a decent guy, right?"
"Yes, he's quick to assess situations and made an impressive restraint in his demeanor."
"Let's see how he proceeds."
I turned my head to look up at JC Entertainment's building, a smile brimming with curiosity on my face.
"Let's go. It's almost time for my appointment."
The car I boarded headed toward the location where I was supposed to meet Oh Hyeon-woo.
I had rented a run-down makgeolli house near Korea University for a day.
It was a place I used to visit frequently with friends during my college days.
After arriving first, I waited for about ten minutes until Oh Hyeon-woo walked in.
"Wow, this place looks the same. It brings back memories."
Oh Hyeon-woo glanced around the shop before sitting down in front of me.
"What brings you to a place like this? It feels odd since no one is here. This shop is all about the vibe of a bustling crowd."
"Things are a bit different now. I wanted to talk quietly and revisit our university days after a long time."
Oh Hyeon-woo looked at me with disbelief.
"Hearing you say that feels so odd. It's not like you enjoyed college life."
"That's why I want to reminisce more."
As I poured him some makgeolli into the dented metal cup, I smiled.
"Let's drink first. Grandma took care of this and sent me home early."
As I was about to raise my cup of makgeolli, I mentioned his absence.
"No wonder Grandma isn't here. Mu-hyeok, you've taken care of her."
Jokingly, Oh Hyeon-woo raised his cup too.
With a cheerful clink, our cups met, causing some of the makgeolli to spill over.
We downed our drinks in one go.
Oh Hyeon-woo grabbed a piece of pajeon and put it in his mouth as he spoke.
"Ah, this is the taste!"
"Hasn't the flavor changed?"
"No, this Grandma's cooking has remained unchanged."
We shared old stories over drinks for quite a while.
Oh Hyeon-woo's face, usually serious since joining the prosecutors, was relaxed today.
Once the drinks started flowing, he chuckled, slowly swaying his cup.
"This is nice. I think this is the first time I've shared a drink with just you."
"True. It feels like we missed out on this opportunity."
"Exactly. You've kept your distance from us unlike Myeong-su or Hyeon-seong."
"It's not too late to meet like this occasionally now."
Oh Hyeon-woo nodded without any further comment.
He then gulped down the makgeolli in front of him.
"Let's put nostalgia aside and get down to business. What on earth is going on here?"
I broke into a small smile at Oh Hyeon-woo's inquiry.
"What else could it be? It's a present, just for you."
"Wow… this is troublesome."
The information I had handed him could potentially shake the political landscape.
I only passed along details regarding Assemblyman Jung Chan-sung, but the implicatioons that a member of the Korean Assembly accepted bribes from a Chinese drug organization were not to be taken lightly.
There would be no stopping this, not even if the president or his grandfather showed up.
"The video rapidly spreading on the internet, that's also your doing?"
I nodded, and Oh Hyeon-woo's eyes widened in awe.
"Wow, dude… are you really going to ruin someone's social standing like this?"
As Oh Hyeon-woo pointed out, this incident was akin to social annihilation.
And sometimes, such humiliation could cut deeper than actual death.
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