At the end of July 2025, Seoul resembled a battlefield. Seo Ji-hyun's exposé article exposed the conspiracy of Choi Young-cheol and his secret forces to the world, but they began a counterattack by mobilizing power and money. Fake news, legal lawsuits, and even violence have been used, pushing society to the extreme of chaos. Prosecutor Han Han-jun was a fugitive who held the final evidence to expose Choi Young-cheol's plan to sell the country. Kang Tae-min emerged as the frontrunner for the presidential election after making a comeback in the trial, but he was still under threat. Seo Ji-hyun risked her life to protect the truth. But their fight is now at the crossroads of life and death.
"Seo Ji-hyun, protecting the truth amidst the attacks of darkness."
Han Do-jun hid in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Seoul and prepared to attack Choi Young-cheol's hideout with Yoon So-young. The clue they obtained from the Gangnam officetel—Choi Young-cheol's secret meeting location—was their last chance. However, Han Do-jun was shaken after the phone call with his mother. Father's death, family pain... His fight was not just for justice.
“Soyoung, if I lose this fight… my mother will lose her son again.”
Han Do-jun’s voice trembled. Soyoung Yoon grabbed his shoulder.
“Senior, stop. Your father made this choice too. We must protect this country.”
Han Han-jun gritted his teeth and nodded.
“Yes, Soyoung. Let’s finish Choi Youngcheol.”
At that time, the warehouse door was carefully opened. A man in his late 60s came in. Wrinkled face, sharp eyes. He introduced himself as ‘Kim Min-seok’.
“Prosecutor Han Do-jun? You might be wondering who I am. In the 80s, I was a comrade in the activist movement like Choi Young-cheol.”
Han Han-jun asked with caution.
“Why did you come looking for me? Are you a spy for Choi Young-cheol?”
Kim Min-seok smiled bitterly.
“Choi Young-cheol betrayed our pledge in 1987. He exchanged the ideals of the movement for money and power. I tried to stop him and was kicked out.”
Han Do-jun’s eyes widened.
“Then… are you related to the Myodeok Magistrate?”
Instead of answering, Kim Min-seok held out a document. It was Choi Young-cheol's secret account and contracts with foreign investors.
“Use this to take down Choi Young-cheol. But Prosecutor Han, be careful. He’s already trying to get rid of you.”
Han Han-jun asked as he accepted the documents.
“Why did you show up now? What do you want?”
Kim Min-seok looked out the window and spoke lowly.
“It is atonement. The oath I failed to keep in 1987… I hope you will keep it.”
He disappeared into the darkness. Han Do-jun gritted his teeth.
“Soyoung, give this document to reporter Seo Jihyun. This is the weapon that will end Choi Youngcheol.”
“Minji's scream echoes through the alley, and she musters up her last strength.."
A civic center in Haeundae, Busan. Taemin Kang held a meeting with local voters. Seo Ji-hyun's revelations proved his innocence, and his approval rating for the presidential election soared. But his heart was heavy as he recalled his past mistakes. Ten years ago, he betrayed a loyal supporter for political gain. That memory haunted him.
At the meeting, an old man asked Taemin Kang.
“Rep. Kang, can you really trust ordinary people like us? Politicians have always betrayed us.”
Kang Taemin put down the microphone and held the old man's hand.
“Mister, I made mistakes too. There was a time when I didn’t trust people and chased power. But now I know. The power of this country lies with you, the people.”
His sincerity resonated throughout the hall. Citizens applauded. Assistant Park Min-soo whispered.
“Senator, this is what wins the hearts of the people. But Choi Young-cheol’s side is spreading more fake news.”
Kang Taemin answered firmly.
“Minsu, sincerity overcomes lies. We will continue to walk together with the people.”
That night, Kang Tae-min called Lee Jae-hoon.
“Jaehoon, thanks to you I came this far. But I heard Choi Youngcheol is fighting back. Are you okay?”
Jaehoon Lee’s voice was tired but firm.
“Brother, I’m okay. Director Hwang Seok-gu is putting pressure on me, but the young judges support me. I will definitely win this trial.”
Kang Taemin smiled.
“Jaehoon, young people like you are the hope of this country.”
Jongno, Seo Ji-hyun’s media office. Seo Ji-hyun received Han Do-jun's USB and prepared a follow-up article to expose Choi Young-cheol's plan to sell the country. But betrayal within the media company further isolated her. Fellow reporter Park Hyun-woo attempted to block her article under the direction of the editor-in-chief.
Seo Ji-hyun dragged Park Hyun-woo to a corner of the office.
“Hyunwoo, what’s wrong? There was a time when we chased the truth together!”
Park Hyeon-woo bowed his head and said.
“Seo Ji-hyun, I’m sorry. Choi Young-cheol’s side threatened my family. I can’t do anything about it.”
Seo Ji-hyun gritted her teeth.
“Hyunwoo, don’t be afraid. The truth will protect us. Fight with me.”
Hyunwoo Park shed tears and shook his head.
“You fight alone. I… I can’t do this anymore.”
When he left, Seo Ji-hyun spoke to Min-ji.
“Minji, it’s just the two of us now. Let’s get this driver out no matter what.”
Minji nodded resolutely.
“Reporter Seo, I am also determined. I will fight together.”
That night, Seo Ji-hyun was attacked by Choi Young-cheol's men while leaving the office. Two men attacked her in a dark alley.
“Seo Ji-hyun, you’ve gone too far. Give me that USB!”
Seo Ji-hyun shouted, clutching her bag tightly.
“Do you think you guys can stop the truth? Don’t even dream!”
She resisted desperately, but one of the men pulled out a knife. At that moment, Minji came running from the end of the alley, calling the police.
“Reporter Seo! It’s here!”
The men quickly ran away. Seo Ji-hyun gasped and hugged Minji.
“Minji… thank you. If it weren’t for you…”
Minji answered with a trembling voice.
“Reporter Seo, we must protect the truth. Never give up.”
After that, Seo Ji-hyeon received a call from Buddhist monk Myodeok.
“Reporter Seo, I’m glad you survived. But Choi Young-cheol is desperate now.”
Seo Ji-hyun gritted her teeth and asked.
“You are the comrade who had a conflict with Choi Young-cheol in 1987, right? Why did you betray him?”
Master Myodeok spoke softly.
“Choi Young-cheol sold out our ideals. I tried to stop it, but I failed. Now you must correct my failure.”
Seo Ji-hyun answered firmly.
“Mage Myodeok, whoever you are, I will end this fight.”
Han Do-jun and Yoon So-young infiltrated Choi Young-cheol's hideout. He muttered as he held Kim Min-seok’s documents in his hand.
“Choi Young-cheol, your conspiracy ends here.”
Taemin Kang made his decision by shaking hands with the citizens of Busan.
“If we work together with the people, we can stop any conspiracy.”
Seo Ji-hyun muttered, tapping on the keyboard with her blood-covered hands.
“Mage Myodeok… This revelation will complete your atonement.”
South Korea stood on the brink of collapse. Those pursuing the truth have now prepared for the final battle.
#Seo Ji-hyun #Alley attack #USB protection #Minji #Action #Danger #Resistance #Seoul night #Tense thriller #Survival
To be continued...
