In mid-July 2025, Seoul was shaken by the aftermath of the revelations. Seo Ji-hyun's article—“Choi Young-cheol and the Secret Powers' Conspiracy”—rocked the political world, and public anger poured out into the streets. The protest in front of the National Assembly escalated into violence, and Choi Young-cheol and his forces began a counterattack with legal action and media manipulation. Prosecutor Han Do-jun became a fugitive while holding the final evidence to expose Choi Young-cheol's plot to sell the country. Kang Tae-min emerged as the leader in the presidential race after making a comeback at trial. But those pursuing the truth were paying an increasingly higher price.
"Kang Tae-min's cry shakes Yeouido: The fight for justice."
Han Do-jun took a breath and turned on his laptop in a shabby inn on the outskirts of Seoul. The contents of the USB handed over to Seo Ji-hyun were revealed in her follow-up article, putting Choi Young-cheol's forces in a corner. But Han Han-jun was still anxious. Choi Young-cheol was still alive and well, and Director Kim Tae-ho declared him a traitor and issued a nationwide arrest order.
“Now… we need one last shot.”
Han Do-jun mumbled and took note of the location suspected to be Choi Young-cheol's secret hideout.
At that time, his phone rang. It was my mother. Han Han-jun hesitated before answering the phone.
“Dojun, where on earth are you? The news says you’re a traitor… What’s going on?”
Han Do-jun's heart ached at the sound of his mother's trembling voice.
“Mom, don’t worry. I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just chasing the truth.”
“The truth? Dojun, your father also pursued the truth just like that… and eventually left us!”
Han Han-jun took a deep breath. His father was a prosecutor who died mysteriously while investigating a corrupt politician in the 90s.
“Just like my mom and dad… I have to protect this country too.”
The mother sobbed.
“Dojun, please… come back alive. That’s enough.”
Han Han-jun hung up the phone and gritted his teeth.
“Choi Young-cheol… Even my family is hurting because of you. I will definitely catch you.”
As he left the inn, he called Yoon So-young.
“Soyoung, I found a place suspected to be Choi Youngcheol’s hideout. It’s an officetel in Gangnam. Do you want to go with me?”
Yoon So-young’s voice was firm.
“Sir, of course. But be careful. They might have set a trap.”
Han Han-jun smiled.
“Soyoung, if I’m with you, we can break through a trap.”
But unbeknownst to them, Choi Young-cheol's subordinates were tracking Han Do-jun's movements. A man reported on the phone in the dark.
“Han Do-jun has moved. Senior Choi Young-cheol, what should we do?”
Choi Young-cheol’s cold voice came out.
“Remove it. No more disruption will be tolerated.”
"Amidst thousands of shouts, his eyes are focused on only one goal.."
Seoul High Court. Kang Tae-min's decision to overthrow and repatriate has now become the hope of the entire nation. Judge Lee Jae-hoon's argument gained strength as corruption in the judiciary was revealed through Seo Ji-hyun's revelations. The court faced a critical moment to prove Kang Tae-min's innocence.
Before the trial, Kang Tae-min secretly met with Lee Jae-hoon.
“Jaehoon, thanks to you I came this far. But isn’t this fight too dangerous?”
There was concern in Kang Taemin’s voice. Jaehoon Lee answered firmly.
“Brother, justice shines only when you take risks. I was prepared.”
Kang Taemin grabbed his shoulder.
“Jaehoon, young people like you are the future of this country. Thank you.”
When the trial began, Lee Jae-hoon presented the final evidence. It was an internal document that said Kang Tae-min's account manipulation was done under the direction of Chief Judge Hwang Seok-gu.
“This document clearly demonstrates corruption in the judiciary. This trial must be reexamined for fairness.”
The court was in an uproar. Hwang Seok-gu blushed and shouted.
“Jaehoon Lee! You are committing treason!”
“Chief, treason is committed by those who betray justice. I only follow the law.”
The audience cheered. Kang Tae-min smiled from the defendant's seat.
“Jaehoon… This country survives because of people like you.”
After the trial, Kang Tae-min flew to Busan. He met with local voters and began his presidential campaign in earnest. At a fish market in Busan, he talked to fishermen and said,
“Everyone, I will take this country back into the hands of the people! The corrupt power is over!”
The fishermen clapped and chanted his name. Assistant Park Min-soo whispered.
“Senator, you are in the lead in the opinion polls. But Choi Young-cheol’s side is spreading fake news.”
Kang Taemin answered firmly.
“Minsu, the people know the truth. If we keep fighting, we will win.”
Jongno, Seo Ji-hyun’s media office. Seo Ji-hyun's revelations changed the Republic of Korea, but she also faced betrayal from within. Fellow reporter Park Hyun-woo came to visit her.
“Seo Ji-hyun, are you planning to ruin the media company with this revelation? Choi Young-cheol filed a lawsuit!”
Park Hyun-woo’s voice was sharp. Seo Ji-hyun answered coldly.
“Hyunwoo, it is the role of the media to tell the truth. You know that.”
Park Hyeon-woo gritted his teeth and said.
“Truth? Seo Ji-hyun, we are all in danger because of you. The editorial office is trying to block your article.”
Seo Ji-hyun was shocked, but gritted her teeth.
“Then I must come forward myself. No one can stop this truth.”
She opened the USB that Han Do-jun sent her. Choi Young-cheol's plan to sell the country and the transcripts of his conversations with foreign investors were beyond imagination. Seo Ji-hyun said to Minji.
“Minji, this will be revealed tomorrow morning. Get ready.”
Minji asked with an anxious face.
“Reporter Seo, are we… really okay? Choi Young-cheol won’t leave us alone.”
Seo Ji-hyun answered firmly.
“Minji, the truth will protect us. Don’t be afraid.”
That night, Seo Ji-hyeon received a call from Buddhist monk Myodeok.
“Reporter Seo, you are doing well. But be careful. Choi Young-cheol will pull out the last card.”
Seo Ji-hyun gritted her teeth and asked.
“Now tell me. Aren’t you a comrade who was with Choi Young-cheol in the 80s?”
Master Myodeok was silent for a moment and then answered.
“Seo Ji-hyun, that’s a good question. But it’s not time yet for the answer. Just know… the oath of 1987 was betrayed.”
The phone was disconnected. Seo Ji-hyun looked down at her flip phone and muttered.
“1987… Master Myodeok, your past will explain all of this.”
Outside her office, Choi Young-cheol's men were targeting her.
“Seo Ji-hyun is preparing to expose again. This is senior Choi Young-cheol’s order. Deal with it tonight.”
Han Do-jun sneaked into the Gangnam officetel with Yoon So-young. It was suspected to be Choi Young-cheol's hideout. He whispered as he opened the door.
“Soyoung, be careful. This will be Choi Youngcheol’s last hideout.”
Taemin Kang made his decision by shaking hands with fishermen in Busan.
“We will take this country back into the hands of the people. Choi Young-cheol, your conspiracy ends here.”
Seo Ji-hyun muttered as she finally reviewed the contents of the USB.
“Mage Myodeok… whoever you are, this revelation will change the world.”
South Korea was standing in the midst of resistance. Those pursuing the truth were now preparing for the final showdown.
#Kang Tae-min #Yeouido rally #Speech #Justice #Citizens' shouts #Leadership #Seoul skyline #Hope #Popular movement #Resolution
To be continued...
