novelraw Chapter 51
Chapter 51
The area in front of the main entrance of the National Assembly building was filled with explosive tension.
Dozens of camera flashes went off without rest, and numerous microphones were aimed all at once toward Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan.
He ascended the podium wearing a suit of a much darker shade than usual.
His unwavering stride gave a glimpse of his already firm determination.
Several assemblymen who had decided to join Jeong Yu-chan stood behind him, and a large placard was unfolded behind them.
[I denounce the politician who covers up the truth]
Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan put aside his prepared script and held the microphone firmly.
He took a deep breath before opening his mouth.
When he finally spoke the first words, the scene became so quiet that even the sound of breathing seemed to vanish.
“Before being a member of the National Assembly today, I stand here as a representative of the citizens of the Republic of Korea.”Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan captivated the scene with his bold voice.
“Through the recent National Audit of the Industry Committee, I and my aides were investigating allegations of slush fund creation, internal accounting manipulation, and political connections raised against Daehan Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.”
He raised his head and looked at the reporters with a determined gaze.
“In the course of that investigation, movements within political circles attempting to secretly obstruct my National Audit activities were captured.”
A barrage of flashes went off at Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan’s remarks.
A stir arose among the reporters.
“In particular, it has been confirmed that Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol attempted to make direct contact with me to exclude Vice President Choi Dong-ryeol of Daehan Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering from the list of witnesses for the National Audit, and specific circumstances were identified showing that there were unofficial prior discussions within the executive group of the Political Affairs Committee during that process.”
The reporters' fingertips became busy.
Everyone instinctively felt that something big had happened.
“Regarding this, I plan to file a complaint against Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol at 3 p.m. today on charges of ‘abuse of authority and obstruction of the National Audit,’ and I will also officially report the details to the National Assembly leadership and the Ethics Committee.”
He gave a file he had prepared separately to the press corps.
Inside was a portion of the transcript of a phone call between Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol and an official.
-It is obvious what Jeong Yu-chan is going to bring up. Since there is nothing to talk about if Choi Dong-ryeol is excluded, tell him to just compromise.
Jeong Yu-chan pointed to the documents containing the transcript he was holding in his hand and shouted.
“I believe this fight is by no means for the sake of protecting an individual’s honor. What is the reason we pay taxes every year, vote, and send people to this place? Politics must not exist to cover up the truth.”
At the end of his words, a surge of emotion rose up in his throat.
Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan continued speaking while suppressing even that.
In contrast to his reddened eyes, his voice gained even more strength.
“This matter will definitely not pass easily. I declare the power hidden behind the name of the National Audit. I will track down the reality of it until the end.”
Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan finally raised his head and stared straight into the camera.
“I will ask the citizens. Do you want a National Assembly that covers up the truth? Or do you want a National Assembly that tells the truth? That is all.”
Following that question, the press conference venue was enveloped in a silence as if even breathing had been forgotten.
Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan took his hand off the microphone, gave a bow, and turned around slowly.
***
[XX Ilbo. Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan and fellow assemblymen file a complaint against Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol. Aiming at the suspicion of National Audit obstruction of Daehan Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering]
The news also covered Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan’s press conference as the main story.
[Partial transcript of Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol’s phone call secured. Was there political lobbying?]
Each portal site and the top rankings of real-time search terms were also packed with stories about Daehan Group and Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol.
As this news became known, the stock price of Daehan Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering began to fall.
Investors believed that the attempt to conceal National Audit witnesses, the possibility of involvement by the Political Affairs Committee’s executive group, and the fact that it was a whistleblower report caused the stock price to decline.
Since it had now moved beyond being a problem only for Daehan Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, the board of directors gathered in the conference room of the Daehan Group headquarters.
They all wore stiff expressions.
It had not even been two hours since Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan’s press conference ended, but the market was already showing a reaction.
The media bit into the suspicion of the Daehan Group connection as their main subject.
Chairman Nam Kun-ho sat silently as usual, but his two hands repeatedly clasped and unclasped beneath the table.
Then, the PR Director cautiously spoke first.
“No matter how much of a political issue it is… this case is spreading faster than expected. Our names are all over the top of the portal real-time search terms.”
The Strategy Planning Chief continued.
“In addition to that, there is information that a current affairs exposé program scheduled to air tonight is preparing an interview with a whistleblower from Daehan Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.”
Chairman Nam Kun-ho opened his mouth for the first time.
“Those materials the media is making a fuss about have obtained exclusively. Just where did they leak from?”
“We are checking, but it seems internal security has been breached.”
Thud!
Nam Jae-heon put down the pen he was holding and struck the table hard.
“Is this not all because of Choi Dong-ryeol! Non-submission of reports since last month, evasion of audit response, and even omission of internal accounting data… don't you get a sense of it?”
Nam Jae-min, the representative of Daehan Culture & Media, talked back in a low voice.
“Even if we have a sense of it, what can we do if there is no evidence?”
Chairman Nam Kun-ho spoke up.
“Right now, we must first think about how to settle this situation. Let’s discuss that first.”
Nam Jae-min replied.
“First, we must issue a statement drawing a line with Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol. And we cannot control the witness attendance at the National Audit. Instead, the best way is to induce Vice President Choi Dong-ryeol to immediately express his intention to resign and make him a scapegoat.”
Nam Jae-heon cut off Nam Jae-min’s opinion.
“That is too early. If we send Choi Dong-ryeol out, there is also the possibility that he will betray us.”
The conference room fell into silence again.
At that moment, Shin Jung-woo, the Strategy Planning Chief and Chairman Nam Kun-ho’s confidant, came inside.
“Chairman, a report just came in from the security team. They say my firm, HJ Partners, is purchasing Daehan Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering stock.”
Chairman Nam Kun-ho’s brow slowly narrowed.
And he thought of my name, Lim Hyunjun, without a word.
“Is Taeseong daring to try and swallow us?”
Chairman Nam Kun-ho stood up from his seat and even pointed his finger as he shouted.
“From now on, the Strategic Planning Office, along with the legal team and the audit team, will conduct a full investigation of those related to Taeseong Group. Especially if the names of those connected to HJ Partners come up, report to me immediately.”
“…Yes, Chairman.”
***
Assemblyman Baek Geon-yeol’s office was literally a mess.
There was the sound of the telephone ringing constantly, text messages sent by reporters, and even people who came to the office and knocked on the door.
Even assemblymen from the same party flocked there to grasp the true intent.
Baek Geon-yeol alone was inside the office, lighting up and smoking cigarettes repeatedly as his insides burned.
He looked into his cell phone from time to time, but there was little sign of things improving.
At that moment, a policy aide came inside and frowned upon smelling the acrid cigarette smoke.
“Assemblyman, the suspicion of a connection with Choi Dong-ryeol is flaring up more and more.”
“What is the reporters' reaction?”
“It is overwhelming. Major media outlets are already requesting an official position. Even in the group chat of reporters covering political affairs, stories about you, Assemblyman….”
“Why? What are they saying?”
The aide hesitated before finally answering.
“They are making a fuss, saying your political life is in crisis.”
Baek Geon-yeol held his forehead.
“Just how did this spread? What is that man Jeong Yu-chan believing in to act so recklessly? It is driving me crazy.”
Then the aide carefully added his words.
“It likely isn't a solo action. It is clear someone is looking after Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan’s back. Moreover, isn't Assemblyman Jeong also jumping in while putting even his own political life on the line?”
Baek Geon-yeol crushed out the cigarette he was holding and replied.
“…Why is that crazy guy putting that on me? Ha, really.”
His voice was a mixture of a sense of being wronged and anger.
Then, one of the aides came inside and cautiously spoke.
“Assemblyman, about that recording of the phone call with Vice President Choi Dong-ryeol. Is that really your voice, Assemblyman?”
“Sigh….”
Baek Geon-yeol kept silent after rubbing his face roughly while performing a dry wash.
Then he finally spoke.
“That's right. It is indeed what I said. But I am telling you the context was completely distorted. I did not actually exclude him either. It was just, you know… like a request for cooperation. And as for changing the list, well, did I do it?”
“Is there any material that can prove that?”
“…There isn't.”
At that short answer, the air in the office became even heavier.
The aide asked again.
“How will you respond, Assemblyman?”
“Hmm….”
Baek Geon-yeol lowered his head with his fingers clasped and then raised it again.
No matter how much he thought, no sharp solution came to mind.
“We should probably avoid a direct response for the time being, right? Respond to the media only to the extent that we are verifying the facts and expressing regret. And try to attach someone to Jeong Yu-chan’s side. Let's first confirm just who that guy is holding hands with to act like that.”
“What if it is someone from the Taeseong side?”
“If it is Taeseong, it is a headache…. Ugh, that side. I hate just thinking about it.”
Baek Geon-yeol firmly shut his lips.
He was only now poignantly realizing that this situation was not a simple political dispute.
“…For now, try calling Jeong Yu-chan. I should try to meet him once. Surely he won't keep biting and hanging on until the end.”
Unlike the assemblyman’s thoughts, the aide was not optimistic.
They were also people who had been making a living in the National Assembly for a long time, so they read such matters more nimbly than anyone.
‘It is ruined!’
As expected, it was just as the aide anticipated.
Baek Geon-yeol’s voice cracked.
“What? You can't get through?!”
The aide felt awkward and lowered his head.
“Yes, Assemblyman. I continued to attempt contact, but I could not even have a conversation.”
“Is he avoiding me intentionally?”
Baek Geon-yeol checked the cell phone he was holding in his hand.
His own name was still at the top of the real-time search terms on the screen.
He remained silent for a while before looking at the aide.
“Is this bastard crazy?”
“It seems Assemblyman Jeong Yu-chan’s side is intentionally avoiding contact with us. Assemblyman, honestly, he is firmer than expected. Is he really related to Taeseong?”
At the aide’s question, deep wrinkles formed on Baek Geon-yeol’s forehead.
He leaned his back against the chair with a look of despair.
“…What about Choi Dong-ryeol?”
“Contact cannot be reached there either.”
“…Sigh. What do these guys all think they are doing!”
The more time passed, the more it was Baek Geon-yeol’s side that was at a disadvantage.
If he could not settle it somehow, his political life might come to an end here.
He quietly closed his eyes and then opened them again.
Just like at the beginning, no trace of leisure could be found in his voice.
“Let's restructure the countermeasure from now on. Somehow this is suspicious. Try approaching the reporters we get along well with on the sly. Then some clue will come out.”
“Assemblyman, but….”
When the aide hesitated, Baek Geon-yeol raised his hand and cut him off.
“Look, there is no time to wait. If we cannot change the atmosphere before the plenary session next week, it will go straight up to the Ethics Committee. Jeong Yu-chan held up a knife with the intention of killing me, so I cannot just die quietly either.”