You Have Been Defended [EN]: Chapter 629

Lee Se-hwa’s interview in front of the orphanage sparked considerable public attention.

Some lauded her for voicing genuine concerns for the people, while others criticized her for potentially undermining the traditions of the legal profession.

Regardless, most media outlets interpreted her statements as a strong endorsement of me.

This led some to label me a ‘favored appointment,’ and speculation intensified about the possibility of me joining the ruling party after my term as special prosecutor concluded.

Anyway, denying it now would be futile.

Too many individuals have made similar statements only to later enter politics.

The only effective response is to demonstrate my intentions through my future actions.

Around the time Lee Se-hwa’s interview concluded, I was on my way to a restaurant for a pre-arranged dinner with Park Young-ki and the president of the Bar Association.

“Hmm, a candidate for special prosecutor assistant.”

Park Young-ki and the president of the Bar Association barely touched the food spread across the table, lost in their thoughts.

The Bar Association was already overwhelmed with the task of recommending special prosecutor candidates, and my request for a special prosecutor assistant recommendation seemed to compound their difficulties.

“It’s not necessarily about recommending only classmates or junior members. We need to find someone from the senior ranks who can project an image of smooth preparation within the special prosecutor team. Someone significantly senior, capable of reassuring the middle-aged and older generations.”

“With the President’s strong support, senior members who decline to be candidates for special prosecutor assistant risk being perceived as prioritizing hierarchy over justice,” Park Young-ki added, addressing the Bar Association president’s concerns.

“Even so, many will likely decline for various reasons. They’ll cite their current workload or perceived lack of qualifications. Excuses are readily available.”

Park Young-ki nodded in agreement with my statement.

“Fortunately, the pool of potential candidates is quite broad.”

This special prosecutor law featured somewhat relaxed conditions compared to previous iterations, designed to facilitate my nomination as a special prosecutor candidate.

“I’d be interested to hear who Special Prosecutor Cha has in mind first. Surely you have one or two individuals in mind.”

Responding to the Bar Association president’s question, I answered without hesitation: “The first person who came to mind is Attorney Go Il-guk.”

“Attorney Go Il-guk? Ah, a fine individual. But he’s considerably senior to Special Prosecutor Cha, almost a father figure. Do you have a personal connection with him?”

“Not a significant one. I encountered him a few times in court during my time as a prosecutor, so Attorney Go Il-guk is familiar with me. Our personal conversations have been brief. The first trial I handled after establishing my law firm took place in Attorney Go Il-guk’s courtroom.”

In 2008, the first case I undertook after opening my law office, the initial trial of the Yeo Hee-sook and Kim Cheol-hwan murder case, was presided over by Go Il-guk.

He even chuckled subtly when I denied all charges against Kim Yeon-joon, who had confessed to patricide [the killing of one’s father].

At the time, he had two years remaining before retirement. Subsequently, he served as the Chief Presiding Judge of the High Court, and then as the Director of the Court Library from 2010, before retiring that year.

The Director of the Court Library is a position equivalent to a High Court judge, often held by Supreme Court justices shortly before their appointment.

While Go Il-guk didn’t become a Supreme Court justice, he would have been highly sought after by any major law firm.

Instead, Go Il-guk established a small law firm with legal professionals he was close to.

Despite the potential for significant financial gain, he now dedicates himself to representing the socially disadvantaged.

I believe he is the ideal candidate because his actions in my previous life and his current endeavors are consistent.

“It would be excellent if Attorney Go Il-guk accepted the role of special prosecutor assistant. I recall him mentioning in the past that Special Prosecutor Cha is a promising junior. However, Attorney Go Il-guk isn’t authoritarian, and we’re proposing a position assisting the special prosecutor. He might not be receptive. He’s been in this field for a long time, so I’m uncertain if he’ll agree.”

The president of the Bar Association’s tone was hesitant.

“But there’s no harm in seeking his opinion, is there? I doubt he’d be offended. If someone like Attorney Go Il-guk joins us, recruiting the remaining five candidates would be much easier. He commands such respect. What justification would others have to refuse if he accepts?”

Park Young-ki began to persuade the president of the Bar Association.

“If you can simply confirm his willingness, I’ll visit him personally to discuss it further.”

At that moment, silence descended upon the room.

“You’re bringing Attorney Kang with you, correct?”

Park Young-ki inquired cautiously.

So, this was the reason for the silence.

* * *

The next morning, I received a call from the president of the Bar Association.

Go Il-guk expressed a desire to meet with me.

He didn’t seem offended, but indicated that his decision regarding the special prosecutor assistant position remained uncertain.

I was scheduled to receive my letter of appointment as special prosecutor from the Blue House that afternoon, making the timeline tight, but we agreed to meet in the morning.

“Ugh, I’m so nervous.”

Kang Min-jae struggled to relax as we approached Go Il-guk’s law firm.

Immediately after the president of the Bar Association concluded his call with me, he contacted Kang Min-jae and repeatedly insisted, ‘You must come along!’

The president of the Bar Association was unaware that Kang Min-jae and I were living together, and Kang Min-jae answered the phone in my presence without thinking.

I believed I had significantly improved my social skills, despite my shortcomings, but I wondered if they were still lacking.

“Wait in the car.”

I instructed Tae-shik as we arrived at the law firm building’s parking lot and exited the vehicle.

Then, I proceeded to the 6th floor with Kang Min-jae, where Go Il-guk’s office was located.

Upon entering, a lawyer who happened to be nearby turned to greet us.

It was Do Ji-hwan, one of the lawyers who co-founded the law firm with Go Il-guk.

“Special Prosecutor Cha, it’s a pleasure to see you. Congratulations on your appointment,” he said, extending his hand with a warm smile.

“Professor, it’s been a while.”

I hadn’t seen him since beginning this life, but in my previous life, he was a professor during my time at the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

Subsequently, he became the head of the Special Investigation Department of the Central District Prosecutor’s Office, while I became a military judge advocate immediately after graduating from the institute, resulting in no further contact.

However, his lectures at the Judicial Research and Training Institute broadened my perspective.

He had completed the elite course, and likely would have become a prosecutor general had he remained in the prosecution service.

But he had planned a future with Go Il-guk, so upon Go Il-guk’s retirement, he left the prosecution service and established a three-person law firm with Attorney Chae Geun-soo.

It was a fitting partnership.

“Professor? I’m merely a lawyer now. Haha.”

“Hello, I’m Kang Min-jae, 36th class of the institute.”

“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh, please, speak casually.”

“Can I really speak informally to any junior? Haha. I understand you have an appointment with Attorney Go. He was on the phone earlier, so perhaps he couldn’t hear the sounds outside?”

Do Ji-hwan approached Go Il-guk’s room and knocked.

Then, he opened the door slightly and peeked inside.

“Attorney Go, Special Prosecutor Cha is here.”

I overheard some conversation, and then Do Ji-hwan reappeared and said:

“It seems the call with the client is running a bit long. Would you like to have a cup of tea while you wait? We have coffee and regular tea.”

Do Ji-hwan inquired, heading towards the pantry.

* * *

“Did I keep you waiting too long?”

Around the time the aroma of coffee began to permeate the air, Go Il-guk emerged from his room, offering a sheepish smile.

After exchanging greetings and shaking hands, Go Il-guk glanced at his watch and opened his door, saying:

“I assumed you came to discuss this quickly before heading to the Blue House to receive your letter of appointment. I sincerely apologize. Let’s talk in my room.”

Seated in his room, Go Il-guk began:

“I understand that Special Prosecutor Cha wishes to recommend me as a candidate for special prosecutor assistant.”

“That’s correct.”

Perhaps sensing my concise response, Kang Min-jae interjected:

“I apologize if this was perceived as rude. Attorney Cha Joo-han has always respected you as a junior, and he is committed to performing his duties effectively, hence his desire to speak with you, even if it meant being presumptuous…….”

“Ah, so that’s why you brought Attorney Kang. Was it for window dressing [to create a favorable impression]?”

Go Il-guk laughed heartily.

Even Kang Min-jae, usually adept at smooth deflection, blushed this time.

“I’m not criticizing you. I’m familiar with Special Prosecutor Cha’s personality. Our Attorney Do has shared much about your time at the institute. I also observed it firsthand in court. You seem quite nervous, so let’s speak candidly.”

“Ah……. Yes, I was too hasty. I apologize, Attorney.”

Kang Min-jae said softly, embarrassed.

“No, it’s understandable to be hasty. This marks the first time we’ve had such a young special prosecutor since the inception of the special prosecutor system. The selection process will undoubtedly be challenging. In that context, I understand your desire to exert effort, as my involvement as special prosecutor assistant would simplify matters.”

“As Attorney said, it would be disingenuous to deny that’s a factor. But it’s not the only reason.”

“Is there another reason?”

“In this case, the public harbors significant animosity towards the so-called powerful elite. Wooshin and political figures, recognized as major contributors to the nation’s wealth, have exploited the power derived from the people. I believe the public seeks confirmation that not all members of the powerful are like that, that it’s not too late for redemption. Furthermore, I hope this special investigation can contribute to improving our society. As a member of the public, I share that sentiment.”

Go Il-guk paused, as if inviting me to continue.

“The special prosecutor law only considers past actions when determining the qualifications of the special prosecutor or special prosecutor assistant, without stipulating their future conduct. Of course, even the law cannot infringe upon an individual’s right to determine their future. Consequently, we cannot prevent a special prosecutor or related individual from joining the defendant’s company after the case concludes, or a lawyer who served as a special prosecutor from accepting a substantial retainer fee from the defendant’s company and engaging in transactions with them.”

Go Il-guk nodded slowly.

“This special investigation originated from the people’s mandate. I believe there’s a reason they entrusted this task to me, despite concerns about my limited legal experience. The special prosecutor team must consider the fundamental reason for the law’s creation, understand the people’s desires, and conduct the investigation and maintain the prosecution by aligning those two aspects.”

“So Special Prosecutor Cha is confident that I’m not someone who would accept a kickback [bribe] later?”

“I can’t be certain. People are always subject to change.”

Kang Min-jae looked at me, flustered.

He seemed inclined to stop me, perceiving my remarks as impolite.

However, Go Il-guk remained impassive upon hearing those words.

“I believe individuals inevitably have limitations. Even if I hold certain beliefs now, I cannot predict when or how I might be tempted to deviate from that path if I don’t actively strive to uphold those beliefs.”

“That’s honest. So why does Special Prosecutor Cha believe I’m the right person?”

“Because I’ve concluded that you are someone who endeavors to maintain your beliefs. You have consistently prioritized the interests of those not protected by the law over material possessions and power, and I believe you will continue to do so in the future. You have dedicated far more time and effort to these principles than I have, being relatively young. That’s why I believe you are respected by legal professionals. Someone like Attorney Go Il-guk is desperately needed for this special investigation.”

“I’m curious about the basis for your judgment that I am such a person.”

“I’ve read all the judgments you rendered during your time as a judge. That’s where I initially formed that impression. Subsequently, I observed the same commitment while examining the primary areas of practice of the law firm you established with Attorneys Do Ji-hwan and Chae Geun-soo. Finally, I felt it again today while observing your direct interaction with your client.”

“Is that something special?”

“In most law firms, the clerk handles communication with the client, and the lawyer typically only engages directly during in-person consultations. Most legal professionals haven’t experienced the challenges their clients face, so they can understand them intellectually, but not empathize with them. Consequently, the only thing they can offer a client seeking a difficult in-person consultation is speculation.”

That’s why I also tend to communicate directly with clients unless it involves simple matters like confirming receipt of documents.

Among the clients who sought my services after consulting with other law firms, some remarked, ‘This is the first time I’ve been able to speak to a lawyer so directly and frequently.’

“I believe that Attorney’s direct communication with clients is part of an effort to overcome those limitations and genuinely advocate for the client. Furthermore, it suggests that you prioritize the client’s emotional distress over your own convenience. Also, most of the cases you handle involve representing the socially disadvantaged.”

“That’s an overstatement. But, is that the only reason you thought I would accept Special Prosecutor Cha’s offer?”