The Inspector Is Getting Promoted! [EN]: Chapter 323

For the Fatherland and the People (2)

“We deeply regret this lawsuit filed by the Ahn Jung-geun History and Culture Foundation through Attorney Choi Seo-jun. We believe that a just and fair ruling will be made on this matter in accordance with current Japanese law. From Japan’s perspective, this lawsuit is holding the present and future hostage with the excuse of a past that is over 100 years old…”

The person issuing the statement through a press conference was Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yokuma Hanzo.

In Korean terms, he was akin to the Prime Minister, the second-highest in national power.

As expected, Japan reacted sharply.

Although he said he was announcing his position on this matter, the content was almost accusatory.

I understand to some extent.

As much time has passed, the Japanese side has long forgotten and does not want to recall the case, but Korea, especially a politically influential figure, has filed a lawsuit, bringing it to the surface.

In fact, filing a lawsuit is tantamount to openly declaring a fight.

Of course, anticipating this sensitive reaction from Japan, I laid the groundwork by stating that I am not a representative of Korea, and therefore, this is not a lawsuit between countries.

As a result, the Chief Cabinet Secretary cannot criticize Korea or escalate it into an international issue.

All he can do is condemn it in this way.

Yes, bark away to your heart’s content.

I will win the lawsuit anyway.

And just before the end of autumn.

When the cold wind blew, signaling the approach of winter.

The date for the first trial to restore the honor of Martyr Ahn Jung-geun was set.

***

A local court in Japan.

The court president and a judge sat facing each other, sighing.

“What should we do about this?”

The judge sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

“Why did you assign such a case to me….”

“What can I do? You’re the most available.”

“I should have taken my vacation days.”

“It’s too late. You can’t turn it around now, so take charge and handle it well.”

“How should we rule? If we follow the law, the media and public attention are too focused on this case.”

It was a lawsuit that was receiving great attention not only in Korea but also in Japan.

It was natural that the outcome was being closely watched.

“After roughly reviewing the materials submitted by both sides, it seems we have no choice but to side with the Korean side?”

“Are you crazy?”

The court president shouted, appalled.

“We must rule against the plaintiff unconditionally. What nonsense are you talking about?”

“But, Your Honor, you’ve seen the materials, haven’t you?”

“Enough.”

The judge held out the documents he had brought, but the court president waved his hand dismissively, as if he didn’t want to see them, and said firmly,

“Rule against the plaintiff.”

“You’re telling me to decide the verdict before the trial even starts? That’s….”

“It’s not my opinion.”

The court president continued with a serious look.

“It came from above.”

“……From above?”

“Yes. They ordered it directly from above.”

“Could it be, the Prime Minister?”

“Yes. Prime Minister Matsumoto contacted me directly yesterday. Not through the Chief of Staff, but directly to me.”

The judge blinked and chuckled in disbelief.

“Does that make sense? The separation of powers exists for a reason….”

“What does the separation of powers matter? The country must protect its pride first. This is not just a legal judgment or a matter of restoring the honor of the deceased. It’s a political battle between countries. The Korean side made strange noises before the start, so we can’t officially object.”

That was true.

The Japanese government could have officially protested, but if they did, Korea would have widely reported the groundwork laid by Choi Seo-jun.

Then, not only would the eyes of Japan and Korea be on this lawsuit, but the eyes of the whole world would be on it.

And naturally, they would be interested in the human rights of one person, ‘Ahn Jung-geun.’

This would inevitably be detrimental to Japan, which committed illegal acts, and above all, the label of ‘war criminal nation’ could never be erased.

In the end, it turned out as Choi Seo-jun had planned.

“But….”

The court president interrupted the judge and frowned.

“Are you not going to live in Japan?”

“…….”

“It’s not about promotion. You can’t live in Japan. Leaving aside the media, do you think they will leave you alone?”

That was not wrong.

The attention of the media and public opinion may be harsh for now, but it will surely subside over time.

But not the government.

Not only would his path to promotion be blocked, but he could disappear without a trace.

In the end, he was left with only one choice.

He didn’t like it, but he couldn’t help it.

“……I understand.”

“Yes. Frankly, you didn’t want to rule in favor of the plaintiff anyway, did you?”

“That’s true, but….”

“If you finish well, the Prime Minister will arrange a separate meeting for you, so don’t have any silly thoughts.”

“……Yes.”

“Okay. Go and do your work.”

***

“Hoo.”

First trial date.

As I approached the courthouse, tension slowly began to rise from my core.

“Are you ready?”

I took a deep breath and said.

“Yes. Let’s go in.”

I entered the courthouse.

As soon as I went inside, I felt piercing gazes.

Everyone must be paying attention to today’s case.

I entered the courtroom and took my seat first.

Attorney Kim Sang-moon looked a little nervous, unlike his relaxed self in Korea.

“Are you nervous?”

“A little.”

He smiled awkwardly.

“It’s my first time with a case that the media is paying so much attention to.”

That was understandable.

No matter how many cases W&K takes on, there are generally only one or two cases a year that attract this much public attention.

Moreover, the numerous reporters I met at the entrance of the courthouse also played a part.

At first glance, there seemed to be more Korean reporters than Japanese reporters. It goes without saying how much interest there is in this lawsuit in Korea.

“Don’t be too nervous.”

I patted him on the back.

“Today is just a preliminary exploration.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Preliminary exploration.

As the words said, today was a preliminary exploration.

As much as the media was focused on it, Japan would come at us hard from the first trial.

Our opponent in the lawsuit, the defendant, is the Japanese government.

The lawyer is also a lawyer hired by the Japanese government.

To be precise, it would be one of the lawyers belonging to the Japanese government. They might have deliberately brought in a prosecutor.

More important than that is the fact that whoever came, the plaintiff would surely drive us into a corner.

That way, the Japanese government and the person in charge would be able to gain recognition from the public.

After a while, the courtroom was filled with people.

“All rise!”

The judge appeared.

He sat down and solemnly declared.

“We will begin the first trial regarding the retrial of Ahn Jung-geun.”

***

“Those damn bastards!”

As soon as he came out, Attorney Kim Sang-moon slammed his fist against the wall.

“I knew it would be like this.”

He couldn’t hide his anger.

“Does this make sense? Is this how a court behaves? Even if it’s Japan, this is too much!”

Attorney Kim Sang-moon was so frustrated that his breathing was rough.

In contrast, I maintained a calm expression next to him, remaining composed.

I expected it to some extent.

A lawsuit by a Korean against the Japanese government in Japan.

Especially regarding an incident that occurred during the Japanese colonial period.

It was obvious that it would be disadvantageous and biased.

However, the problem was that the extent exceeded the general level.

It was beyond biased, to the point where it was fair to say that the court and the Japanese government were colluding to ignore us.

As I had resolved from the moment I entered the courthouse, today was a preliminary exploration, so I did not disclose all the materials we had prepared.

However, if this attitude continued, it was clear that even if I pointed out the problems in the process of Ahn Jung-geun’s extradition and death sentence, as well as the files I had personally found in Russia, let alone the proper evidence, it would not be accepted at all.

As a result, we would lose the first trial.

And the appeals would also be dismissed.

It would be one-sided to the point of being overwhelming.

To be honest, I didn’t intend to pull out that card right after the first trial, but if it comes to this, I have no choice.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a proper lawsuit.

“Is this a proper country? It’s no different from primitive tribal savages conducting a witch hunt among themselves.”

Attorney Kim Sang-moon’s face was red with anger.

“The eyes of the Korean people are on us. The hopes of Korea are on our shoulders, and if they come out like this, really….”

He felt that there was no answer no matter how much he thought about it, so he asked as if pleading.

“Attorney Choi, what should we really do now?”

I breathed out lightly.

Then I said very firmly.

“We have to smash them properly in the second trial.”

“But in this state, no matter what we say, they won’t even listen, will they?”

Attorney Kim Sang-moon said with a serious face.

“Didn’t you see it earlier? Even though the Eulsa Treaty and the Hague Convention are clearly interpreted documents, they are twisting them to fit their tastes. According to these guys’ logic, all the documents we have prepared are meaningless. It’s like being gagged and tried.”

“If it’s meaningless.”

I twisted my lips.

“Wouldn’t it be better to overturn the 판 [pan: game/situation] so that it has meaning?”

“Is that even possible?”

Raising my eyebrows, I looked at him, and Attorney Kim Sang-moon looked at me with pleading eyes.

“Is there a way?”

“I’ll take care of everything. So, Attorney Kim, please prepare only for the second trial. According to Japanese law, create a solid link that can never be dismissed.”

He nodded slowly, as if possessed by me.

“I understand.”

I wrinkled my nose and pointed to the car with my eyes.

“Go inside first. I’ll make a phone call and go in.”

“Ah, yes.”

Attorney Kim Sang-moon bowed and headed for the car.

I took out my cell phone, avoiding the gazes of those around me.

And I called Lee Doo-hyung.

-Yes, Senior. Did the first trial go well?

“I think you’ll have to arrange the meeting I mentioned last time.”

-Ah, are you talking about the conversation with Prime Minister Matsumoto?

“Yeah. Is it ready?”

-Yes. I have already spoken with the Japanese ambassador.

“Tell him to meet when he has time this week.”

-I understand. I will convey it immediately and contact you with the results.

After hanging up, my mind calmed down again.

I was going to save the trump card, but I can’t help it.

If you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t listen, you have to break their head first and then talk.