Chapter 110
The next day.
After having breakfast at my grandmother’s house, I got into Choi Jae-woo’s car.
Choi Jae-woo said that getting into a car once is hard, but the second and third times are easy.
However, it seemed he hadn’t quite mastered that level yet, as he kept stopping at every rest area on the way to and from my grandmother’s house.
Maybe I dozed off for a moment, because I suddenly woke up to Min Ho-jun’s voice from the passenger seat.
“Do-hyeok, we’re almost home.”
“…Thanks for going with me. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. I had fun, thanks to you.”
“Well, I got Mrs. Hong’s number too.”
Choi Jae-woo had warned me not to stop him since he planned to visit my grandmother’s house on his day off.
I wasn’t sure if my grandmother would even answer the phone, but Choi Jae-woo, excited as ever, headed to the Gangbuk house, saying he had to go to work early tomorrow.
“Ho-jun, you’re not eating dinner before going home, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Be careful getting in.”
Then.
“Do-hyeok.”
For some reason, Min Ho-jun hesitated for a long time after calling my name.
Thinking he might want to continue last night’s conversation, I playfully replied, “Yes?”
“…Nothing.”
“So anticlimactic.”
Then he left, saying that Kim Soo-sung had asked for his phone number while we were in the car earlier.
“What is he even thinking?”
I really had no idea as I walked up the stairs.
Back home, I ran the washing machine and took out the pencil I got from Kim Jin yesterday.
I had done psychometry on the pencil again after returning from my grandmother’s house.
The conversation between Kim Jin and the prospective missionary wasn’t anything special.
After reviewing the part I had gone over, I began writing in English about what I knew regarding the “Jeon Jeong-man” referred to as “that person,” while the prospective missionary had given praises comparable to the legend of “a person born from an egg.”
“Certain keywords might come in handy during undercover investigations later.”
Anyway, I planned to catch my breath until the next mission came, while finishing up work in my grandmother’s area.
Since I had requested a public hearing, time was tight.
Other than materials I could obtain through a freedom-of-information request in Gyeonggi Province, I planned to request information from a private detective agency.
I intended to investigate the land ownership of 124 Jidam-dong, Jidam City, Gyeonggi Province.
“The problem is Lee Heum-deok, the congressman of Jidam-dong.”
Tsk. Tsk.
I wondered how much information Kim Soo-sung could gather.
November 28th
“They still haven’t scheduled the public hearing.”
It seemed obvious that someone was delaying it to avoid taking responsibility.
There was nothing I could do.
After compiling the materials sent by the private detective agency, I passed them on to Kim Soo-sung.
“-I’ll post on social media first.”
“Social media?”
“-These days, people express their opinions on SNS and make themselves known. Even congressmen do it.”
“-You might not trust it, but I’ve been re-elected before.”
If he posted about his achievements, he would take responsibility.
Not long after, the Jidam-dong case was covered on the news.
“…?”
Just as I was digging deeper because the flow of the case seemed odd, the public hearing was suddenly scheduled.
“So it happens like this.”
“-No need to thank me.
-^^”
‘Showing off.’
Even now, he’s exactly like he was in college.
After replying to Kim Soo-sung that I’d see him on the day of the public hearing, I chuckled.
December 2nd, Monday
Gyeonggi Province Jidam City Hall.
“Is today’s Jidam-dong logistics complex public hearing actually effective?”
“Clearly, it’s just for show to the residents.”
Even the passing public officials seemed skeptical about this hearing.
I looked around at the residents sitting in the conference room.
A few residents, including Kim Jin, seemed pale, perhaps after hearing negative comments on their way in.
“Mr. Kim Jin.”
“…! Ah, welcome!”
He introduced me to Park Young-rok, the representative of the opposition assembly.
I exchanged a few words with the surrounding people and took my seat.
City council members, the relevant district congressman.
‘Kim Soo-sung is here too.’
Finally, Ho Seung-won, the chairman of ON F&B, the developer, appeared.
A city hall staff member responsible for urban policy took charge of the proceedings.
“Hello, I’m Kim Young-bae, responsible for urban policy at Jidam City, Gyeonggi Province. Today’s public hearing is held within the scope defined by the Local Autonomy Act Enforcement Decree, regarding urban development (logistics complex). Through this hearing, we will listen to residents’ opinions and reflect the results.”
The hearing would proceed with an opening declaration, national anthem, introduction of participants, explanation by the presiding officer, followed by presentations, discussions, and a Q&A session.
“Now, we will begin the residents’ opinion-gathering public hearing. First, please stand for the national salute.”
Everyone stood and saluted the flag at the podium.
Next, the participants were introduced.
“The presiding officer is Lee Jin-woo of the Urban Planning Review Committee. Presenters and discussants are Byun Chang-hoon, Ho Seung-won, Park Young-rok, and Cha Do-hyeok.”
Byun Chang-hoon and Ho Seung-won were in favor.
Park Young-rok and I were against.
The presiding officer Lee Jin-woo explained the main points from the perspective of the pro side.
“The logistics complex is being developed due to the rapid increase in cargo volume caused by the five-year economic plan and industrial policy promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. However, due to a lack of understanding of logistics, it has caused unnecessary traffic congestion, increased logistics costs, and weakened industrial competitiveness.”
He meant that Jidam City should be the logistics hub of Northeast Asia.
“Second is regional economic revitalization. The logistics complex can evolve into a multi-purpose industrial complex, encompassing warehouse management and distribution logistics, creating jobs, expanding commercial areas, increasing tax revenue, and bringing real benefits to the community.”
He tempted residents with the possibility of Jidam City rapidly becoming a key city in eastern Gyeonggi Province.
“Finally, to overcome prejudices against logistics complexes, advanced systems from developed countries can be adopted to minimize residents’ concerns about potential damage.”
Following an ‘80s–’90s growth model while adopting advanced systems?
‘I understand what system he means. Clever.’
Next, the main points of the opposition were presented.
“If the logistics complex is established, three major impacts are expected. First, traffic congestion.”
Large cargo trucks and vans would move constantly, creating congestion. The roads are public thoroughfares, and inner roads are used by students, putting pedestrian safety at risk.
Also, noise, fine dust, and exhaust could make it hard for residents to open windows or engage in outdoor activities.
“Second is the decline in residential environment.”
Property values could drop due to a deteriorating living environment, along with safety and infrastructure limitations.
“We will gather as much input as possible from presenters, discussants, and the audience.”
The presiding officer’s eyes showed whose opinions he planned to prioritize.
‘This might be disadvantageous.’
But it didn’t matter.
Even outside a courtroom, there are thousands of things a lawyer can do wherever laws have influence.
Above all, I have always won, even on a tilted playing field.
Clap clap clap.
“The order of proceedings: first, Byun Chang-hoon will present the pro-side argument.”
The pro side stepped forward.
As expected, they stayed within the framework summarized by Lee Jin-woo.
“Some of you may question whether the advanced systems from developed countries are just empty promises. I’m not saying this to take insults.”
A strategy to make the audience reconsider while subtly belittling them.
“Advanced systems require money and step-by-step implementation. Look at the U.S.—both in scale and systematic development, it’s all in place.”
The short video he presented was visually appealing, at least on the surface.
“This is also why we are not requesting alternative routes.”
‘Not because they don’t want to give up part of their land?’
“By separating traffic flows, congestion can be reduced, and using mostly electric vehicles can significantly reduce noise and exhaust. It’s eco-friendly.”
A stir ran through the audience.
‘Separating traffic on a one-way road won’t eliminate congestion. How many cargo trucks in Korea are electric?’
Pretending to solve the problem superficially is a signal for operatives at work.
“Even if your child graduates from a popular Seoul university, with TOEIC 990, OPIC IH, certifications, internships, competition awards, and a second language, getting a job is hard. Yet…”
Someone in the back swallowed hard.
“My child is struggling in Seoul, even if they’re a local talent, they can’t enter a Jidam City company. Isn’t that a problem? These are smart local youths.”
Even noting that talent exists outside Seoul to cushion the argument.
‘Opening opportunities for talent?’
“Many middle-sized company employees start as juniors and move to major corporations. I’m not bragging, but executives say they learned well at ON.”
He praised ON F&B for long-term employment due to their training manuals, attributing it to Chairman Ho Seung-won.
“Living near parents, getting married, and being respected by children—isn’t that better? That’s what I mean.”
‘Wow.’
“Our company doesn’t just hire a few people, nor only men. Look at the size of the logistics complex. Won’t we hire mid- and senior-level employees too?”
“Where would the cafeteria source ingredients? From Jidam-dong, fresh vegetables. Employees won’t eat just in-house. Restaurants and cafes in apartment complexes will be revitalized. Close to work—people will want to live nearby.”
Appeal tailored to the audience’s age group.
“Chairman Ho Seung-won, a local from Jidam-dong, has devoted his life to revitalizing the local economy!”
Clap clap clap.
“He came from other districts too—why? Corporate attraction, a congressman’s achievement!”
It wasn’t traffic concerns—they wanted public support for the congressman’s accomplishments.
“Only by attracting businesses can Jidam City thrive, residents!”
Wow!
‘They want a public opinion war because of legal concerns.’
The technique of splitting conflicts was professional.
To divide the opposition’s votes, they split the group.
‘They used every possible argument we might raise without knowing how the complex would be built.’
-
Split by whether they understood the advanced system video.
‘In Jidam-dong, people hang banners even for Seoul University admission. More effective.’
Also softened opposition to traffic.
-
Split by family employment.
‘Advanced system likely means automation—they overlooked that and vote pro.’
-
Split by whether they’re self-employed.
‘Tourists only visit Jidam Forest Resort, not regular income.’
-
Finally, split residents from other districts from Jidam-dong residents to prevent unified opposition.
The unexpected pro support turned Park Young-rok pale.
I had told him to present prepared points, but even that seemed unlikely.
‘…Not good.’
“Next, we’ll hear Park Young-rok’s opposition.”
I stopped him from rising, trembling.
“I’ll do it.”
“…Huh?”
I stepped up to the podium, as familiar as in court.
I informed the presiding officer and chairman:
“Mr. Park Young-rok came with heavy responsibility but cannot present due to health reasons. I, lawyer Cha Do-hyeok, will present instead. Let’s begin.”
I decided to end this here without leaving room for discussion.
