Chapter 0
Act 00
The courts epitomized the law of the jungle, a relentless battle waged upon Lady Justice’s shoulders. In this tumultuous clash between champions of truth and justice, the mightiest would claim victory.
Power in this realm did not derive from wealth or authority alone. Sometimes, a well-prepared David could overcome an unsuspecting Goliath with underestimated prowess.
Attorney Yoonshin Do found solace in this unconventional facet of the otherwise solemn arena.
“Proceed with your closing statement, Counsel,” the judge, seated at the helm of the criminal court, glanced towards the defendant’s table.
Yoonshin, dressed in a dark gray suit and crisp dress shirt, rose from his seat on the right side of the court, respectfully inclining his head. He strode down the central aisle, his footsteps resonating through the room.
Yoonshin walked with a dignified posture, his figure sleek and immaculate as he approached the podium. Though his mild countenance exuded docility, his eyes shimmered with intellect and acuity.
His pale, slender face briefly surveyed the public gallery, his gaze brimming with unwavering determination to achieve the desired outcome in this battleground.
“Your Honor, first and foremost, I express my gratitude to the Court—thank you—and to the prosecutor who invested months in this trial, as well as to the public who has come to bear witness. Now, allow me to address the crux of this case.”
The case at hand revolved around a renowned athlete who had met a gruesome demise after being assaulted by their common-law partner with a weapon. Yoonshin served as the defense counsel. The deceased had earned numerous gold medals at the Summer Olympics, making them a national hero. As a result, the media and the general populace held fervent interest in the proceedings.
Upon learning of the case through the news, Yoonshin initially anticipated motives rooted in common issues such as infidelity or financial strife. However, as the investigation progressed, evidence of minor conflicts emerged, and the accused refused legal representation. Suspicion began to solidify around her guilt.
Nevertheless, the truth that Yoonshin fortuitously unearthed painted a different picture. Beneath the surface lay countless mitigating circumstances. The accused had endured severe psychological abuse at the hands of the plaintiff for an extended period, reducing her dignity to mere fragments.
Since that day, Yoonshin had relentlessly visited the woman, striving to persuade her. “I will assist you. Though you may be sitting in the depths of night, remember that you are not alone,” he had said.
“This case possesses unique characteristics. The tragic circumstances and compelling evidence showcase how the defendant, driven beyond endurance by her tormentor’s sadistic abuse, resorted to wielding a blunt weapon. Throughout this trial, I have presented ample evidence of the defendant’s inhumane treatment during the eight years of their cohabitation,” Yoonshin delivered his oral argument to the judge, maintaining an erect posture. His composed and eloquent speech unexpectedly captivated every ear in the courtroom.
Unbeknownst to Yoonshin, Sehun Kang, a partner at the “Doguk” law firm, sat at the far end of the public gallery, intently observing Yoonshin with crossed legs.
Sehun possessed a well-built frame, a testament to regular exercise, and was adorned in a luxurious suit that exuded sophistication. His refined features, seemingly crafted with meticulous care, seamlessly merged with the arrogant glint in his eyes.
There was no trace of empathy within Sehun’s icy gaze, directed neither towards the defendant nor the plaintiff. His piercing, callous eyes, forged of stone, remained fixed upon Yoonshin like an arrow aimed at its target. His large hands stroked his smooth chin as he scrutinized the defense attorney from head to toe.
Attorney Yoonshin Do… he pondered.
Yoonshin’s well-groomed appearance, immaculate attire, composed voice, and genuine demeanor left a profound impression. Above all, what intrigued Sehun was the unwavering conviction that resonated in Yoonshin’s words.
This was no self-imposed illusion to alleviate nerves or a futile obstinacy fixated on victory. Yoonshin genuinely believed in his client’s honesty and truth. He understood, more than anyone, that this was the only path to justice for the victim.
Beneath Yoonshin’s meek countenance lay an unwavering sense of responsibility and a professional mindset. Even to Sehun, a scathing critic of others, Yoonshin surpassed the criteria for a remarkable lawyer.
Nevertheless, if asked whether he wished to mentor Yoonshin, Sehun’s answer would resoundingly be no.
Unbeknownst to Yoonshin, Sehun’s presence in the courtroom was puzzling. Given Sehun’s perpetually occupied schedule, to the point of needing to allocate time for mere respiration, his unexpected appearance and the predatory hunger in his eyes, yearning for a moment to tear Yoonshin apart, left an uncomfortable impression.
After all, we are not destined to be a compatible pair, Yoonshin silently mused.
Yoonshin maintained the intense gaze whose meaning eluded him for a brief moment, then turned his attention back to the judge, resuming his statement. “Murder is a crime deserving of punishment. However, our Constitution upholds the fundamental rights of humanity. I implore the Court to consider this deeply. For eight years, the defendant endured unrelenting abuse behind closed doors, and her actions cannot be equated to a mere crime committed in the heat of the moment. Your Honor, have you read Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations?”
The presiding judge, seated at the center, nodded in acknowledgment. Yoonshin’s soft smile indicated his satisfaction at finding common ground with the judge. “It is my favorite literary work. Allow me to paraphrase a passage from the book…”
With that, Yoonshin shifted his body, directing his gaze towards the gallery.
In that instant, he found himself momentarily at a loss for words as his eyes met Sehun’s unwavering gaze. Yoonshin lost count of how many times this had occurred already.
There was not a soul in the legal profession unaware of Sehun Kang from the Doguk law firm.
He had numerous admirers and an even greater number of rivals.
Yoonshin couldn’t fathom why someone as busy as Sehun, someone who needed to schedule time to breathe, had made an appearance. His unexpected presence and the predatory hunger in his eyes, seeking to dismantle him in an instant, caused genuine discomfort.
Yoonshin held the piercing gaze, its significance eluding him, for a moment before turning back to the judge and concluding, “How dreadful it would be for a person facing death to look up at the glittering multitude and find no help or compassion. Your Honor, we cannot allow the defendant to freeze to death, alone, in the desolate and bitter outdoors. I implore you to reaffirm the presence of human rights within our legal system. Thank you.”
Having delivered his statement, Yoonshin reclaimed his seat by the defense. The judge, in turn, summoned the defendant to rise for her final address. With her head bowed throughout the trial, she now struggled to part her lips.
Observing this, Yoonshin offered an encouraging glance to his client before exchanging a swift look with another partner from Doguk, Mihee Song.
Sehun, a keen observer, leaned towards Mihee and whispered in a hushed tone. His voice, subdued yet sharp, reached her ears with clarity. “Counsel, do you happen to know that lawyer? It certainly appears so.”
“Yoonshin Do? Just a little. He typically handles labor law cases at a small law office. It seems he’s taking on this case pro bono. Anyway, what did you make of the trial? Do you think he’s a remarkable find?”
Doguk stood tall as one of the Republic of Korea’s top five law firms, always in dire need of a talented litigator with a prosecutorial background to lead their litigation group.
Mihee, as the head recruitment manager, used this pretext to persuade Sehun to join her in observing this public trial. She claimed to have her eye on a potential recruit and wished for him to see the individual before recommending them to the firm’s director. Sehun had begrudgingly made time for this trial, only to find it more tedious than anticipated.
“Do you truly wish to recruit that prosecutor?” Sehun inquired.
“Why, don’t you think highly of him? He seems quite competent to me.”
“Competent? Did I hear correctly?” Sehun seemed incredulous, sighing wearily as he rubbed his face with his hands. Mihee fell silent, prompting Sehun to add with a touch of dryness, “Reconsider your decision. I can’t fathom allowing a lawyer like him, who succumbs to pro bono opposition, to earn a six-figure salary annually. Mihee, it was you who recruited me to Doguk. Don’t make a fool of me.”
“You’re being overly parsimonious. Mr. Do was exceedingly prepared for this case. Besides, there was a substantial amount of evidence in his favor,” Mihee retorted.
“Evidence forms the bedrock of criminal proceedings. I squeezed out every ounce of time I didn’t have because I anticipated witnessing a prodigy nullify the insurmountable barrage of evidence against him and turn the case on its head. It would have been a more significant victory if you had brought the opposing counsel to our firm instead.”
“Just as I surmised, Yoonshin Do possesses an exceptional talent, even by your discerning standards, wouldn’t you agree?” Mihee inquired.
Sehun’s eyes, glaring at Mihee with a hint of inquiry, overflowed with irritation. Then, as if comprehending his colleague’s hidden motive, he shifted his gaze towards the defense seated on the right side of the courtroom. It wasn’t the prosecutor whom Mihee truly sought to showcase, but the defense counsel. She aimed for this contradictory effect.
Astute lawyers have a knack for identifying their peers. At first glance, Sehun discerned that Yoonshin was a lawyer of remarkable value. Yet, Yoonshin lacked the desperation for personal success that compelled one to grit their teeth and endure the crucible of Doguk. Even with the watchful eyes of the media fixed on him, it was evident that Yoonshin placed the defendant’s welfare above adorning himself with an air of sophistication, confirming Sehun’s intuition.
Furthermore, he was a legal practitioner willing to champion the cause of the vulnerable and powerless. He was ill-suited for Doguk, an institution that prioritized favorable outcomes.
“Assisting or pitying someone doomed to perish in the cold…” Sehun mulled over the words he had just heard, fixing his gaze upon Yoonshin. “Only the affluent, such as yourself, can extend such a helping hand.”
Yoonshin tenderly clasped the hand of the defendant, who had just concluded her final statement, and as if sensing Sehun’s penetrating gaze, he glanced around and locked eyes with him. Sehun could discern the perplexity etched on Yoonshin’s countenance, questioning why their gazes repeatedly crossed paths.
Yoonshin’s guileless visage was so transparent that Sehun felt as if it could penetrate through him. Curiously, it disarrayed Sehun’s thoughts.
Acknowledging this, Sehun furrowed his brow and silently retrieved his blazer jacket. “I have seen enough. I shall proceed.”
“Wait. What about Yoonshin, then?” Mihee hastily inquired.
Undoubtedly, this was her objective, Sehun pondered as he rose from his seat.
“It seems you intentionally lured me with the prosecutor, knowing full well that I would disrupt your plans if you introduced me to the other individual first. I am even more averse to that attorney. I abhor those who possess both intelligence and righteousness. They are bound to bring trouble. I am leaving.”
“Hey, you have only just encountered him… Are you returning to the office, Sehun?”
The two engaged in a hushed discussion, mindful not to disturb the trial, but they found themselves abruptly divided. Sehun departed without uttering a word, and Mihee shook her head, unable to restrain him.
He strode out of the courtroom without hesitation and soon escaped the melancholic atmosphere of the chamber.