FINISH LINE

3 PM, Seoul District Court

The courtroom fell into a tense silence as the judge returned and banged the gavel to signal the resumption of the trial. The air was thick with anticipation as Prosecutor Kwon Eunbi stood and prepared to delve into the crimes of Hong Yushik.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Eunbi began, her voice steady and clear, "today we unveil the dark and twisted history of Hong Yushik, a man whose life took a tragic turn that led to unspeakable horrors."

She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in before continuing. "Hong Yushik, once a simple man, faced the biggest financial crisis of his life, leading to unemployment and despair. Desperate, he moved back to his hometown of Busan, where he began working as a con artist. It was during this time that he met Jo Yuri, a local prostitute. Promising her marriage after impregnating her, Yushik's life took another dark turn."

The prosecutor's eyes scanned the room, locking briefly with each juror. "It was in Busan that Hong Yushik first encountered Kang Minseok, a meeting that would seal both their fates. During a political campaign, Minseok was attacked by goons sent by an opposing party. Hong Yushik intervened, saving Minseok's life. This act of bravery forged an unholy alliance between the two men."

Eunbi stepped forward, her tone growing graver. "Kang Minseok, a devout follower of dark shamanism, saw potential in Yushik. His shaman advised him to convert Yushik into an evil spirit by having him commit eleven murders, the first of which required the sacrifice of someone he loved to erase any remnants of his humanity. Minseok, a master manipulator, convinced the already psychopathic Yushik to embrace this horrific destiny."

A collective gasp echoed through the courtroom as Eunbi unveiled the next chilling detail. "Brainwashed by Minseok's malevolent vision, Yushik began his spree by murdering Jo Yuri, the only woman he had ever loved. This act of unimaginable cruelty marked the beginning of the Damyang serial murders, a cycle of violence and death driven by the dark ambitions of Kang Minseok."

The room fell silent, the horror of the story sinking into the hearts of everyone present. Yushik, sitting in his wheelchair, stared blankly ahead, his face a mask of emotionless detachment.

Eunbi continued, "For years, Yushik killed at Minseok's behest, each murder bringing them closer to fulfilling the twisted prophecy. Innocent lives were brutally ended, all to satisfy the dark rituals of shamanism and Minseok's insatiable lust for power."

The prosecutor's voice hardened. "This man, Kang Minseok, used Yushik as his weapon, turning a desperate man into a monster. And today, we seek justice not just for the victims, but for the soul of our society, which has been tainted by their evil deeds."

As Eunbi concluded her opening remarks, the courtroom buzzed with tension. The defense attorney rose, ready to counter the harrowing narrative, but the prosecutor had already laid the foundation of a compelling case.

Seong-ah and Hangyul watched with bated breath, knowing that the truth was finally coming to light. The intricate web of deceit and murder was unravelling, and the endgame was in sight. With Hong Siwoo's testimony yet to come, the stakes couldn't be higher.

The courtroom fell silent as Hong Siwoo took the stand, his expression hardened by years of bottled-up pain and anger. He glanced briefly at the faces around him before locking eyes with Kang Minseok, a mixture of hatred and resolve gleaming in his eyes.

Siwoo began, his voice steady but tinged with the echo of his childhood trauma. "I was seven years old when I experienced the happiest day of my life. My father, Hong Yushik, took my mother, Yuri, and me to the Busan Summer Festival. It was the first and only time I felt what it was like to have a loving family… loving father… doting mother… We spent the day laughing, eating, and enjoying the festival. That night, the three of us slept together in a rented cottage near the beach. I remember feeling so safe and loved."

He paused, taking a deep breath as he prepared to recount the horrors that followed. "But after midnight, I was awakened by a rustling sound. I noticed the space beside me was empty. I got up and walked toward the sea, and that's when I saw her. My mother, Yuri, was lying in a stream of blood, her dress drenched with water and blood. My father was there, too, holding a blood-stained screwdriver. He had pierced her heart and was laughing like a maniac, tears streaming down his cheeks."

A shiver ran through the courtroom as Siwoo continued, his voice trembling slightly. "I couldn't process what I was seeing. I ran to my mother, screaming, crying, but it was too late. I fainted right there in the water. When I woke up, I was in a small wooden house, surrounded by weapons and blood on the walls. I spent five years in that hell, under the control of my psychopathic father. It was only when he fled that I found my chance to escape."

Siwoo's gaze grew more intense, his voice steadying with determination. "In 2014, I met Park Heejin. She was already living alone after her husband's death and had sent her son, Lee Hangyul, to a mental asylum. She adopted me in her moment of emotional turmoil and raised me to be the person I am today."

He glanced at Park Heejin, who sat in the audience, her eyes filled with tears. "A few years ago, when I saw Heejin dying at the seashore in Yangyang, it brought back the memories of my mother's death. I saw my mother's face in Heejin. But this time, I wasn't going to let her die. Life had given me a second chance, and I swore to take down Kang Minseok and Kang Chaewon by any means necessary. I vowed to avenge my mother, Park Heejin, and my ruined childhood."

The courtroom was enveloped in a heavy silence, the weight of Siwoo's testimony pressing down on everyone present. The judge, visibly moved, nodded for the prosecutor to continue.

Kwon Eunbi stood, her face grim. "Hong Siwoo's testimony provides a critical insight into the brutal past of Hong Yushik and the sinister machinations of Kang Minseok. His story sheds light on the twisted alliance that led to the Damyang serial murders and the unspeakable horrors committed under the guise of dark shamanism."

The tension in the courtroom reached a peak as Moon Ji Hoon, the final witness and arrested criminal, was brought to the stand. His appearance was haunting—eyes hollow, bearing the weight of his past, yet there was a glimmer of resolve in his gaze. The room fell silent, every ear straining to catch his words.

Ji Hoon began, his voice steady but laden with the memories of a tormented past. "I was the first child brought to Myeongdo Orphanage by Kim Hana. She was a beacon of hope, dedicating herself to improving the lives of blind children and providing education for all of us. But as the years went by, strange incidents began to occur. Every year, one child would go missing, and no one knew where they went. The children left behind became increasingly violent, using knives and other weapons in frequent fights. I knew something was wrong."

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "One day, I saw the kitchen aunty mixing a white powder into our food. I suspected this was the cause of the strange behavior and went to seek help from Kim Hana. She was shocked at my story and began her own investigation into the incidents. But before she could uncover the truth, she was murdered."

The courtroom gasped, the revelation sending chills down spines. Ji Hoon's face hardened as he recounted the events that followed. "After Kim Hana's murder, Kang Chaewon came to adopt me. I resisted, but I had no choice as they were the trust authorities of the orphanage. I was taken to Dr. Danny Park's hospital, where I was injected daily with high-dosage medicines. These drugs deteriorated my mental and emotional health, making me a puppet in Dr. Danny's hands. I wasn't the only one; I saw another boy suffering—Lee Hangyul. It seemed they were testing the drugs on both of us to find the best candidate for their experiments."

Ji Hoon's voice grew more intense, his emotions boiling to the surface. "I became a maniac, completely controlled by the drugs. Whenever they needed, they took me out to eliminate their enemies and then brought me back to the hospital. Lee Hangyul was discharged after a decade, still vulnerable, while I remained in that hell. Finally, one night, as they transported me to kill Lee Hangyul, I saw an opportunity and escaped. It was at Seoul City Park where I encountered the police. Under the influence of drugs, I killed one of them."

Tears welled up in his eyes as he confessed, his voice breaking. "I confess to all the murders I committed under the influence of those drugs. I beg this court for medical treatment. I want to improve my life, to come back as a better person. I am ready to face any imprisonment, but I want to repent for my actions. I want to work for Myeongdo Orphanage, just like my foster mother Kim Hana, and make amends for the lives I have taken."

The courtroom was enveloped in silence, the weight of Ji Hoon's confession hanging heavily in the air. Judge Park leaned forward, his face a mask of contemplation. He turned to the jury, the gravity of the moment palpable.

Prosecutor Kwon Eunbi stood up, her voice clear and resolute. "Your Honor, the testimony of Moon Ji Hoon, combined with the evidence and testimonies presented earlier, paints a comprehensive picture of the atrocities committed by Kang Minseok, Kang Chaewon, and Dr. Danny Park. These individuals have exploited and destroyed countless lives for their own gain. Justice demands that they be held accountable for their actions."

Judge Park nodded, acknowledging the prosecutor's words. He turned to Moon Ji Hoon, who stood before him, a broken man seeking redemption. "Mr. Moon Ji Hoon, your confession and willingness to atone for your actions are noted. The court will deliberate on your request for medical treatment and appropriate sentencing. This court is adjourned until further notice."

As the gavel struck, signalling the adjournment, the courtroom buzzed with whispers and murmurs. The media scrambled to capture the pivotal moments of the trial, while the families of the victims exchanged glances of relief and sorrow.

….

January 2024, Seoul District Court

A week later, the final hearing of the Damyang Serial Killings case commenced. The courtroom was packed, anticipation and tension filling the air as everyone awaited Judge Park's final judgement.

Judge Park, a man of solemnity and gravitas, took his seat and called the court to order. He began, "Today, we bring closure to a case that has shocked our nation to its core. The Damyang Serial Killings, the illegal drug empire, and the series of heinous crimes committed by Kang Minseok, Kang Chaewon, and their accomplice Dr. Danny Park have been thoroughly examined. It is time for justice to be served."

Turning to Kang Minseok, Judge Park continued, "Kang Minseok, you are hereby stripped of your position as Mayor of Seoul. Over the past week, under the diligent leadership of Senior Detective Kim Haneul and Assistant Detective Kim Minjae, a significant portion of your drug network has been dismantled. Approximately 10 billion Korean Won worth of drugs have been confiscated. This swift and effective action has undoubtedly saved countless lives and helped to restore public faith in law enforcement."

The courtroom murmured in approval as the judge acknowledged the detectives' exemplary work. Judge Park then addressed Kang Chaewon, "Kang Chaewon, the IT cell has tracked all your bank accounts, uncovering approximately 80 billion dollars in illegal property and funds. This wealth, amassed through illicit means, will be seized by the government and used for the betterment of society."

The judge's voice grew stern as he delivered the final sentences. "Kang Minseok and Kang Chaewon, you are both sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Your actions have caused irreparable harm and suffering, and you will spend the rest of your lives in prison."

Judge Park then turned his attention to Dr. Danny Park. "Dr. Danny Park, your medical licence is hereby revoked. Your doctorate will be stripped from you, and you are permanently barred from practising medicine. You exploited your position of trust and inflicted unimaginable pain on your patients. You are sentenced to 25 years in prison."

Finally, Judge Park addressed Moon Ji Hoon, who stood silently, his face a mask of remorse. "Moon Ji Hoon, you have confessed to killing six innocent people while under the influence of drugs. Although you were manipulated and used as a pawn, the law must still hold you accountable. You are sentenced to seven years in prison. Following your sentence, you will be transferred to a rehabilitation center to receive the medical treatment you need to rebuild your life."

The judge concluded, "This court hopes that today's rulings will bring some measure of peace to the victims' families and serve as a warning to those who seek to exploit and harm others. Court is adjourned."

As the gavel struck, the room erupted in a mix of relief, applause, and tears. The victims' families embraced, knowing that justice had finally been served. Seong-ah and Hangyul shared a solemn glance, their journey through the darkness finally leading to the light of justice.

Outside the courthouse, reporters scrambled to capture the moment, their cameras clicking furiously. Senior Detective Kim Haneul and Assistant Detective Kim Minjae were hailed as heroes, their tireless work ensuring that the full extent of the criminal network was exposed and dismantled.

As the convicts were led away in handcuffs, Park Heejin approached Seong-ah and Hangyul. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You both have been instrumental in bringing this nightmare to an end."

Seong-ah nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and relief. "This is just the beginning. We have a lot of work ahead, but at least now, we can start to heal."

Hangyul, still processing the revelations about his mother, Park Heejin, managed to speak a few words. "Mom… I'll need some time… I don't know if I can talk to you like everything is normal… The trauma I've experienced is immeasurable. You adopted a son to drive away your loneliness, but did you ever think about me? My situation at the mental asylum? You raised him so well, sent him abroad to pursue higher education, even gave him 25% of Phoenix Group's shares. What about me? Do you believe your son has been rendered a loser for life? I've been given the position of CEO of Phoenix Empire, but do I deserve it? Am I capable of holding that seat? No… because I was broken away from the world for a whole decade! Now I don't even know how to hold a straight sentence like a sane person! All because of your one misunderstanding and lack of trust in your own son! I've thought about it over these few days since you appeared in court. After that day, you didn't even ask me where I live now. You barely called me throughout the week, spending the whole time with your adopted son! This shows my place in your world, Mom. I was never there in your world. Thank you for coming forward to expose the truth, thanks to your adopted son for handing over his murderous father after a decade of me surviving hell in that asylum! But, please, for God's sake, leave me alone now… leave me out of this family business where I was never supposed to belong. Let me live my own life on my own terms."

Hangyul's voice broke throughout his monologue, his mother standing speechless, unable to defend herself, knowing the irreparable mistakes she had committed towards her own son. Lee Hangyul jolted down the stairs of the judicial building, Seong-ah about to run after him but stopped by Park Heejin as she held her arm. "I've already entrusted my son to you, Seong-ah… I know what I've done will never be forgiven by him. But, please… please help me take him out of the influence of Danny's experimental antibiotics. I want him to live a normal life."

Seong-ah patted her hand, giving a reassuring smile. She ran toward her lover, who walked briskly to his car, opened the door, and sat in the driver's seat. As he was about to ignite the engine, a knock on his window diverted his attention.

"Leaving me alone here?" Seong-ah asked with a sly smile. She ran to the opposite side and immediately sat in the passenger seat. Lee Hangyul jolted the car through the exit and drove at maximum speed, leaving the cityscapes behind. Seong-ah remained silent, knowing his anger was boiling and there was no point in stopping or arguing with him. They finally reached the Han River, where snowflakes fell from the sky. They sat alone in the car, silent for the next few minutes. Lee Hangyul finally spoke after an hour of silence, holding Seong-ah's neck and bringing her closer to him, their eyes locking onto each other. "Are you sure about me? You want to spend your entire life with this loser man?"

"Yes. Because you're the strongest man I've ever met in my life. No one is allowed to call you a loser," Seong-ah said without hesitation.

Lee Hangyul sealed his lips with hers, desperately kissing her, biting her neck. Seong-ah was breathless from his actions, wanting more of him with every passing minute. The snow covered their car as they continued to make passionate love after the end of long suffering in their lives.