“Beneath Velvet Nights”

Late morning at The Seoul Eye newsroom, Han Hanni sat at her desk, eyes fixed on her computer screen. The glowing monitor reflected off her face as she browsed through profiles, lists, and schedules tied to the upcoming 17th National Public Health Awards. Her fingers hovered over the mouse, but her mind was somewhere else.

"Maybe there's something hidden in tonight's event," she whispered to herself. "Maybe someone important will slip up. I have to be ready."

She was deep in thought, analyzing possible connections, when her cameraman, Jun-wo, approached her desk.

"Hanni," he called out casually.

No response.

"Hanni," he repeated this time a little louder. "Ms. Hanni!"

Startled, she blinked and turned to him. "Huh? What is it, Jun-wo?"

Jun-wo looked concerned. "Are you okay? Did something happen last night?"

Hanni shook her head quickly. "No, nothing happened. Why?"

"You just looked like you were deep in thought," he said, tilting his head. "Like... something's bothering you."

"Oh," Hanni said with a small smile. "I'm just thinking about the event tonight. That's all."

"Are you uncomfortable about it?"

"Not really," she replied. "I just think we might uncover something tonight. If someone from the Ministry slips up or acts strange, it could be a big lead."

Jun-wo nodded, thoughtful. "Yeah. Let's hope we find something."

There was a brief silence before he added, "Want some coffee?"

Hanni smiled, a little more genuinely this time. "Sure, Jun-wo. Thanks."

Jun-wo grinned. "Alright. I'll make a pot. Just wait here."

As he walked off toward the pantry, Hanni glanced back at the screen her determination burning quietly behind her calm expression.

SEOUL GOVERNMENT COMPLEX - NOON

Inside his office at the Seoul Government Complex, Minister of Trade Ryu Dong-wook was reviewing papers when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID. Someone familiar.

He answered with a tired voice, "Why are you calling? Is there a problem?"

The voice on the other end quickly replied, "No problem, boss."

"Then why call?"

"We need to meet, boss. In person."

Ryu raised an eyebrow. "Why? I'm busy."

"There's something I need to tell you face-to-face... and something you need to see."

Ryu sighed sharply, his tone turning threatening. "If this isn't worth my time, you know what happens."

"Yes, boss. I'll text you the address."

He hung up without another word, stood up from his chair, grabbed his blazer, and called out to his secretary, "Prepare the car."

"Yes, Minister," the secretary replied.

Outside the government complex, Justice Park sat in an old car, watching from a discreet distance. He had been keeping tabs on Minister Ryu Dong-wook for days.

His eyes scanned the entrance, frustrated. "Where the hell is Lance?" he muttered to himself. "And when will this damn minister show up? This is getting boring."

Suddenly, the front doors opened. Justice perked up.

Minister Ryu stepped out.

"Finally," Justice smirked. "I thought I'd rot here."

Before entering the car, Ryu told his secretary, "No need to bring the full escort. Just bring one guard."

"Yes, sir," the secretary replied, choosing one man to accompany them.

As Ryu's car pulled away, Justice quickly started his engine.

"You're dead now, corrupt scum," he said under his breath, trailing them from a safe distance.

INCHEON IN ABANDONED CLUB - LATE NOON

The car led him to Incheon, stopping in front of an abandoned club. Justice frowned.

"What the hell is this guy doing here?" he whispered. "This smells bad."

He parked at a hidden spot nearby, far enough not to be seen, but close enough to observe. When Minister Ryu stepped out of the car, seven tattooed men, who looked like gang members, bowed deeply and greeted him.

"Good afternoon, boss."

From inside his car, Justice quietly raised his camera and began taking photos.

Ryu walked into the dim, empty club—its exterior giving away nothing. Once inside, he was greeted by a man covered in tattoos.

"Sorry to make you come all the way here, boss," the man said. "Please, have a seat."

Ryu sat down and scowled. "Say what you need to say. I don't have time."

The man called out to one of his men, "Bring a bottle of the expensive stuff."

"Yes, boss," the subordinate replied and disappeared.

"I apologize again," the man said, nervously.

"Just say it already," Ryu snapped.

Meanwhile, outside the club, Justice leaned closer, glancing at a window.He could barely hear and see them but tried to make out their conversation.

Inside, the tattooed man whispered to one of his men, "Bring them out. Line them up on the stage."

"Yes, boss," the man said, and left quickly.

The ringleader smirked while Ryu's eyes narrowed with suspicion.

When the alcohol arrived, the host poured a glass for the minister and said, "There's also something you need to see, boss."

Just then, five young, beautiful women appeared on stage. Ryu was stunned—then smiled.

"You never fail to deliver," Ryu said with a wicked grin. "These the new ones? Damn, you know exactly how to please me."

"Not all of them, boss. Just a little preview to lift your mood."

Outside, Justice's eyes widened in shock.

"Women? They're trafficking women?" he muttered. "Bastards... demons."

Inside, Ryu walked closer to the women, running his hands along one of them. The women stood still, visibly uncomfortable.

"Be good," he whispered to them. "Make noise, and the only place you'll be singing is in heaven."

He laughed cruelly—and the others in the room joined in.

The meeting soon ended. Ryu stood up. "I'm leaving. I've got things to do."

"Of course, boss. Thank you for coming," the host said.

"You take care of the rest," Ryu ordered.

As he exited the club, Justice rushed back to his car, slipping in just as the minister approached his own vehicle.

When the minister's car pulled out, Justice followed silently, eyes burning with fury and resolve.

It was late afternoon when Jahm was adjusting his suit and watch Rolex in front of a mirror inside the safe house. His mind wandered, thinking about the events that had been unfolding. The phone call he had been waiting for finally came through. It was from Justice Park. Jahm quickly answered.

"Bro," Justice's voice was urgent. "I found something out today."

"What did you find out?" Jahm replied, setting his tie straight, his curiosity piqued.

"Man, these people are awful. What they're doing is unforgivable," Justice continued, a hint of disgust in his voice.

Jahm's focus sharpened. "Why, what happened?"

"Minister Ryu Dong-wook is buying women, turning them into prostitutes," Justice said, his voice tight with disbelief. "I've got pictures of everything. I'll send them to you, bro."

Jahm was silent for a moment, his mind racing as the weight of Justice's words hit him. He had known about the corruption in South Korea, but hearing this was a whole different level.

He finally spoke, his voice steady despite the shock. "Alright. Send me the pictures later. I've got to drive Minister Kang to an event now."

"Got it, bro. I'll send them over soon. Take care," Justice replied before hanging up.

Jahm dropped his phone onto the passenger seat and quickly left the safe house. He headed to meet Minister Kang Dae-jung.

PRIVATE ESTATE- MINISTER KANG'S DEPARTURE

As Jahm arrived at Minister Kang's private estate, he noticed the minister's assistant waiting by the car, speaking with someone on the phone. Minister Kang was stepping out of the house, adjusting his suit with an air of confidence.

Kang walked over to Jahm and smiled. "How do I look? Is my outfit okay?"

Jahm gave a respectful nod. "Yes, sir. You look very handsome today."

Minister Kang chuckled, a smug grin forming on his face. "Well, I do try," he said before getting into the backseat of the car. "Let's go. Don't want to be late."

As the car started to roll, the minister's assistant leaned forward and said to Jahm, "You're good at flattering people, huh? But it looks like you've dressed up for the occasion as well."

Jahm smiled softly, replying, "You all look good too, thank you, ma'am."

After a brief exchange of polite words, Jahm got into the car and took off, the two escort vehicles following closely behind.

The mood in the car was calm, but Jahm's mind was elsewhere. He was thinking about the dark secrets Justice had uncovered. His heart weighed heavy, but his duty kept him focused on the mission ahead.

HAN RESIDENCE – EVENING

Evening was approaching when Hanni arrived early at their apartment to prepare for the event she was attending. While getting ready, her younger sister Min-Yoon helped her choose an outfit.

"Here, unnie. Wear this," Min-Yoon said, holding out a black dress.

Hanni raised an eyebrow. "Isn't this a bit too flashy? I'm just going to interview someone."

Min-Yoon shook her head. "Unnie, still you're the best journalist and reporter there. You have to stand out. This black dress fits you perfectly."

Hanni sighed playfully. "But Min-Yoon—"

"No buts! You're wearing this," Min-Yoon insisted.

Once Hanni finished getting dressed and stepped out of her room, Min-Yoon's eyes widened in awe.

"Unnie, you look stunning!"

Hanni smiled. "Don't I look like I'm the special guest instead?"

Min-Yoon laughed. "People might actually mistake you for one. The dress isn't even that extravagant, but when you wear it, it looks expensive. Seriously, unnie, you're amazing."

Hanni smiled again, but then her phone buzzed. It was a message from Jun-wo, saying he was already waiting at the corner. She turned to Min-Yoon.

"I'm heading out now."

Min-Yoon waved her off. "Take care, unnie. I'll be fine here. Go charm everyone at that event!"

As Hanni walked toward Jun-wo's car, he stared at her in disbelief, completely speechless.

"Jun-wo?" she called out.

He didn't react, still frozen.

"Hey, Jun-wo!" she called again, louder.

He blinked, finally snapping out of it. "Huh?"

Hanni chuckled, got into the passenger seat, and asked, "Is something wrong?"

Jun-wo quickly shook his head, starting the car. "No, no. Let's go or we'll be late."

They headed to Lotte Hotel, the venue of the 17th National Public Health Awards.

Meanwhile, Jahm and Minister Kang had just arrived at the same hotel. Inside, the ceremony was already ongoing.

As the event progressed, Jahm quietly approached one of the minister's guards. "I'll step outside for a moment. Keep an eye on the minister."

The guard nodded, and Jahm exited the grand hall for some air.

At the same time, inside the ballroom, Hanni whispered to Jun-wo, "I'm going to the restroom. Wait here."

"Why?" Jun-wo asked.

"I just need a quick break."

"Okay, I'll hold the spot," Jun-wo said.

After using the restroom, Hanni stepped outside and noticed a familiar figure nearby. She squinted and took a few steps closer, trying to confirm her suspicion.

Her eyes widened. "You again?"

Jahm turned his head, slightly caught off guard. "Huh?"

"Are you following me, or are you actually my stalker?" Hanni teased.

Jahm chuckled. "What? No. I'm here for work."

"Work?"

"I'm a driver," he replied casually.

"Ah… I thought you were following me," she said with a half-smile.

Jahm smirked. "Nope. Just doing my job."

Hanni looked at him warmly. "By the way… thank you—for the other night and the other day."

"It was nothing. Just a small thing," Jahm replied. Then, with a gentle glance, he added, "You look beautiful tonight."

Hanni smiled. "You too. That uniform suits you well."

Just then, her phone buzzed again—it was Jun-wo. She glanced at it and looked up at Jahm. "I need to head back inside."

Jahm gave a small nod as she walked away.

As the awards ceremony ended, Minister Kang began making his exit. A wave of reporters including Hanni and Jun-wo rushed forward to ask questions.

Outside, Jahm had parked the car at the front entrance. He watched as Minister Kang walked with his bodyguards through the crowd of journalists.

From the press line, Hanni and Jun-wo spotted Jahm bowing respectfully to Minister Kang.

"Isn't that the guy from the convenience store?" Jun-wo whispered.

Hanni was speechless, staring at Jahm, who now looked like a completely different person in his formal uniform.

As Minister Kang finished a few last remarks, he turned to Jahm and patted his shoulder. Jahm opened the car door for him. The minister's assistant quickly followed and entered the car as well.

Before entering the driver's seat, Jahm briefly glanced at Hanni across the crowd.

Then, he got into the car and drove off.

Hanni was left frozen, lost in thought.

"Are you okay?" Jun-wo asked.

"Huh? Yeah… I'm fine."

Jun-wo narrowed his eyes. "So… that guy's a driver for that minister?"

Hanni didn't respond. She simply walked quietly toward Jun-wo's car, her mind now swirling with questions she didn't yet have the answers to.