Chapter 190: Public Opinion
A week ago, at Dojin Industries.
Four investigators from the Central District Prosecutor’s Office, including Prosecutor Noh Seok-hoon, stormed into my office with blank expressions.
“CEO Kang Tae-joon, this is a search and seizure warrant.”
The warrant presented by Prosecutor Noh Seok-hoon clearly stated:
[In connection with allegations of Representative Baek Moo-jin’s violation of the Political Funds Act, all financial flows and accounting records of Dojin Group and related entities are to be seized and searched.]
I took the warrant, read it slowly, and handed it back.
Then, with an unconcerned expression, I replied,
“If you need any materials, we’ll fully cooperate.”
Prosecutor Noh Seok-hoon locked eyes with me and said in his characteristic condescending tone,
“Allegations have been raised that Dojin Group invested in the NextCore Fund through Equitop Advisors, and those funds, after passing through multiple layers of cross-shareholding structures, were used as political funds for Representative Baek Moo-jin.”
I smiled lightly.
“If those allegations are true, it could become a serious issue.”
As soon as I finished speaking, the prosecutors began thoroughly searching everything—my personal documents, the company’s financial records, and even the computer servers.
It was like a massive tidal wave sweeping away everything in its path.
“Will everything be okay?”
After Prosecutor Noh Seok-hoon and the investigators left, Seong-hwan looked at me with a worried expression.
“Don’t worry. I already knew they were coming.”
I had anticipated this would happen ever since National Broadcasting and Central Media started talking about the relationship between Baek Moo-jin and me.
And since Representative Baek Moo-jin had given me a heads-up, I had already moved all potentially problematic materials to my secret space—the underground lab.
“But… it’s not the first time, and it’s exhausting to keep facing these attacks.”
“I feel the same way.”
If it were about competing with product quality or technology, that would be one thing.
But defending against attacks using politics and the media was mentally draining.
“Once this is over, I plan to return the favor.”
“How?”
“First, we need to ensure Representative Baek Moo-jin wins the upcoming presidential election.”
Seong-hwan’s eyes widened at the unexpected statement.
“Ensure Representative Baek Moo-jin wins the election? That’s not as easy as it sounds.”
“Of course, it’ll be difficult. But we’ll make it happen, no matter what.”
“……”
Two days later.
Prosecutors returned to my office.
This time, it wasn’t for a search and seizure but under the pretext of obtaining witness statements and submitting materials.
However, what they did was similar.
They copied original accounting ledgers, accessed server logs, and requested internal meeting minutes.
One investigator even suggested opening my personal email account.
“Emails are part of the company’s private system. We cannot grant access without a separate warrant.”
The legal team leader coldly dismissed the request, and the investigator couldn’t protest further.
They probably knew anyway.
This investigation itself was proceeding based only on circumstantial evidence, without any ‘decisive proof.’
Cheongunjae, a traditional Korean restaurant located between Gwanghwamun and Yeouido.
It was a place Representative Baek Moo-jin liked and frequented.
“It’s been a while, Representative.”
“Haha, CEO Kang, I hear you’ve been in quite a predicament because of me recently.”
“I figured it was something I’d have to go through eventually, so no need to worry.”
At my words, Representative Baek Moo-jin nodded.
“The prosecution’s investigation will soon conclude with no charges.”
“There’s only circumstantial evidence, no solid proof.”
After taking a sip of tea, I handed him a USB drive.
“This should be more than enough for your election funds.”
Representative Baek glanced at the USB drive, then turned to meet my gaze with an admiring look.
“Is it Bitcoin again? Regardless… you’re an extraordinary person, CEO Kang.”
At this point, funding political campaigns through Bitcoin was the most sophisticated and flawless method.
“Even if issues arise later, you can simply claim the coins were mined by you, and it will resolve without problems.”
Mined Bitcoin, being purely generated coins without KYC procedures, left no fingerprints or traces.
“Virtual assets aren’t yet incorporated into the formal system, so there are no relevant regulations.”
This was the first reason I had been storing, not selling, the coins mined underground at Dojin Industries.
Using this for political funding left no traces.
And most importantly, there was still no legal basis for punishment.
“What’s your take on this election, CEO Kang?”
Representative Baek Moo-jin, carefully placing the USB drive I handed him into his suit pocket, asked me curiously.
“In my opinion, it won’t be easy. Representative Kwon Seok-tae has long controlled the National Unity Party’s platform, and there’s also organized financial support from the Ahsunng Group.”
“Hmm…”
Representative Baek, seemingly aware of the situation, let out a deep sigh.
I continued speaking.
“By now, a secret election planning office has likely been set up within the Ahsunng Group and is in full operation.”
“An election planning office?”
This seemed to be new information.
Representative Baek’s eyes widened.
“It’s an organization operated secretly under the leadership of the Ahsunng Group’s Strategic Planning Office, so it might be unfamiliar to you.”
It was a place operated with such secrecy that I wouldn’t have known about it either if not for my experience at Ahsunng.
Anyway,
“Within the election planning office, teams for publicity, data analysis, opinion polling, and media response are operating very systematically, disguised as a private think tank.”
The flow of funds was also quite cunning.
Local youth job budgets, material research and development vouchers, and even startup support funds were all packaged as indirect support.
“Are you saying I’m not just up against Representative Kwon Seok-tae, but the entire Ahsunng Group?”
“And you’d have to include some legacy media outlets as well.”
Especially the ones that attacked me this time—National Broadcasting, Central Media, and Hanbit Daily—were key players.
I took out my tablet and opened a map.
“This is data analyzing the flow of posts in 1,047 regional communities nationwide over the past three months.”
Positive keywords for Representative Kwon Seok-tae of the National Unity Party were ‘economy,’ ‘stability,’ ‘experience,’ and ‘strong leadership.’
For Representative Baek Moo-jin of the National Future Alliance, keywords like ‘future,’ ‘innovation,’ ‘trust,’ and ‘young leader’ were prominently featured.
As I swiped through the screen, on platforms with a higher proportion of users over 50, keywords related to Representative Baek were noticeably faint.
“Among demographics that primarily consume TV, newspapers, and terrestrial broadcasts, Representative Kwon’s influence remains strong. It means the frame created by the Ahsunng Group, in collaboration with media owners, is working.”
“But… you’re saying the younger generation could be different? Is that what you’re getting at?”
“Yes.”
I nodded.
“I believe the real battleground in this election isn’t public opinion but algorithms. Images and messages spread through platforms, feeds, hashtags, shorts, and messenger channels will sway votes.”
“Do you have a method in mind?”
In response to Representative Baek’s question, I showed him a few more articles on my tablet.
North Korea Conducts 5th Nuclear Test… Tensions on the Korean Peninsula at an All-Time High. North Korea carried out its 5th nuclear test at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site this morning. This test is observed to surpass previous tests in scale and explosive power, prompting the military to issue an emergency alert and prepare countermeasures…
Deployment of THAAD System in South Korea Confirmed. In response to North Korea’s continued missile provocations and nuclear threats, the government has officially decided to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on the Korean Peninsula. THAAD, a U.S. strategic weapon system, can effectively counter North Korea’s ballistic missile threats and is expected to be deployed in Seongju as early as next year. This has sparked domestic and international controversy…
China Strongly Opposes South Korea’s THAAD Deployment… “Economic Retaliation Inevitable.” Following the South Korean government’s official announcement of THAAD deployment, the Chinese government immediately issued a strong statement of opposition. China’s Foreign Ministry stated, “THAAD deployment seriously threatens regional stability and strategic balance, and strong measures will inevitably follow,” hinting at economic retaliation…
National Unity Party’s Representative Kwon Seok-tae Strongly Criticizes “Dojin Frontier for Selling Out National Security.” Representative Kwon Seok-tae of the National Unity Party harshly criticized Dojin Frontier’s overseas export of the AGE-01 strategic weapon and Representative Baek Moo-jin’s related stance. Through a press conference, Representative Kwon stated, “Amid North Korea’s nuclear threats and China’s THAAD retaliation, which have brought national security to its worst crisis, Dojin Frontier is recklessly selling advanced strategic weapons like AGE overseas,” and claimed, “Moreover, Representative Baek Moo-jin of the National Future Alliance is either condoning or even endorsing this.” Representative Kwon further stated, “Dojin Frontier’s irresponsible weapon exports risk being exploited for North Korea’s military buildup,” and strongly condemned, “Companies threatening national security and the politicians protecting them must face severe judgment from the people.”
After confirming all the articles I showed him, Representative Baek’s expression darkened further.
“The articles you just showed… our aides are also monitoring them.”
“This issue has significantly lowered your approval ratings, hasn’t it?”
“Yes, I didn’t expect the overseas sales of AGE to blow up like this.”
Representative Kwon Seok-tae’s side knew this and was further highlighting the issue of AGE’s overseas sales.
With North Korea’s nuclear threats and security issues at the forefront, if it became known that the overseas sales of AGE were approved under Representative Baek Moo-jin’s leadership, it would undoubtedly affect approval ratings.
In fact, since the issue was raised, Representative Baek Moo-jin’s approval rating had dropped by more than 5%.
Currently, the approval rating gap between Representative Kwon Seok-tae and Representative Baek stood at 43% to 36%, a considerable difference.
“I’ll resolve the AGE issue for you soon.”
“You’ll resolve it?”
“Yes, I actually think this AGE issue could be a game-changer for Representative—no, Candidate Baek.”
“……?”
I explained my plan in detail to the puzzled Candidate Baek Moo-jin and, with his consent, immediately uploaded the prepared materials and videos to the KTalk Feed.