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Chapter 24
The studio was in full swing for the live interview.
“I understand that all your books are based on sad experiences from your past. Is there a particular reason you deliberately revisit such sorrow to write?”
The male MC asked Seung-beom, who sat with a relaxed expression.
“Well… as you said, I mostly write about my experiences. Honestly, it’s not easy.”
Seung-beom paused, thinking for a moment before slowly continuing:
“Revisiting the painful memories of losing someone you love is more agonizing than you might expect. But at the same time, confronting those emotions honestly allows for some healing.”
“Ah, I see. But in your books, even the smallest actions or memories are described in detail. How can you remember such minutiae?”
“Not at all. My memory isn’t that great.”
Seung-beom smiled brightly.
“Then how is that possible? Do you have a special method?”
“I keep a habit of writing almost everything that happens and all my thoughts in a notebook, like a diary, before going to bed. That helps.”
“So that notebook must be really precious to you. Could you show it to us if you have it now?”
“I’m afraid not. It’s truly a treasure to me, so I keep it safely where only I know.”
Thanks to his frequent media appearances, Seung-beom naturally looked at the camera and spoke with a hint of regret:
“What a shame. Is it stored in a bank vault, or somewhere secure?”
“Not a bank, but in a safe place only I know.”
He smiled and the conversation moved on.
“Ah, I hope someday I or the viewers might get a chance to see that notebook. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview despite your busy schedule today.”
“Not at all. Thank you for having me.”
“Cut!”
As the ON AIR sign went off, the PD came over with a broad smile.
“Writer, good work today. You were excellent on air.”
“No, I hope I didn’t cause any trouble.”
“So modest. It’s no wonder people like you. May I get your autograph on this book? I’m a fan.”
Seung-beom took the book, smiled, and drew out a fountain pen from his jacket pocket to sign it.
“Writer, me too!”
People in the studio began to gather around him, like at an idol fan signing.
“Take your time. I’ll sign for everyone.”
As the impromptu signing session was ending:
“Am I the last one?”
The MC handed the book to Seung-beom with a cheerful smile.
“Thank you for guiding the interview so comfortably today.”
“Not at all. You did well. Oh, that’s a fine fountain pen. The nib’s in perfect shape. I’m a pen enthusiast. Did you have it custom-made?”
“Ah… no, I received it as a gift long ago. Here it is.”
Seung-beom quickly finished signing and awkwardly put the pen back in his inner pocket.
“Writer, we’re going for a company dinner. Join us?”
“Thanks, but I’m a bit tired today. Next time, maybe.”
He politely declined with a hint of fatigue.
“Alright. Then next time. Be careful, see you again.”
“Thanks everyone, I’ll be going.”
Seung-beom prepared to leave the studio when—BANG—
The studio door burst open as several burly men rushed in.
“Kim Seung-beom.”
“Detective Kim? What are you doing here?”
Seung-beom’s calm expression shifted to confusion at Seong-jin’s unexpected appearance.
“Kim Seung-beom, you need to come with us.”
Seong-jin’s eyes burned as he glared at Seung-beom.
“What? What…?”
“You’re under temporary escort.”
Before he could react, two men grabbed Seung-beom’s arms.
“Who are you? Let go!”
Seung-beom pushed them back nervously, shouting, as the PD and staff rushed toward him.
“Writer, are you okay? Do you know who these people are? You can’t just barge in here! Why haven’t you called security?!”
Seong-jin reluctantly stepped back, showing his badge.
“Seong-jin, Seoul Metropolitan Police Special Investigation Unit. Kim Seung-beom, we request your voluntary cooperation in the Hwang Jeong-sik murder case.”
The words “murder case” drew shocked looks from everyone toward Seung-beom.
“Voluntary cooperation? Why should I comply, and what do you mean by a murder case?”
Seung-beom calmed his rising anger to speak evenly, while Seong-jin whispered near his ear:
“If you don’t want to be embarrassed and dragged out here, just come quietly.”
“Are you threatening me?”
Seung-beom tried to maintain composure, shoving Seong-jin back.
“It’s not a threat. We’re requesting cooperation.”
“Why should I cooperate with a murder case I know nothing about?”
“It’s not the place to discuss this. We just need you to come voluntarily. You may refuse, of course.”
Seung-beom glanced around at the piercing stares and murmurs. He realized resisting here would only make things worse. He needed to control the narrative.
“Very well. If there’s some misunderstanding, I’ll go to the station and clear it up. Otherwise, I’ll become the subject of another rumor. Let’s go.”
Seong-jin led the way confidently.
About an hour later, the car carrying Seong-jin and Seung-beom arrived at the police station. Reporters, seemingly tipped off, were already waiting.
“Seung-beom, don’t say anything to the reporters. Run straight to the doors with us, understood?”
“Yes.”
Seung-beom smiled faintly at the reporters outside the window.
When the van stopped and the doors opened, cameras and microphones swarmed like a hive.
“Seung-beom, are you here for investigation regarding the murder case?”
“Does this incident relate to previous rumors?”
“Move. Step aside.”
Seong-jin pushed the reporters aside and led Seung-beom to the lobby doors. Suddenly, Seung-beom stopped and turned to the press. The commotion quieted instantly.
“No need for speculation. I have one statement to make.”
Seong-jin tried to pull him, but the words were already out.
“Today’s events are just another rumor born from excessive public authority obsessed with outcomes.”
He bowed politely to the reporters and strode past Seong-jin into the station.
“Unbelievable…”
Seong-jin gritted his teeth and followed.
Media often favors whoever frames the story first. Seung-beom’s words combined with his likability immediately shifted public opinion in his favor.
[Kim Seung-beom: Again a victim of rumor?]
[Police overreach under scrutiny once more.]
Seung-beom, reviewing the news on his phone at Seong-jin’s desk, smirked.
“Seung-beom, focus on the investigation, not your phone.”
“Sorry, I was checking an important email. What did you say?”
“Do you know Hwang Jeong-sik? You know him, right?”
“No, I’ve never heard that name.”
“Really? He was the witness in your former fiancée’s case.”
“Witness? As far as I know, there was no witness in that case.”
“He couldn’t testify due to issues, but technically, he was the crucial witness. You really don’t know?”
“No. First time hearing the name.”
Seong-jin’s patience was wearing thin as Seung-beom repeatedly said he didn’t know.
“Between 5 and 7 PM today, did you meet Hwang Jeong-sik?”
“How can I meet someone I don’t know?”
BANG—
“You killed Hwang Jeong-sik!”
Seong-jin slammed the desk, furious.
“This is an unverified accusation of murder! This is a clear violation of human rights and coercion. Keep this up, and I won’t stand by.”
Seung-beom raised his voice in response, matching him.
“Detective Kim, calm down. Kim Seung-beom, I apologize.”
Chief Choi, observing, smiled gently and spoke on Seung-beom’s behalf.
“Remember, I’m here as a witness, not a suspect. And your behavior today will be tolerated only this once.”
Seung-beom shot a sharp glance at Seong-jin and Choi, speaking curtly:
“Relax. I’ll handle it. Detective Choi, may I ask where you were between 5 and 7 PM today?”
Choi took his seat in front of Seung-beom and spoke calmly.
“I was in a meeting with my publisher.”
“A meeting?”
“Yes.”
“But your car was spotted near the crime scene on CCTV. How do you explain that?”
Seung-beom looked unfazed.
“I told you—I was at a publisher meeting.”
“Can you contact the staff there now?”
“Why would I need to?”
“To verify your alibi.”
“Fine. Call and check yourself. It should show on the call log labeled as the publisher.”
“Detective Kim, verify this.”
Choi handed Seong-jin the phone with suspicion in his eyes.
As morning sunlight crept into the office, Seung-beom glanced at the wall clock: 6 AM. The exhausting interrogation had lasted all night.
“How much longer? We’ve verified the publisher staff met me and asked all possible questions. May I leave?”
Seung-beom smiled lightly.
“Indeed. Seems there was a brief misunderstanding. Thank you for your time.”
Choi forced a smile, fists trembling under the desk from suppressed anger.
“Thank you, Chief. Detective Kim, too. I won’t forget today.”
Seung-beom glared at Seong-jin, clenching his jaw.
“I won’t forget either. We’ll meet again, Kim Seung-beom.”
Seong-jin bit his lips, trying to restrain his boiling anger.
“I don’t think we will. That’s all from me.”
As Seung-beom rose triumphantly, Choi called out:
“Wait, Kim Seung-beom.”
“Yes?”
“Do you receive psychiatric treatment?”
“Why are you asking that suddenly?”
“Given everything you’ve endured, you must be under a lot of mental strain.”
“I don’t think that’s something for you to worry about. Honestly, today may have been the most mentally taxing day of my life.”
“I see… well, that’s unfortunate.”
Choi laughed, slightly embarrassed by Seung-beom’s cutting remark.
“I mean no offense. I went through hardships like yours and psychiatric treatment helped me. I thought it might help you.”
“No thanks. I’ll manage my mental health myself.”
“Still, here’s my card. If you ever have time, consider it. And the doctor is… very attractive.”
Choi handed Seung-beom a sleek business card.
Seung-beom accepted it:
[Jung In-hye, Psychiatrist, Jung In-hye]
