04. As Long as It’s Not Me

Sodom and Gomorrah, the Dark Side of K-Entertainment

Prosecutor Lee Na-eun of the Criminal Division 3 of the Incheon Central District Prosecutor’s Office, known for her integrity and dedication to justice, has recently been embroiled in a horrific incident. While she suffered only minor injuries, the tragedy resulted in the deaths of one official, two investigators, and a clerk—a shocking outcome that has sent ripples through the judicial community. In an interview following the incident, Prosecutor Lee expressed her resolve to fight for justice, despite the ordeal.

The incident took place in the heart of K-Entertainment, a district known as the "Entertainment Street," home to numerous large agencies and a haven for those aspiring to enter show business. But as Prosecutor Lee investigated a case there, an unexpected tragedy occurred.

The case involved the pervasive issue of illegal sexual favors and prostitution within the entertainment industry. Both trainees and established celebrities were being coerced by the demands of those in power, using their success as leverage. In this district, these criminal activities were almost an open secret, with a scale and organization beyond imagination. The reality behind K-Entertainment’s glamorous facade is reminiscent of the corruption in Sodom and Gomorrah. Despite the numerous challenges, Prosecutor Lee has made it clear that she will fight to uphold justice, no matter the threats and obstacles in her path.

• Shin Mirae Daily, Reporter Seo Hyun-joo

 

Suah read the article in a businesslike tone. At first glance, it looked like one of those pieces from that clueless journalist Yoon Hayeong, but I had Seo Hyun-joo write this one on my orders.

"Mhm. It’s suitable. Publish it as is."

"Yes, Master."

The article serves a purpose: justification. Since I decided to make Prosecutor Lee Na-eun part of my collection, I needed to justify the losses her team suffered.

The prosecutor’s team lost four members, as the article mentions, and no one would simply brush that off. Even in the lawless Incheon, people would take notice. Of course, if this were to damage Rainbow Miracle, it would be pointless. So, I’ll be dropping the bomb on a different agency, one with no ties to me.

Most agencies are heavily involved in this sex-for-favors system, with specialized teams managing it. This is going to be a major scandal. During this, I’ll launch "Goryeo Entertainment," a company with zero ties to the sex-for-favors industry, and debut LUMINA.

And how will people believe it? Prosecutor Lee Na-eun, the hero who exposed the truth about the entertainment industry, will put her honor on the line to endorse it. She’ll swear that Goryeo Entertainment is free of any such scandal. And it really will be—why would I let anyone else have access to my collectibles? I’m not crazy.

"What about the implant usage records?"

"Handled perfectly. Eun-mi turned out to be a specialist in this area. I was surprised myself."

"Hmm."

Well, she’s a spy after all. From the National Intelligence Service, no less.

Now that I think about it, I should handle her too. What’s her endgame? How big a scheme is she playing that a patriot like her would be manipulating the prosecutor’s database and even committing murder?

"Could she be a black agent? There’s no rule saying they can’t operate domestically."

"I didn’t realize you had such skills. Good job, Seo Eun-mi."

"Thank you, Sir."

She smiled brightly as always, bowing. I can’t help but wonder what her true face is like behind that mask.

"What about Prosecutor Lee Na-eun? Is she taking a break?"

"If she wants to, yes. But with the heavy casualties, the prosecution can’t just sit back. Public opinion will be heated, and they may have no choice but to back her."

"So you’re saying?"

"She might be appointed as a special prosecutor."

"Oh… a special prosecutor… but doesn’t that require approval from the National Assembly?"

"No, actually. The Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office can designate a special prosecutor."

"Oh, really?"

"When the case is serious enough and there’s potential for widespread impact or conflict of interest, each district office has the authority to establish an independent investigation team."

Interesting. This is different from reality as I remember it. Things like this aren’t usually covered in the game or the lore, so it’s no wonder I didn’t know.

"But isn’t the whole point of a special prosecutor to ensure fairness and independence by having the National Assembly appoint them? Having the prosecution do it seems… contradictory."

This world has a twisted logic to it. But then, it is the demonic Incheon.

"If Prosecutor Lee Na-eun becomes a special prosecutor, it’ll be much easier for you to achieve your goals, Master."

Not bad for me, either way.

"Alright, then, give them a little push in that direction."

"Yes, understood."

"Oh, and that reporter Yoon Hayeong."

"Shall I take care of her?"

"No. If Lee Na-eun becomes a special prosecutor, let her join the investigation."

"Ah."

"She’ll be excellent at taking down my competition. Deal with her afterward."

"Understood."

If they dig into Rainbow Miracle or anything related to me, Prosecutor Lee Na-eun will handle it.

"Let’s go ahead with that… and how are the investments looking? I expect they’re up by now."

It’s September 7th today. With two weeks gone by, it should be about time for a bite.

"Well…."

Suah hesitated, looking slightly uneasy.

"What’s the matter?"

"Unexpectedly, we’re seeing profits…."

"Why is that a surprise? Are you looking to get punished?"

"N-no, it’s just…."

"Hah."

She really thought I was investing randomly.

"Give me the report."

"Ahem, yes, sir."

I noted down changes as she reported them, then issued instructions.

"That company Real Productions, right? The one with a game coming out?"

"Yes, they’re launching in a week."

That soon? Faster than I expected.

"Hmm… set a sell order at 300,000 won."

"What? But the stock price is only 8,000 won."

"Yes, it’s going to reach that level."

"But the game didn’t do well in CBT, and the OBT feedback wasn’t great. Besides, game stocks rarely spike that much…."

"You don’t trust me?"

"…."

She stayed silent for a while.

Her skepticism was fair; going from 8,000 to 300,000 wasn’t typical, even for a successful game.

But what if there was an influx of speculators and the company’s CEO made some legendary fake announcements?

"They claimed to have created a fully immersive VR sex game, attracting global attention. And right when the stock peaks at 330,000, they cash out, causing a vertical drop. As long as we sell before that happens, we’re fine."

So many people got burned that there’s even a side quest asking you to take out the Real Productions founder.

"Didn’t I say it would multiply? Everything in the portfolio will grow like this."

"I… I see."

"Oh, and withdraw everything else to pour into Real Productions."

I wasn’t sure which investment would take off first, so I diversified. But now that we’re seeing results, I’m doubling down.

"Seven hundred and fifty billion, just like that…."

With tears in her eyes, she complied. My top collector still doesn’t trust me completely.

"How’s the prison coming along?"

"Uh… yes. We’ve outlined the correctional work plan. What’s left is land acquisition and construction planning. We’re still scouting for a suitable plot."

"It’s just a plan for now, so we don’t need the land immediately. Saying something like ‘we’ll kill a gang to secure land and build a 500-inmate prison there’ wouldn’t work, would it?"

"…No."

Tch.

Well, even if I rushed it, nothing would happen soon. Aside from the funding, construction alone will take six months.

"Keep searching for land. Once we secure the funds, we’ll also need mercenaries. Start looking into that, too."

"Yes, sir."

"Don’t slack off because you think the investment will fail."

"N-no, Master…."

I stretched as I watched her diligently jot down notes. With so many projects in the works, morning briefings alone are pretty lengthy.

And we’re not even done yet.

"As for the rest… let’s handle it on-site."

"Yes, Master."

I’ve shortlisted potential locations for Goryeo Entertainment’s new office in Ganghwa. Today, we’ll inspect them and, if possible, finalize a contract.

+++

Pyongyang, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun

Go Young-man, who appeared to be in his early 30s but was well over 70, watched as the heavy door opened, and a man stepped inside. The man bowed at a 90-degree angle before briskly approaching.

"Here are the details of the young master’s recent activities."

The man respectfully handed over the documents, bowing again. Go Young-man took the documents without a word of acknowledgment and began to review them.

"Investment?"

"Yes. He purchased a residence for 16 billion won with Goryeo Entertainment’s funds and is now engaged in a 75-billion-won investment."

"Hmm."

He flipped through the papers with a dissatisfied look.

"What does he know about investing?"

"…."

Still, it wasn’t all disappointing. Despite his indulgences, the young master seemed focused on running the company and generating profit.

And then…

"He’s quit the drugs?"

"Yes, since the inheritance on August 24, Go Mooyeol has not touched any drugs."

"…."

That was truly impressive. If quitting cigarettes is hard, drugs are on a whole other level. This wasn’t something a normal person’s willpower could handle.

"Hmph. Has he finally come to his senses?"

"Yes, and he’s taking charge, even showing leadership in unexpected ways, or so they say."

"Really?"

Go Young-man scanned the remaining pages and let out a small chuckle.

"I only gave him pocket change, but he never complained. Most would have thrown a fit, asking why it was so little. But he took it as a matter of course."

"It seems the young master is truly reflecting on his actions."

Go Young-man nodded.

"He does have a sense of propriety."