The Korea Sports Council (KSS) is a government agency that coordinates and directs 58 sports associations in South Korea. The Council operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. And one of the main tasks of which is the settlement of disputes arising within associations or between them.

The day after the news of Kwon Jaekyung's possible departure was published, the KCC made an unusually quick announcement. They expressed some concern about the unilateral actions of the Swimming Federation and refuted in detail their scandalous allegation. First of all, rumors about the end of Kwon Jaekyung's career were recognized as groundless.

The fact of his departure from the federation and signing a contract with the agency was aimed at preparing for participation in the Olympic Games next year. The KCC stressed that the federation had been managing the swimmer for several years, but failed to cope with its duties. They repeatedly missed all the deadlines for accepting and submitting applications, did not provide a full package of documents, in the text of which they found a number of inconsistencies. Which led to sad consequences for the athletes themselves.

In addition, the federation required commissions for contracts with certain agencies and received significant sums from companies for athletes, including Kwon Jaekyung, to wear uniforms with their logos instead of an official sponsor.

KCC also clarified that Kwon Jaekyung did not violate any contractual obligations, as he did not sign any agreements with the federation and covered his training expenses on his own. On the contrary, it turned out that the federation had received large sums of money from the committee on several occasions under the pretext of helping with training.

Although the role of the KCC was usually to mediate between associations and athletes, their quick response was unprecedented. The support of an individual swimmer, rather than a federation, was also rather an exception.

However, after a detailed examination of the case, it became clear why this happened. The federation's mistakes are so obvious that it is simply impossible to continue to turn a blind eye to them.

The KCC, knowing about these facts, decided to seize the moment.

To confirm the seriousness of its intentions, the KCC issued another statement two days later. It spoke about the upcoming inspection of the Korean Swimming Federation at the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and if violations are detected, measures will be taken.

The greatest punishment that the KSS could inflict on the federation was its disbandment. The second most difficult is the appointment of a new official under external management. In this case, all the rights and powers of the representatives of the association were immediately terminated, and the KCC took over the management of all its affairs, making the existence of the organization virtually meaningless.

Two years ago, the swimming federation was close to being placed under external management after it was revealed that some executives were embezzling public funds on gambling and golf. Then the situation was settled by the resignation of the management. But for two years, a new president was not elected. There were rumors that no one wanted to lead this problematic organization. The federation survived thanks to the activities of the vice president and the support of Kwon Jaekyung. However, now, due to their unwillingness to let him go, they are all under threat.

Well, the reason for the active assistance of the KCC is also clear. The athlete who asked for help was Kwon Jaekyung.

The Council was also called the "Olympic Organizing Committee", so the Olympic Games are the most important event for them. Simply put, their funding for four years depended on the number of gold medals. One athlete with a gold medal is more valuable to them than a dozen without it. And Kwon Jaekyung took not one, not two, but as many as five gold medals.

They could not stand idly by as the Federation, known as the most corrupt among the unpopular sports structures, tried to harm the talented swimmer out of personal animosity.

"But if it comes to external management... it's going to be too serious," CEO Kahn sighed heavily. Although he had no choice but to involve the KCC in order to stop the Federation.

Of course, he was not worried about the people from the Federation, he was concerned about the athletes themselves. Whether they like it or not, they trained and competed under their guidance. And now too much pressure will be put on them, especially given the upcoming Olympic Games, which are almost the most important stage in their lives.

Jihong understood his boss perfectly, but no matter how much he thought about it, the conclusion remained: "We don't have time to consider the positions of other athletes right now, sir."

In any case, he and the company must protect Kwon Jaekyung first. This is their only task.

"When a gang like the Federation is cornered, they resort to more insane methods. They need to be tied hand and foot before they can do anything else.

"You, Mr. Jeong, are as sharp as a knife as always," Manager Yoon remarked in surprise as he saw Jihong, who was usually positive, taking a tougher stance.

There is a saying that the best defense is an attack.

In fact, Jihong didn't like this phrase. And if you need protection, it is better to focus exclusively on it. And an attack often leads to resentment and enmity. But now everything was different. Even if they try to smooth out the corners, it will only be a temporary solution.

And to prevent this from happening again, they must deprive the federation of power and prevent their interference. Otherwise, it is not known what else they will do by teaming up with Kava before the Olympics.

"And, perhaps, it will be better for athletes to prepare for the Olympics under the control of the KCC.

After all, it's just a federation. An organization that did not bring any real benefit. They only commanded or scolded their charges, without providing them with any practical help.

"If the KCC takes oversight, they will take good care of the athletes, if only because of public opinion. People's interest in swimming is skyrocketing after this incident. Therefore, they will responsibly approach the matter and will look after the athletes until the Olympics. In any case, it is less than a year away.

In the end, CEO Kang had no choice but to agree with Jihong's resolute stance: "I see. We have already got into a fight. If it has already begun, it must be brought to an end."

It was the right approach. If everything has already happened, then you need to fight to victory.

Therefore, as soon as the news of the Federation's unscheduled inspection broke, Jihong and CEO Kang visited Jaekyung's sponsor, Chairman Cho.

Chairman Cho, who has strong political connections and influence in the Ministry of Culture, is a major figure in the industry.

And when Jihong asked him to join the check and speed it up, the man only smiled contentedly: "Oh, of course! I've been waiting for a long time to put an end to these crooks. I will personally ask you to start the audit as soon as possible!"

Chairman Cho had long since begun to sharpen his grudge against them because Jaekyong had not been awarded the Blue Dragon Medal due to the federation's stupid actions.

And if the federation is stripped of its powers, then Kwon Jaekyung will have a chance to get it.

A few days after meeting with Chairman Cho, the Ministry of Culture and Sports announced a special audit of the Swimming Federation.

Naturally, its representatives hastily made a statement, trying to manipulate the emotions of the masses: "This is unfair to us. It all started because of the indifference of the government. The problem is that it allocates minimal funding to unpopular sports. It's not just us, all associations face the same challenges."

They wanted their contribution to Kwon Jaekyung's success to be recognized. However, the public remained indifferent.

In the end, the only truth in their words was that they had committed corrupt acts and tried to pin all the blame on Kwon Jaekyung.

"I've noticed it before, but Internet users change their minds very quickly," Minu muttered discontentedly, not taking his eyes off the screen. As soon as he got behind the wheel, he immediately took out his phone and began to climb the forums. "Yes, back then, they said that Kwon Jaekyung was a genius, but that's not entirely deserved, because with his physical makeup, it's impossible not to be a winner. And now they condemn everyone who continues to write angry posts about him. They say that these people are somehow connected with the federation in any way. It's ridiculous how hypocritical society is."

Min Woo smirked sarcastically, judging by his expression, he was still shocked by people's reactions in the past, despite the fact that he was now reading articles urging him not to criticize Kwon Jaekyung.

"Well, there is no other way here. Just be glad it's okay now," Jihong said, leaning back in the passenger seat. Min thought he wanted to add something else, but he took a deep breath, as if holding back his thoughts.

"But why do you keep reading these things? You don't have to watch them anymore," Jihong asked.

"I was then faced with a huge flurry of negativity. And now I calm myself down by reading the positives," Minu replied.

"It looks like positive comments make you angry," Jihong said, smiling.

"Well, yes, sometimes they annoy me too. But it's still better than negative ones," Minu admitted. "It's interesting to read the comments under the video of his performances. I hope when 'this' comes out, they won't start spitting poison again, like, is he an athlete or a star?"

The smile on the employee's face was replaced by concern. He was talking about Jaekyung's photo shoot today, which he had just just finished. However, the makeup removal process took a long time, so she and Jihon went down to the parking lot and waited for him in the car.

"Judging by the current mood, those who say something like this will themselves be under attack. Don't worry too much," Jihon reassured him.

Indeed, people used to criticize Jaekyung for being involved in commercials, and now they were surprised that he had only starred in one in five years, and hoped that he could make more money. Of course, there will be those who will secretly continue to be negative, but Jihong believed that Manager Yoon would handle this, perhaps by hiring part-time custom commentators or using other methods. Jihong didn't want to bother with such trifles, as he had already done enough. And even now he continues to perform his duties, albeit in an informal setting.

At that moment, the one for whom all this was started appeared. Jaekyung slowly walked over to the car, and when he saw Jihong and Mina in the front seats, he immediately opened the passenger side door and said to Jihong, "I have a meeting at Hongdae. Will you give me a ride? Minho-hyun has been with me since the morning, he's probably tired."

«... Since when does he care so much about Minho? If so, I could at least pronounce his name correctly," Jihon thought to himself irritably.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm not tired at all," Minu replied embarrassedly.

Jihong, unfastening his seat belt, hurried to calm down his younger comrade: "Don't worry, go to the office. Thank you for your work."

"But I'm really fine, sir.

It seemed to him that Jaekyung was just being naughty.

Although, on the other hand, let him think this way rather than find out the truth.

"Come on, go," Jihong added, clapping Mina on the shoulder.

To which Minu reluctantly unfastened his belt and got out of the car.

And Jihong immediately moved to the driver's seat.