Taeho felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Every sense in his body came alive.
He peered closely beneath I Donghyeon's ears.
"Huh? What is this?"
"What is it?"
"Small purple spots have appeared on the back and sides of your neck. They weren't there yesterday...."
"Spots?"
I Donghyeon touched his own neck with an anxious expression.
"Were they painful or stinging?"
"No. I didn't feel anything."
The small purple dots stood out vividly against his skin. They were clearly different from ordinary skin diseases.
"I need to check your back, too."
When I Donghyeon took off his hospital gown, Taeho's expression grew even graver. Similar small spots were scattered here and there across his shoulders and entire back.
Taeho tapped on Lema.
'Lema, analyze these spots.'
-Analyzing....
-The pattern of skin pigmentation differs from common illnesses. There is a high probability this is a pigment change caused by heavy metal deposition.
Taeho had a hunch. But he needed to confirm one more fact.
***
At three in the afternoon, Attorney Cha Sujin arrived at Geumsan Clinic. Unlike usual, she was carrying two briefcases.
Cha Sujin broke into a bright smile.
"You seem to be in a good mood today, Attorney."
"That's because I bring good news."
"Please, have a seat over here first. How are things progressing?"
"Much more smoothly than expected, actually. The medical evidence you provided played a decisive role."
Taeho's expression brightened.
"What specifically?"
"Samcheok City has acknowledged its negligence in overseeing the waste disposal facility and its failure to monitor residents' health. They've also taken responsibility for failing to properly crack down on the illegal operations of the Eco Resource Center."
Cha Sujin explained, spreading out the documents.
"What is the expected scale of compensation?"
"In the first round, the amount proposed by the city alone is around thirty to fifty million won per patient. With seventeen victims, it should come to at least five hundred million won, up to a maximum of around eight hundred million."
"That's more than I expected."
"But this isn't the end."
Cha Sujin said meaningfully.
"In the second round of mediation, we'll enter direct negotiations with the Eco Resource Center side. There's a very high chance that the real money will come out there."
"Are they also showing willingness to settle?"
"Yes, in fact they're the most desperate. They're in a situation where they could face criminal punishment."
Cha Sujin took out another document.
"But for the second round of mediation, there is something I'd like to ask of you, Director."
"What is it?"
"We need additional medical opinion reports on the affected residents. Expert opinions on long-term aftereffects are especially important."
"Ah, so that's why you came in person."
"Yes, and if possible, would you be willing to appear as an expert witness at the second mediation?"
Taeho nodded.
"Of course. When is it?"
"Next Tuesday at 2 p.m., at Samcheok City Hall."
"Understood. How much will the Eco Resource Center side pay?"
"Even with a conservative estimate, four billion won; if things go well, up to six billion won is possible."
"Six billion won?"
Taeho made a surprised expression at the unexpectedly large amount.
"Yes, the scale of illegally processed waste was beyond imagination. The prosecution's investigation revealed that over the past year alone, they illegally buried a whopping eight thousand tons of heavy metal waste."
Cha Sujin showed him the investigation materials.
"At that level, the Ministry of Environment will have to undertake large-scale restoration work as well."
"Exactly. That's why this incident can be a turning point for regional environmental improvement, going beyond simple compensation. By the way, Director, aren't you curious how the compensation will be distributed? Usually people ask about that first when they hear this kind of news...."
Cha Sujin spoke with a subtle smile.
Taeho laughed cheerfully and asked back.
"How will it be distributed?"
Cha Sujin took out a calculator.
"Let's set the total compensation at roughly five billion won for now. If you look at how it's divided...."
Cha Sujin began drawing a chart on the paper.
"First, the money going to the residents who suffered direct damage. With seventeen people, at an average of forty million won per person, it comes to about seven hundred million won."
"Will the residents be satisfied with that?"
"More than enough. That amount includes medical expenses, nursing costs, and mental anguish, and combined with the money from city hall, each person will receive around eighty to ninety million won."
Cha Sujin continued her explanation.
"The second largest share goes to Samcheok City. Roughly 2.2 billion won. They'll use it for environmental restoration projects, building resident health monitoring facilities, and installing prevention equipment."
"The city takes that much."
"Yes, because the actual restoration work must be done. They have to excavate all the contaminated soil, fill it with new earth, and purify the groundwater."
"What about the Ministry of Environment?"
"The Ministry of Environment also receives around seven hundred million won. It goes into the Environmental Restoration Fund and is used for nationwide environmental cleanup projects."
Taeho nodded.
"Then what about your attorney fees?"
"We'll likely receive around one billion won as a success fee. That's about twenty percent of the compensation, which is reasonable."
Cha Sujin smiled.
"But Director, there's something important here."
"What is it?"
"You can also receive a considerable share."
Taeho looked surprised.
"Me? Why me?"
"Without you, this lawsuit itself would have been impossible. You're the one who first diagnosed the heavy metal poisoning and proved the medical causality."
Cha Sujin explained passionately.
"The court recognizes this kind of special contribution. You can receive anywhere from a minimum of three hundred million won to a maximum of five hundred million."
"That much?"
"Yes, and money will keep coming in going forward, too."
"How?"
"First, you'll get an expert witness fee every time you appear in court. One million won each time. Then there's ten million won for drafting expert reports, and around fifty million won annually for ongoing advisory fees."
Cha Sujin counted on her fingers as she spoke.
"And through this case, your name will become known nationwide. The Ministry of Environment might appoint you as a policy advisory committee member, and you'll be able to participate in environmental lawsuits in other regions."
"To that extent...."
"Of course. And more importantly, there's the Geumsan Research Institute."
Cha Sujin's voice grew more excited.
"The Ministry of Environment will support you with five to ten billion won for a research project to develop new heavy metal detoxification drugs. And Samcheok City will also provide roughly three hundred million won from the regional medical development fund. I'll inform you of the procedures for these separately."
"The research institute will receive support, too?"
"Yes, this case has proven just how important your research is. The government actively wants to support this kind of technology."
Taeho wore an expression of disbelief.
"I can really receive that much money?"
"Absolutely. Thanks to you, the residents are receiving just compensation. It's only natural that your contribution be recognized."
Cha Sujin spoke seriously.
"And this isn't simply a matter of money. Your achievements will become the catalyst for nationwide environmental policy changes."
"What kind of changes?"
"Health screenings for residents near waste disposal facilities across the country will become mandatory. Environmental pollution diagnostic technology will also be standardized. This is already being discussed in the National Assembly."
Cha Sujin said proudly.
"What you've done will go down in history. Money is just a bonus; the real value lies in having protected the health of countless people. You've transcended being a doctor to become a true guardian of the environment."
Cha Sujin said with a bright smile.
"Oh, and one more thing. With this successful precedent, you'll receive requests for environmental lawsuits from other regions as well. You can expect billions of won in revenue over the next ten years, so prepare yourself."
Taeho thought Cha Sujin was somewhat exaggerating that part. Still, he was satisfied that the residents would be able to receive treatment without worrying about money through this lawsuit, and that Geumsan-ri would become clean again.
"Do the residents know things are progressing like this?"
"Yes, we held an explanatory meeting at the village hall yesterday. Everyone could hardly believe it."
Cha Sujin said with a laugh.
"Especially Elder Gu Yongsan, who said, 'Director Gang has earned us not just our lives but money as well,' and was deeply moved."
"That sounds just like him."
"But the residents have one concern."
"What is it?"
"They're worried that as you become famous solving such a big case, you might go to Seoul...."
Taeho laughed.
"I have no such plans right now. I think this is where I belong."
"They'll be happy to hear that. But what truly matters is your expert testimony at the second mediation. We can secure the maximum compensation only if you clearly establish the medical causality."
"What should I prepare?"
"On the correlation between heavy metal exposure and various diseases, and on future treatment costs and the necessity of health monitoring."
"Understood. I'll organize the materials and prepare."
"Thank you so much. If this case succeeds, it will set a major precedent for similar cases nationwide."
Having finished what she needed to say, Cha Sujin carefully changed her expression.
"But Director, regarding the internal circumstances of Taeyang Group you asked about last time."
He had asked if her law firm, which dealt extensively with large corporations and chaebols, might know anything. Cha Sujin had said she would tell him in person.
Taeho listened intently.
"Please, go on."
"The situation is much more complicated than I thought. First, let me briefly explain the internal power structure of Taeyang Group. The current chairman is I Jeonghun, seventy-three years old this year. He originally had three sons, but...."
Cha Sujin drew a family tree on the paper.
"The eldest son, I Geumhyeon, is publicly known to be at an overseas branch, but he actually died a month ago. This is currently strictly confidential."
"He died? Was it some kind of accident?"
"No, according to rumors, it was because of Huntington's disease...."
Taeho frowned seriously.
Huntington's Disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder in which specific nerve cells in the brain are gradually destroyed, causing various physical, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.
In the early stages, it begins with slowed gait or movement, or decline in memory and concentration. But over the course of several years, it leads to a state of physical and mental incapacity, eventually resulting in death.
"So it's a hereditary disease?"
"Exactly. But from what I've gathered, word has recently come out that the second son, I Eunhyeon, is also suffering from the same disease."
"The second son, too?"
"Yes, this is also top secret known only to the closest confidants."
"The succession structure must be shaking considerably."
"Yes, if the first-in-line successor, the second son I Eunhyeon, has fallen ill, then naturally...."
"Donghyeon must have suddenly come into the spotlight."
Cha Sujin crossed her arms.
"Originally, the third son, I Donghyeon, was completely excluded from the group. He was an existence entirely shunned by the group due to his status as an illegitimate child and various scandals."
"But recently the situation has changed drastically?"
"Yes, key affiliates are reportedly moving toward Donghyeon."
Taeho thought.
When he had examined I Donghyeon, he had found no signs of Huntington's whatsoever. If so, the reason I Geumhyeon and I Eunhyeon had developed Huntington's might be due to maternal influence. I Donghyeon, who had a different mother, was safe.
"Attorney, could there be forces within the group trying to eliminate Donghyeon?"
"It's entirely possible. Right now, the real power of the group is held by the chairman's wife, Sim Yeonghui, and the people from her family's side."
Taeho's expression grew harder and harder.
"They have more than enough reason to keep Donghyeon in check."
"Especially Vice Chairman Sim Yeongsu, the older brother from Sim Yeonghui's family, who has wielded practical power all this time—he would feel the greatest threat if Donghyeon rises."
Taeho's eyes flashed sharply.
"Now all the puzzle pieces finally fit."