Chapter 389: JH Media

A plain two-story house was used as the emergency exit for the secret club, Third.

The door opened and people began to emerge. Even though it was at night, most of the attendees of the secret party wore hats and sunglasses, making it impossible to recognize them.

However, Kang Hyuk-Jun, the second son of KQ1 Group's president, wasn't wearing a mask, allowing me to capture his face clearly on video.

The real issue was the woman accompanying Kang Hyuk-Jun.

'

Park Eun-Bin. What are you here?

' I wondered.

The girl group Petite More had been put on indefinite hiatus due to a scandal involving digital music chart manipulation.

While the public assumed the group had essentially disbanded, I suspected otherwise. TK wouldn't abandon a group that could still generate profit with album sales due to their overseas fanbase.

Park Eun-Bin was likely attending the party to speed up her comeback. After all, she could bring forward her comeback by several months with a sponsor's help.

Just then, luxury cars lined up along the residential street to pick up the VVIPs.

Kang Hyuk-Jun stood at the front and shouted to the others. "Hey! Everyone, scatter! I'll call you again later!"

"Got it!"

The party members hurriedly climbed into the vehicles at Kang Hyuk-Jun's call.

It was such a rushed situation that no one even glanced in my direction.

Vroom.

In less than a minute, all the cars had disappeared.

I ended the recording and let out a sigh. "Park Eun-Bin, how did you fall this far?"

I had also unexpectedly secured a powerful piece of evidence against Kang Hyuk-Jun.

With a well-known celebrity like Park Eun-Bin involved, simply mentioning her name would turn this into a massive scandal that even JH Media cannot cover-up.

Eager to share the good news, I immediately called Choi So-Hye.

However, no matter how many times I tried calling, she didn't pick up.

-The person you are trying to reach is unavailable...

Growing anxious, I checked the livestream Choi So-Hye had been running.

[The stream is currently offline.]

Cho So-Hye's MeTube live broadcast was off as well.

"What's going on?" I muttered.

Starting to feel uneasy, I clicked on the community post where the video link had been shared.

[Cheongdam-dong Chaebol Heir Secret Party]

(Comments)

...

-FullBuyout: What's this? Lol, the cops and security are in cahoots. They are surrounding and beating up one reporter.

-Calf: They're saying it's private property trespassing or something.

-CocoaTalk: Does trespassing mean you can get beaten up like that?

-TodayHanRiverFeelsWarm: Are alleys private property now? They're arresting all the reporters in front of the house too.

-Monster7: All the reporters are getting hauled away. But ten police cars? Is that for real?

-KillHeart: This is crazy. They cuffed a resisting reporter and threw him into the car. K-Cops are really making a statement. Another proud moment for them.

The comments mentioned that Choi So-Hye had been arrested for resisting the police.

I clicked to read the next page of comments to get more details.

[This post is unavailable.]

However, it seemed someone had pressured the platform administrators into deleting the posts.

"What the—?"

I quickly searched for the post on other community sites, but all the earlier posts had vanished.

"This is unbelievable. They deleted everything that fast?"

I finally felt the extent of JH Media's power.

Just then, my phone rang.

[Caller ID: President Kang Gam-Chan]

When I answered, Kang Gam-Chan's urgent voice came through.

-Yoon-Ho, it looks like Central Daily Newspaper is planning to cut ties with Reporter Choi So-Hye.

Korean reporters were known for protecting one another. However, a major outlet like Central Daily Newspaper was now abandoning Choi So-Hye as she had crossed JH Media.

While we initially started with a transactional relationship, Choi So-Hye had undoubtedly been a tremendous help to me. Thanks to her exclusives, I managed to take down adversaries and help my celebrities.

Moreover, it was my request to her to investigate this matter that led to this situation.

If things were left as they were, Choi So-Hye not only risked being fired from Central Daily Newspaper but also faced a real chance of being detained for over a year.

After a brief thought, I decided to find a way to rescue Choi So-Hye.

"Mr. Kang, I believe there is a way to help Reporter Choi."

-Whatever it is, come to the office first and we'll discuss it in person.

"Yes, sir."

I immediately turned the car around toward Hoop Entertainment.

***

I entered the president's office where Kang Gam-Chan, Kang Ji-Yung, and Jung Soo-Hyuk were gathered to discuss the situation.

Kang Ji-Yung offered me a glass of water as I sat down.

As I drank, Kang Gam-Chan filled me in on the current situation. "The legal division says that Reporter Choi faces charges of illegal trespassing, stalking, spreading false information, assault, and so on..."

After hearing the details, I pulled out the video footage of the secret party members exiting through the emergency house.

"Mr. Kang, could we use this video to negotiate?"

In night mode, the video clearly showed the faces of Kang Hyuk-Jun and Park Eun-Bin.

Kang Gam-Chan's previously tense expression brightened. "With a video like this, JH Media would definitely want to negotiate. It would be nearly impossible to stop the fallout once Park Eun-Bin's name is involved."

My guess was right.

Kang Gam-Chan continued, "But are you sure you're okay giving up like this? You might not get an opportunity like this again."

I answered, "Opportunities aren't something that just come along: they're something you create. We'll deal with JH Media another time. For now, saving my ally comes first."

Kang Gam-Chan gave a satisfied smile. "Right. Friends come before profits."

The only question remaining was who would negotiate with JH Media. Since I had started this, I volunteered to handle the negotiation myself.

Just then, Kang Gam-Chan spoke in a low voice. "I'll go meet them myself."

"But Mr. Kang, I should—"

Kang Gam-Chan shook his head. "This is Hoop Entertainment's business as well. It's only right for me to go."

Kang Gam-Chan stood up and put on his coat. "If you don't hear from me within an hour, contact Mr. Choi in Myeongdong. I'd rather avoid asking for help, but we might not have a choice if things go south."

"Understood."

Kang Gam-Chan and Jung Soo-Hyuk quickly left the office.

Meanwhile, I stayed behind with Kang Ji-Yung and began making calls to secure Choi So-Hye's release.

***

At JH Media's Seoul office, Yoo Hye-Joo was on the phone with the president of KQ1 Group after managing the situation. "Mr. Kang. We've detained all the reporters and have deleted all their files, videos, and everything that they uploaded. So you can rest easy now."

-Teach those arrogant reporters a lesson. Let them see what happens when they mess with the wrong people!

"Don't worry, Mr. Kang."

-Oh, and please pass along my thanks to Mr. Assemblyman.

"Of course. And soon, we'll host you at First for a proper reception."

First was the private lounge reserved exclusively for VVIPs. Second, a private club, was where successors were entertained, and Third, was the club for second and third generations of elites.

In addition to public relations and covering up corporate scandals, JH Media maintained connections with powerful political and business figures by creating these private spaces for them.

As she ended the call, Yoo Hye-Joo wiped the cold sweat from her brow and leaned back in her chair. "But who on earth leaked Third's location?"

Despite the millions invested in outfitting Club Third, its disclosed location meant it could never be used again as security was crucial for hosting VIPs.

Rumor had it that Choi So-Hye, who was in police custody, still hadn't revealed her source.

Just as Yoo Hye-Joo picked up her phone to pressure Choi So-Hye into naming the whistleblower, her secretary suddenly entered. "Mrs. Yoo! President Kang Gam-Chan of Hoop Entertainment is here to see you."

"President Kang? Why? Did any of his celebrities attend tonight's party?"

"Originally, Yeo Eun-Sil from Hoop was supposed to attend but she canceled yesterday."

"Then he must be here to complain that we tried to lure his celebrity. Tell him I'm busy and to go back."

The secretary shook his head. "No, ma'am... He claims to have video footage of the people who attended tonight."

"What? How would President Kang have that?"

"I'm not sure, ma'am."

After a moment's thought, Yoo Hye-Joo sighed as she saw no choice. "Fine, send him up right away."

"Yes, Mrs. Yoo."

The secretary closed the door behind him.

Shortly after, Kang Gam-Chan entered with Jung Soo-Hyuk.

Suppressing her irritation, Yoo Hye-Joo greeted them with a smile. "Please have a seat, Mr. Kang. I've heard a lot about you from my father."

Yoo Hye-Joo's father, Yoo Hyun-Pil, had often warned her about Kang Gam-Chan.

He had described Kang Gam-Chan as someone who could easily be at the top of the Korean entertainment industry given his capabilities. He was also a man with zero tolerance for anything he deemed unacceptable.

Now that such a man had leverage over JH Media, Yoo Hye-Joo preferred to settle things amicably if possible.

Kang Gam-Chan wasted no time on pleasantries. He sat silently on the sofa and took a phone out of his inner pocket, placing it on the table.

"Let's start by showing you the footage we have," said Kang Gam-Chan as he pressed play.

The screen displayed a video of Kang Hyuk-Jun and Park Eun-Bin embracing as they exited through the secret passage.

"If the charges against Reporter Choi aren't dropped within thirty minutes, I'll expose JH Media as the host of the secret party along with footage of Kang Hyuk-Jun and Park Eun-Bin," Kang Gam-Chan threatened.

Yoo Hye-Joo's eyes widened. "What did you just say?"

Kang Gam-Chan glanced at his watch. "You have twenty-nine minutes and forty seconds left."

Yoo Hye-Joo retorted with a dumbfounded expression, "Are you... threatening me right now?"

"Twenty-nine minutes and thirty seconds."

"Can't you at least answer me when I ask?"

Unfazed, Kang Gam-Chan continued to announce the time every ten seconds.

In the end, Yoo Hye-Joo had no choice but to relent. She knew that JH Media could face prosecution for arranging sponsorships and tax evasion if the secret party was exposed.

Even more critical than a legal investigation was the potential loss of trust from their elite VVIP clients.

For years, JH Media had done everything possible to keep its name out of the media. This time, Yoo Hye-Joo went as far as enlisting her husband's political influence to deploy police and paying substantial sums to have posts taken down from community sites.

If this footage were leaked, all those efforts would go to waste.

"Fine, I'll do as you say. But in return, you'll hand over the original footage."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "I'll give it to you as soon as Reporter Choi is released."

Yoo Hye-Joo trembled with anger as she dialed her intercom. "Get Reporter Choi released immediately. Tell the law firms to withdraw all charges. Stop asking questions. Just do as I say, understand!?"

Visibly furious, Yoo Hye-Joo slammed the intercom down in a rough manner.

Bang!

***

Ten minutes passed and a deafening silence filled the room.

Just then, a call came through with news that Choi So-Hye had been released.

After taking the call, Yoo Hye-Joo informed Kang Gam-Chan. "Is that enough for you?"

Kang Gam-Chan nodded before he called his company. "Delete all the footage once Reporter Choi is out."

After Kang Gam-Chan ended the call, Yoo Hye-Joo shot him a glare. "You're not keeping a copy, are you? If so, I won't just sit by."

"Do you think I'm like you?"

Kang Gam-Chan leaned back on the sofa, saying he would leave once Choi So-Hye was released.

Taking a chance, Yoo Hye-Joo cautiously asked, "Could Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho have been behind this?"

Just two days ago, Yoo Hye-Joo had suggested that Jung Yoon-Ho attend the secret party. Given his talent, the idea crossed her mind that he might be behind this scheme though she couldn't imagine how he could have found the location.

Kang Gam-Chan laughed dismissively. "You're overthinking things. Even if Team Lead Jung is capable, a mere two-year talent agent wouldn't know the location of a high-level club."

JH Media had connections with media, corporations, and even the political elite. To protect Jung Yoon-Ho from JH Media's attention, Kang Gam-Chan claimed full responsibility.

'

Yoon-Ho can't be dragged into this,

' he thought.

When Kang Gam-Chan kept a poker face, Yoo Hye-Joo looked uneasy and said, "I suppose you're right. But I must say, Mr. Kang, your information network is impressive. Third's location was top-secret."

"No secret is forever, is it?"

Yoo Hye-Joo tried to glean information from Kang Gam-Chan, but all her attempts failed.

Soon, a call confirmed that Choi So-Hye had been released from the Gangnam Police Station.

Kang Gam-Chan stood up with a smile. "It was a pleasure doing business with you."

With a victorious expression, Kang Gam-Chan left with Jung Soo-Hyuk.

Bang!

The moment the door closed, Yoo Hye-Joo was overwhelmed with rage and began smashing items in her office.

"How did he find out!?" she bellowed.

With Third's location exposed, she would have to do an overhaul. She had to also relocate and remodel First and Second, with projected losses exceeding 30 billion won.

The massive financial blow left Yoo Hye-Joo reeling.

***

With Kang Gam-Chan's successful negotiation, Choi So-Hye was promptly released from police custody.

Outraged that the Central Daily Newspaper had tried to abandon her, Choi So-Hye resolved to establish a new company, Star Exclusive, two years earlier than she had originally planned.

Thanks to JH Media, I now had a valuable ally ahead of schedule.

When Kang Gam-Chan returned to the office, he brought even better news. "You won't see a trace of JH Media for at least a few months."

Relocating all the secret clubs and securing them again would cost JH Media hundreds of billions. With the extensive damage we had inflicted, JH Media's threat was gone at least for the time being.

Even though we had deleted Park Eun-Bin's files as part of the deal, I didn't mind. By stepping into the secret party, Park Eun-Bin had likely set her own downfall in motion.

The next day, Park Sun-Jae and Ahn Yoo-Joo's wedding took place at the LT Hotel wedding hall.

Lee Tae-Poong and Go Jae-Soo, who had been practicing their scenes at the Cheonwang Cabin on Jiri Mountain, attended to add star power to the event.

Thanks to this, reporters swarmed the wedding hall to cover the arrival of the duo known for catching a killer, causing another wave of commotion.

Cherry Blossom and Kang Ha-Na also took turns singing at the wedding. The glamorous guests comparable to the wedding of top stars left Park Sun-Jae and his wife elated.

The next day when I arrived at work, Oh Bok-Hee called to inform me that casting for

Hwaranjeon

was finalized.

Upon hearing the cast list, I was left speechless. The three queen consort roles, which were supporting characters, had been cast with S-class actresses from top agencies.

"W-wait a second. Are you serious? S-class actresses have been cast for queen consort roles?"

These were actresses who could easily be leads, yet they had willingly applied for supporting roles.

Oh Bok-Hee responded in an excited tone.

-Yes. It's all thanks to you, Mr. Jung!

'

Thanks to me? What could she mean by that?

' I wondered.