The Wrong Judgment

1 - The First Trial

All through college and law school Ga On has been dreaming of this day – his first day of work. It wasn't just any job he got, which was all the more exciting. His professor Min Jung Ho recommended him for the judges panel of the Live Court Show. The show was all about live trials in the means to engage the whole nation in the verdicts. He wasn't too sure about it at first, thinking that he wouldn't be a good fit to become such a public figure, but professor Min practically begged him to take the job.

He raved all about how many strings he had to pull to get this job for someone inexperienced, which made Ga On feel bad. He didn't want to feel ungrateful, so he decided to take the offer.

Turns out professor Min didn't want him for the job because he thought it was a good idea, that it would be a good opportunity, no. He made Ga On take that job so that he would have someone on the inside.

Why? Because he didn't trust the main judge – Kang Yo Han, and he needed someone to spy on the man and report back everything there was to know.

Ga On had to admit, he didn't like that idea at all. First of all, he felt bad actually doing it, because he was a good person in nature, so spying on somebody didn't seem like his proudest moment. Second of all, because he kind of felt used by the professor.

He decided not to question it though, not wanting to seem ungrateful. Besides, from what professor Min told him, Kang Yo Han was an interesting person. Or, more like a lunatic. That's why the professor wanted Ga On to spy on him, because he thought the man was absolutely crazy.

Who was Ga On to judge though? He hasn't even met the man yet. He only heard some stories from people all around, a few things from the people who were interviewing him for the position.

But obviously to make the best judgment, Ga On needed to meet him himself. That's why after visiting Min Jung Ho as soon as he came to work, he decided to head to Kang Yo Han's office next.

He knocked on the door and when he heard a voice calling him inside, he stepped into the office and was immediately met with an intimidating vibe from the older man. Kang Yo Han was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring at the streets of Seoul. He was dressed in a neat, impeccable suit, looking nothing but powerful. Ga On already knew that Kang Yo Han came from a wealthy family, so it was only natural that he looked the part.

And when the man finally turned to look at him, Ga On was met with an intense stare that suddenly made him feel small.

"Nice to meet you, sir," he said and bowed in front of the older man. But Kang Yo Han didn't say anything. He just took a few steps towards him and stared at his face intently for a moment. Ga On felt a little stupid then. "Is something wrong?" He asked awkwardly.

"No," Kang Yo Han shook his head. "You must be Kim Ga On."

"Yes," Ga On nodded right away. "I—"

"Welcome to the battlefield, Kim Ga On," Kang Yo Han cut him off, extending his hand in greeting. "It's your first job, isn't it?" He asked, scanning Ga On's face carefully.

"It is, Chief. I'll do my best not to disappoint," Ga On said with a serious tone.

"I'm sure you won't," Kang Yo Han spoke, his lips quirking in a hint of a smile.

Ga On had to admit that besides being intimidating, the man seemed incredibly charming, which is probably why he was chosen to be the head judge of the show in the first place. He was rich and good-looking, people ate up stuff like that on TV.

The thing is, he didn't give off the crazy vibe at all. He was put together and seemed kind, calm. Ga On figured he'll probably find out more about him along the way, but the first impression was quite good.