The Attorney

In 1978, Song, a former judge, decided to break away from conventional legal practices and established his own law firm in Busan. His unique background and determination were met with skepticism, yet he aimed to tackle high-profile cases that other lawyers shunned.

Around the same time, Detective Cha received directives from government officials to purge Busan of those suspected of being communist sympathizers. This mission often led him to adopt ruthless methods, utilizing deceit and manipulation to achieve his goals.

By 1981, Song's law firm gained a formidable reputation for taking on challenging cases in real estate and taxation. His success allowed him to indulge in personal pursuits, including the purchase of a sailboat for the upcoming Seoul Olympics.

During a dinner with friends in 1981, Song engaged in a heated debate with journalist Lee about the integrity of mass media. Their discussion was charged with tension as it addressed the ongoing student protests in Busan, foreshadowing greater conflicts ahead.

Following the debate, Park, the son of the restaurant owner, mysteriously vanished. This alarming event triggered Choi, Park's distraught mother, to undertake a desperate search lasting nearly two months, ultimately revealing a harrowing truth.

Choi discovered that her son and other students were facing trial for sedition. Disturbed by the possibility of torture-induced confessions, Song took it upon himself to defend the students, highlighting the severe violations of their rights during the trial.

During the trial proceedings, Song faced immense resistance from the prosecution, who claimed national security concerns nullified standard legal protections. Their argument against the students stemmed from their study of EH Carr's *What Is History?*, misinterpreted as a sign of communist ideology.

To Song's dismay, Detective Cha testified that the students' injuries were self-inflicted, denying any state-sponsored torture. This assertion demonstrated the extensive measures the oppressive regime took to protect its image and silence dissent.

In a pivotal moment, Lieutenant Yoon spoke out in court, providing a detailed account of the horrific torture the students endured. His courageous stand shifted the courtroom dynamic, shedding light on the darker realities of the oppressive regime.

Tragically, Lt. Yoon's testimony came with severe repercussions. Cha informed his superiors, who created a false narrative to discredit Yoon, resulting in his incarceration and leaving the trial in chaos as the truth continued to be obscured.

By 1987, Song had evolved into a fervent leader advocating for reform and justice. His journey culminated in his arrest during a protest, where he faced sedition charges, reflecting the struggles for free speech in an oppressive political landscape.

Song's arrest sparked an extraordinary response from the legal community, with 99 out of 142 lawyers in Busan voicing their support. This unprecedented display of unity illustrated the deep-seated commitment to justice among those who witnessed the unfolding atrocities.

Despite the overwhelming support, the fundamental issues of free speech and the rule of law remained unresolved. The events of the past left a haunting sense of uncertainty looming over Busan, as the quest for truth and transparency persisted in the face of oppression.