Criticism of Chang-jong grew fiercer by the day, dragging old incidents back to the surface along with the new one.

"It's hard to believe something like this could happen in a Republic of Korea that's already entered the twenty-first century."

As if the news and current-affairs programs alone weren't enough, the broadcasters had gone so far as to put together special programming to keep the Chang-jong story running.

"We have a great many experts joining us for today's discussion. Let's take some time to talk with our panel about exactly why an incident like this occurred, and what measures are needed to prevent it from happening again."

From current-affairs programs to full-on debate panels, the airwaves kept circling back to Chang-jong.

"I think this incident has laid bare, in the most extreme way, the pathology of a Korea that grew too fast."

The professor who'd been given the floor first began speaking.

"You could call this an extreme case of the chaebol problem — treating a company's money as personal funds. A company is something workers, investors, and management build together. And yet the chaebol seem to think of the company as their own personal possession. That's how they end up thinking the company's money is their own money too."

Bap-bap-ba~

A small ball rolled into the living room, and a child came trotting after it to pick it up.

The nanny followed close behind, trying to catch Dong-min Kim before he got too far.

"Young master. Slowly. Slowly, please. You'll fall."

Paying no attention whatsoever to the nanny's anxious words, Dong-min came to a stop at Seong-ho Kim's feet and grabbed the ball with both hands.

"Bap-ba~"

Pleased with himself for catching it, Dong-min lifted the ball up with both hands.

Then, as if to show off his catch to his father, he held it out toward Seong-ho.

"Well look at that. Our Dong-min's doing great."

Seong-ho, who'd been watching TV, picked Dong-min up and rose from the sofa.

Patting Dong-min's back as he held him, Seong-ho spoke to the relieved-looking nanny.

"Isn't it about time for Dong-min to…