The Haneul Club

The Haneul Club, nestled discreetly among Seoul’s towering skyscrapers, was a place shrouded in exclusivity and secrecy. It catered to the elite, a sanctuary where business tycoons, politicians, and celebrities could mingle away from prying eyes. No cameras, no reporters, and certainly no gossip that left its luxurious walls.

Kim Joon arrived outside the club, a modern glass building adorned with minimalist decor that screamed wealth. Officer Park was already waiting for him at the entrance, a file in hand.

"Detective Joon, I spoke with the club’s manager. They're willing to cooperate, but there’s not much in the way of security footage. No cameras inside, just at the entrance," Park said, his expression grim.

Joon had expected as much. This wasn’t the kind of place that relied on traditional surveillance. Privacy was the commodity here.

"Who else was at the party that night?" Joon asked as they entered the club.

Park opened the file and read off the names. "A few high-profile CEOs, a politician or two, some models, and art dealers. But Han Seung-min stands out. He left early, around midnight. No one seems to know where he went afterward. And no one’s been able to contact him since."

As they walked deeper into the club’s dimly lit interior, Joon took in the surroundings. The atmosphere was a blend of elegance and power—leather chairs, subdued lighting, and the hum of wealth in the air. But beneath the glamour, he sensed something darker, more elusive.

The manager, an older man with a sharp suit and an even sharper gaze, met them near the bar. "Detective Joon, Officer Park," he greeted them with a curt nod. "I’ve been informed you have some questions about our recent event."

"We understand Song Yuna was a guest here two nights ago," Joon began, his voice calm but probing. "She was seen with Han Seung-min. We’d like to know more about what happened that night. Who she interacted with, any unusual behavior."

The manager’s face remained neutral, though Joon could see the subtle tension behind his eyes. "Ms. Song was a quiet guest. She didn’t draw much attention, though a few people spoke with her. She stayed for a couple of hours, spoke with Mr. Han briefly, and then left."

"Anything unusual about her interactions with Mr. Han?" Joon asked.

The manager hesitated, then spoke carefully. "There was a bit of tension. I wouldn’t say it was a public confrontation, but they weren’t exactly friendly. After they spoke, she left alone, and Mr. Han seemed… unsettled."

Joon’s eyes narrowed. "Unsettled how?"

"He left shortly after, without saying goodbye to anyone. It’s not typical of him. He’s usually very composed."

Joon exchanged a look with Officer Park. This was the first concrete lead they’d had. If there had been tension between Han Seung-min and Song Yuna, it could point to a motive. But what was the connection between them? Song Yuna had no known ties to HanTech or its business ventures.

"Did anyone else speak with Song Yuna that night?" Joon pressed.

The manager nodded. "A few. One of them was a woman named Choi Mi-young, an art dealer. She and Ms. Song had a long conversation, but I didn’t overhear it."

"Where can we find Choi Mi-young?" Joon asked, making a mental note to follow up.

"She has a gallery in the Itaewon district. I can provide the address," the manager replied.

"One last thing," Joon said, as they turned to leave. "Has Mr. Han been to the club since that night?"

The manager’s expression flickered just for a second, enough for Joon to notice. "No, Detective. He hasn’t. And we haven’t been able to contact him either."

As they exited the club, Joon felt the weight of the case bearing down on him. Han Seung-min’s disappearance was more than suspicious—it reeked of guilt. But without more concrete evidence, Joon knew he was chasing shadows. There were still too many unanswered questions.

"Let’s visit Choi Mi-young," Joon said, starting the engine of his car. "Maybe she can shed some light on Song Yuna’s life before it ended."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***