KTC | Chapter 1

The ferry departing from Sammok Pier sliced through the sea on its way to Shindo. The sunlight on the clear, cloudless day shimmered on the water’s surface, breaking and scattering like precious gems.

It was a weekday morning, so the number of passengers was sparse. Most of them had wandered out onto the deck to admire the ocean or toss snacks to the seagulls.

Amid this tranquil scene, there was one conspicuous group: an elderly man with white hair dressed in a simple hanbok, accompanied by a cohort of men in black suits who appeared to be his aides.

Though age had clearly left its mark on the old man’s appearance, his aura was still as sharp and commanding as that of an untamed tiger. The men in black suits were all noticeably broad-shouldered and sturdy, which naturally drew the glances of other passengers.

Are they gangsters?

The thought passed through the minds of the other passengers almost simultaneously. The elderly man’s perpetually stern and irritable expression only made people wary. While some passengers sneaked furtive glances, none dared to approach.

In truth, the old man was indeed angry.

“Unforgivable…”

It was a muttered curse, escaping through his wrinkled lips for what must have been the umpteenth time. The beautiful view of the glittering ocean barely registered in his eyes, much less his heart.

“Unforgivable scoundrel.”

The old man growled again, his voice low and guttural. He turned toward the bespectacled man standing rigidly at his side. The man was Nam Sangkyung, the chief secretary of the old man’s office.

“You’re certain the investigation was thorough?”

Nam Sangkyung lowered his head respectfully.

“Yes, Chairman. I personally dispatched people to verify everything about Father Choi Seonwoo, from his time at the seminary in the U.S. to his years as a deacon. We checked testimonies from his peers, photographs from his college days, and even his ordination photos. There’s not a shred of suspicious evidence.”

Though the same question-and-answer cycle had been repeated numerous times, Nam Sangkyung understood the old man’s unease. After all, Seo Jihan, the old man’s only living family member after losing his son and daughter-in-law years ago, was now teetering on the edge of life and death. Considering the gravity of the situation, the old man’s fiery temperament had been remarkably restrained.

“It would be best to disembark promptly. Please proceed downstairs,” Nam suggested tactfully.

The old man nodded in agreement. The group descended to the vehicle deck, where they boarded a large black sedan.

Since the ride from the pier to the island took less than ten minutes, staying inside the car might have been more efficient. Still, considering the old man’s current state—on the brink of exploding due to frustration with Father Choi Seonwoo—a brief respite in the sea breeze had been prudent.

“Unforgivable scoundrel. If that fraud so much as shows a hint of incompetence, I’ll stake my name and bury him.”

Nam Sangkyung stifled a wry smile as he listened to the muttered threats. Given the old man’s temper, it wasn’t beyond imagining that they might need to “bury a priest” if things went poorly. Although the old man had long stepped away from his more unsavory business dealings, he was not the sort to balk at making someone disappear, priest or not, if he deemed it necessary.

Father, I’m warning you to tread carefully.

Nam hid his discomfort and let his thoughts drift back to the past.

Seo Jihan’s affliction had worsened about two months ago. Until then, his condition had been somewhat manageable with exorcism rituals performed by skilled shamans and ongoing psychiatric treatment. This time, however, nothing worked.

The situation spiraled out of control. One shaman collapsed, bleeding profusely during a ritual. Another incident saw a visiting doctor nearly strangled to death by Seo Jihan. With no external aid proving effective, the family had run out of options.

Cornered and desperate, Chairman Seo turned to the last avenue he could think of: religion. He even swallowed his pride and visited Myeongdong Cathedral, pleading for help. Eventually, his persistence earned him a meeting with Bishop Lee Yoonseok.

“Your grandson’s symptoms resemble possession but are also quite different,” Bishop Lee had said, furrowing his brow. “Unfortunately, I can’t provide a definitive answer. Moreover, most exorcists certified by the Vatican are based in North America or Europe.”

The chairman, despairing once again, was jolted by Bishop Lee’s next words.

“Well… there is one priest here in Korea qualified to perform exorcisms. However… he’s a rather peculiar individual. I hesitate to recommend him.”

For a moment, the bishop, who had exuded the aura of a serene saint, seemed uncharacteristically awkward. But Chairman Seo was in no position to be choosy.

“How can I meet him?” the chairman asked earnestly.

“Hm… He’s currently in Shindo.”

“Thankfully, it’s not too far. However, my grandson cannot leave the house. Would it be possible to have him come to us? I’ll offer any compensation he requires.”

“Compensation isn’t necessary. However… convincing him to come might be challenging.”

“…What do you mean?”

Chairman Seo was taken aback. How could this person refuse even a bishop’s request? His confusion and anxiety grew as he watched Bishop Lee reluctantly dial a number on his phone.

“Hello, Bishop! What’s the occasion?” A bright, youthful voice answered the call.

The chairman had expected a middle-aged or older man. Instead, it was the voice of a lively man in his twenties.

“Michael, there’s someone in dire need of your help,” the bishop began.

“And?” the young man replied, seemingly distracted. “Oh, hold on a second—Brother, that dog is pooping in the corner again! How many times do I have to tell you, only bring in dogs that can control themselves! Take it out, now!”

There was a sharp burst of scolding before the young man returned to the call, unfazed, “Sorry, where were we?”

The conversation devolved into chaos. Despite Bishop Lee’s efforts to explain Seo Jihan’s dire situation, the young priest, Choi Seonwoo, responded with a string of complaints about his own workload, local responsibilities, and even jokes about quitting the priesthood to work in aquaculture.

Ultimately, the call ended with Choi flatly stating he wouldn’t leave Shindo unless the request was made in person.

Chairman Seo, furious but resolute, ordered a full background investigation on the priest. The findings, however, were surprising.