The Gwangju Metropolitan Police station buzzes with activity as I follow Han through the corridors. Eyes follow us, some curious, others openly hostile. The tension is palpable; we're outsiders, interlopers from Seoul.
Han leads me into a large briefing room where officers of various ranks are gathered. The chatter dies down as we enter, replaced by a heavy silence. Han steps forward, his posture relaxed but commanding.
"Good morning, everyone," he begins, his voice carrying easily across the room. "I'm Inspector Han, and this is Detective Park." He gestures to me, and I nod in greeting. "We're here from Seoul, as I'm sure you've all heard by now."
A few murmurs ripple through the crowd. Han continues, his tone frank and open.
"Let's address the elephant in the room, shall we? Yes, we're from Seoul. Yes, this assignment is temporary. And yes, at some point, we'll likely return to Seoul."
