Twisted Rope

Wading Through

Jeong-hyeok wasn't sure what to expect from Jack's article. He had found it easier to talk to Jack than he had expected. Partly because he liked him, but also because Jack could understand what music meant to him. At another time, an interview looking back on his career might have been an enjoyable experience, but its purpose always lurked in the shadows and looking back only emphasised what he had lost. Now he waited to see how it turned out, knowing that Seri too was nervous about it. Whilst they might need an attention-grabbing article to have the impact they wanted, it wasn't something he could look forward to.

Jack fulfilled his promise to them. He wrote a sensitive piece exploring Jeong-hyeok's artistry, his career and the impact of his injury on him. The interview and Jack's commentary made no reference to Seri and the girls. He was a skilled writer, and the piece carried a significant emotional punch. He sent an advance copy across to them and Seri cried when she read it. Jeong-hyeok made himself read it too, but he found it hard seeing the words on the page. It articulated so well his love of music and the grief he was feeling now. It felt so exposing to parade his feelings in public like that. But if it kept Seri and the girls safe, then he should be prepared to face that.

The New York Times had agreed with a Korean media company the rights to publish the interview at the same time and it seemed certain to generate a lot of media attention elsewhere too. Seri had contacted Director Kim to let him know as well. He promised to have additional security around at the time and also would do his best to get intelligence on Kang Sung-ho's reaction. Park Hyun-ki had prepped statements to go out to sponsors and all the organisations and venues that Jeong-hyeok had been due to work with. They had also been working on the Foundation, to make sure that it could carry on. They hoped it would attract donations when the news broke. That might help to make up for losing income from sponsors and Jeong-hyeok's work in the future.

Jeong-hyeok contributed to the preparations. Hyun-ki offered to do all the work himself and leave him more time for recovery and rest, especially as he still tired easily. But he said no, he needed to be doing something. As the publication day got close, he was very tense. He didn't like the idea of so much attention on his personal life at all. If it could have been possible to fly away and stay somewhere remote away from it all, he would gladly have done that. In the current circumstances, that was impossible, though.

On the day the story broke, they all stayed in the house, feeling more like prisoners than usual. Hyun-ki joined them, too. At the gate, there was a crowd of journalists and photographers hoping to catch sight of them or for a further statement. The girls didn't go to school as the media were waiting there too. Seri was still working much of the time from home anyway, but there were still journalists waiting at the Seri's Choice offices, just in case. Park Hyun-ki answered calls and responded to messages, helped by additional staff from the Foundation.

Jeong-hyeok, Seri and the girls didn't really know how to pass the day. They didn't want to engage with the story being told on the media, but couldn't get away from it either. As well as in official news reports, it was all across social media. In the end, they passed the day with the girls dragging them into playing silly childhood games as a distraction. Bouquets of flowers and other gifts started to arrive, far more than they could hope to find space for. Although he recognised the goodwill and sympathy from the public these gifts represented, he commented, rather moodily, "It's as if I've died." Seri seemed to feel the same way, too.

Park Hyun-ki gave them periodic updates on the media and social media reaction. Overwhelmingly, there was enormous sympathy for him and many kind words about his music and career. One thing that pleased him most was that many of the sponsors and benefactors of the Swallow Foundation said that they would continue to provide support for it. A sizeable sum was also raised through public donations. He agreed to film a brief statement of thanks for the messages and donations received, and this, too, was widely shared.