Hinu: ORIGIN OF A KPOP SOLOIST

Prologue

P R O L O G U E

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The air inside the car was thick with a mix of anticipation and sorrow as five-year-old Hyemin peered out of the window, watching the familiar streets of Tokyo blur into a haze of memories. Her father, Kang Junho, gripped the steering wheel with determination, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Beside him, Hyemin's mother, Katsuki, sat quietly, her hands folded tightly in her lap. It was a journey they had planned meticulously, yet the weight of leaving behind everything they knew hung heavily in the air.

Kang Junho had always been a man of quiet strength, his love for his family etched into every line on his face. As a young man, he had left his hometown in Korea to pursue opportunities in Tokyo, where he met Katsuki. She was a spirited artist, her laughter filling their small apartment with warmth and creativity. Together, they had forged a life far from their respective homelands, navigating the challenges of living in a bustling city that never seemed to sleep.

But now, circumstances had shifted. Kang Junho's job had led him back to South Korea, and the decision to move was made swiftly, leaving little time to prepare emotionally. They were not wealthy by any means, their modest apartment a testament to their hard work and perseverance. As they drove through the familiar streets one last time, Hyemin couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness deep within her heart.

"Dad, will we come back to visit Tokyo?" she asked softly, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Kang Junho glanced at his daughter through the rearview mirror, his expression softening with empathy. "Of course, Hyemin-ah," he replied gently. "Tokyo will always be a part of us, no matter where we go."

Katsuki reached back to squeeze Hyemin's hand reassuringly. "And Korea will be an adventure, my dear," she added with a soft smile. "New places to explore, new friends to meet."

As they crossed the bridge that marked the boundary between Tokyo and the unknown road ahead, Hyemin felt a mixture of fear and excitement swirl within her. She clutched her favorite stuffed animal tightly to her chest, finding comfort in its familiar presence. Outside, the city lights began to fade into the distance, replaced by the quiet darkness of the countryside.

The journey to Jeonju was long, each passing mile a testament to their determination to start anew. Along the way, they stopped at small roadside cafes and quaint villages, sampling local delicacies and sharing stories that brought laughter and tears alike. Kang Junho recounted tales of his childhood in South Korea, painting vivid pictures of rolling hills and fields of green that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon.

By the time they arrived in Jeonju, the first light of dawn was painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Hyemin peered out of the window, her eyes wide with wonder as they passed rows of traditional Hanok houses that nestled between modern buildings. It was a city steeped in history, yet pulsating with a youthful energy that promised endless possibilities.

As they pulled up to their new home, a modest Hanok house with tiled roofs and wooden beams, Hyemin's heart swelled with a newfound sense of hope. She clutched her parents' hands tightly, a smile spreading across her face. This was the beginning of their new life in Korea, a chapter waiting to be written with each step they took together.

And so, in the quiet embrace of Jeonju's morning light, Kang Hyemin embarked on a journey of discovery and resilience, guided by the love and courage of her Korean father and Japanese mother.

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