Breaking Boundaries in Literature: The Nobel Prize and Korea's Untold Stories

Chapter 3.3 Interpretation Through Culture and Time

Dear Leader, I wish you peace." A merchant approached me with a polite greeting.

"Thank you." I replied, scanning my surroundings. "It seems there are more fighter jets flying around today. How do you think the people perceive those moments?"

The merchant paused, contemplating my question before meeting my gaze. "As you said, dear leader, everyone remembers differently. The young folks working in my store took those moments as a signal of freedom. They wanted to stop the war, whether we won or lost. To them, it must have felt like a new era was dawning. Yet for someone like me, who's older, it was just an illusion."

"Even while losing a war, it's perceived as a signal of freedom...."

"Indeed, dear leader. The fighter jets were real, but the meanings they carried were interpreted in diverse ways."

"That's true." I nodded thoughtfully. "In Confucian teachings, we emphasized morality and order. Back then, it was the force holding our country together, acting as 'reality' for the people. Yet now, many youths are breaking free from that order, seeking a new kind of freedom. What they yearn for might not be reality but something existing in the ideals they dream of."

"Pardon, dear leader. I'm having a hard time understanding."

"Oh, it's nothing. Just a moment of confusion on my part. Please disregard it."

Like the aether Gabriel mentioned, the idea that a substance once tangible may no longer exist hints at the clash between belief and reality throughout history and culture. This distinction between reality and existence encourages an exploration beyond mere historical facts, delving into how cultural perspectives form varied meanings.

Through my encounters with diverse individuals and their ways of life, I realized how reality can fragment into multiple layers of existence. People with different historical backgrounds look at the world through their unique lenses, weaving a tapestry of diverse narratives that ultimately enrich all our lives.

"By the way, they say a position defines a person. Perhaps that's why I feel more like a real president now. So, when Elsa said she felt freer inside the simulation, that's what she meant."

Just then, three luxury cars emerged in the distance. The gleaming silver and black bodies seemed to have sprung from an old film. Soon, aides rushed from the vehicles, urgently calling out, "Dear Leader, you must head to the command center. An urgent call has come through!"

Climbing into the car, I almost forgot the fact that we were in a simulation, lost in the vivid streets unfolding outside my window. Upon arriving at the command center, I picked up the phone. I had never spoken to him before, yet the voice on the other end felt oddly familiar.

"Hello, this is Choi Jun."

"Good day, I am Fernando Castro, the president of the South American Union. I would like to establish a global central authority. If countries share similar political systems, we can operate within a mutual oversight framework."

"We have yet to unify with North Korea, and even looking globally, only about 50% share a similar system. Can we even use the term 'global central'?"

"Recently, there's been a strong movement in Africa shifting from capitalism to socialism. We're supporting and nurturing such organizations. I believe it won't be long before that continent transitions to a system like ours. And naturally, when we unify with North Korea, they will join our framework as well, won't they?"

I sighed, responding cautiously. "Hmm... I believe there's a reason for different systems to coexist. I worry that leaning too heavily towards one side may lead to imbalances."

He shook his head lightly, countering with a firm tone. "No. Countries referred to as the Third World, like the United States, China, and Russia, are already embroiled in internal power struggles. They buy weapons and focus on territorial disputes, while children suffer in between. An activist once criticized that those children are 'nailed to a cross from birth.' If a central authority binds us together and distributes resources equally, there will be no suffering children."

"That's a noble thought, but while we can control human greed, we might have to impose limits on other aspects as well. For example, the desire for self-actualization could diminish."

"How can you say such a thing without trying it? We can manage it well. If we redistribute the collected taxes more generously and put in the hard work, we can make it work. And the notion that self-actualization might be stifled is truly absurd. Has our welfare model failed? Our citizens report the highest happiness levels in the world. Ha ha ha... Don't worry about it. When will the talks with the North take place?"

"We have about three weeks left. However, many of the terms proposed by the North do not align with ours."

"North Korea will also need activist movements. By supporting organizations demanding equality, President Elsa may be able to reform the system. Imagine a world where everyone thrives equally—how wonderful that would be!"

I expressed my concerns once more. "I believe we must meet with the North's president first."

"Our global conference is scheduled for two weeks from now. The winds of radical reform are blowing strongly in Africa, prompting us to move the schedule forward."

"Understood. I'll discuss it with the North's president and get back to you."

"I'll be waiting."

Beep...

"A global government... Is this something the Third World would embrace? If they don't elect proper leaders, the same issues will keep resurfacing. Sigh... It's a simulation, so let's just try it out for now."

The South American Union was emerging as the epicenter of social democracy, with movements advocating for human rights and equality spreading worldwide. They were not only leading the global economy but also constructing a system that protects the vulnerable and addresses inequalities. Even the African continent seemed to join this wave, suggesting a burgeoning global trend.

With just two weeks until the global conference, I dialed Elsa to discuss matters.

NOTE:

onfucianism: A philosophical system emphasizing moral values, order, and societal harmony, prevalent in Korean culture and thought. Understanding its principles helps to grasp the context of leadership and societal roles within the narrative.

The Third World: Refers to countries that are less economically developed, often experiencing political instability and social issues. This term may carry different connotations in various cultures today. In this context, referencing the United States, China, and Russia is meant to clarify that we are in a parallel universe, presenting a fictional world where these nations are portrayed as struggling with internal conflicts.

Social Democracy: A political ideology that advocates for political democracy alongside social justice, emphasizing economic equality and welfare policies. Understanding this framework is essential to grasp the political dynamics discussed in the dialogue.

Hanbok: Traditional Korean clothing, known for its vibrant colors and simple lines.

Hanjeongshik: A traditional Korean meal consisting of multiple courses, showcasing various dishes.

Hanok: A traditional Korean house characterized by its wooden structure and tiled roof.

South American Union: A fictional collective of South American countries, representing a cultural exchange and military presence in Korea during this alternative historical context.