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

Chapter 4.2 The Dawn of Civil War

The moment I heard the news from Hamheung, I knew things were about to spiral out of control. A new leader had emerged, one who vowed to defy the World Government and embrace competition and growth. Soon after, explosions echoed across the streets—boom! boom!—as the riot escalated into an all-out rebellion. What started as small skirmishes, with protesters armed only with rocks and sticks, quickly evolved. The military's line of defense began to falter, and the protesters, sensing their advantage, shifted from mere defiance to a full-blown, strategic offensive. They raided defense factories, seizing guns, grenades, and ammunition, turning their resistance into something far more dangerous. Factories filled with the clatter of machinery and the metallic scent of weapons. The sight of firearms in their hands, gleaming in the dim light, mixed fear and determination into the air.

The battle lines grew increasingly unstable. Our forces, on my command, fortified the key city of Pyeongtaek, while explosions and flames stretched to the heavens. This wasn't a protest anymore—it had turned into a civil war. The rebels, clearly outsmarting our forces, bypassed the capital and instead focused their efforts on securing the east. First, Hamheung. Then Daegu. Finally, Busan. Their progress was undeniable, and they approached the government, proposing negotiations after securing a near-equal power balance.

To my surprise, their pursuit of order and stability seemed preferable compared to the catastrophe I had feared. Elsa, were she to return to the simulation, might've called this a split, but I saw things differently. A balance of power was better than total collapse. And so, Korea divided once again—East Korea and West Korea. People, no longer bound by government directives, chose sides as chaos and uncertainty spread. This was a pivotal moment, a second great split in our history. Whether this would end peacefully or in another tragic conflict, no one could say.

The internet spread news of the revolt like wildfire, inspiring similar movements globally. In some countries, governments clamped down brutally; others simply conceded. The cries for change grew louder, impossible to ignore. And then, beep, I found myself back inside the simulation. I was now the leader of East Korea, while Elsa ruled the West. Our respective governments reflected our values—Elsa's West Korea, holding onto equality and welfare; my East Korea, embracing meritocracy and competition.

I stepped outside to observe the ruins of Busan—burnt-out cars, crumbling buildings, streets soaked in blood. The aftermath of their march was all too vivid.

"Chief! Sir!" A voice called out urgently as my aide rushed in, his expression tense.

"What's the situation? We've split into East and West, haven't we?" I asked, my voice steady, though my thoughts raced.

"Yes, Commander. I'm sorry, I mean, President. We control the East."

"And Elsa leads the West?"

"Yes, sir. We've agreed to a fifty-fifty division."

I nodded thoughtfully, contemplating the divide. "What systems have we each implemented?"

"The old South Korea had economic superiority, so we've adopted a meritocratic system. Here, anyone can rise based on ability, and the wealthy thrive. In contrast, the West still collects heavy taxes and maintains a welfare-first, equality-based structure."

"And we're called...?"

"Of course, the Freedom Coalition, sir. Many nations are following our example."

"Is that so? The Freedom Coalition versus the Peace Union... How is the world reshaping itself?"

"Civil wars have erupted globally, with factions aligning to one of the two sides. The South American Union supports us, and we've gained the upper hand in several regions, starting from East Korea."

"It's beginning to resemble the Seventh Universe I've known."

My aide looked confused. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Oh, nothing," I muttered to myself. "So, now instead of capitalism versus communism, it's freedom versus equality."

A moment later, another aide rushed in. "Sir, the West Korean president would like to speak with you directly. Should I patch the call through?"

I nodded, walking toward the desk where the newly restored phone sat. "Go ahead, patch her through. Can I take the call here?"

"Yes, sir. We've only just reconnected the phone lines."

As they left the room, I took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come.