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

Chapter 5.1 The Cold War Era

Just as the launch pads thrummed with anticipation, the city's citizens masked their fears in silence, spending their evenings at home after work. Meanwhile, bombers like the B-52 and B-2 prepared for takeoff, their engines roaring as they completed their pre-flight checks on the runway. At least these bombers could be recalled after a launch order was given; they served as a reluctant symbol of the encroaching dread.

Now, it was merely a matter of time. In this cycle of creation and destruction, this moment repeated endlessly. The world could face a new war, or it might remain frozen in this tension. I held my breath, waiting for the echoes of war within this virtual simulation. A thought nagged at me: "If I die in this simulated world, what happens then? It's December 27, 2024, and nothing is happening. Was my hypothesis wrong again?" The dread of an endless simulation loomed larger than the foreboding signs of war.

"Director, are you there? Is the hotline still connected?"

Knock, knock. "Yes, Mr. President."

"Director, we're at a critical alert level. How are the hotline connections with other nations?"

"All connections are established with our Free Alliance, but apart from West Korea, all communications with the Equality Alliance are severed. Are you really considering a call with President Elsa? If so, you must do it discreetly. It would cause chaos if the legislators found out you're talking to the enemy when war could break out at any moment."

"I have something urgent to convey."

"You can use the phone here. I'll step out."

I picked up the phone and took a deep breath. "Doo--- Elsa? Are you still very angry?"

She exhaled heavily as she answered, "This isn't the time for leisurely talk. We could all die!"

"I've been thinking; if this simulation doesn't end within four days, I believe I can propose two hypotheses."

"Two hypotheses?"

"In both the seventh universe we lived in and this one, the two worlds are facing common issues as they escalate towards ideological extremes, right?"

"That's true, even if the ideologies differ."

"But isn't it strange? Just as North and South Korea were divided, here we are divided into West Korea and East Korea. If we are indeed in a parallel universe, such a scenario is possible, yet the superpowers have ended up walking the same path. Over time, it seems to be resembling the seventh universe more and more."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I wonder if these two worlds were originally one."

"Huh? I'm not sure I follow. And it feels inappropriate to discuss such things given the current situation."

"Just hear me out a bit longer. The second hypothesis is void."

"Void?"

"Yes. When we lived in the seventh universe, did we ever ponder why we live or what life means?"

"I sometimes thought about that. In fact, I believed life could be meaningless."

"That's precisely it. Even in the universe, there are spaces devoid of dark matter. It's called the Great Void. it means nothingness. That space is truly devoid of everything. So, regardless of whether we are in the seventh universe or in a simulation, could we not be arriving at the Great Void? A state of 'nothingness.' If we remain, we might only exist as atoms. Loneliness and isolation can be filled if we connect with others, but the Great Void is different. Nothing can fill that space; it remains utterly empty. Aren't we also living in this void? When we lose loved ones or let something precious slip away, that space becomes vacant. Pain or sorrow may fill it, but even after that passes, what remains is merely another 'empty space.'"

"That's still a difficult concept."

"We torment ourselves waiting to fill that space again, but it doesn't mean that emptiness lacks meaning. In fact, that emptiness might signal that we are ready to embrace something new. Buddhism has the concept of 'śūnyatā' (emptiness), and Christianity speaks of 'chaos and void.'"

"So, ultimately, it's up to people to fill that void."

"Exactly. Whether we leave it in a state of eternal emptiness or fill it with something is up to us. It's confusing to think about whether something awaits me in the simulation or if even that is void itself."

"But now doesn't seem like the right time for this discussion. The situation room and the bunker are in chaos."

"I don't believe nuclear war will occur. The balance between the two alliances has been established. Unless a weaker party shows itself, no one will act recklessly."

"That's not true. You've always said that humans are irrational. So, I've been looking into the course of past wars. Wars have always ignited irrationally and erupted unexpectedly."

"Oh, right. Well, I'll wait for four days, and if this simulation doesn't end, I'm considering diving into the void."

"Please focus on this simulation for now! I must go. Survive even in this virtual world!"

NOTE:

Creative Destruction: An economic concept introduced by Joseph Schumpeter, where the process of industrial transformation destroys old structures and creates new ones, leading to economic innovation.

Liberty Coalition vs. Equality Alliance: The names of fictional factions in the story, reflecting ideological divides that can be reminiscent of real-world political divisions.

The reference to the Yellow Envelope Law relates to South Korea's labor movement, particularly legislation aimed at protecting workers' rights and preventing unfair dismissals. This concept may be less familiar to international readers.

Exchange Rate: As of now, 250,000 won is approximately $190 USD (this can fluctuate based on current rates).

"B-52s and B-2 bombers": American bomber aircraft known for their long-range capabilities, often referenced in discussions about military strategy and nuclear deterrence.

"Great Void": The concept of emptiness or nothingness in philosophy and religion. In Buddhism, "Śūnyatā" refers to the emptiness of inherent existence, while in Christianity, the term signifies chaos before creation.

"ICBMs" and "SLBMs": Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) are key components of nuclear arsenals, often involved in discussions of military strategy.