throwing back to the 1460s, when slave trade was still a key phenomenon in the history of human being.
it was the era where manhood was misconducted, superiors barbarously jeopardized the life of inferiors. everybody had a price, the higher labeled won the combat. the poor begged for money, the rich sold them for money. wealth was the only survival factor among this cruel world, what lacked in between were mercy and morality.
the subjects had no limit: men, women, young, old, anyone could be displayed with their price tag for various purposes. it resembled a human exhibition, but instead of witnessing, people purchased the real, living products. those slaves, they were scattered all over the road, sidewalk, and a place called black market. just like garbage, visible everywhere.
2019, despite being illegal in every nation, slavery is still present in several forms today. modern slavery like human trafficking, in north korea, is still practiced by the country's government.
further towards the east side of pyongyang stood the forced-labour institute, also assumed as a slave market, the godparent of this dark age. the place functions like every factory, yet what they are dealing with is human.
here the 'items' are displayed naked to be thoroughly checked by inspectors then classified into suitable works: prostitution, domestic servitude, or forced marriage. under any kind, all victims are made to work through violence and intimidation. the potential ones will either be sent out to other business units, or get picked directly by possible buyers.
everything here isn't much pleasing to park jimin's eyes.
as working under an anthropology association from south korea, he is currently doing his investigation in the mentioned building, with his senior fellow kim namjoon. the man is a passionate anthropologist, yet unacknowledged. despite several contributions and accomplishments, his name remains anonymous in the department.
thus, this time jimin aims for a big movement. it is him who suggested this idea to conduct this realistic research - 'purchasing' the 'material' for himself, for his own observation and experiment.
yes, he is going to buy a slave.
it is somewhat true in a technical manner. but in a better moral principle, jimin is going to 'adopt' a slave. a friend to trust, a place to live, a home to stay, that is what he will provide them. hopefully, they can build a great family in a full house. or if dream further, he might even get a wife.
the man is still single anyway.
walking through several isles, all jimin can hear is lament echoed in his earlobes. the wail of sorrow and grief, too painful that it hurts psychologically more than any physical discomfort.
why are people treated differently, when we are all categorized under mankind?
how is it theoretically possible, when the owner is a human, and the pet is a human as well?
"what an unpleasant sight," namjoon clicks his tongue. "are you sure you want to do this, jimmy?"
"yea hyung, i have made up my mind." the younger walks against the pressure building on his chest, his eyes determined.
"welcome, mr. kim, mr. park." a middle-aged man greets them on their way. "i'm inspector oh, i will be leading you through the institute. please feel free to ask questions, it is my pleasure to answer them." the man bows down, politely speaking. "nice to meet you mr. oh, we will be in your care." the two greet back, their head slightly hang low. they follow the steps of the inspector, crushing both fists over the bawl around.
