Chapter 12: The Truth Posted on Social Media
Minjun hesitated for a long time. Should he really publish this? Wouldn't people think he was crazy?
But he remembered the words of Jesus and Buddha: "Truth has its own power."
Minjun took a deep breath and posted the post on his blog. He also shared it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The first few days were quiet. A few people read and commented, but most were skeptical.
"Is this some kind of fantasy novel?" "You should see a psychiatrist." "It's interesting, but hard to believe."
But a week later, things began to change. A popular YouTuber shared Minjun's post, and it went viral.
"I got goosebumps reading it," the YouTuber said. "I don't usually believe in things like this, but strangely, this felt like the truth."
Comments began pouring in. And surprisingly, many people shared similar experiences.
"I also felt a strange emotion whenever I looked at the ocean. A mixture of sadness and guilt." "I've had dreams about Atlantis since I was little. They were so vivid I thought they were memories from a past life." "I'm Korean, but for some reason, I've always longed for a city that sunk beneath the sea."
What was especially surprising was the response from all over the world. People from not only Korea but also Japan, China, the United States, and Europe read Minjun's post and shared their experiences.
A month later, Minjun's post had been read by over 10 million people worldwide. Major media outlets also began covering it. "A Mysterious Confession Shakes the Internet" "Memories of a Past Life? A Shocking Story from a Korean Author" "The Legend of Atlantis Revisited"
But even more surprising was something else. After reading Minjun's writing, an unexpected movement began in Japan.
Chapter 13: Japan's Apology
Two months after Minjun's writing was made public, the Japanese Prime Minister held an emergency press conference. The entire world's attention was focused on him.
"My fellow citizens, and our neighbors in Korea and Asia," the Prime Minister began, his expression grave. "Today, I have a very important announcement to make."
"I recently read a piece by Korean author Minjun. At first, I was skeptical. But as I read it and meditated, I realized the mistakes we, Japan, have made in the past."
The audience began to murmur. "Minjun's writing made me think about karma. We were protected by not participating in the Atlantean War. But we squandered that protection through arrogance. We invaded neighboring countries and committed terrible crimes, especially against Korea."
The Prime Minister's voice trembled. "On behalf of the Japanese government, I sincerely apologize for all of this: the comfort women issue, forced conscription, the policy of cultural annihilation, and the distortion of history."
He bowed deeply. And surprisingly, all the Japanese government officials present bowed their heads together.
"An apology alone is not enough," the Prime Minister said, looking up. "We will demonstrate this with concrete actions."
He announced the following measures:
Visit the surviving comfort women and kneel before them to offer an apology. Adequate compensation to the comfort women and forced conscription victims. A complete revision of Japanese history textbooks. Withdrawal of the Dokdo territorial claim. Support for the East Sea designation. Formation of a joint South Korea-Japan history research committee.
"And..." the Prime Minister concluded. "I will visit Korea next week and personally apologize to the grandmothers."
The world was in shock. This was unprecedented.
A week later, the Japanese Prime Minister, as promised, visited Korea. At the War and Women's Human Rights Museum in Mapo-gu, Seoul, he knelt before the surviving comfort women.
"Grandmothers, I am truly sorry," the Prime Minister said tearfully. "The crimes we committed are unforgivable. But I still ask for your forgiveness."
The grandmothers were initially apathetic. This was a long-awaited apology. But witnessing the Prime Minister's sincerity, they began to open their hearts, one by one.
"At least now... I am grateful that you acknowledge it," one grandmother said in a trembling voice.
That day, the entire world shed tears. It was the beginning of healing.
Minjun watched the scene on television and wept. "It has begun. Real change has begun."
His mother placed a hand on his shoulder. "You started it, Jun." "No, Mom. This is everyone's effort."
But the surprise didn't end there. China, seeing Japan's apology, also began to take action.
Chapter 14: China's Decision
A month after the Japanese Prime Minister's apology, the Chinese President made an important announcement.
"Citizens of the People's Republic of China and citizens of the world," the President said with a solemn expression. "We have made a historic decision."
"I recently read the writings of Korean author Min Jun and Japan's courageous apology. This has caused us to deeply reflect. We, China, have also made many mistakes in our history."
The President took a deep breath and continued, "We will immediately halt the Northeast Project."
This announcement shocked the world once again. The Northeast Project was a project China had been pursuing for over 20 years. It was an attempt to incorporate the history of the Korean people, such as Goguryeo and Balhae, into Chinese history.
"Gojoseon, Goguryeo, and Balhae are the history of the Korean people. We recognize this," the President continued. "Regarding the repatriation of the Chinese and the Baedal people, if it is part of the ancient history of the Korean people, we will respect it."
"Furthermore, we will reexamine our policies toward ethnic minorities such as the Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongols. We will respect their culture and identity and guarantee their true autonomy."
The Chairman paused for a moment and then spoke with a more serious voice. "And we acknowledge the harsh suppression during the reign of Emperor Chiyou, as mentioned in Minjun's article. We, China, also owe a historical debt to the Korean people."
"Next week, we will hold a large-scale memorial service in Beijing. It will be an occasion to commemorate all ethnic groups who sacrificed themselves to China's expansion throughout history. We invite the Korean government and people."
This decision sparked significant internal controversy in China. But the Chairman remained firm.
"This is not weakness," he told party officials. "This is true strength. The courage to admit one's mistakes—that is the mark of a truly great nation."
A week later, a large-scale memorial service was held in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese gathered, and a delegation from South Korea also attended.
The memorial service was solemn. A moment of silence was observed for all: the warriors of Goguryeo, the refugees of Balhae, the suffering of the Korean people, and even the victims of Tibet, Uyghur, and Mongolia.
The South Korean president also delivered a speech. "Today's event is historic. I thank China for its courageous decision. We, South Korea, will humbly reflect on our own mistakes."
Chapter 15: South Korea's Response
Seeing China's resolve, South Korea also took action. The president convened an emergency cabinet meeting.
"Japan and China have shown courage," the president said. "Now it's our turn. We weren't perfect either."
The South Korean government announced the following measures:
Official apology and compensation for the massacre of civilians during the Vietnam War. Improvement of discrimination against Southeast Asian migrant workers. Policy of understanding and inclusion for North Koreans. Expanded support for domestic minorities (North Korean defectors, multicultural families, etc.).
"And..." the president made the most important announcement. "We will accept author Minjun's proposal and hold a memorial service for all historical victims, including those in Atlantis."
"This is not simply a memorial service for South Korea. It will be a place for reconciliation and healing for all of Northeast Asia, and indeed, for all of humanity."
Minjun was invited to the Blue House. The president warmly welcomed him.
"Author Minjun, your courage initiated all these changes."
"I simply... confessed my sins." Minjun said humbly,
"That confession made such a huge difference. We'd like to prepare this memorial service with you. Would you like to help?"
"Of course."
For the next two months, Minjun worked with government officials, religious leaders, and historians to prepare the memorial service. It was shaping up to be an event of unprecedented scale.
The memorial service was to be held at Gwanghwamun Square. The date was set for three months later, and the heads of state from South Korea, China, and Japan were all expected to attend.
In preparation, Minjun met with religious leaders from various countries: Buddhist monk Beopryun, leading Christian pastors, Catholic cardinals, and leaders of Won Buddhism and Cheondogyo.
"This is not simply a political event," Minjun told them. "This is a place of spiritual healing. It is a place to clear away karma accumulated over 10,000 years."
Beopryun monk met with Minjun privately. "You are a Bodhisattva," he said with a smile.
"No, monk. I am simply a sinner." "A person who realizes his sins and repents is a Bodhisattva," the monk said. "And one who, through his own repentance, leads others to healing is a great Bodhisattva."
Minjun's words brought tears to his eyes.
"Venerable, I have always respected you. The peace in Northeast Asia you have dreamed of is now becoming a reality."
Venerable Beopryun took Minjun's hand. "You are fulfilling my dream. Thank you."
The day of the memorial service finally arrived.