*Editor’s note: K-VIBE invites experts from various K-culture sectors to share their extraordinary discovery about the Korean culture.
[Larger Than Architecture] Chapter 1. This World We Live In
Ep. 7. A Line from a Poem that Shook Me
By Kim Won (Master K-architect)
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“I came to find you, Sun-a. You are indeed all around me. When I walk
alone on Jongno, you smile and come from all directions. (Omitted) After
crossing over the mountain with the flower-covered coffin that day, only an
empty sky remains in my eyes, with not a single strand of hair to touch, and
the rain keeps falling… (Omitted) Scattered on the
streets of Jongno, children chattering in the sunlight. Among them, those
around nineteen or twenty years old. In their eyes, veins, and hearts, you sit,
Sun-a! Sun-a! Sun-a! Now you are all coming to me.” -
Seo Jeong-ju (1915–2000), “Resurrection”
A long time ago, when I lost my younger sister who was two years
younger than me, I was not just sad, but truly desolate, resentful, and angry.
I felt resentful towards God. Now I live with the memory of that sister beside
me. I wonder if the survivors of the Sewol ferry disaster might find some
solace in reading Mi-dang’s poem “Resurrection” as I did. For the Korean people, there is a deeply rooted belief in
resurrection. No one doubts the story of Shim Cheong becoming an empress in the
Dragon Palace and resurrecting.
A few days ago, I met with the mothers of three high school girls
who were victims of the Danwon High School tragedy. I had no words to offer, so
I simply said, “Oh, I see.” The mothers, holding back tears
that seemed on the verge of spilling from their big, glistening eyes, looked as
if they might burst into tears with just a touch.
I found “Resurrection” in Mi-dang’s poetry collection and said, “Please take a
look at this. It might offer some comfort.” “Shim
Cheong beautifully resurrected. For some reason, this story warms our hearts
without any doubt.” Is profound sorrow more sorrowful
because it is beautiful? Thinking of how “the young
mothers, though engulfed in sorrow, are truly beautiful,” made my heart feel a bit lighter and thus even more aching.
JoongAng Ilbo, September 10, 2014
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