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“Hello, this is Jin Hangman, the host of KBC’s Uninvited Candidate Debate…”
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The Uninvited Candidate Debate.
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It was the first and last TV debate for minor candidates.
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Ahead of her first debate, Han Yeomyung was summoning her inner rage.
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“Of course, I’m the only woman here. South Korea still has a long way to go.”
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Han Yeomyung, the candidate from the Green Women’s Party.
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Her primary campaign pledge was “appointing all ministers as women.”
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She had come this far with nothing but her belief in women’s activism.
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Though the major party candidates were absent from the event, she had the chance to debate Kang Jiwoo.
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This ensured good viewership ratings.
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“As a representative of women, I’ll deliver a sharp blow to South Korea.”
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Han Yeomyung’s debate concept was rage.
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Her goal was to convey her anger to citizens and spark interest in women’s activism.
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However, a problem arose.
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“Kang Jiwoo is too cute!”
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Whenever she looked at Kang Jiwoo’s face, her anger melted away!
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She even felt slightly less intelligent…
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Was it because of the adorable outfit?
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A white blouse, a beige skirt, and round-toed shoes.
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The highlight was a navy ribbon tie on the blouse.
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“With that outfit, she looks like a doll! Or is she just naturally much better-looking in person…?”
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To be honest, Han Yeomyung had thought people were overhyping Kang Jiwoo’s charm when she saw her on TV.
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Sure, she was cute, but polling over 20%, even surpassing Yoo Hangcheol?
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“All that just because of her cuteness?”
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But seeing her in person, Han Yeomyung started to believe the hype.
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“I want a daughter like that…”
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She, a staunch advocate of singlehood, even found herself imagining having a child.
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“Candidate Han Yeomyung.”
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“……”
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“Candidate Han Yeomyung?”
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“Oh, yes?”
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She had been so absorbed in admiring Kang Jiwoo’s face that she hadn’t heard the host’s words.
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That’s how captivating Kang Jiwoo’s presence was.
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“It’s time for opening statements.”
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“Oh…”
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Hurriedly, Han Yeomyung read from her prepared script.
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“Be angry!”
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She tried to channel her rage.
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“Is… angering people too much…?”
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The effort fizzled out.
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Thanks to Kang Jiwoo, Han Yeomyung’s heart softened.
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Her statement ended up being quite mild.
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The same went for the other candidates.
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Candidates who had brought bold pledges like withdrawing U.S. troops or dismantling conglomerates…
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Even they adopted a softer tone.
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It was all because of Kang Jiwoo.
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Her gentle influence shone even more during the free debate.
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“Now, we will begin the free debate.”
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Unexpectedly, Kang Jiwoo was the first to secure a chance to speak.
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“I have a question for Candidate Han Bando…!”
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“Yes, go ahead.”
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The debate required participants to stand, but since Kang Jiwoo was so short, she had to use a platform.
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Even then, she was the smallest candidate on stage!
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With her eyebrows arched into a confident V-shape, Kang Jiwoo asked:
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“Your main pledge is the eradication of bbaekkaengi… no, bbaekkaengi… extermination, right?”
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“That’s correct.”
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“Who are bbaekkaengi?”
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Her cute appearance.
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Her slightly inaccurate pronunciation.
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And her pure, straightforward question.
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It was impossible to hold back a laugh.
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“Well… bbaekkaengi refers to… people who sympathize with North Korea, essentially those who like North Korea.”
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She doesn’t even know what bbaekkaengi means?
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How could one possibly debate with such a child?
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The Hanbando candidate could only gaze at Kang Jiwoo with fondness.
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However, her next words put him on edge.
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“That’s right! Bbaekkaengi is a derogatory term for people who like North Korea!”
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Kang Jiwoo did know what it meant.
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Her initial question was just a setup!
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“But you also called our soldiers bbaekkaengi! I think that’s wrong!”
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Indeed, he had said that.
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It was regarding an incident involving military personnel.
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The matter had sparked division and heated arguments in political circles.
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The Hanbando candidate retorted:
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“When individuals demand state compensation for accidents caused by personal mistakes, what else would you call them but bbaekkaengi?”
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“Hiek…”
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Kang Jiwoo flinched at his loud outburst.
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But she soon puffed out her chest and squared her shoulders.
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Despite her fear, she stood firm.
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“Sniff!”
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She remembered Sojin’s advice.
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The host then issued a warning to the Han Bando candidate.
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“Candidate Hanbando, please refrain from making definitive statements about unverified incidents.”
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“No, that’s…”
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“If it’s determined that you’re distorting specific events, we may not allow you to speak. Since this is a televised debate, please ensure you speak responsibly.”
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“……”
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In the end, Han Bando had no choice but to close his mouth. Kang Jiwoo took over and wrapped up the statement.
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“I think it’s wrong to speak to the soldier unkindly! Because they risk their lives to protect our country…!”
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At that moment, everyone looked at Kang Jiwoo with pleased expressions.
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Everyone, except one person.
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Han Bando.
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‘Why is she suddenly so articulate? She stammered so much when debating Cho Seoyoung and Yoo Hangcheol…’
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Caught off guard, candidate Han Bando’s face turned beet red.
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Being outmatched in a debate by an elementary school student was embarrassing, to say the least.
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Fortunately for Han Bando, he wasn’t the only one on the receiving end.
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“I think ministers should be chosen based on ability, not gender…!”
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Candidate Han Yeomyung of the Green Women’s Party.
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“I think it’s more reassuring if the American uncles protect us…!”
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Kim Mangchi of the Labor Freedom Innovation Party.
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“I think Hwandangogi shouldn’t be taught in schools…!”
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Heo Kyungyeon of the Hwan National Revolution Party.
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All of them were caught off guard by Kang Jiwoo’s sharp and decisive speaking skills.
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It wasn’t as if the debate was entirely one-sided; the other candidates presented sufficient rebuttals.
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But that was part of the problem—their policies were excessively extreme.
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In contrast, Kang Jiwoo seemed like the only one with a realistic perspective.
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More importantly, the fact that their opponent was an elementary school student made things worse.
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‘We’re all losing ground here…?’
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They initially thought Kang Jiwoo’s presence would make them stand out, but the opposite was happening.
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‘The longer this debate goes on, the dumber I look!’
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Adults being outmatched by the logic of a child.
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That’s exactly how they came across.
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Realizing this, the candidates changed their strategy.
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‘Avoid engaging with Kang Jiwoo as much as possible.’
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Thus, they started avoiding direct exchanges with Kang Jiwoo.
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Inevitably, the next candidate deemed the easiest target became the focus.
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“I have a question for candidate Heo Kyungyeon.”
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“I, too, would like to ask candidate Heo Kyungyeon…”
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“Candidate Heo Kyungyeon…”
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The new target was Heo Kyungyeon, whose flagship campaign promise was “levitating the Korean Peninsula.”
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It was easy to challenge him.
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The real issue came after.
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“Why can’t it be done? I can do it! Of course, I won’t do it here. But if this broadcasting station pays me properly for a demonstration, I’ll show you!”
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Logic was never part of his repertoire to begin with.
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The debate’s level plummeted to new lows, sapping everyone’s morale.
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But Heo Kyungyeon wasn’t done.
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“Look into my eyes! You’ll feel happy!”
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Out of nowhere, music began to play.
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As everyone looked on, baffled, Heo Kyungyeon nonchalantly pulled out a smartphone.
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“Oops, my bad. I forgot to turn it off.”
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“……”
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Promoting his own song on live broadcast during a debate— this was a disaster of epic proportions.
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But it was only the beginning.
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“Call out Heo Kyungyeon!”
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The beat and lyrics echoed once again.
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The other candidates protested.
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“What is this? Are you promoting your song right now?”
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“Seriously, why are you so angry? I have multiple phones. I’ll turn them all off. Just hold on.”
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From his pockets, smartphones began emerging endlessly.
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Even as he turned them off one by one, the music didn’t stop.
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“Call my name!”
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“Call my name!!”
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“Call my name!!!”
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A relentless earworm demanding people chant his name.
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The piercing electronic sound made it all the more unbearable.
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“Candidate Heo Kyungyeon, please turn off the music quickly.”
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“I am turning it off. Just wait a bit.”
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Heo Kyungyeon replied casually, his gaze fixed on Kang Jiwoo.
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‘You want to say it, don’t you?’
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Over the past few days, he had focused his campaign efforts on her.
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He parked his campaign truck near her office and blasted his song, bombarded her with campaign calls, and even sang loudly in waiting rooms.
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It was all a buildup to this moment.
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‘You won’t be able to resist. You’re already addicted, aren’t you? Isn’t that right?’
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A sly grin spread across Heo Kyungyeon’s face.
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Kang Jiwoo’s body started moving to the rhythm.
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“Sing it! Sing! If you even hum a single line of my song, that’s a success for me…”
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Kang Jiwoo’s lips twitched.
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As if about to say something.
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As if about to sing at any moment.
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Heo Kyungyeon’s song was addictive.
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How else could someone almost sing along within five minutes of hearing it in the office?
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But if you asked whether it was a good song…?
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Absolutely not.
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A crude beat and lyrics bordering on brainwashing.
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Once you heard it, it stuck in your head against your will, and that’s exactly what it was—forced.
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It was like being tickled to make you laugh, but feeling uncomfortable.
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The answer lay in that discomfort.
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Lee Sojin.
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I remembered a conversation with her, who is now my best friend.
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“You’re suffering because you’re addicted to this song?”
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“Yeah…”
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“Hmm… It’s not that bad.”
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“R-Really…?”
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“It feels so outdated. The lyrics are childish too.”
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Sojin then pulled out her earphones.
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She placed one in her ear, and the other in mine.
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Before she played the music, she whispered conspiratorially.
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“I’ll play you a real good song.”
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The music started.
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A cheerful drumbeat.
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Followed by a soothing guitar melody.
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Soon, the lyrics came.
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“Though I’ve finally decided on my destination~ The world blocks my way, though my path is long~”
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Was there ever music this comforting?
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The soft voice layered over the guitar was truly pleasing.
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But the highlight was yet to come.
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“Red light~ Blue light~ In the three seconds in between~ The yellow light shines~ That traffic light over there~”
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Ah, it was this song.
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The title was Traffic Light.
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A song that became wildly popular among elementary school students and caused a buzz.
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I had heard it a few times myself and thought the vocals were lovely each time.
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And then, in that moment, I felt like an elementary school student again.
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“Wow…”
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I could finally feel in my heart why this song resonated so much with children.
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“With my mind emptied, I don’t know if I’m fast~ Or slow~ All I see is yellow ahead of me~”
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It was like a gentle breeze brushing against me as I rode a bicycle on a spring day.
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The song evoked beautiful memories from my life.
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“How is it? Do you like the song?”
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“Yeah… It’s amazing. The best song I’ve ever heard…”
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Sojin said she related to the lyrics deeply.
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I wondered what kind of struggles a child could have…
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But children have their own hardships too.
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Even as Jiwooping, I often faced moments of doubt.
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Life is like crossing a traffic light.
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The only thing I know is to cross when the light is green.
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Some lights count down the remaining time, but others just blink away.
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Some are even broken.
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Is it okay to cross?
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Should I run or wait?
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I know I should move, but my legs are so short.
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And I’m so small that the speeding cars might not even see me.
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In those moments, it was my comrades and citizens who held my hand.
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This time, it was Sojin who held my hand.
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Thanks to her, I could safely cross the traffic light.
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“Are you crying?”
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“I-I’m not…!”
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“It’s okay to cry. I cried when I heard this song too.”
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“Bwaaahhh…”
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Jiwooping cried on the spot after listening to Traffic Light.
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I don’t know what touched me so deeply.
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Emotions are hard to explain, after all.
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I just knew that I shared a spring breeze with Sojin, and it felt like comfort.
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From that day, Traffic Light became my life’s anthem.
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“Red light… Blue light… In the three seconds in between…”
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Before I knew it, I was muttering the lyrics to myself.
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And with that, the ordeal of Heo Kyungyeon’s ringtone ended.
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He looked at me with a somewhat defeated expression.
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Realizing his plan had failed, he shouted at me in frustration.
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“Kang Jiwoo! Don’t you know my song? Sing it with me!”
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“???”
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Now he was outright demanding that I sing.
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Isn’t this too obvious?
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“Candidate, you are not allowed to force another candidate to sing.”
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“Force? What did I even do! Why are you people being so biased?! Huh?!”
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“What bias are you accusing us of?”
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“Forget it! I knew it from the moment you said you’d hold this debate! From the start, you were out to humiliate me, Heo Kyungyeon!”
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Heo Kyungyeon , ranting by himself, eventually stormed out of the debate hall.
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Dumbfounded chuckles followed behind him.
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“Red~ Blue~”
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Today, his traffic light was red.
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