#them: say 전!

[elixandre]

love my kids trying to teach me korean words. idk when i’ll use 전문가 in my life, but at least some 7 year olds taught me “expert” in korean today 😮‍💨

[crk-kr-to-en]

I saw somewhere that there’s a scene where PV is going down a hallway and there’s like pictures of SM (I think?) and he says “Poor thing, it no longer knows what it desires” and I’m wondering where it’s from and what the original KR version said, if you can find it （ーー；）

Pure Vanilla Cookie: Once the brilliant Fount of Knowledge, the source of all there is to know, now lay shattered...

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 스스로의 모순을 견디지 못하고 산산조각나 버렸군요.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: You couldn't stand your own contradictions and broke them into pieces.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: Crushed by the weight of its own contradictions. 

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 한 때는 태초부터 시작된 지식의 근원이었으며

Pure Vanilla Cookie: You were once the source of knowledge from the very beginning

(They switched the lines. This is actually happens a lot.)

Pure Vanilla Cookie: It's heart: divided by force. 

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 결국에는 억지로 분리된 지식의 선구자로서의 신념이.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: In the end, the belief as a Pioneer of Knowledge that is forcibly separated.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: Poor, sorry thing. It no longer knows what it desires.

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 가엾게도 더이상 스스로가 원하는 것이 무엇인지도 알지 못하게 된 채로...

Pure Vanilla Cookie: Poor thing didn't even know what it desired anymore...

Broken Belief: Poor? Sorry?

부서져버린 누군가의 신념: 가엾다구요?

Someone's Broken Belief: You feel sorry for me?

Pure Vanilla Cookie: …!

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: ...!

Pure Vanilla Cookie: …!

Broken Belief: And you...

부서져버린 누군가의 신념: 스스로가 원하는 것이 무엇인지 알지 못하게 된 건...

Someone's Broken Belief: I don't know what I desire...

Broken Belief: ...do you know what you desire?

부서져버린 누군가의 신념: 당신도 마찬가지일텐데요...?

Someone's Broken Belief: I'm sure it's the same for you...?

Pure Vanilla Cookie: …

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: ...

Pure Vanilla Cookie: …

Pure Vanilla Cookie: You're right.

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 맞아요.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: That's right.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: I might have strayed... from my roots and principles...

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 이미 전 근원과 신념을 잃었을지도 몰라요.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: I may have already lost my roots and beliefs.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: Just like the master of this tower.

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 이 탑의 주인이 그러했듯이...

Pure Vanilla Cookie: Just like the master of this tower did...

Pure Vanilla Cookie: But I will never.

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 하지만 절대로.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: But never.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: Never. Become like him.

퓨어바닐라 쿠키: 그와 같이 되지는 않을 거예요.

Pure Vanilla Cookie: It's not going to be like that.

☆

Screenshots below for convenience.

[bts-trans]

📅 240615 Weverse Translations

RM's Post ❇️

오랜만입니다. 얼마 전 11주년이었는데 정신없다는 핑계로 짧은 글 하나도 못 남겼네요. 허허허 한 달 전에 컴백투미, 3주 전에 RPWP가 나왔죠. 작년 4월에 호석이와 함께 입대하려던 계획을 미루고 미루다 동생들과 손잡고 나란히 들어가게 되었죠. 23년은 그렇게 술과 작업으로만 보냈던 것 같아요. 친구의 병장 약장이 부럽지만.. 그래도 후회는 없답니다. (ㅎㅎ;) 제가 이런저런 소회를 직접 들려드리지 못한 첫 작업물이네요. 하고싶은 말들이 많지만 앨범에 모두 적혀있으므로.. 그저 오롯이 저 스스로 솔직하고자 발버둥친 앨범입니다. 오래오래 두고두고 읽어주시면 좋겠어요. 부디 3일 전에 진 형이 드디어 전역을 했죠. 저 재밌자고 색소폰도 가져와서 불었지만 실은 만감이 교차했습니다. 먼저 가서 많이 외롭고 힘들지 않았을까.. 어땠을까. 1년 6개월은 여기 누구에게나 공평하니까요. 저희는 지금 형의 과거를 살고 있는 중이겠지요. 오랜만에 나와보니 역시 바깥의 시간은 다르게 흐르는군요. 중력도 다르게 느껴지고.. 다들 내 부재와는 상관없이 잘 살아가고 있구나. 잘 흘러가고 있구나. 다소 헛헛한 기분도 들지만, 무엇보다 정말 오랜만에 멤버들이 모두 모여 한 잔 하며 허심탄회한 얘기들을 나눌 수 ��어 좋았답니다(군대 얘기가 절반 이상이었지만..ㅋㅋ). 무려 근 열 달 만인 것 같아요. 왜이리 이 사람들이 보고싶었는지.. 저도 종종 전화해서 다짜고짜 안부나 묻곤 했었어요. 진 형이 늘 얘기하곤 했었어요. 멤버들 엄청 보고싶다고. 너희도 그럴 거라고. 뿔뿔이 흩어져 강원도 어딘가에 살아보니 사무치게 이해가 돼버려요. 막상 얼굴 보고 얘기하니 그래도 변하지 않는 것들, 내가 돌아와야 할 곳, 내가 어떤 사람이었는지도 다시 깨닫게 되고.. 우리 모두에게 의미있는 소중한 시간이었어요. 또 어디쯤 헤매고 있을까요? 내년 12주년에는 다들 어떤 얼굴을 하고 있을까요 그리워서 그리고 그려서 그리워요. 벌써 열 한 해입니다. 또 한 해를 손꼽는 일일 뿐이겠지요. 먼저 여러분의 품에 안긴, 안길 진 형과 홉이에게 뒷일을 부탁합니다. 아직 많은 분들이 저희를 잊지 않고 기다려주고 사랑해주신다는 것만 깨닫고 가요. 쏟아지는 사랑. 늘 그랬듯 그저 멤버들 여러분 생각하며 또 하루하루 잘 지내볼게요 사랑합니다. 고맙습니다 다음 초여름을 기약하며 남준

Hello, It’s been a while.

It was our 11th anniversary a while ago but, using the excuse that things have been really hectic, I wasn’t able to write even a small post. Hahaha

Come Back To Me came out a month ago, and 3 weeks ago, so did RPWP. Last year, after pushing and postponing my plans of enlisting with Hoseokie in April, I held hands with the younger members and we headed in together. And so 2023 went by, spent entirely with alcohol and work. I am jealous of my buddy’s sergeant patch but well.. I have no regrets. (hehe;)

I think this is the first time I’ve released something and not been able to talk about things directly with you. I have a lot to say but it’s all been written into the album so.. the album is purely the product of my fight with myself to become more honest. I hope that you keep reading it, over and over, for a long long time. It is a sincere, heartfelt wish.

Three days ago, Jin hyung was finally discharged. I brought along my saxophone and played it to be funny but honestly, I had a lot of complicated emotions running through me. Being the first to go was probably really lonely and difficult.. What was it like? That one year and six months treats everyone here equally. Now, we are probably living hyung’s past.

Out in the world for the first time in a while, I realised that time outside really does flow differently. Gravity feels different too.. everyone’s been living their lives regardless of my absence, doing well, flowing along nicely. I felt a little empty but, more than anything else, it felt great to get together with the members after a really long time and have a heart-to-heart over drinks (though more than half the conversation consisted of military stories.. haha). It had been nearly 10 whole months since we did something like this. Why did I miss these guys so much.. I did call them sometimes, randomly, asking them how they were doing.

Jin hyung did always tell us that he missed the other members a lot, that we were going to feel the same. Now scattered apart, living somewhere in Gangwondo, I understand it, it resonates so deeply. Actually talking face-to-face, I was reminded of the things that remain unchanging, the place that I have to return to, the person that I was.. it was a meaningful, precious time for all of us.

Where else will we be wandering? What expressions will we wear on our faces next year, on our twelfth anniversary? Missing you makes me picture you, and by picturing you I miss you more. We’re already in our eleventh year. All we have to do is just count one more. I entrust the future to Jin hyung and Hobi, who have been and will be the first to be embraced in your arms.

I’m taking back with me the realisation that there are still lots of people who haven’t forgotten about us, who are waiting for us. An outpouring of love. As always, I’ll try doing fine, day by day, thinking of you guys and the members

I love you. Thank you Until early summer next year, Namjoon

Trans cr; Aditi @ bts-trans © TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS

[syncoflove]

[📷] 240804 | SEONGHWA @._starhwa_ INSTAGRAM UPDATE

오늘은 조금 솔직한 이야기를 해볼까 합니다. 1년도 지나지 않아 저희 가족은 힘든 시간을 보냈습니다. 사랑하는 사람을 떠나보낸다는 건 정말 어려운 일들이더라고요.

사실 전 괜찮지 않습니다. 괜찮지 않아요.

하지만 아빠, 엄마의 눈물을 생각하면 꾹 참아야 했습니다.

더 좋은 공연을 위해 제 마음을 숨겨야 했습니다.

가만히 있으면 눈물이 차올라서 일이든 운동이든 뭐든 해야 했습니다.

새벽이 오면 흐르는 눈물을 삼키며 너무나 긴 공허 속을 헤 매어야 했습니다.

그렇게 혼자 멈춰진 시간 속에 살고 있었습니다.

울어야 할 때를 놓쳐버린 저는 슬픔이 마음속에서 자리 잡아버렸나 봐요.

전 우리의 시간이 영원하다는 생각을 하곤 했어요.

영원보다 멀리 기억될 순간들을 믿어왔죠.

하지만 삶이란 영원하지 않다는 걸 몇 번의 작별을 통해 알게 되었어요.

이 말을 하는 이유는 우리에겐 아직 시간이 있고 그렇기에, 이 삶이 너무나도 소중하다는 거예요.

그러니 서로를 미워하고 질투하는 삶을 살지 말고서로를 아껴주고 사랑해 봐요.

사랑해라는 말을 아끼지 말아요. 그게 나일지라도요. 저와 약속해 주세요.

슬픔을 흘려보내겠다고, 울어야 할 때 울겠다고, 어떠한 아픔이 와도 다시 딛고 일어나겠다고,

나 자신을 아껴주겠다고.

여러분 모두가 누군가의 별이 되길 간절히 소망할게요. 할수 있어요. 여러분은 이미 저의 별인걸요.

지금의 저를 있게 해주신 우리 할아버지 할머니와의 작별 이 너무 가슴 아프지만 그들에게 받은 사랑은 언제나 제가 슴속에 남아 영원히 저를 지켜줄 거예요.

이제야 정말 작별을 하네요. 너무 늦어서 미안해요. 이젠 멈춰진 시간을 흘려보낼게요.

슬픔도 흘려보내겠습니다. 나의 에이티니가 있는 곳, 나의 에이티즈 멤버가 있는 이곳, 이곳이 나의 집입니다.

Today I would like to tell you something a little honest. Less than a year later, my family went through a difficult time. It's really difficult to let go of someone you love. still. Actually, I'm not okay. It's not okay. But when I thought of my father and mother's tears, I had to hold back. I had to hide my feelings for a better performance. If I stay still, tears well up, so I do anything, be it work or exercise. I had to do it. When dawn came, I had to wander through the emptiness for a very long time, swallowing the tears that flowed. I was living alone in a time that had stopped. I missed the time to cry I guess sadness has settled in my heart.

I used to think that our time together was forever. I believed in moments that would be remembered further than eternity. But I know through a few goodbyes that life is not forever. It has become a thing. The reason I say this is because we still have time. That's why this life is so precious. So don't live a life of hating and being jealous of each other. Let’s cherish and love each other. Don’t hold back on saying “I love you.” Even if it's me. Please promise me. I will let the sadness flow away, I will cry when I need to cry, I will overcome any pain and get up again. That I would save myself. I sincerely hope that you all become someone’s star. will do I can. You are already my stars.

It is heartbreaking to say goodbye to my grandparents who made me who I am today, but the love I received from them will always help me. It will remain in my heart and protect me forever.

Now I'm really saying goodbye. I'm sorry I'm so late. Now I will let the frozen time go by. I will also let go of my sadness. Where my ATINY is, where my ATEEZ members are Where, this is my home.

Oh Seonghwa.. 🥺🤍 you're the strongest and so precious! You deserve all love and to be loved!! 🤍🤍 WE LOVE YOU SEONGHWA!

[storkmuffin]

The Magic of San of Ateez (1/tbd)

#1: Fangirling San Is Intergenerational (a real life example)

During the unusually long Lunar New Year Holiday, 2025, I spent a lot of time, inevitably, with Family (not family, but Family, you get me?). And because I'd recently concluded that not being shit to women who like entirely harmless things with enthusiasm is actually really important feminist practice, I decided to 'come out' (sorry for appropriating the language but you'll see why I do it) about my interest in the Kpop Idol group Ateez.

I comandeered the remote, in other words. It was in a quiet moment after all the food had been cooked (by women) and eaten (by everyone) and the dishes done too (by women - not all families are like this but my Family is). Up until then what had been on the giant 8K flatscreen had been news, followed by old soccer clip compilations on some sports channel, followed by old fight compilations on another sports channel where really big barefoot men wearing only panties slip on each other's blood as they try to make the other one unconscious by punching him in the face, and back to news.

I turned on the below- Ice on My Teeth performed by Ateez for the MBC 가요대제전 2024.

Oh. My. Gosh. The. Comments.

The choicest one was this: "I suppose everyone has to do all the silly things at some point, inevitably, before they die? So if you were a good, smart teenager and you don't care at all about Idols and all that silly nonsense during that time, you do it later, when you're all grown up." (Derogatory) (Mocking)

The one I'd been expecting was this one, which also happened: "I have never understood those ridiculous 빠순이(derogatory) who follow 연예인 around and ruin their lives, and I never ever thought you'd ever be one of them!" Madam, I literally just put a video clip from youtube on, to watch, because a composer, multiple studio sound technicians, 8 singer/dancers, a choreographer, a dozen back up dancers, stage technicians, camera crew, a director and an editor put a show together for me to watch. Why are we talking about lives being ruined?

Sidebar- Etymology of 빠순이: I always thought that it was a neologism consisting of 오빠 + 순이 (kind of a common, girl next door name of a certain previous generation, like "Betty" or a "Jenny") and it is actually that. But the book by the ethnomusicoloist taught me that it had a second, sexually contempuous meaning: 바 (bar) + 순이 = barmaid + 순이 = whore + 순이. To be a fangirl stan means to be a woman who is expressing, in some way, desire, and in public, and this is shameful. By the by, 빠순이 has been appropriated again by the original set of people it was designed to harm, much like I understand queer to have been done by that community, definitely by millennials but possibly even before that.

The ethnomusicologist discussed having an 입덕부정기 (a period in which one denies that they have, in fact, joined a fandom) for her current most favorite band. She doesn't go into why as a person who studies music she had this internal block against actually liking music and performance but then again, I don't think she needs to say it. We know why.

So, just to be pissy, I put that shit on repeat, and then something really nice happened!

"This is a really fun song!" (yes it is!) And then! "Oh these boys have a really Korean way of singing!" (someone in her 70s). And I perked right up. What do you mean??? "It's just very Korean. They sound like they know our traditional music."

Cue me FREAKING OUT internally but very calmly saying, "You are probably right! Because they had a Chuseok show one time, where they were all making 전, and they just started singing 판소리 among themselves. it sounded practiced to me, too! And, a lot of the newer Kpop does this on purpose - they bring in pansori vocalizations and instrumentals and rhythms, because overseas fans really like it!" (I may have gotten less calm by the end of this.)

So, thus encouraged, I put on this: Killing Voice Ateez, where dance pop makers come out and sing acapella to prove that they can.

And immediately, San's voice popped out for someone. "He sounds like Steve Yoo 유승준!" she said, pointing. For her, this is the highest compliment anyone can give a Korean Idol singer. Such a pretty tone, such clarity, such emotional appeal!

Sidebar: Steve Yoo really did have a lovely voice. He wasn't a bad rapper either even though his stuff sounds so dated now (inevitably, perhaps, since he was active in the 1990s). And Steve Yoo has been entirely erased from all histories of Kpop. It was only after I heard his name in context of how much San sounds like him (clarity of tenor as well as the emotional resonance) that I realized this. Several of the books I read did abbreviated histories of Kpop and Korean pop music, and mentioned representative groups & individuals in successive 'generations' of Idols, some of whom I have never heard of, but Steve Yoo, who was a big huge deal, is so banished that they never mention him, even though he was such an immense star.

WELL IN THAT CASE I HAVE SOMETHING TO SHOW YOU.

His handsomness kind of went without comment beyond a nod of agreement, even though I prompted, because Idols are supposed to be handsome. But what seemed to grab attention was how 올바른 (proper) he seemed.

Responses: Well mannered, demure, well spoken, respectful.

Me: He's the son of a taekwondo 관장!* He's from 남해!

Sidebar: Getting Taekwondo to the status of an international sport and an official, long-standing part of the Olympics was a major national project leading up to the 1988 Olympics and beyond. They fortified what was already there to distill what we consider the best and most proper parts of our culture - being powerful and fit and fast, yes, but also elegant, refined, well-mannered and respectful. When you want to show a shorthand for a character going from like, being shady to a proper, upstanding member of society, you will have him get into street brawls at the start and end with him becoming a taekwondo instructor.

Responses: Ohhh!! He's a 경상도 boy?? OOOH. And he sings so well! His English pronunciation is so good!

And then, and I have no idea if this will actually translate into English, we had a good laugh about how even now, even though regional dialects, especially strong ones like Southern 경상도, are considered 'cool' because standard Seoul speech has taken over completely, people from my family's root region exhibit a 'change of voice' when they speak Seoul. You have to open up your throat to make 경상도 sounds - the volume goes up, the sound gets 'rounder' and 'bolder,' so when someone whose native speech pattern is 경상도 speaks Seoul Standard, they come off to fellow 경상도 speakers like they're being very cautious. We tend to find this both adorable and comical, in ourselves and each other. So we all cooed at him, whenever he was talking to Lee Mujin.

And see, this is the magic of San. He will do insane gyrations on stage, make the most arrogant sexy bad boy face you ever saw, but 70 something Korean grandmas will find his style of singing comfortingly familiar amidst all the imported African beats, and appreciate the purity and gentleness he's able to project. BLESS!

[wingzie]

BTS in the UK Part Two: 2019

In May 2019, BTS travelled to London to perform at Wembley. An extra date was added due to tickets being sold out within 90 minutes and it was announced the concert would be broadcasted in real time on Vlive Plus. Art was seen on Brick Lane advertising it.

Due to the members being quiet the hashtag #FindBTSParty started, with Army making jokes about if BTS actually made it to London or not and where they were. Later on, Namjoon and Hobi also posted, revealing that they were indeed here.

BTS performed Boy With Luv on Britain��s Got Talent. At the end, Jin gave the rose to Dec. Dec later gave the rose to an Army who had waited a long time to get into the venue. 

There was plenty of support on the ground, with the Wembley stadium turning purple. There was also a chalk project at Piccadilly Circus, with Army writing messages of love on the pavement.

The BTS Hyundai advert at Piccadilly circus, with a massive crowd of Army watching. They also stayed behind to spend time together whilst singing and dancing.

Before their concert, BTS took part in a press conference, where they discussed the upcoming shows and answered questions about the group. The members posted photos from the event. One of the members then posted on twitter “C U Soon”, adding to the hype.

On 1st June, BTS began their first concert at Wembley.

Whilst making their way out of Wembley, Army sang back and forth “So show me, I show you” from Magic Shop.

After the concert, Jin posted a tweet taken from backstage. Namjoon posted a photo from the National Gallery and Yoongi also posted a selca. Yoongi then went on Vlive.

Before the second day began, some Army did Jungkook’s Euphoria fanchant on their way to Wembley. Jin also posted before the concert began.

BTS performed their second concert date:

Whilst getting ready for the encore, text appeared on the screen to indicate that ARMY TIME would happen at Wembley. 

Army then sang Young Forever, with everyone getting emotional.

After the concert, Hobi posted his thanks. Jungkook went Live after the concert. The Korean BBQ place called Olle posted the signatures of Jin, then of Jimin and Jungkook who had visited earlier in the week.

Jimin posted his thanks to his friends for attending. This flag was spotted around on the day, with the owners claiming to be friends of Jimin. Jimin later mentioned going around London with them and Jungkook. Jimin also kept the banners, which were later seen on BTS Festa in 2021.

BTS filmed episodes 91-94 in London, saying that they had to film inside the hotel because of the rainy weather.

A few days later, an interview was released where BTS were interviewed by Adele Roberts again.

On 9th August 2019, Taehyung/V released Winter Bear. The MV featured self-filmed scenes of London.

Sources:

[tomorrowxtogether]

231112 Taehyun's Tweet

예상 외로 맛있다는 반응이네요..!

(사실 전 안 먹어봤어요)

#태현 #연준

[TRANS]

An unplanned reaction saying it was delicious..!

(Also I didn't even taste them)

#TAEHYUN #YEONJUN

[hae-yeon]

531.Pre-Party (4)

파티 전 (4)

촤아아악!

Kicking up a huge wave of sand, Song Taewon skid across the ground as he was forced backwards a great distance. Barred from using any Skills aside from his Reaving(1), or from altering his physical composition through magic. Song Taewon dutifully obeys the instruction given to him, to rebuff the attacks falling upon him by only using his Reaving–but it was far from being an easy task.

Massaging the forearm that had borne the full brunt of the Young Chaos’s kick, due to his inability to channel his Skill in time, Song Taewon immediately corrected his disheveled posture.

“Another chance, please, Elder.”

“You’re wounded, brat. Treat his injury, Beauty(2).”

Noah, who had been watching from the sidelines, applied a healing Skill to Song Taewon. Noah-ssi was beautiful, true, but to brazenly refer to him by a name like that was kinda……. It was apparent the Elder’s sensibilities were clearly lacking, if you asked me. Between the Elder and that guy Hamin, I felt as though I was at least the best of the bunch, by my estimation. 

Lightly inclining his head towards Noah as a token of thanks, Song Taewon settled back into an expectant stance, presumably in anticipation of another attack from Chaos. 

Before leaving for the States to participate in Chatterbox’s Party, we’d congregated together for one last trip to see the Young Chaos. We’d sought him out regularly up to this point too, of course; but this instance marked the first time all of us had come together to visit him at the same time. The Young Chaos had scowled and made some noise about a ‘descending mob,’ but hadn’t seemed to feel too bothered by our presence. With that being said, he had then proceeded to conduct assessments for Yoohyunie and Yerimie, myself, and finally Song Taewon in turn.

“It is undoubtedly strange.”

Chaos mused, effortlessly kicking off from Song Taewon’s shoulder with a flying spin and lightly landing back on his feet.

“That he should prove so ungainly with an ability he’s possessed from birth to such an extent, no matter how fundamentally overwhelming it may be.”

“It’s, ngh, because Section Chief Song-nim loathed having it, sir. That’s wh–Yoohyun-a, ah, hold on a sec. So it might be that he’s subconsciously rejecting its use, sir.” 

According to the Elder, Section Chief Song-nim was apparently really, truly abysmal at channeling his Reaving Skill properly, in terms of drawing out the full potential of the ability. His mastery of the Skill itself was outstanding. But the potency of his Reaving was far too lacking. For someone of Section Chief Song-nim’s physical capabilities–for a DPS class S-rank–he should at least be capable of drawing out enough power to encompass  one arm, he’d said.

“I expect he is repressing it on some level, certainly.”

As Chaos’s gaze fixed on him, Song Taewon lowered his eyes.

“...I couldn’t say, sir.”

“Likely it is a long standing habit of yours, such that it has become undetectable by this point. For it to have become second nature as it has, it would have originated from your formative years. Can you recall an event in your childhood that may have contributed to such a thing, perhaps.”

“Not to my knowledge, sir.”

“Sir, Section Chief Song-nim can’t be trus–ack!”

Yoohyun-ah, be more gentle when hyung is speaking, won’t you. The Rookie, who had been watching as Yoohyunie massaged my body, took the opportunity to sidle on over.

[ I could do it even better, Honey. Tentacles are the best, after all. They’re much smoother, and less painful. Not to mention, they come with heating, vibrating, and self-moisturizing features as well! Plus a low-frequency setting! ]

“I’m not interested.”

“Hyung, turn over onto your side.”

[ If you’d give it just one chance, you’d change your mind! ] 

Each time we’d met, the Rookie had been attempting to extol the virtue of tentacles to me lately. Possibly because Myungwoo had turned down having tentacles due to my distaste for them, it seemed. Why was he so set on installing tentacles on a perfectly decent body, honestly. 

“You can’t trust anything Section Chief Song-nim says in regards to himself, sir. It’s always ‘no’ and ‘I am fine’ and ‘please do not worry’ with him.”

“So he is similar to yourself, then, Eldest.”

“How could you say that, sir–Section Chief Song-nim is clearly a far more severe case than myself.”

Song Taewon’s eyes glanced my way. What, it was true. I was better than Section Chief Song-nim at least, obviously.

“Or perhaps, it is yourself that you are afraid of.”

The slender wooden switch held in Chaos’s hand suddenly moved with explosive force. 팡– The sonic boom of an object punching through the sound barrier rang in my ears. It felt more than sufficient to rip through even an S-rank’s flesh, short of a Skill or some sort of magical force protecting his bare body. A dark shadow jumped out to wrap around Song Taewon’s forearm, blocking the wooden switch’s advancement. For a moment, the stick seemed to have been deflected successfully; but then, on the turn of a dime, it veered around and it shot towards Song Taewon’s waist.

“Divide your strength!”

As the Elder snapped out the command, Song Taewon’s side was pierced ruthlessly. It looked vicious enough to summon a wince from myself, but Section Chief Song-nim merely retreated to pull out the wooden switch embedded in his body without even batting an eye. 

“If you recognize you cannot match the speed of the attack, divide and conquer instead! It is truly astounding, that one who is capable of wielding his own body and magical energy as well as yourself cannot properly manage splitting that strength. That is an aspect of your abilities as well.”

Clicking his tongue, the Elder turned to look in my direction.

“You mentioned that your field of awareness appeared to expand with the Eldest’s Skill applied to you, did you not. A phenomenon such as that would have merely been a type of placebo effect.”

“Really, sir?”

“Aye. A power capable of swallowing all things, Skill or otherwise–it would be far stranger to have it be capable of being influenced by your own Skill, wouldn’t you say, Eldest.”

Wow, now that he mentioned it, that made a whole lot of sense. Did that mean even buffing Skills wouldn’t be able to affect the Reaving, then.

[ It’s not completely out of the realm of possibility though, Honey. After all, ‘doubling the attack Skill’ in terms of effectiveness doesn’t just grant an increase to the Skill’s offensive power, when it comes down to it. It allows the target to immediately adapt to the scaling applied to the Skill as well. When your abilities experience an exponential jump, it becomes difficult to properly control your body(3), correct? That’s a kind of ‘support’ effect applied by the Skill as well–and it might be that Shadows-ssi becomes able to better manipulate his shadows as a result of it. ]

Such an effect was intrinsic to most other support-type Skills as well. Section Chief Song-nim listened to us silently. 

“Be that as it may–regardless of whether he is set upon reining his own power, it would have only been natural for it to burst out on its own accord, when his body senses a threat to its survival. …though I suppose his survival to this point may be attributed to how he has managed to suppress himself to the point of preventing even that basic instinct.”

…even at the cost of his own life. Just like how he’d resolutely refused to swallow Sung Hyunjae, to the bitter end. Song Taewon gazed down at the far smaller figure of Chaos with intensely sedate eyes. 

“Is it your opinion that remaining in my current condition would prove to be the less risky option then, sir.”

“If you are content to remain a mediocre S-rank Hunter, certainly.”

The problem was, even if Section Chief Song-nim might be okay with that outcome, no one else around him would be inclined to leave well enough alone. Similar to how he’d ended up becoming an Awakened in the first place. Not that he was the type to simply step back and shut his eyes to the present reality, anyway.

“Perhaps it is a psychological block, or an obstruction of a different nature–but in any case, attempt to make use of it from the perspective of overcoming the current limitations of your strength. Whether or not it pleases you, the shadow is yours.”

He was right. But to come to that acceptance of oneself… was more difficult than you’d think, too. Even though it might not be the case for people like a certain Sung Mo-ssi(4), who was kneeling on the ground yet again today. The Elder appeared to have disapproved of him quite highly, as Sung Hyunjae was still relegated to the floor this visit as well. He was leisurely sipping on a cup of tea despite his sorry position, though. 

“I still dunno about the young master taking after him, though.”

Moon Hyuna whispered in a low voice to Yerimie, who was sitting at the same table as her.

“The vibe he exudes is completely different, yeah.”

“But they do look fairly similar, appearance-wise.”

“Yes, that’s true–but their eye colors are totally off. He’s clearly a based person though, just based on how he can command Sung Hyunjae around.”

Hyuna-ssi had given a standing ovation at the sight of Sung Hyunjae submissively kneeling down in front of him in a show of obedience(5). And following her proclamation that she found herself inclined to ‘become the Elder’s fan,’ the Young Chaos seemed to have taken a shine to her as well. 

쿵, with a heavy thud, Song Taewon’s body was thrown into the sandy arena floor once more. ‘Even though Section Chief Song-nim’s taijutsu skills are no joke, he’s still no match for the Elder, huh.’ Moon Hyuna marveled quietly, and Yerimie made an envious noise.

“I can’t even track Graddad’s movements yet, still.”

Everyone was watching the two of them intently. Except for Myungwoo and the Rookie, that was. The Rookie was still loitering around my vicinity, whereas Myungwoo was preoccupied with adding the finishing touches to the translating Item. With a bit of assistance from the Rookie, he had succeeded in creating the translating Item in question, but apparently there were still a few issues that needed fixing. 

I was certainly glad for the translating Item, and the other Items lent to me by Myungwoo seemed like they were going to be extremely useful in their own rights, too. 

“Shall we get started with drawing of lots, then.”

At my prompting, the Rookie created a spherical container. 

“Pick a color, everyone. And Yoohyunie–you’ve gotta go with whoever gets picked without a peep otherwise, okay.”

“...I think Peace’s opinion should be taken under consideration, too.”

“You think Peace will wanna go with you?”

“If he’s aware that hyung intends to go by yourself, yeah.”

Hmm, that did seem pretty likely.

“We’ll proceed with drawing lots first, in any case. I’ll add a ballot for Peace too. Evelyn-ssi indicated that she would be fine with anyone who’s leftover. And Liette will be going with Soyoung-ssi. As for Sung Hyunjae-ssi…….”

“I believe I have a prior reservation.”

…would Gyeolie really be fine. I was worried, but for the time being, I had only the remaining pool of people choose a color.

“I’ll be handling drawing lots for everyone.”

Since S-ranks had their heightened senses, after all.(6) The Rookie has told me that each ballot was identical, but just in case. Reaching a hand into the container, I pulled out a orb. Yellow; it was Yerimie. 

“If Yoohyunie appears next, I’ll be re-drawing due to the incompatibility in affinities.”

We were assigning the teams based on blind drawings, sure, but we still needed to take basic type matchups into account. The second ballot I drew was black in color.

“It’s mister government official(7)! I’ll be in your care then, sir.”

“Please take good care of me as well, miss.”

They made for a decent combination. And with Section Chief Song-nim being so dependable, I could ease up a bit on worrying about Yerimie, too. The third ballot I drew was blue, for Moon Hyuna. The fourth one was red, for Noah.

“Looks like I’ll be on the same team as our Beauty, then.”

“I’ll be in your care, Breaker Guild Leader, ma’am.”

“Like I said, you can just call me ‘noona.’ Or ‘Hyuna-ssi,’ like hyung-nim does.”

Moon Hyuna remarked breezily, showing a warm smile. And so, that left Yoohyunie, Evelyn, and Peace. 

“Yoohyun-ah, what if you just went with Evelyn-ssi? It seems like a fairly sound option.”

“I’d rather team up with Peace.”

He responded, bullheaded.

“I’ve worked together with him the longest, after all. And no matter how skilled at long-distance support she might be, I’m opposed to the idea of being paired together with someone I’ve never fought with before.”

“Don’t listen to him, mister–it’s all a bluff. Han Yoohyun always runs off on his own anyway, so I doubt he’s actually concerned about something like that. It’s just ‘cause he’d be able to progress more quickly if he’s paired with Peace, that he’s being so adamant about it. That way, he can be reunited with mister sooner than later.”

Yoohyunie’s words held merit, but Yerimie’s words also rang true to me. Not to mention the fact that Evelyn-ssi would still need a teammate. Apparently having read my thoughts, Sung Hyunjae interjected.

“Do not concern yourself regarding Hunter Miller–so long as she has an Invitation, she will be able to select a partner of her choosing.”

“You do have a point, sir. Is Evelyn-ssi on close terms with any Hunters abroad, then?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

Saying so, Sung Hyunjae turned to look at Moon Hyuna. Moon Hyuna, who had been resting her chin in her hand, asked ‘what’ and jutted her lip out in a pout.

“I suppose you could be her partner if it came down to it, Sung Hyunjae-ssi, sir. Assuming I succeed in convincing Gyeolie to withdraw, that is.”

“Only, one of the terms of Hunter Miller’s contract with Seseung is a ban on accompanying the Guild Leader on any Dungeon raids, except when deemed absolutely necessary and indeed unavoidable.”

So by ‘whoever is left,’ she’d actually meant ‘anyone aside from Sung Hyunjae, whose teammate has already been decided anyway,’ huh.

“Maybe I should go too, then?”

Myungwoo, who had simply been listening in, suddenly spoke up.

“It’s too dangerous!”

[ That’s right! Hoobae-nim should prioritize his safety above all else! ]

Aghast, the Rookie and I both rushed to dissuade Myungwoo. With a smile, Myungwoo twirled the golden rod he’d been holding between his fingers.

“You mentioned that our safety would be guaranteed though, right. Besides, no S-rank Hunter would dare to lay their hands on me.”

“That’s… certainly true, but.”

The fact that Myungwoo had managed to upgrade a SS-rank weapon wouldn’t have escaped the notice of the S-ranks who were due to be assembled at the gathering. To keep the number of competitors low, the news seemed to be kept fairly hush-hush still; but by now, all the S-ranks who were in the know would’ve come into the information already. And so, rather than risk losing out on the possibility of gaining an SS-rank weapon, it was likely that they would err on the side of staying on Myungwoo’s good graces rather than treat him as an opponent, in the hopes of participating in the long game. 

[ You may still be targeted by the Filiality Addicts, though! Since Blacksmith-ssi is an immensely vital ‘Key’ to protecting the world, after all! ]

Bounding up to Myungwoo, the volleyball began to circle him anxiously. The colors on its body had begun turning red, blue, then yellow, even. I remembered that he’d mentioned before, that he’d save at least Myungwoo if this world was to fall, huh. 

[ Why don’t we have a fun and productive time together manufacturing things instead! I could show you one of my workshops, perhaps? I’m not really supposed to, but maybe just a little peek wouldn’t hurt. There’s all sorts of rare and unusual ingredients in there, you know. And even though taking any outside is not allowed, letting you handle them should be fine, I should think. ]

The Rookie was really pulling out all the stops, eh. Offering this and that, he industriously applied himself into coaxing Myungwoo into staying. He may have presented it as Myungwoo being ‘someone essential to the task of keeping the World safe,’ but it was obvious that he was more motivated by a deep personal investment. It was almost like watching a puppy trying its best to prevent its owner from leaving the house for work, honestly.

In any case, it was decided that we’d consult Evelyn-ssi for her opinion first. Evelyn-ssi might have a different Hunter she wanted to team up with, rather than be paired with Yoohyunie, after all.

[ I’ll arrange matters so that Honey can visit the Dungeon even while you’re in the U.S.! ]

“Sure, thanks.”

“Eldest.”

The Young Chaos called out to me, moving closer.

“Do not allow yourself to become too hurt by the words and actions of others.”

“Well… I figure I’ve already been scarred as much as can be anyway, sir.”

The time for something like that was long past, by my reckoning. Hearing my words, the Elder formed a disgruntled expression.

“Even a hero who has saved the world many times over will find he still has enemies. There are some who would bear deep hostility against others, simply for committing the sin of having crossed their path.”

“Are you… speaking from personal experience perhaps, sir?”

“Not myself, as such. But I’ve heard stories of one being accused of grandstanding apropos of nothing, yet being persecuted as a result.”

That really did seem unfair.

“Regardless of what anyone might say–you are not to blame. Even if you were to choose the safety of those you hold dear, over that of the world.”

“...I feel like I’d definitely be vilified to no end, sir. If I pulled something like that.”

“Then direct those who would denounce you, to save the world in your stead! There will always be those who seek to disparage you, even if you successfully deliver them from harm. They may merely be reduced in number, perhaps.”

His words held water; particularly in light of how, despite embarking on Dungeon raids to save the world… or, well, myself to be specific–Yoohyunie had still been met with hostility regardless.

“Didn’t you usually end up as the world-saving type though, Elder, sir?”

“Through happenstance, as I merely did as I pleased. That is not to say that your conduct should be unbecoming, however. To be human, one must act in a manner befitting of one’s station. But it should not require undue sacrifice on your part.”

Lightly patting my arm, Chaos turned to look at Sung Hyunjae.

“On the contrary–you should live only according to your whims.”

I was fairly certain that was already the case, though. The Elder walked over to stand in front of Sung Hyunjae.

“Always put yourself first. As you are now, to make concessions for others is a luxury you cannot afford.”

Tilting his head slightly, Sung Hyunjae smiled faintly.

“A somewhat lonely mandate, sir.”

“Such twaddle.”

But a faint, almost imperceptible expression of sympathy flashed across the Elder’s face. Bidding the Young Chaos and the Rookie farewell, we departed the realm.

- - - - -

(1) 약탈 [掠奪]: plunder; pillage; loot; spoilage; spoliation; despoliation; despoilment

(2) chaos using 1:1 naming convention yj also utilizes calls noah '예쁜이,' which is closer to 'darling' or 'sweetheart' in colloquial use as a 'nickname,' but needed to be 'beauty(-ie)' here to make sense w the 'his simplistic naming sense is worse than mine' line of reasoning yj walks us through

(3) putting this as footnote as placeholder bc i don’t remember the ch number off the top of my head, but it’s an example of that phenomenon where newly Awakened need to be sequestered away in a padded training room to prevent accidental destruction of property while they adjust to their new baseline strength etc., bc they ‘don’t know their own strength’ yet

(4) see footnote in 195 re: using of ‘(Last Name) Mo-ssi’ as a way of ‘redacting’ a name so it’s like ‘John(Mo) Smith,’ so it’s read kind of like ‘a certain Mr. Sung’ in context

(5)

(6) see: stw only doing rock-paper-scissors with his eyes closed (so as to refrain from gaining an unfair advantage against his opponent) / yoohyunie always beating yerimie at rock-paper-scissors bc his senses and reflexes are keener than hers

(7) yerimie calls song taewon ‘공무원 아저씨’ aka ‘civil servant ahjussi,’ so i chose what i thought was the least jarring version of ‘mister civil servant’... but i do keep flip-flopping back and forth, like w ‘rookie/newcomer’ and ‘innocuous/innoxious king’...

공무원 [公務員] <집합적> the civil service; public service personnel; government employees; (개인) a public employee; an official; a civil servant; a servant of the state; a public service worker; a government official; <美> an officeholder.

mha → all: casual informal

yerimie → all: casual polite

stw → all: polite formal

noah → mha: polite formal

hyh ↔ hyj: informal intimate 

hyj → others: polite formal

shj → chaos: polite formal

rookie/newcomer → all: semi-casual polite

+(Q&A)

Q) i was wondering if there are any small habits or mannerisms you’ve assigned to the cast members A) (song taewon) as an s-rank’s reaction speed+sight are exceptional, they are able to confirm what their opponent will play in advance in rock-paper-scissors. because of that, when he has to do rock-paper-scissors with someone of a lower stat/rank than himself, he will play with his eyes closed.

+(Q&A)

Q) i’m curious how the character ‘song taewon’ was born A) as mentioned in the novel, song taewon ‘originated’ from the Eclipse(월식), in order to impede(block) sung hyunjae. the Shadow whose purpose is to swallow the Moon was born as a human, and by growing in accordance with the environment around him, ‘song taewon’ was made. if that environment had been different–if the events with his dongsaeng hadn’t transpired–then song taewon’s personality probably would’ve been somewhat altered. it might’ve been the case that, even before the novel could begin, he’d awaken as the Eclipse, preventing the story from coming to pass altogether. because of that, song taewon’s disposition(성향) of repressing himself coming to be born was an indispensable element.

+(Q&A)

Q) it’s said that not very many people have had the opportunity to dine with sung hyunjae; in han yoojin’s case, did he just call sung hyunjae out when he happened to be passing by seseung to have a meal together? A) in the first place, as they are the dodam rearing facility director and the seseung guild leader, and han yoojin is a high-profile f-rank, it would be difficult to casually call on one other while just passing by, from the standpoint of the novel. when they do end up dining together, it’s always over business, even if only as a formality. as sung hyunjae does not wish to additionally be forced to engage with others when faced with the already tedious business of eating, unless it’s with han yoojin or song taewon, he does not enjoy dining with others. from a post-series standpoint: since he was able to break free from the stifling circumstances, and (unilaterally) thinks that he meshes well with the young chaos, he’s quite enjoying looking after chaos ^^

[koreanling]

Happy 추석/Chuseok!

추석 also known as 한가위, is Koreas autumn harvest festival, similar to thanksgiving or other such celebrations. It's celebrated in both North and South Korea and lands on the 15/8 on the lunar calendar so it changes each year, but for this year it starts on September 28 and goes on until the 30th. Uniquely 추석 guarantees 3 days off; the day before, 추석 day, and day after.

Where Does Chuseok Come From?

Chuseok is an age old celebration so when it originated is a bit debated. Some think it comes from around 57 BC - 935 AD as a part of another celebration called gabae. Gabae was a month-long weaving contest between two teams and when the competition was over the winner would be treated to a feast from the losing team.

Other think that it is tied to celebrations for the harvest moon where people would offer deities and ancestors new harvests. Which means chuseok could have started off as a worship ritual.

Whichever the origins or history, 추석 has developed to be a big family event in Korea, with a lot of specific foods and events going on. The event celebrates family, food, and the large harvest before winter starts to come in.

Some common holiday foods are:

Yakgwa 약과

Jeon 전

Saengseon Twigim 생선���

Hangwa 한과

Songpyeon 송편

Before there was more of a culture to make 송편 with family and go all out; doughs would be died naturally and made into unique shapes. There was even a common saying that said: “송편을 잘 빚으면 예쁜 딸을 낳는다” or in English: “If you shape 송편 well, you’ll have a pretty daughter”.

What are the traditions of Chuseok?

Visiting with Offerings Ancestors Graves:

추석 is all about family, both alive and past. Koreans usually hold a memorial service, or charye (차례), in honor of their ancestors and offer certain foods to them such as rice and fruits. Which additional food is offered changes a bit depending on region though, in Seoul salted fish and meat dishes are offered along with rice for instance.

When giving appreciation to ancestors Koreans also go to the family grave plot and sweep and clean the area. Then, they bow to their ancestors graves as a whole family which is called sungmyo (성묘).

Giving Gifts on Chuseok

People also need to celebrate their live family! 추석 gift sets are common to find around in Korea before the holiday begins in stores and supermarkets. Many gifts are very food and health focused; from having fruit, alcohol, and meat, to ginseng products, health products, and others.

Interestingly though; the fruit gifts are pretty pricey and filled with premium fresh fruits. So don't mistake them for the fruits you normally get at the grocery store. Quality Beef is also an expensive gift to give that people really love.

[btstwtarchive]

130917 [Text] 추석 연휴! 방송국에 특선영화가 있다면 방탄TV엔 에피소드가 있다! 잠시 후! 기다리고 기다리던 그 것!!이 공개됩니다! #올리고나면_나도연휴시작 #메리추석 #잠들면안돼 #방탄소년단 [Trans] Chuseok Holiday! If there is a special movie in the broadcasting station, there is an episode on BTS TV! In a moment! The thing I've been waiting for!!will be revealed! #AfterIUploadIt_I'mGoingToStartVacation #MerryChuseok #Don'tFallAsleep #BTS

Reply 1 [Text] 안ㄴ..안녕하세요 전 랩모ㄴ..인데요.. 조..좋은 연휴..보내세요.. [Trans] He.. Hello, I'm Rap Mon.. That's.. h..have a.. good holiday..

Reply 2 [Text] 아... 네... 랩몬님 안녕하세요. 랩몬님도 좋은 연휴... 보내세요..... 송편 꼭 챙겨 드시고요... 전 20000.. [Trans] ah... yes... Rap Mon-nim hello. Rap Mon-nim, have a great.. holiday too.. make sure to eat Songpyeon.. for me 20000..

Reply 3 [Text] ㄴ..네.. 항상 방탄밤.. 스탶다이어리.. 트윗.. 이번엔 정국짱 몰카까지.. ㄱ..고생이 많으세요.. 아하하.. 빨리 공개하고..ㄱ..가족의 품으로.. 가..가버렷..! [Trans] y..yes.. always bangtan bomb.. staff diary.. tweet.. this time Jungkook's hidden camera.. y.. you're going through a lot.. ahhaha.. Let's hurry and reveal it.. g.. go see your family.. get going..!

Translated the entire conversation with papago

ARMY NOTES -As you can see, Namjoon is responding to the staff member saying they won't go on vacation until they post the prank clip from Jungkook's birthday. -Songpyeon is a traditional rice cake made and eaten during Chuseok. Most often they are intentionally shaped to resemble a half-moon. You can read more about them (+ recipe!!) here. -You can watch the bangtan bomb here (KOR|ENG)

[myugabeon]

지저스 크라이스트 수퍼스타 // Jesus Christ Superstar

영원히 저주받은 자 - 피묻은 돈 // Damned For All Time - Blood Money

image source: 백형훈 - Heaven on Their Minds [하이라이트 편집]

가사ㆍ번역 // Lyrics & translation

유다 // Judas:

시간을 줘 그 결정을 하기 전

내 머릿속이 너무 혼란해 지금

내가 왜 당신 도와줘야 하는지

나 수천 번을 생각하고 또 했어

이것은 내 의지가 아냐 오해마

나 돈 따위에 팔렸다고 착각마

저주받을 내 이름 유다

Give me time before I make this decision My mind is too chaotic now Why should I help you?  I’ve thought it over thousands of times This isn’t my will, don’t misunderstand¹ Don’t imagine I’ve been bought by something like money It will be cursed, my name Judas 

나 지저스 위해 여기 온 걸 명심해

사람들이 그의 목을 조여와

난 그의 선택 막을거야 끝까지

지저스 그는 나를 이해할거야

이것은 내 의지가 아냐 오해마

나 돈 따위에 팔렸다고 착각마

저주받을 내 이름 유다

Keep in mind I’ve come here for Jesus’s sake The people are strangling him I’ll block this choice of his till the end Jesus, he’ll understand me  This isn’t my will, don’t misunderstand Don’t imagine I’ve been bought by something like money It will be cursed, my name Judas 

한 마디만 해줘 이게 맞다고

현명하신 충고 해봐 가야바

왜 날 희생자로 선택했을까

내 고통 누가 생각이나 해줄까

돈에 팔린 자 그렇게 날 착각마 

영원히 배신자로 기억될 운명

저주하지 마 내 이름 유다

Just give me one word that this is right Give me sage counsel, Caiaphas Why should I have been chosen as sacrifice?  Won’t someone think of my suffering? Don’t mistake me as someone bought by money My fate is to be eternally remembered as a traitor Don’t curse my name Judas

안나스 // Annas:

변명과 후회가 필요치 않아 

간단한 정보만 나 필요할 뿐

I don’t need excuses or regrets I just need some simple information

가야바 // Caiaphas:

체포영장은 다 준비했으니 

예수의 계획만 말하면 돼

The arrest warrant is all prepared You just have to tell us Jesus’s plans

사제 // Priest: 

널 위한 보상금 다 준비해 뒀어

The money for your recompense is all prepared

가야바 // Caiaphas:

돈 싫다 하는 놈 본 적이 없어

병사를 보낼 장소만 말해

I’ve never seen a bastard say he doesn’t want money Just tell us where to send the soldiers

안나스 // Annas:

꼭 혼자여야만 해

He just needs to be alone for certain

가야바 // Caiaphas:

실수는 안 돼

There can be no mistakes

유다 // Judas:

이런 돈 필요 없어

I don’t need that money

가야바 // Caiaphas:

그게 뭔 상관이야 돈이나 챙겨

What does that matter? Just take the money

유다 // Judas:

이런 돈 집어치워

Put away that money

안나스 // Annas:

돈이나 어서 챙겨 좋은 일 하쇼

Just take the money and do some good deeds

가야바 // Caiaphas:

불쌍한 사람들 도와주는 돈 

잘 생각해봐 많은 걸 할 수 있어

네 올바른 선택 네 냉정한 판단

이 돈은 모두를 구한 대가야 정당한 대가일 뿐

This money can help the poor Think well on it. There’s much you can do (With) your correct decision, your cool-headed judgment This money is a payment that can save them all, nothing but a fair payment

유다 // Judas:

목요일 밤

그분이 항상 홀로 기도를 하시는 그곳은 바로

겟세마네

Thursday night The place where he always prays alone is Gethsemane

코러스 // Chorus: 

잘했다 유다

착하다 유다

잘했다 유다

착하다 유다

잘했다 유다

착하다 유다

잘했다 유다

착하다 유다

Well done, Judas Good-hearted Judas Well done, Judas Good-hearted Judas Well done, Judas Good-hearted Judas Well done, Judas Good-hearted Judas

주석ㆍ소감 // Notes & Thoughts

"이것은 내 의지가 아냐" could probably be translated more neutrally as “this isn’t what I want”, but I think the implied lack of free will is intentional.

Korean lyrics obtained from https://m.blog.naver.com/miniping2006/30167906140

If you have video or audio I could add, let me know :)

[partytrick91]

There was confusion about when In-ho's wife died because of the English dub putting in a line saying it was the fifth anniversary of his wife's death when Jun-ho went to go visit her grave. But director confirmed that she did indeed die while he was in the games.

(you'll have to put it through a translator)

-

But wow thinking of In-ho desperately trying to survive the horror that is the games and thinking of his wife and child to help him keep going despite how terrified he is to be there. He probably was forced to kill innocent people and maybe even betray allies he made all for their sake. Then when he wins he's so eager to get home because he finally has the funds to save his family only to be told they died while he was away and all he can do it just lay down and try not to completely lose it. On top of that he has to deal with the PTSD he got from the games, its hard not to feel sympathy towards him. Still pretty horrible though how he knows exactly what its like to be in the players positions and is fine with running the games anyways. Even has the audacity to call them trash and compare them to race horses, when he was in their exact place not too long ago. He thinks his current position automatically makes him better than them. I really want to know he he became Frontman because theres still so many unknowns surrounding his story.

[koreanthroughfiction]

독서를 위한 간청 - A Plea for Reading

상상해봐, 누군가의 인생을 매 순간마다 따라다니는 거야—보이지 않지만 항상 곁에 있는 그림자처럼. 그 사람이 첫걸음을 내딛을 때, 첫 학교에 들어가며 떨리는 순간, 또는 사랑하는 사람과 작별을 해야 하는 그 씁쓸한 순간까지, 네가 그들과 함께 있는 거야. 네 눈앞에서 아이였던 그들이 걸음을 배우고, 청소년 시절 첫사랑과 이별을 겪고, 성인이 되어 수많은 시련과 성공을 마주하는 걸 지켜본다고 생각해봐. 그들이 성장하고, 실수하고, 사랑에 빠지고, 모든 걸 잃고 다시 일어섰다가 또다시 무너질지도 몰라. 모든 가슴 아픈 순간, 작은 승리, 아무도 지켜보고 있지 않다고 생각하는 그들의 조용한 순간들까지 네가 다 본다면, 분명 뭔가를 배울 수 있지 않을까? 너는 세상을 다르게 볼 거야. 네 머릿속에 있지도 않았던 새로운 아이디어가 불쑥 떠오를지도 몰라.

이제 한 발 더 나아가 보자. 단지 바깥에서 지켜보는 게 아니라 그들의 머릿속에서 떠도는 생각들까지 듣는 거야—그들의 가장 깊은 두려움, 가장 야망 있는 꿈, 절대 입 밖에 내지 않을 비밀스러운 욕망들까지. 그런 걸 듣게 된다면 너에게 변화가 생길까? 네 인생에 무언가가 더해질까? 당연하지.

하지만 중요한 건 이거야: 그게 단 한 사람에게서 끝나는 게 아니라는 거지. 사람에게만 국한되지도 않아. 독서는 단순히 다른 사람의 삶에 발을 들여놓는 게 아니야; 그건 세상 자체를 여는 열쇠야. 시간의 끝자락에 서서 과거를 들여다보거나, 미래의 가능성을 향해 빠르게 나아가는 거지. 단 한 사람의 마음을 이해하는 게 아니라, 인류 전체의 집단적인 사고를 탐구하는 거야—우리의 아이디어, 승리, 그리고 재앙까지. 태어나기 훨씬 전 사라져버린 고대 문명을 탐험할 수도 있고, 우주의 작동 원리를 분석해 볼 수도 있어. 가장 작은 쿼크에서부터 가장 멀리 있는 별까지, 모든 것이 어떻게 맞물려 돌아가는지 말이야. 사람의 뇌 속으로 들어가, 우리가 왜 이러는지, 세상이 우리를 어떻게 형성했는지를 배울 수도 있지.

모든 책은 어딘가로 향하는 티켓이야. 인류가 흩어진 부족들에서 어떻게 거대한 도시로 발전했는지 알고 싶어? 로마 제국의 흥망성쇠, 고대 아테네에서 민주주의의 탄생, 또는 산업 혁명이 어떻게 사회를 변혁시켰는지 따라가 봐. 역사책을 펼치면 과거의 얽힌 실타래를 추적할 수 있어. 하늘이 왜 석양 때 붉게 변하는지, 네 집 벽을 통과하는 전기가 어떻게 흐르는지 궁금해? 과학책이 도와줄 거야, 물리적인 세계의 신비를 풀어줄 수 있게 말이지.

그리고 그건 단순한 사실을 넘어서. 소설은 그냥 꾸며낸 이야기가 아니야; 그건 인간 경험의 실험실이지. 작가들은 우리가 사는 세상을 이해하기 위해 새로운 세계를 발명해. 현실을 살짝 비틀어서 새로운 각도에서 진실을 볼 수 있게 해주는 거야. 책을 읽을 때, 너는 단지 다른 사람에 대해 배우는 게 아니라, 너 자신에 대해, 네가 서 있는 세상에 대해, 우리가 항상 설명할 수는 없지만 뼛속 깊이 느끼는 것들에 대해 배우는 거야.

한 번 생각해봐: 이런 식으로 지식을 얻을 다른 방법은 없어. 물론 네 인생을 살면서 몇 가지를 배울 수는 있겠지만, 네가 본 것과 직접 경험한 것에만 갇히게 될 거야. 독서는 그 한계를 깨뜨려. 그건 마치 초능력을 가진 것과 같아. 한순간 네가 13세기로 돌아가 몽골 전사들과 함께 달리고 있다가, 그 다음 순간에는 구름을 찌르는 고층 빌딩이 있는 미래 도시에서 기계가 지배하는 세상에서 인간이 무엇을 의미하는지 고민하고 있는 거야.

독서는 너에게 수천 개의 삶을 살게 해주고, 수많은 도전을 마주하게 하며, 그 모든 경험의 지혜로 무장시켜줘. 세상은 넓고, 사람들은 끝없이 복잡하며, 아이디어는 역사의 흐름을 바꿀 만큼 강력하다는 걸 상기시켜주는 거지.

그 모든 것이 책을 펼치기만 하면 너를 기다리고 있어. 우리가 인류로서 수집한 모든 발견, 모든 통찰, 모든 지혜의 조각들이 두 겹의 커버 사이에 꽉 담겨서, 네가 손을 뻗어 잡아주기만을 기다리고 있는 거야.

그러니까 왜 네 자신을 네 작은 세상의 일부분에만 가둬두고 있겠어? 저 밖에는 훨씬 더 많은 게 있어. 가서 읽어봐. 세상을 열어봐.

Imagine if you could follow someone through every step of their life—like a shadow, unseen but always there. Picture being there as they take their first steps, as they nervously enter their first day of school, or as they face the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye to a loved one. You’d witness them as a child, learning to walk, as a teenager navigating first loves and heartbreaks, and as an adult, facing the trials and triumphs that shape who they become. You’d watch them grow, make mistakes, fall in love, lose everything, rebuild, and maybe burn it all down again. You’d be there for every heartbreak, every small victory, every quiet moment when they think no one's watching. Wouldn't you learn something from that? You'd see the world differently, stumble onto an idea that never would’ve crossed your mind otherwise.

Now, take it further. Imagine not just watching from the outside, but also hearing the thoughts rattling inside their skull—their deepest fears, their wildest dreams, their most secret desires—the things they wouldn’t dare to speak out loud. Would that change you? Would it add something to your life? Of course it would.

But here’s the key point: it doesn’t stop with just one person. It doesn’t stop with people at all. Reading is more than slipping into someone else’s life; it’s the key to the world itself. It’s standing on the edge of time, peering back into the past or hurtling forward into possible futures. It’s not just understanding one mind, but the collective mind of humanity—our ideas, our triumphs, our disasters. You can explore ancient civilizations that rose and fell long before you were born. You can dissect the mechanics of the universe, how everything clicks into place, from the smallest quark to the furthest star. You can step inside the human brain itself, learn why we are the way we are, and how the world has shaped us.

Every book is a ticket to somewhere else. Want to understand how we got from scattered tribes to towering cities? Imagine tracing the rise of the Roman Empire, the birth of democracy in ancient Athens, or the industrial revolution that transformed societies—history books let you follow these pivotal moments. Open a history book and trace the tangled lines of our past. Curious about why the sky turns red at sunset, or how electricity pulses through the wires in your walls? Science books have your back, letting you crack open the mysteries of the physical world.

And it goes beyond facts. Fiction isn’t just made-up stories; it’s the laboratory of human experience. Writers invent worlds to help us understand the one we live in. They stretch reality just enough to let you see the truth from a new angle. When you read, you’re not just learning about others—you’re learning about yourself, about the very world you’re standing on, about the things we can’t always explain but feel deep in our bones.

Consider this: there’s no other way to get this kind of knowledge. Sure, you can live your life and learn a few things along the way, but you’re stuck in your own limited view, bound by what you’ve seen and experienced firsthand. Reading shatters those limits. It’s like having a superpower. One minute, you're in the 13th century, riding alongside Mongol warriors; the next, you’re in a futuristic city with skyscrapers touching the clouds, grappling with what it means to be human in a world run by machines.

Reading lets you live a thousand lifetimes, face countless challenges, and emerge with the wisdom of all those experiences. It’s a reminder that the world is vast, that people are endlessly complicated, and that ideas are powerful enough to shape the course of history.

It’s all there, just waiting for you to crack open a book. Every discovery, every insight, every fragment of wisdom we’ve ever gathered as a species—packed between two covers, just waiting for you to grab hold.

So why limit yourself to your own tiny slice of the world? There’s so much more out there. Go read. Go unlock the world.

[ohwhale22]

RM WEVERSE POST

2025.01.31

weverse link

"안녕하세요 사랑해 마지않는 여러분. 설날은 잘 보내셨는지요 떡국은 드셨는지 뭘 했다고 벌써 한국 나이로 서른 둘이 됐는지 모르겠네요. 악착같이 만 나이로 나는 서른이다 우기는 제 모습을 보니 아 나도 이제 아저씨가 다 됐구나 실감합니다. (덤으로 요즌 서른이면 옛날로 치면 네 다섯살은 빼줘야 된다는 하남자식 주석까지..)

새해 복 많이 받으세요. 연초에 인사를 깜빡했으니, 저 김남준 드디어 병장이 되었습니다 (...) 병김 ! ! 다들 조기진급이라 아마 이제 4명 전원 병장일 거에요 뿌듯하긴 한데.. 군생활은 이제 시작이라나요 ㅎㅎ; 다음 계급이 민간인이라는 게 그래도 너무 행복해요. 병장이라 행복해요..

처음 입대했을 때 훈련소 조교들과 자대 선임들이 '25년이 오겠냐', '때려죽어도 25년은 절대 안 온다' 하며 해주시던 덕담들이 새록새록 생각납니다. 신기하게 그래도 시간이 가긴 갑디다. 체감상 2년 넘은 것 같은데.. 그래서 저도 후임들한테 똑같이 인수인계 해주고 있죠. '친구야ㅡ 과연 26년이...' 예. 유치하죠. 저도 압니다 나잇값 하라구요? 싫어용.

24년 한 해는 여러모로 압도적인 한 해였습니다 좋든 나쁘든 기억에는 오래 남지 않을까요. 여러분은 어떠셨을까요 전 그래도 멤버 둘이 나와서 힘내주는 모습 보니 부럽고 다행이다 싶달까요. 민간인 최고다

다시 민간인 김남준으로 돌아가면 해드리고 싶은 얘기가 참 많습니다. 지금은 하기 어려운 얘기들도.. 언젠가 또 저만의 방식으로 전할 일이 있지 않을까요. 잠을 잘 못 들어 밤 속을 헤매일 때 늘 떠올려보곤 합니다. 가겠지.. 6월 10일은 온다. 반드시 그때 웃는다. 허핳허허허 웃어버려야지 !

벌써 2월입니다. 이제 네 달 정도 남았네요. 3월이면 100일도 깨지니까.. 늘 그렇듯 여기서 운동하고, 악기 불고, 주말엔 음악 듣고 영화 보면서 공부하고, 돌아갈 준비 잘 하고 있겠습니다. 여러분도 건강하시길 바라며. 병장 된 기념으로 머리 한 번 더 밀었습니다 사진 첨부합니다. 아 사진은 머리 밀기 전이네요. 아무튼! 그럭저럭 어떻게든 지내고 있으니 너무 걱정 마셔요.

사랑합니다요 🥰"

translation:

"Hello everyone, I love you. How was your Lunar New Year Did you eat rice cake soup I don't know what I did to turn 32 in Korean age. I am thirty at the age of ten Yuqi, looking at me, I realize that I'm almost an old man now. (In hindsight, if you're 30, you have to lose your five-year-old son from Hanam.)..)

Happy New Year. I forgot to say hello at the beginning of the year, I finally became a sergeant in Kim Namjoon (...) Sickness! They're all in the early stages, so I think all four of them are sergeant I'm proud, but.. Military life is just the beginning (laughs); I'm still very happy that the next class is a civilian. I'm happy to be a sergeant..

When I first joined the army, I remembered the words of blessing that the training center's assistants and their seniors said, "Will 25 years come?" and "Even if I die, it will never come 25 years." Strangely enough, time has gone by. I feel like it's been more than two years.. So I'm taking over the same to my successors. "My friend - 26 years..." Yes. Childish. I know You want me to live up to my age? I don't want to.

24 years has been an overwhelming year in many ways Whether it's good or bad, won't it remain in your memory for a long time. How did you feel I'm still jealous and glad to see the two members come out and cheer up. Civilians are the best

If I go back to civilian Kim Namjoon, I have a lot to say. Even things that are hard to say right now.. I think I'll be able to deliver it in my own way one day. I can't sleep well, so I always think about it when I walk through the night. I'll go... June 10th is coming. I'm sure I'll laugh then. I'm going to laugh!

It's already February. We have about four months left. In March, the 100th day will be broken.. As always, I will exercise here, play musical instruments, listen to music and watch movies on weekends, and prepare well to go back. I hope you stay healthy, too. I shaved my head one more time to celebrate being a sergeant Attached is the picture. Oh, the picture is before I shaved my head. Anyway! Don't worry too much because I'm doing it somehow.

I love you 🥰"

[everythingbap]

📲 Yongguk FRMM updates:

[08:54 AM KST] 방용국 (Bang Yongguk): 사또밥 과자에는 밀가루가 없다네요 Sato rice crackers don't have flour

방용국: 그래서 살이 안쪘네 So I'm not gaining weight

[08:56 AM KST] 방용국: 살찌는 과자좀 알려주세요 Please tell me some snacks to gain weight

[08:58 AM KST] 방용국: 초코는 물리던데요 I'm sick of chocolate

방용국: 아 팝콘 맛있겠다 Ah popcorn sounds delicious

[08:59 AM KST] 방용국: 프링글스 한 통을 어떻게 먹어요? How can I eat an entire can of Pringles?

방용국: ?

방용국: 아 오케이 패스 Ah okay pass

[09:00 AM KST] 방용국: 나 못먹어 그만 뭐라고 해요 I can't eat it, stop saying that

[09:04 AM KST] 방용국: 한국에 이번 장마 비 많이 내린다는데 다들 조심 I heard it's going to rain a lot in Korea, be careful everyone

[09:12 AM KST] 방용국: 뉴스보는데 한국 뿐만 아니라 전 세계에 비가 많네요 I'm watching the news, it's not just raining a lot in Korea but all over the world

[09:23 AM KST] 방용국: 수박을 먹을 때 수박씨는 버리는 경우가 대부분이지만 잘 활용하면 풍부한 영양소를 얻을 수 있는 것으로 알려졌다. When eating watermelons, the seeds are often discarded, but it is known that a lot of nutrients can be obtained if used right.

방용국: 수박씨에는 각종 비타민, 칼슘, 무기질 등이 풍부해 성장발육에 도움이 된다. 또 단백질과 지질이 풍부하고 불포화지방산인 리놀렌산 성분이 있어 체내 콜레스테롤 수치를 떨어뜨린다. Watermelon seeds are rich in various vitamins, calcium, and minerals, which help growth and development. They are also rich in protein and lipids and contain linolenic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, which lowers cholesterol levels in the body.

[09:24 AM KST] 방용국: 노폐물을 배출시켜 혈액을 맑게 하며 방광염에도 효과가 있다. 여드름 등 피부질환에 도움이 되며 변비에도 효과가 있다. They purify blood by discharging waste and are also effective against cystitis. They are helpful for skin diseases such as acne and are also effective for constipation.

방용국: 수박씨는 다 먹지 않나요 Don't eat all the watermelon seeds

[09:27 AM KST] 방용국: 안먹는구나 몸에 좋다니까 같이 드세요 Don't eat just them, but since it's good for you, eat it all together

[15:00 PM KST] 방용국: 이제 곧 복숭아 철이니까 복숭아 사드세요 Since it's peach season soon, buy some peaches

[15:02 PM KST] 방용국: 봉화골농원 복숭아가 맛있습니다 Bonghwagol[?] Farm peaches are delicious

방용국: 내돈내산 I bought them with my own money

[harvardbk87]

*17/11/2024 (Nov. 17th, 2024): I am getting reports that our smart-farm team (including smart-mine and smart-fish-farm) is doing an excellent job in the Western countries that we are helping. Our government officials and civilian engineers are absolutely sure that we can help our Western allies not only with installing digital devices but also with alleviating poverty in these regions.

Generally speaking, the majority of the world – the Chinese (1.4 billion people) see as Koreans as worthless ethnic minority who won’t concede to their rule, but still a significant part of the world (0.45 billion EU people + 0.3 billion Americans + 0.04 bn Canadians + 0.026 bn Australians + 0.005 bn New Zealanders = 0.821 billion Westerners) sees Koreans as outstanding and hard-working.

We have received so much military, economic, and psychological support from the people of these countries not just during my time but also during my grandfather’s time. We are very glad we can help the children and grandchildren of all those who risked their lives to protect the freedom of the Korean people.

***

To Harvard Law School Professors with Administrative Powers – Thank you so much for considering having me at HLS. Like I always say, you won’t regret having me as a student :) . There’s an agency under my jurisdiction in Seoul that takes care of all my personal affairs. If you decide to send me someone in person, you can contact the US embassy in Seoul and have them have a diplomatic agent accompany him or her to this agency to reach me. You can ask the US Embassy Seoul to have a diplomat fetch you my email address and phone number through this agency.

I would have to delay my official entrance to HLS to Fall 2026 or Fall 2027 for medical reasons, as the specialist of my medical condition happens to be in Korea. I’m 80% cured, but the doctor needs to see me once every week for therapy. I can make a 5 day trip to Boston if you call me over, but I can’t move out of Korea to Boston for the 2-3 years. If you let me know what documents to prepare and what I should do regarding HLS entrance, I will do my best to prepare them.

To Former President Obama – We need to set up a website for our corporate tax reform project, so economists across the US and corporate lawyers with tax loophole experience can sign up for the project. We’ll collect their email addresses so we can send them the time+place info about our meetings. On the website, we should also announce the progress we’re making, so countries of similar situation can follow suit.

We should invite IRS agents as guest speakers so they can provide us with guidance on implementation of the reform. How much money do you think we can raise for various fees such as website management?

***

<북한에서 근로자 모셔오기>

몇 년 전, 제가 한국의 작은 기업을 고용한 일이 있었는데요. 5명의 한국 분들과 1명의 후진국 근로자로 구성돼 있었습니다. (후진국 대신 순화된 개발도상국이라는 표현을 쓰겠습니다. 이하 개도국) 다들 우리나라 분들 특유의 세심함과 성실함으로 일하셨는데요. 그 중에 일하던 개도국 분이 어떤 부품이 떨어진 것을 보고, 그냥 다시 끼우면 되는 부품이라는 것을 못 알아보고 하수구에 휙 버리더군요.

우리나라에서는 표준화 되어 널리 쓰이는 부품인데요, 개도국에서는 쓰지 않아서 못 알아봤나 봅니다. 서구에서는 부자들만 쓰고 가난한 사람들은 못 쓰는, 작고 기발한 부품이었습니다.

제가 “아니 그걸 버리면 어떡하냐” 하니까, 그 개도국 근로자가 자기 나라 말로 느릿하게 “내가 손 대기 전에 원래 그렇게 돼있었다.” 대답했습니다. 전쟁 끝나고 우리나라에 머물며 뭐든지 편리하고 깨끗하고 친절한 데에 익숙해 있다가, 개도국에서 자주 겪은 그런 마인드를 오랜만에 보니 기가 막혔습니다.

우리나라 기준으로 보면 게으르고 무책임한 것이죠. (외교관들은 “일에 대한 가치관이 다르다”라고 표현합니다.) 제가 사장이었으면 화를 버럭 냈을 것입니다. ‘아, 남한 사장님들이 개도국 사람 잘못 썼다가 악덕기업 낙인 찍히는 것은 한순간이겠구나!’ 이런 생각이 들었습니다.

요즘 일손 부족을 겪고 계시는 소기업 중기업 대기업 분들에게 좋은 대안이 있습니다. 바로 통일부에 연락해서 북한에서 근로자를 모셔오는 것입니다.

임금은 남한 분들과 똑같이 주기는 해야겠지만, 남한 사람들처럼 성실하고 책임감 있기 때문에 그만큼 가치가 있을 것입니다. 북한에 들어가있는 남한 중공업 기업인들이 가끔 북한 공장에서 일하는 근로자들의 동영상을 찍어 인터넷에 올리는데요, 묵묵하게 일하시는 모습이 남한 근로자들과 다름없었습니다.

또한 그렇게 하면 저의 경제통일 정책에 큰 도움이 되어 주시는 것입니다. 북한에서 근로자를 모셔오는 것에 대한 더 큰 틀의 경제적 이유는 다음과 같습니다.

1. 현재 북한의 경제 구조는 일본인 공장장 – 북한인 근로자의 구도로 돼 있습니다. 서구 외교관들과 서구 경제학자들의 말마따나 일본인들의 경제력에 한계가 있어서, 이렇게 놔두면 1인당 국민소득 14,000-18,000달러 구간에서 정체할 것입니다. (현재는 1인당 9,000달러 정도 됩니다)

2. 90년대에 남한의 어떤 경제학자가 한 말을 인용한 것을 책���서 봤는데요, 북한과 국민성+지리적 조건이 같은 남한이 1인당 국민소득 20,000불 단계에 진입하려면, 임금을 받는 근로자가 아닌, 기업을 경영하는 경영인들이 많아야 한다고 합니다.

3. 북한 근로자들이 남한의 소기업, 중기업, 대기업에서 단순 노동이라도 고용이 돼서 기술과 경영을 배우면 수년 후 북한에 돌아가 자신들만의 기업을 따로 차릴 수가 있어, 북한의 1인당 20,000불 수준을 성취하는데 큰 도움이 될 것입니다.

***

<북한 원로 분들께: “제국경영대학” 설립 (평양본교, 동북분교, 서북분교, 남부분교)>

(경영: 經營 기업이나 사업 따위를 관리하고 운영함. Imperial Business School)

이제 북한의 소기업, 중기업, 대기업 경영인을 대규모로 양성하기 위한 대학을 짓는 것이 좋을 것 같습니다. 고종황제가 돌림병을 뿌리뽑고 서양식 수술법을 상용화 시키기 위해 의과대학을 지어 서양의학을 배운 의사들을 대규모로 복사기처럼 찍어냈듯이, 저도 북한인 경영인들을 대규모로 양성하기 위한 경영대학을 세우고자 합니다.

(일본 정부는 당시 10년 먼저 서양식 병원을 짓기는 했지만, 젊은이들을 전쟁터로 내보내고 다치면 다시 고쳐서 전쟁터에 보내기 위해 병원을 지었습니다. 고종황제의 정책은 그 당시 서구 국가들을 통틀어서도 엄청난 복지 정책이었죠)

1. 평양이나 평양 외곽에 어렵게 가르치는 4년제 대학을 짓도록 합시다. (석사+박사 과정 가능). 그리고 동북 관할 1곳 (평안남북도+자강도), 서북 관할 1곳 (함경남북도+량강도), 남부 관할 1곳 (황해남북도+강원도) 이렇게 3곳에 더 지어, 3년제로 해서, 보통 수준의 학생들도 교육과정을 따라올 수 있게 쉽게쉽게 가르치는 대학을 세우도록 합시다.

2. 입학 조건: 고등학교 전 과목 70점 이상 (화학,물리,영어 우수 성적자 우대), 그리고 교장 선생님의 추천서만 있으면 됩니다. “이 학생은 근면하고 성실하며 좋은 경영인이 될 자질이 있다.” 이런 내용이면 됩니다. 나이 제한 없이, 일본인 공장에 일하시던 분은 어렸을 때 고등학교에 찾아가서 성적표와 추천서를 떼오시면 됩니다.

3. 경영에 필요한 과목들을 가르칩니다. 마케팅, 회계, 기초 경제학 등 남한+서구 경영대학에서 가르치는 과목들로 합시다. 남한에는 훌륭한 기업인이 많은데, 책에서보다는 실전에서 경험으로 실력을 쌓아온 것입니다. 학자가 되는게 아니므로 전 과목 60점 이상이면 졸업이 가능하게 합시다. 물론 재수강도 여러번 할 수 있습니다.

4. 학생들은 1+2학년 혹은 3학년 초기에 필수로 1달동안 남한에 가서 홈스테이(homestay)를 하면서 남한의 소기업, 중기업, 대기업을 구경해야 합니다. 워킹 홀리데이(working holiday)를 하면 더 좋고요. 또 한 학생당 재학 중 한번씩은 서구 국가에 1주일 이상 머물며, 서구에 있는 남한 공장과 Radioshack 등 중공업 판매 경로를 구경해야 합니다. (서구 1주일 견학 비용: 비행기표 + AirBnB 5일 묵으면 총 미국달러 500불 + 1끼 식사 비용 20달러 + 버스 대절비 등 해서 1인당 3,000 미국달러)

4. 3학년 후기에는, 학생들이 공부한 것을 바탕으로 사업계획서를 제출합니다. 그리고 그 학생을 가르치고 같이 여행도 해본 교수 6명이 그 학생에 대한 인격검증서를 제출합니다. “이 학생은 이윤만 쫓아서 서구의 악덕기업인처럼 자국과 동맹국 정부나 시민들을 괴롭힐 기질이 있는가?”, “많은 돈이 왔다갔다 하는데 탈세 등 악덕 행위를 할 가능성이 있는 성격인가?” 이렇게 5명 이상의 교수가 괜찮다고 하면, 위원회가 이 학생의 사업계획서를 실현할 초기 창업 비용으로 8,000 미국달러를 줍니다.

(교수의 사업가인격검증 제도가 왜 가장 중요한지는 언젠가 <미국 경제를 장악한 악덕기업들>이란 제목으로 블로그에 올리겠습니다)

북한 관료들께서는 남한 통일부에 연락해서 이 프로젝트에 관심 있을 관료들과 교수들을 보내달라고 말씀하시기를 바랍니다. 또한 얼마 정도 예산이 들지 계산해보시고, “경제통일을 위한 경영대학 건설+운영에 쓸 비용인데 얼마나 보태줄 수 있나” 물어보시기 바랍니다.

1년에 50학생 x 4학교 x 서구 견학 비용 3000 미국 달러 x 남한환율 1400원 =  8.3억원(남한돈)

1년에 40학생 x 4학교 x 창업 비용 8000 미국 달러 x 남한환율 1400원 = 17.92억원(남한돈)

해서 1년에 26.22억원(남한돈)을 보내달라고 하면 될 것 같습니다. 교수 월급이나 학생들 기숙사 난방비 등은 북한(대한제국 북방의 준말) 정부가 다른 대학교 운영하듯이 하면 되니까, 현재 재정으로는 충분히 직접 대실 수 있으리라 봅니다.

만에 하나, 1년에 26.22억원(남한돈)을 다 못 보내주겠다고 남한 통일부에서 그러면, 학교 건축을 몇 년 미루고, 필요한 돈을 저축하기 시작하시기를 바랍니다. 북한 수출 기업들이 세금을 낼 수 있을 때까지 (법인세), 10년 동안만 남한 기업에게서 기부금이라도 걷어달라 부탁하시기를 바랍니다. (또한 제국의 체면이 손상되니, 학교 이름에서 ‘제국’을 빼고 다른 이름으로 하기로 합시다)

***

북한에 경제연구소 설치에 일조하신 모든 분들, 그 동안 수고 많으셨습니다^^ 북한 축산업 발전팀과 함께 경제통일을 위해 열심히 계속 일해봅시다.