Chapter 20: Transformation in North Korea
Just as the monk had said, North Korea too began to change. It was a subtle moment at first. North Korea's state-run media began reporting on the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Organization.
Of course, it was initially critical, labeling it "a collusion between the South Korean puppet regime and Chinese and Japanese imperialists."
But over time, the tone gradually shifted, with statements like, "We can consider cooperation as long as it doesn't violate the Juche ideology."
And a year later, North Korea officially requested dialogue.
"Our Republic is willing to engage in dialogue with the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Organization," the North Korean Foreign Minister announced.
The world was astonished. North Korea's initiative in proposing dialogue was unprecedented.
The talks began at Panmunjom. The first few meetings were difficult, due to the significant differences in their positions.
But with Minjun's participation, the mood changed. He told the North Korean delegation his story: sins from a past life, repentance, and forgiveness and reconciliation.
"Comrade..." the North Korean delegation said, looking at Minjun. "You truly desire peace." "Yes. I know the terrible consequences of war and violence. That's why we desperately need peace."
"Our Republic too..." the representative said after a moment's hesitation. "We want peace. But while preserving our system and dignity."
"Of course. Peace begins with recognizing each other's dignity."
Negotiations continued for over a year. There were countless obstacles. But eventually, an agreement was reached.
North Korea promised:
Phased dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program Acceptance of international inspectors Economic reform and gradual opening Improvement of human rights
In return, South Korea and the international community:
Regime security Large-scale economic assistance Signing a peace treaty Discussing the redeployment of US troops stationed in Korea
When the agreement was announced, the world cheered. The tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which had persisted for over 70 years, finally appeared to be easing.
Minjun walked alone along the Han River that night. He looked up at the sky. "Thank you, God. Thank you, Adibuddha. Thank you, Jesus."
Tears flowed from his eyes. But they were tears of joy.
Part 5: Diffusion
Chapter 21: Peace Spreading Around the World
The changes in Northeast Asia inspired the world. Regions with longstanding conflicts particularly took notice.
The European Union was the first to take action. The EU President proposed cooperation in the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Organization.
"We, too, have experienced war for thousands of years," the President said. "But we have achieved peace through the EU. Northeast Asia is following the same path. We can learn from each other."
A summit was held between Europe and Northeast Asia. There, the "Eurasian Peace Network" concept was proposed.
"Starting from Europe, through Russia, through Central Asia, to Northeast Asia, and then to Southeast Asia and South Asia. Let's create a vast network of peace and prosperity."
The Middle East also began to change. Israeli and Palestinian leaders came to meet Minjun.
"We too would like to find a solution," the Israeli Prime Minister said. "But there are grudges that are too old."
"I, too, have grudges that are 10,000 years old." Minjun said, "But forgiveness is possible, even if it takes time."
The Palestinian representative asked, "How do we begin?"
"It starts with acknowledging the truth. Acknowledging the pain of both sides. And acknowledging each other's existence."
Their conversation continued. It wasn't easy, but at least a dialogue had begun.
India and Pakistan also began contacts. The two countries, which had been at odds for decades over the Kashmir issue, began discussing peace.
There were also movements of change in various conflict zones in Africa. Survivors of the Rwandan genocide began reconciliation, and Sudan and South Sudan resumed dialogue.
"We can do it too," these voices echoed from around the world. "If Northeast Asia could do it, so can we."
Minjun was awestruck as he witnessed all these changes. He never dreamed his small confession would create such a profound change.
But he remained humble. "This wasn't my doing. It was the outpouring of the yearning for peace that resided in everyone's heart."
Chapter 22: The Atlantis Research Institute
The Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Organization launched a special project: the establishment of the "Atlantis International Research Institute."
"Let's restore the history of Atlantis and learn from their civilization." This was the institute's goal.
The institute was established in Seoul, and archaeologists, historians, and oceanographers from around the world participated.
The first project was an Atlantic Ocean seabed exploration. Using state-of-the-art submersibles and sonar equipment, they surveyed the seabed near the Azores.
And then came a startling discovery.
"This...this isn't a natural formation!" the exploration team leader exclaimed excitedly.
3,000 meters beneath the seabed, massive structures were discovered. They were clearly man-made.
"Concentric circles! They match exactly what Plato described!"
Further investigations were conducted, and more evidence emerged. The remains of a massive building, traces of a road, and...
"This...is orichalcum!" a metallurgist exclaimed as he analyzed the discovered metal.
The world was once again in shock. Physical evidence that Atlantis truly existed has emerged.
The excavation was conducted with care. The researchers treated the Atlantean artifacts with respect.
"This is not a simple archaeological dig," said the director. "This is a tribute to a lost civilization."
The excavated artifacts were displayed at the Atlantis Museum in Seoul. The opening ceremony drew hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world.
Minjun also attended the opening. He slowly examined each exhibit. Tears welled up in his eyes.
"I'm sorry..." he muttered quietly. "I'm truly sorry."
That night, Minjun had a special experience at the museum. After closing, he remained in the exhibition room. He began to meditate.
Then, lights began to gather around him. They were the spirits of Atlantis.
"Thank you," said one spirit. "For remembering our existence."
"We were most afraid of being forgotten," said another spirit. "But now we are remembered again." "Your civilization was great," Minjun said. "Your wisdom is the legacy of humanity."
The spirits began to dance around Minjun. It was a dance of joy.
Chapter 23: A Conversation with Mother
One weekend, Minjun took his mother on a trip to Ganghwa Island. Although his mother had been feeling unwell recently, she was delighted to be traveling with Minjun.
The two climbed Mani Mountain. It was where the Chamseongdan Altar, where Dangun Wanggeom is said to have performed a ritual to heaven, was located.
"Mom, this is where Dangun Wanggeom..." Minjun tried to explain, but his mother raised her hand to stop him.
"I know, Jun. I know everything."
The two stood before the Chamseongdan Altar. The West Sea was in full view.
"Jun," his mother said quietly. "I have something to confess."
"What are you saying?"
"Mom... I always knew. Who you are, who I am."
Minjun looked at his mother in surprise. "Ever since you were in my womb, Mommy dreamed. Every night. In those dreams, Mommy lived in another time, and you... were the one who killed her."
"Mom..."
"But at the end of those dreams, a being always appeared. A being made of light. He said to Mommy, 'Do not be afraid. This is not a curse, but a blessing. You will heal each other in this life.'"
Mom held Minjun's hand. "That's why Mommy knew. The moment you were born, Mommy knew I had to heal the past with you."
"And yet..."
"I loved you. Of course. Because you're my son. The past is the past, and the present is the present."
The two gazed out at the West Sea for a long time.
"Mom, to be honest, I feel uneasy whenever I see the sea..."
"I know. Because you drowned Atlantis in the sea. But Jun, don't be anxious when you look at that sea anymore. That sea is now a sea of healing." "The Sea of Healing..."
"Yes. Atlantis rests beneath the sea. Someday, it will be reborn. In a different form, a better one."
Minjun hugged his mother and cried.
"Mom, thank you. I'm so grateful."
"I'm especially grateful to you. For growing up so wonderfully."
That evening, the two stayed at a small pension on Ganghwa Island. Over dinner, his mother asked,
"Jun, aren't you going to get married?"
Minjun laughed. "Mom, why are you suddenly like that?"
"I don't know how much longer I have left. I want to see you start a family."
"Mom, you're still healthy."
"Still. I want to see you meet someone you love, have children, and live happily ever after."
Minjun thought for a moment. Actually, there was someone he'd been drawn to recently. A researcher at the Atlantis Research Institute. She, too, was a reincarnation of the spirit of Atlantis.
"Mom, actually..."
Minjun spoke of that woman. His mother listened with delight.
"Good. We should introduce them quickly."
"Mom, we're not even dating yet."
"Then we should start dating soon!"
The two laughed. It was the first comfortable laugh they'd shared in a long time.