(TW: Familial Death, Addictions, serious illness)                                                 (Scroll ↓)

 

Hyungwon comes from a challenging background. A life full of trauma and regrets, but a story of endurance and strength. Born into a modest family, he was the oldest and always taking care of the responsibilities beyond his years. Despite having  loving parents, addictions snuck into their house like a thief in the night and changed their lives together. Bearing through the consequences of his parents' addictions, he shouldered taking care of his little sister, Jiyeon, ensuring that she had all she needs, through any means.

But tragedy struck when just days after his 14th birthday, his parents succumbed to their drug addiction. This left the 14 year old to not only manage for himself but also for his six-year-old sister. He vowed he'll protect her, ensuring her safety and never abandoning her despite Hyungwon's struggles with the loss.

Without getting too much into the specifics of how they lived, Hyungwon also faced a myriad of trials throughout his adolescent years. As any other student, juggling school, studying, and work was a lot on his plate. Not having to mention ensuring he worked enough to support hismelf and his sister. Though his burdens were large, he remained absoulte and steadfast in making sure they will have a better life. Yet, life would give Hyungwon another punch to his face.

One day, hyungwon was summoned to the principles office. It was unusual that one would get a direct call to the principle's office, giving him all the nerves and anxiety in the world. Worried he would be reprimanded for something he wasn't sure if he did, he met something far worse: Jiyeon had fallen ill at school.

Hyungwon didn't even register the events after that. He raced to the hospital, heart pounding in fear of what could happen. After what happened to his parents, he couldn't lose Jiyeon. As the doctors informed him of the diagnosis of a serious illness that would require immediate treatment and care, he realized that his life would change again. School became irrelavant to Hyungwon for the following months, with him pouring all his hours into researching all the treatment options, attending all appointments, working more hours at his job, and using all his savings into making sure Jiyeon had the best care in the world. Though the finacial burden was immense, he would do anything to make sure his Jiyeon was safe. As the months went by, Hyungwon would be more active in the treatment process with Jiyeon, eventually doing some physical therapy work with her. He fell in love with the work, and was determined to become a phyiscal therapist to help other children like Jiyeon. Eventually, Jiyeon would get better, her body having fully recovered from the pangs of affliction. Hyungwon would emerge from the ordeal with a new, profound look of the fragility of Life. It strengthen his resolve to better their lives for the better.

Fast forward to now, Hyungwon is 24-years-old, standing on the brink of the dream he's had for half of his life now. With him being poised to graduate with honors his journey feels like it's finally starting to turn towards the better. With Jiyeon serving as his main driving force, he can only hope that this new chapter that they are heading to is for the best.