The Lonely Seeker in the Fog

To the Readers



Life isn't fair as we know. Some people are lucky to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth. In contrast, unfortunately, many are destined to have a hard life from the start. In either group, the common goal of most people is chasing, hard-heartedly, after the worldly desires for being big, powerful and rich throughout their life span. However, in the latter group, when their young life is hard, many people easily give up, and don't know how to overcome their adversity, whether their dream was quashed in an early stage or never assembled from the beginning. But one can lead a full and fruitful life by yielding good practices despite the difficult circumstances that will engrave many others hearts beautifully.



However well one has done, in the end it isn't enough and one simply withers away lonely, as no-one, even so called loyal, close friends or allies cares. One wanted to be someone with their wealth and fame, but people see the person as a simple past. I'd definitely quote the Bible for this, 'Enter by the narrow gate. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it'. We mortals, whichever gate, one has to choose either the wide one or the narrow to enter. It is also, the essence of existential philosophy that each of us makes our own bed, then lies in it, and no-one can be replaced with, in that bed. Again, most people look for an easy option, the wide gate which is tempting and looks sweet, grandeur and promising in fa?ade. This usually requires ones' own way to gain at others expense, as there is nothing such as free which is stained with the rest of one's life. Then, one has to pay the heavy price for the consequences when you lie in the bed you made.



I firmly believe that I chose the narrow gate throughout my life as an independent man. It was such a hard path in poverty, constant struggle and pain and loneliness, but, looking back it was a beautiful and glorious one with the prize of freedom. Life should be built solidly but gradually which I again, believe I have done. Sadly, because of my choice of living, I have been brought to hundreds of court cases which have come and gone. This might be the world record, I reckon. But I am not ashamed of myself because I have lived full of dignity. Above all of these, I am profoundly happy and ready to balance my life with the Almighty when the final curtain is drawn.



In my mid-seventies, I still commute on the subway. It is very interesting to see all types of fellow commuters, especially the old folks. Some look rough and that puts people off, or some look graceful and approachable. I do not wish to age uglily but gracefully which should exude pride and respect in aging. I heard that many young men in their thirties expressed that their life would've been quite different in a positive way if they had come across my stories earlier. Whatever, however, my life is portrayed, I will be honoured if this book can be an aid in guiding anyone who feels a lack of hope and doesn't know how to lead their own life, or someone who finds it interesting and shares comfort and nostalgia reflecting on their own life experiences. 'MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!'

To the Readers



1. Poverty and romance

2. The Korea Military Academy

3. Fledgling

4. Vietnam war - 1st call

5. Chong, in-suk and my wedding

6. Vietnam war - 2nd call

7. Post-Vietnam, back in Korea

8. The Naval Postgraduate School, USA

9. National Defence Research Centre

10. Post Army years



Appendix

11. Author`s Note

12. Uncovering the Dark Veil of the Way 18th Gwangju Riot

Jee Man-won