Martoons

Cast of characters

Fred

Mr Go

*

“In University I joined a political group that supported North Korea.” Mr Go chuckled.

“That was right after I got out of the army. It got me in a lot of trouble with the school authorities and even the police.

“I was suspended from campus several times.”

“I was almost kicked out permanently, but signed a confession saying that I did not support North Korea’s communist dictatorship and its objective to unify all of Korea.”

“Actually, the odd thing is, I don’t recall a lot of that part of it – friends have told me about my antics after the fact.”

“Yet I do vividly recall the bright lights of the soju tent plazas; quaffing shot after shot of soju; and debating until I was blue in the face.”

“You know, in theory, some aspects of North Korean culture are superior to ours here in the South, and I still feel that way.”

“Anyway, as I say, often I could recollect only bits and pieces of these meetings but then the next thing would be me waking up on one of the many benches around campus.”

He shrugged. “Most events the authorities accused me of – inciting revolution and all that nonsense – I just draw a big blank.”

“It’s disturbing and doesn’t make sense because I tell you one thing: I hate communists with passion.”

“But how can I dislike the country of North Korea – the land, geography, and those things?” He chuckled.

“My ancestors are from there. My grandfather was born there but came south during the war.”

“He lived and farmed in the Jiri Mountain area because it most reminded him of North Korea!”

“And then my father – he was also a small farmer in the same area. Now he’s retired.”

“What did he farm?”

“He had a persimmon orchard – both he and my grandfather.”

“My grandfather hated the Japanese government because they confiscated his harvest every year and gave him a few bowls of rice. They were thieves.”

“He died just before the end of the Korean War. It was too bad because the new Korean government reformed land laws.

“So, just when he would have been able to make money, he died. He could have been very successful. It is a sad story.”

“What about your father?”

“He will always be poor because he has a son – me!” Go chuckled.

* Why does that mean he will always be poor? *

“When I was growing up he spent all his money putting me through school. Then a few years ago he gave me his life savings so I could buy a house and get married.”

“I didn’t want a house – I used the money to open my Englishy business in Chinju and Ulsan. My father didn’t think it was a good idea.”

“I argued with him many times.”

“Some weeks and months he would not talk to me. At that time there were only a few Englishy institutes in Korea and he thought I was crazy.”

“You wasted my life savings!” he would say and then weep.”

* Have Go and his father since reconciled? *

Fred was sweating profusely from the sauna but despite his discomfort tried to stay in the room as long as he could.

He didn’t want to wimp out; and how many chances after this would he get to talk with his ex boss?

Go on the other hand seemed to be in his element and was showing off his stamina. He sat calmly, glistening with perspiration, eyes closed.

His condition had vastly improved from the ghastly state he’d been in earlier.

*

Tomorrow: The Korean sauna has a meditative effect.