Episode 3: Remembrance

2012. Seoul, South Korea. In five minutes, everyone nationwide will be having a five minute silence in honor of two persons very important and special to the hearts of the people.

Somewhere in Seoul, the Imperial Family, the Prime Minister and some government officials as well as some close friends were all gathered in one place.

Crown Prince Joon Se was sitting beside his father, Emperor Gojo which was on his right while on his left is his close friend (though she considers him more than that) named Hyo Eun whose family is close with the Imperial Family while next to her are Joon Se’s best friends- Seung Ryong, Jeong Hoon and Dong Wook. Along with them are their families.

“Joon Se Oppa, are you alright?” asked Hyo Eun.

“Neh. Thanks for asking.”

“Hyung, I don’t think you are. You’re remembering her aren’t you?” asked Dong Wook.

Those words hit him right in the heart.

16 years ago, on the same day in Seoul’s largest hospital. Empress Haewon was lying in her bed while her family surrounded her. Some were kneeling while some standing but all of them were crying, especially the Emperor.

“Joon Se and Gojo, please come here.” The Empress said as she raised her hand. The two followed and knelt at her side.

“Oemma…” 5 year old Joon Se was crying while his father tried to resist.

“My dear husband, promise me that you’ll lead this country well as their Emperor. Be truthful and understanding to the people. Don’t let your hot-headedness get the best of you. I love you and don’t forget that okay?””

“Of course, of course. I… I will…”

“Joon Se, my dear sweet Joon Se. Be strong like your father. Listen to him always. As the Crown Prince, I know you’ll be having a hard time in balancing everything but just hang in there and at the end, you’ll reach success. I love you. Your mom will always be watching over you.”

“Oemma… please! Don’t go!”

This time, she looked at the others. Her brother-in-law and his wife, Prince Dong Hwan and Princess Che-Rin. She told them: “Oppa and Unni, you two should also be strong. I know that you’re in the midst of grieving since last year because of what happened but, don’t ever give up. Hope is always around. I will never leave any of you.”

“Yes of course. Thank you for… everything!” said Prince Dong Hwan as he suddenly burst into tears.

“Haewon, thank you, for always being there for me when I’m down. I’m sorry I treated you badly back then. I hope you have forgiven me.” said Princess Che-Rin as she cried.

“Of course. I have. Now, I think it’s time.”

“Oemma!”

“Haewon!”

The cries earlier were now more pronounced and louder.

“Everyone, please listen. This is my last and final request.”

Everyone then paid attention while still crying.

“Please, I believe Tae Hoon is still here in Korea. All of you must do everything to find him as well as the one who also kidnapped him as well. When you do find him, tell him that I, his mother loves him and he should always remember that I‘m watching over him as well. Please… find… Tae Hoon…”

With that, Empress Haewon of South Korea passes away.

“Oemma!!!” Joon Se could still remember that day as he hugged the body of his lifeless mother. His dad too doing the same thing. Prince Dong Hwan and Che-Rin were crying at her side. The Emperor then pulls his crying son from his mother and they all go outside to announce her death.

Back to the present, it was now time for the ceremony to remember Empress Haewon as well as the missing Prince Tae Hoon who now holds the position of Imperial Prince. As everyone in the event stands up, the Imperial Family walks towards her tomb, kneels down to give respect to her, stands up again for a five minute silence nationwide.

Everyone from businessmen, government officials, soldiers, the media… everyone was silent.

In a subdivision of Seoul, everyone was also doing the same thing. In one of the houses, three people were standing up in front of their TV with their heads bowed down.

“You two, what will you do if I’m gone?” asked the woman.

“Yah! Honey, don’t say things like that!” said the man beside her.

“How about you Seonho?”

“Oemma! You’re way too young to say things like that! Aigoo! Of course we’ll both be sad! You’re a loving wife and mother after all!”

“Aww!!! What a good son you are!” said his mother.

“Aigoo! You two! I thought we’re observing five minutes of silence?!” said his dad.

“Mianhae dear.”

“Mianhae Ahpah.”