Screams for help echoed as the fiery buildings of Gyeongseong* crumbled around her. Hae-eun could feel the smoke and ashes filling up her lungs while people pushed past her, trying to take cover. The freedom fighter was in a daze as she sluggishly tried to escape with the others. In the distance of the red-hued capital, she could hear the rambunctious laughs of the Japanese Imperial Army, mercilessly killing their second-class citizens.

Her heart was tight with fear as she took cover in one of the deserted alleyways, hiding within an abandoned factory. Breathing heavily, she suppressed her coughs while glancing around the area for those police officers. After a few moments, she let out a sigh of relief as tears spilled down her cheeks. What was going on? Why were those bastards on a murderous rampage…?

She felt herself tremble as she heard another deafening shriek followed by a gurgle before everything went silent again. Covering her mouth she squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that no one would find her. Was this because of their successful protest at the Pagoda Park? She clenched her teeth, bitter tears plopping down onto her plain, black men’s hanbok*. Were her parents all right? What about the members of the Rose Noble?

Hae-eun buried her head in her arms as she silently sobbed for her fallen comrades. This was just the beginning yet, so many people had lost their lives. Those damned barbarians…! Hae-eun clutched her necklace, as she stood up once more. She couldn’t afford to hide and cry! She needed to join the other liberation leaders!

Silently, Hae-eun exited the factory, dashing towards the main street. She was close when a man called out to her to stop, a bullet narrowly missing her head as it whizzed past her right cheek. She froze as she turned to look behind her.

“Where was this cute rat hiding in? What are you waiting for? Arrest her!”

Hae-eun turned to run, but it was too late. A sickening crack of wood rang in her ears as she crumpled to the ground lifeless. A sneering police officer crouched down next to her, his grimy hands hauling her up from the ground. The captain jovially laughed as he led the group back to their station. They had captured the future Crown Princess of Korea— and they were going to make this a worthwhile experience.

~~~

“Let me go…! You bastards…” Hae-eun whispered coarsely, her mouth dry from dehydration.

It was now seven years into her imprisonment and Hae-eun had persistently denied accusations that she had betrayed her country of Imperial Japan. She, amongst many other inmates, shouted daily for their support for Korean independence. Each day, she and other men and women alike suffered severe beatings, leaving her limp and weak. Yet, despite all the pain she endured both mentally and physically, she would never deny her patriotism and love for her country.

Each night, she endured painful assaults by her captors, and despite their goading, she refused to give in to their sweet promises of freedom. Hae-eun vowed to never, ever, give up her dream of liberation. This was her country and she was only sorry that she was caught before she could do more. Hae-eun wanted this never-ending nightmare to end. Tears streamed down her face as she bit her tongue, as blood poured out from her lips. She smiled as she used her own blood to leave a message for all to see:

“Joseon will live again. And Japan will fall.”

That day, Min Hae-eun was found dead at the age of 27.

SIDE NOTE:

*Gyeonseong: now present-day Seoul

*Hanbok: Korean traditional clothing consisting of a skirt (chima) and top (jeogori) for women. For men, the clothing consisted of pants (baji) and a top (jeogori). There were many different styles, but of course, those of higher standing had beautiful and intricate designs on their clothes.

**NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.**