Novelist Running Through Time
Chapter 44

TL: KSD

The mountain was dyed red.

The maple leaves had colored the mountain.

Amidst the magnificent mountain slopes, densely mixed with red and yellow, we sat in a pavilion near Seoraksan, enjoying the scenery. (TL: It is a mountain range in Korean located in Seoraksan National Park)

Taking a sip of the Cheongheul tea, a specialty of Sokcho, I briefly lifted my gaze to the sky, where clouds, like a flock of white sheep, were quietly flowing in a line.

“The view is beautiful…”

Professor Gu Hak-jun responded to my remark.

“Yes, indeed. I was looking at the pile of maple leaves in the yard the other day and imagined what it would be like if there were a corpse hidden in them. What do you think, Author Moon?”

“I really hope that’s a story, not reality.”

“Of course, it’s a story. Haha.”

A physics professor sitting next to us added.

“Actually, the maple leaves turning colors is due to the destruction of chlorophyll and the process of autolysis… In a way, it’s deeply related to death.”

“Oh. That interpretation?”

Director So Tae-woong, who was looking at the maple leaves, suddenly spoke.

“Red maple leaves… red…”

One of Korea’s leading directors stroked his beard, deep in thought.

All cameras were focused on him.

And finally, So Tae-woong turned his head sharply to look at me.

“Author Moon. Have you given enough thought to the film adaptation of ‘Red Hunter’?”

“…”

I silently sipped my tea, gazing at the distant mountains.

Director So Tae-woong glared at me.

“Have you thought about it enough?”

EP 4-Red Hunter

I should have realized sooner that the person was crazy about (the movie).

At the first meeting with all the actors for this shooting, Director So Tae-woong boldly declared.

“What made you decide to participate?”

“I came to catch Author Moon.”

Even on the bus heading to Sokcho, the shooting location, Director So Tae-woong stubbornly tried to sit next to me.

“Professor Gu Hak-jun, could you please give up your seat? I have something to discuss with Author Moon.”

“Oh, really? That shouldn’t be a problem. Please have a cozy chat.”

Suddenly complaining of a headache, I muttered.

“Ugh… my next work… a web novel…”

“Guess I can’t give up my seat then?”

Even when we were divided into pairs to explore Sokcho city, Director So Tae-woong quietly approached me from behind and grabbed my shoulder.

As a massive shadow was cast behind me, his hairy hands landed on both my shoulders.

“I’ll go around with Author Moon…”

“Professor Gu! I’ll go with Professor Gu!”

Shocked, I ran away and hid behind Professor Gu Hak-jun, gasping for breath.

Professor Gu Hak-jun seemed quietly pleased, while So Tae-woong licked his lips looking at me.

At this point, it feels more like shooting a horror movie than a variety show.

But the BMB variety department’s PD was laughing joyously, watching me suffer.

It seems the entertainment industry is full of crazy people (for ratings).

Fortunately, I was able to get away from Director So Tae-woong for a while as we toured Sokcho city.

While eating ssiat hotteok with Professor Gu Hak-jun, various stories were exchanged.

“Author Moon, how did you come to know Director So Tae-woong?”

“Would you believe me if I said it hasn’t been long since we became acquainted?”

“He must be really fixated on you. He’s hanging on because of the ‘Red Hunter’ movie adaptation, right? Our Author Moon really did write a great story. Haha.”

“Thank you.”

Professor Gu Hak-jun, who had insisted on using formal language, now uses a vague mix of formal and informal speech with me.

It seems to be because he became friends with Gu Yu-na.

We roamed the streets of Sokcho with a couple of cameramen, shooting material for the broadcast.

“By the way, not long ago, a novel set in Sokcho was widely read in France. I can’t suddenly remember the title though…”

“Elisa Shua Dusapin’s, Winter in Sokcho?”

“Ah, yes, that’s right. You’re already well aware, Author Moon. Anyway, I used to be active in France when I was younger and still have many friends there. They told me that the novel was highly appreciated because it talked about the concept of a ‘marginal person’.”

“I understand the author has a French father and a Korean mother.”

“That’s right. Biracial. National boundaries, cultural boundaries, a person standing on that line. The more I think about these concepts, the more I wonder what it means to be an ‘outsider’. Ultimately, isn’t distinguishing ‘difference’ a matter of a more personal viewpoint than anyone else’s?”

“To French readers, Sokcho might seem exotic, but to us, it’s not, right?”

“That’s an accurate expression, Author Moon. So, uh… being different. Otherness. And the elements needed for otherness to arise, the common cultural codes shared by a society. Its existence cannot be denied. But ultimately, recognizing difference, rejecting difference, and longing for difference are all matters of perception. Then, what exactly are the emotions that arise from the differences in skin color, language, and culture that we often discuss? In the end, the monkeys that liked to learn new information survived, and those that didn’t went extinct. Isn’t that where all the differences come from?”

“In the end, hating because we want to hate, and liking because we want to like, but using ‘being different’ as a subjective excuse, isn’t it?”

“Right! That’s it! How can you speak as if you’ve reached into my heart and pulled it out? I know of a novel that delves deep into that subject…”

“If it all comes down to mindset, then it’s connected to Buddhist philosophy…”

“We’re actually planning to visit Sinheungsa later…” (TL: Sinheungsa is a temple in the same national park which I mentioned above)

“As expected, temple food is gondre rice…”

* * *

After roaming around Sokcho all day and returning to our accommodation, dinner was ready.

It was a hearty Korean set meal composed of traditional foods from Gangwon Province.

Luckily, since the cast members were of a mature age, it seemed we were spared the dreadful act of playing mini-games and stealing side dishes from those who lost.

However, since this shoot was for 1 night and 2 days, and we had to produce about 3 to 4 episodes’ worth of material, dinner also took the form of a talk show in front of the cameras.

Thus, Director So Tae-woong eventually succeeded in taking the seat next to me.

I ate my vegetable rice with a grimace, sandwiched between Professor Gu Hak-jun and Director So Tae-woong.

“There are two theories about the origin of the name Sokcho. One is a folk legend that started with a wicked magistrate threatening to double the taxes on the people here if they couldn’t wrap a rock with the rope they made…”

“Regarding the famous red crab of Sokcho… it’s actually a very valuable marine resource. There are legal catch limits. It’s often perceived as a fake crab used only for making broth, overshadowed by king crab, but in reality, fresh red crab in season can taste better than many imported king crabs. Why did this perception arise? To understand, we need to look at the long history of red crabs being sold as king crabs…”

Fortunately, the topics of discussion at the beginning of the talk show didn’t leave any room for Director So Tae-woong to chime in.

With famous history teachers and former chefs among the cast shining, I just nodded curiously, following the flow of the conversation.

Then, I noticed the plate in front of Professor Gu Hak-jun.

It was bibim naengmyeon. (TL: spicy cold noodles)

“Hmm.”

No wonder he was fiddling with his chopsticks.

Professor Gu Hak-jun has a very sensitive stomach. He had surgery when he was young and had a part of his intestine removed.

So, even a little spicy food sends him rushing to the bathroom.

At home or in private, it’s not a problem, but in public settings like this, he can’t just eat spicy food indiscriminately.

Automatically, my hand reached out and swapped Professor Gu Hak-jun’s spicy mixed cold noodles with my plain cold noodles.

“Please give me that.”

“Author Moon…?” Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ N0vᴇlFire(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“You can’t handle spicy food, can you?”

“Author Moon…!”

At that moment, others caught this scene with their eyes.

The elderly cast members smiled warmly and chimed in.

“What’s this? Why are you being so sweet?”

“Haha, really. How did you know I can’t eat spicy food?”

“Oh my. Professor Gu can’t eat spicy?”

“Yes, my stomach is a bit weak. That’s how it is at this age. Author Moon is close with my daughter, and somehow he heard about it and took care of me like this. I’m really grateful… Haha!”

“It’s nice to see~”

“Aigo- You two look just like father and son.”

“It’s more like teacher and student…”

The cast member who made the ‘father and son’ joke apparently didn’t know about my family background, causing a momentary stir among those nearby.

Someone whispered something quietly into that cast member’s ear, and after a brief flinch, they managed to control their expression and smoothly transitioned to the next topic of conversation.

This kind of situation is familiar to me.

Despite the brief incident, the conversation flowed smoothly as if those involved had been syncing their conversational rhythms for years.

I easily answered questions directed at me from time to time and modestly navigated the curious glances always cast my way.

During this, Director So Tae-woong found an opening to chime in.

It was while discussing the history of Sokcho.

“After liberation, didn’t Sokcho come under North Korean governance? In fact, during that time, Sokcho went through a tumultuous period under the rule of Imperial Japan, the North Korean communist regime, and the South Korean democratic government.”

“Gangwon Province was a battleground. Even now, isn’t Gangwon Province divided between North and South Korea?”

“That’s correct. Especially under North Korean rule, land reforms in the style of North Korea were carried out in Sokcho, North Korean-style public education was implemented, and many were forcibly enrolled in North Korean organizations like the Korean Children’s Union or the Socialist Patriotic Youth League and sent to the front lines. Even under the military administration of the South Korean army, the people of Sokcho suffered a lot. It’s a regrettable history with deep scars left by ideological conflicts.”

Then, Director So Tae-woong interjected.

“The novel ‘Red Hunter’ also portrays such aspects very well.”

“Wow, that’s a terrifying title.”

“Wait, is that possibly…”

“Yes. It’s a novel written by Author Moon here.”

Damn. So it’s come to this…!

I had been avoiding So Tae-woong’s grasp all day, but in the end, he caught me.

So Tae-woong, with a seriousness unmatched by anyone else, passionately spoke about my book.

“It’s a historical novel dealing with the ideological conflicts among independence activists. Instead of portraying independence fighters as heroes who defeat evil, it shines a light on the predicaments of individuals opposing a regime. It’s a novel that depicts the tragedy of fighting against a common enemy but doubting and even killing each other over ideological differences.”

“Wow… That’s really heavy content.”

“Yes, it’s very heavy. And the narrative is heavy for a reason—because it’s the truth. That’s why no one can doubt the authenticity of a historical novel. It has a depth, tension, and suspense that deeply affects the reader. I highly recommend reading it…”

The cast members, who were previously unaware of the specifics of what I had written, were taken aback and turned their attention to me.

Then, Director So Tae-woong shifted the perspective.

With all eyes of the cast and crew on us, So Tae-woong asked me,

“From a creator’s perspective, what’s truly admirable is, how did you manage to write such a story at such a young age? The national scars, ideological conflicts, and shadows of the independence movement—insight into these aspects and weaving them into a narrative suggests that there’s a profoundly deep world within the creator. More than just making this novel into a movie, I’m incredibly curious about Author Moon’s world.”

“…”

I looked at Gu Hak-jun for help with a pleading look in my eyes.

But even Professor Gu Hak-jun was looking at me with a meaningful smile, wasn’t he?

After glancing at me, Gu Hak-jun said,

“In fact, historical novels are very difficult. Doesn’t everyone know the beginning and end of the story? So, how the history is interpreted is the only thing an author can do. For example, with Namhansanseong (TL: It is a fortress), the Qing Dynasty invaded, and the king kneeled and surrendered. Everyone knows these historical facts. But the story took a step further by not depicting the internal conflicts of the Joseon court as good vs. evil but as patriotism against patriotism.”

Gu Hak-jun looked at me and smiled playfully.

“In that sense, I’m also curious. Author Moon. How did you come to write ‘Red Hunter’? What prompted you to tackle such a grand public discourse in an era where anti-communist education has disappeared?”

“Sigh…”

It seems running away any longer is futile.

I surrendered, raising both my hands.

And after downing a glass of water like a shot, I opened up honestly.

“That… is a very personal book.”

“A personal book?”

“Let’s see… Around the time I wrote that book, I found out that my parents were still alive.”

Everyone froze like ice.

“I know exactly where my parents are and what they’re doing right now.”

*****

Translator’s Note:

Hello readers, as you might know, Korean web novels are primarily written for a Korean audience. Consequently, you will encounter numerous terms and references throughout this chapter, previous chapters, or future chapters that are not explicitly explained by the author. This is because they are generally understood by the intended readers due to their familiarity with these basic concepts. While I will try to clarify these terms that I think require explanation, there may still be times where certain terms or concepts are overlooked even by me. For them, I encourage you guys to conduct your own research or, if you’re struggling to find or understand something, feel free to reach out to me on Discord.

Web novels of this nature are often overlooked or not picked up by English publishers due to the challenges associated with adapting them for an English-speaking audience. This is primarily because they are heavily tailored to Korean readers. As a result, fantasy or otherworldly novels tend to be more frequently translated, as their content does not focus as heavily on culturally specific knowledge.

TL;DR: Korean web novels are written with a Korean audience in mind, often including culturally specific terms and references. While I try to explain essential terms, some might be overlooked. So do your own research or chat with me on discord to understand more about them.

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