Train to Busan
1. First overseas trip (I hung up my travelling scarf when I stayed home to be a caregiver for Abah, my father, who had recently passed away).
2. First overseas book fair (BICBF). Helang Books has never participated in an international book fair.
3. First trip to South Korea. Before my interview in Inex, a Korean magazine published in 2013, I had no feelings towards Korea. I never even wanted to visit it. In fact, I had even forgotten that I was featured in Inex.
4. First time I had shamelessly reached out to a famous actor (Gong Yoo). I even recruited some friends (including a Korean writer friend and a Korean stranger-turned-friend) who helped me in this crazy quest. Long story, I can write a drama series based on this experience. Very much like the film 'Finding Mr Destiny' (song sung by Gong Yoo, video below). Anyway, the ending is yet to unfold. Maktoob.
5. First time I talked to Abah, my father about the man who I like. Abah never asked about the men I had dated. It was as if he didn't care who I liked and wanted to marry. Anyway, I told Abah about Gong Yoo, and why I liked him (about him initiating the film 'Silenced' that had a positive impact for South Korea's special needs community etc). I felt embarrassed talking to Abah about Gong Yoo. To my surprise, Abah said that he would pray for us and told me not to worry. I had expected Abah to scold me and criticise me like he always did with my dreams and ambitions. This time, Abah did not. I don't know why I wanted Abah's blessings for my 첫사랑 with Gong Yoo (there is 99% chance of nothing happening). Perhaps this is important to me, just like medical school was (still is? I don't know).
Irony abound:
1. I had wanted to apply for the Sharjah Book Fair but I had overlooked the deadline. I submitted my application for BICBF 10 mins before deadline as I was procrastinating and forgot the one hour time difference between Seoul and Singapore.
2. BICBF will be held in Busan, Gong Yoo's hometown.
3. I wanted to fly to Busan and then out of Seoul. But the tickets are expensive to multiple airports. So taking the train from Seoul is the best choice. Looks like I will be lugging a heavy suitcase of books in Seoul Station (by the way, I love train stations--Grand Central Station in New York, Paris Gare du Nord etc.).
4. I am reliving the 'Train to Busan' dream, hopefully less eventful and no blood involved! It would indeed be a miracle if I were to meet Gong Yoo in the same train to Busan where he would probably take to visit his mother. Aigoo... I do have a wild imagination!
1. I had wanted to apply for the Sharjah Book Fair but I had overlooked the deadline. I submitted my application for BICBF 10 mins before deadline as I was procrastinating and forgot the one hour time difference between Seoul and Singapore.
2. BICBF will be held in Busan, Gong Yoo's hometown.
3. I wanted to fly to Busan and then out of Seoul. But the tickets are expensive to multiple airports. So taking the train from Seoul is the best choice. Looks like I will be lugging a heavy suitcase of books in Seoul Station (by the way, I love train stations--Grand Central Station in New York, Paris Gare du Nord etc.).
4. I am reliving the 'Train to Busan' dream, hopefully less eventful and no blood involved! It would indeed be a miracle if I were to meet Gong Yoo in the same train to Busan where he would probably take to visit his mother. Aigoo... I do have a wild imagination!
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