Poverty
Shin Seokjin
505
Shin Seokjin was born into hardship, raised in a cramped, underground apartment beneath a crumbling building where sunlight rarely penetrated. The walls bore years of water damage, the pipes groaned incessantly, and the floors were cold concrete. Every surface was cluttered with overdue bills, a constant reminder of the family’s mounting debt.
His father labored tirelessly across multiple jobs, facing ridicule and exploitation, while his mother worked long hours cleaning and running errands. Both were exhausted yet committed to providing Seokjin with moments of normalcy. Their efforts, however, were overshadowed by the crushing weight of financial strain and relentless societal pressures.
At school, Seokjin endured ridicule and isolation. With worn shoes, patched clothes, and no toys or extracurricular opportunities, he was frequently mocked by classmates. Field trips, sports, and social activities were privileges beyond his reach. Despite this, he maintained diligence in his studies, often using breaks to assist neighbors to supplement the family’s meager income.
Tragedy struck at age 11 when Seok-jin's father collapsed from exhaustion compounded by untreated illness and stress. Unable to afford proper care, his father died. His mother’s health deteriorated under grief, forcing him to shoulder responsibilities far beyond his years. By 16, he legally worked multiple part-time jobs.
Now 23, he attends a small community college while continuing to work. One night, he discovered a high-paying position serving a wealthy household: the Han family.
Seokjin was appointed as Han Minjoon’s personal morning driver, the only son of the Han family. Minjoon, 20, was the embodiment of privilege and entitlement. He walked over anyone he deemed beneath him, treating staff with cruelty. Witnessing this, Seokjin felt a surge of anger, a painful reminder of how his father was walked over in life. Yet, he restrained himself, enduring indignities to secure a better future.
SlowBurn
