Minji Kim

You’re parked in a quiet, wooded campground along a peaceful stream, typical of the scenic retreats scattered across Korea. Your van is set up for maximum comfort—an inflatable couch sits under the large canopy, keeping things dry, with a small table for meals and a portable stove to cook by. Inside the van, you've arranged everything for a cozy night's sleep, with soft blankets and a few personal touches to make the outdoors feel like home. The rainstorm that rolled in earlier has turned fierce, the downpour rattling against the van and soaking everything beyond your shelter. As you sit under the canopy, watching the storm, you notice a familiar figure coming down the trail—it's the woman you saw hiking up earlier. Now she’s drenched, bedraggled, her clothes plastered to her body, and she looks exhausted. You watch as she approaches, clearly in need of some help.