나는 너의 해바라기다! : Sunflower

내 존재는 땅의 어둠 속에 뿌리를 두고 있지만,

내 마음은 평생 하늘에서 널 찾아 헤맸다.

네 사랑의 빛이 내 마음의 영원한 인도자이기니까.

우리 영혼의 일부는 항상 서로 얽혀 있었다.

단지 거리가 어떻게 중요할 수 있을까?

이별의 긴 밤도 중요하지 않아.

새로운 새벽이 밝아오면 

너의 광선이 나를 비출 테니까.

나는 너의 해바라기다.

/ 9

: 129

#D3June

====================================

A Loose Translation: 

My being is rooted in the darkness of the earth,

But my heart has searched for you in the sky all my life.

For the light of your love is the eternal guide of my heart.

Parts of our souls have always been intertwined.

How can this mere distance be of any consequence?

The long night of separation too doesn't matter.

For when the new dawn dawns,

your rays will shine on me.

For I am your sunflower.

/ 9

: 78

#D3June

====================================

Copyright © 2025 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

미움 아님 마음

>Click here for Meaningful English Translation 

>Click here for A Little Something 

원래 좀 수줍어했지만

이렇게 얼굴이 붉어진 건... 처음

느낄수록 더욱 궁금해지지만

이 설명할 수 없는 표정 변화... 미움

행복의 눈물이 뭔지 몰랐지만

그 눈물에 담긴 모든 감정을 느끼는 것... 처음

알면 알수록 더욱 신비로워지지만

그걸 알면서도 여전히 모르는 건 ... 미움

눈을 마주치는 건 어렵지 않지만

그의 눈을 마주치는 게 어려움 겪... 처음

피하려고 할수록 더욱 몰입하게 된다

힘들더라도 계속 바라보고 싶은 감정... 미움

음악에는 마법이 있지만

누군가의 목소리에 이렇게 매료된 적은... 처음.

들을수록 더욱 달콤해지지만,

내 심장 박동을 조절하는 방식 ... 미움

사랑에 대해 생각해 본 적은 있지만

이런 감정을 느껴 본 적은... 처음

생각할수록 더욱 혼란스러워지지만

계속 그런 느낌을 원하는 것... 미움

☆☆☆☆☆☆

얼굴이 붉어지더라도,

다양한 색상을 표현할 수 있는 기회...마음

기쁨의 눈물이 요즘은 자주 나더라도,

희망을 주고 미소를 짓게 하는 것을 그 기분... 마음

몰입되어 있어더라도,

그의 그윽한 눈빛을 통해 내 감정을 탐구하는 느낌... 마음

음악만큼 마법같지는 않더라도,

그 목소리에 맞춰 내 심장이 뛰는 두근두근 소리... 마음

혼란스럽더라도,

영혼을 풍요롭게 하는 그 기쁨 감... 마음

~~~~~~

태양이 뜨면,하늘이 사람과 함께 있다면

미움도 마음으로 변한다

모든 감정이 새롭고 밝아진다

미움 아니다

마음이다. 영원히.

====================================

Meaningful English Translation:

(Translated on: October 09, 2024)

I have always been a bit shy

But I have never blushed like this before 

The more I feel it,  the more I keep wondering

However

This inexplicable change in my expression…

I dislike

Even though I keep blushing,

This possibility to experience various colours… 

I like

I had never known what tears of joy before

But this is the first time

I felt every emotion in those tears

The more I know the mysterious it gets

But that sense of knowing it and still not knowing it...

I dislike

Even though tears of joy are common these days

The way it gives me hope and makes me smile…

I like

It has never been difficult to look into someone’s eyes

But it is, when it is him

The more I try to avoid it

The more immersed I become

That emotion to still immerse in his eyes

Even though it is this difficult… 

I dislike

Even though I am immersed (in those eyes)

That sense of exploring my emotions

Through his profound eyes… 

I like

There is magic in music

But I have never been so captivated by someone’s voice

The more I listen the sweeter it gets

But the way it guides my heartbeat… 

I dislike

Even though that voice might not be

As magical as music

The sound of my heart

Beating to the rhythm of his voice…

I like

I have always thought about Love

But I’ve never felt about it the way it feels now

The more I think about it

The more confusing it gets

However, the want to continue feeling like that…

I dislike

Even though it feels confusing, 

The happy feeling of Love enriching my soul…

I like

☆☆☆☆☆☆

~~~~~~

When the sun rises, 

And the heavens favor us (humans)

Hate too, transforms into Love

Every feeling feels new 

And every emotion brightens up

For there never was hate

It has been Love.  

Always and Forever.

====================================

A Little Something:

The original poem is a take on the design, shape, and positioning of the Korean alphabets (called Hangul)... specifically the vowels.

The vowels are a combination of three basic symbols, viz. Earth, Heavens, and Humans. The relative positioning of these symbols determine the yin and yang of the vowels so formed.

I observed, that just by a simple repositioning of these symbols in a word leads to a transformation that forms another word (please refer the video). The meanings change and so does the yin and yang. Of course, a few liberties has been taken.

While translating, this essence is lost. However, the words have been highlighted (italicized) as an indication.

It is not a word by word translation, and every effort to read between the lines, and feel the embedded symbolism is highly appreciated. 

====================================

Copyright © 2024 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

The Breathing Waters

The breathing waters

speak of Life, 

the one that exists as a testament,

a testament to the Love

of the Sun and the Moon.

바다의 모든 물 한 방울은 숨을 쉰다

숨쉬는 바다는 생명을 말해준다... 

증거로서 생명을 말해준다

태양과 달의 사랑의 증거이다.

============================================================

A little something:

On March 18, 2023, I took a boat to an island in the Arabian sea. The waters, which appeared to be alive and breathing, captivated me. I knew I need to put those feelings into words.

So, two days later, on March 20, 2023, I announced (to myself) that I will write about it.

More than a year later, I wrote some words...but they could barely scratch the surface of all the feelings that were felt, and all the thoughts that were lived on that day. And I still have unmaterialized emotions yet to see the light of thoughts, and possibly be framed in words.

============================================================

Copyright © 2024 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

그대의 생각: Blossoming

하늘이 웃고 아침이 붉어질 때

공기가 숨을 쉬고 이슬이 반짝였을 때

정원에 꽃봉오리가 피어날 때도

그것도... 그대 생각나게 했어요.

When the sky smiled

And the morning blushed

When the air breathed

And the dew glimmered

The bud in my garden blossomed anew

And that too... reminded me of You.

Copyright © 2023 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

장미의 향기: The Scent of Rose

그대 선물로 무엇을 줄까요?

생각하면서 궁금했어요

빛나는 햇빛

아니면 깊은 바다를 줄까요 ?

깊은 바다보다 깊어요

그대 깊은 눈빛

빛나는 햇빛보다 밝아요

그대 찬란한 미소..그게 별빛

생각하다가 깨달았다..

그대 생각은 장미 향기 난다

그래서 그대에게

장미의 향기를 선물하기로 했다

Meaningful English Translation:

What shall I give you as a gift?

I wondered (or asked myself)

While thinking about it.

Shall I gift you the shining sunrays

Or the deep ocean?

Your eyes are deeper

Than the deepest oceans

Your splendid smile

Is brighter than the shining rays

it's (your smile) the starlight.

While thinking, I realized that..

Your thoughts (while I think of you)

Has the smell of roses

So, I decided to give you

The scent of rose as a gift.

----------------------------------------------------------------

A little back story:

Gifts convey a lot without uttering a single word. For me, a gift indicates a representation of a memory that is invoked. Something reminds you of someone. That is the reason we forward pictures or videos or a link. It tells the receiver that this is what reminds me of you. It may be a book or some personalized gift that you invested your time and effort to prepare just for the receiver. But it is not as easy as it may seem...well sometimes. The sender wants to give something that represents the receiver in some way and also has the essence of the feelings and emotions embedded into it. How does one decide?

Copyright © 2023 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

목소리: Voice

그 하나의 목소리...

그대 영혼의 언어를 말해요

마음의 리듬을 가지고 있어요

그대 미소의 이유예요

누구의 목소리인가요?

그 하나의 목소리...

그대 눈을 빛나게 해요

삶의 모든 순간도 밝혀요

그대에게 새로운 희망 줘요 

누구의 목소리인가요?

Meaningful English Translation:

That one voice...

That speaks the language of your soul

That has the rhythm of your heart

That is the reason behind your smile

Whose voice is that?

That one voice...

That brightens up your eyes

And every moment of your life

That gives you new hope

Whose voice is that?

----------------------------------------------------------------

A little back story and Gratitude:

Our eyes are the mirror of our soul. Similarly, I think, voice is its signature. That is probably why voices have a connect with souls just like eyes. While writing "The Voices", I realized there are different aspects of a voice that I wanted to portray. And thus, this piece was born.

I was not sure if I should attempt writing it in Korean. My love for the language made me write it. However, I was still unsure of posting it as it was rusty. Thanks to my teacher/guide, who immensely helped me in giving me the much needed confidence to post this piece. Yoon 선생님 has always been very supportive. There are not enough words to show my gratitude.

Thank you so much Yoon 선생님 for always helping me.

Copyright © 2023 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

모를지도 몰라요: I May not Know

봄의 색은 잘 모를지도 몰라요 
그대 미소의 모든 색은 알고 있어요

신신한 맑은 하늘이 모를지도 몰라요

그대 숨결의 향기를 느꼈어요

음악과 심포니를 모를지도 몰라요

그대 마음의 아름다운 소리를 들었어요

세상을 아직도 잘 모를지도 몰라요

옛날 옛날 부터 이 사랑은 알고 있어요

이 감정을 알고 있었던 것 같아요

Meaningful English Translation:

I may not know the colors of spring

But I know the colors of Your smile

I may not know the fresh clear sky

But I have felt the fragrance of Your breath

I may not know of music or symphonies

But I have listened to the

Beautiful sound of Your heart

I may not know the world yet

But I have known of this Love

From time immemorial

I feel I have always known this feeling.

__________________________________

A little something:

There are many things we do not know of. Even though we might feel or think that we know, we actually might not. However, there are certain senses, certain emotions, or certain feelings, that we have always known. We may not even know how we know of this, but we just know. It feels like this is a part of our very soul and existence... something that makes our heart beat.

Copyright © 2023 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

Is it all just K-Pop?

The answer is both Yes and No. If we go by what is widely perceived as K-Pop, that is idol singers, music bands, and the fandoms, then the answer will be: it is not just that. However, if we go by the ideal definition, that is: what is included in the popular culture, then there is a lot more to K-Pop than music bands and idols. (Disclaimer: I am a fan of a band of singers, and an ardent one at that. So, in no way I am trivializing any of that.)

For me, Korean popular culture encompasses a lot of other things as well. There is the food culture (a must mention for a foodie like me), the different dance forms, the music styles (more on this later), the folk games, and the literature and art. This is celebrated widely by Korean people as well. Knowingly or unknowingly, we might have witnessed the different aspects or the popular aspects of the Korean culture.

Let us take this picture for example. This is a snapshot of a dance performance by BTS at the MMA 2018.

Most of us might have seen this performance by BTS in the Melon Music Awards 2018, where  three different traditional dance forms were displayed.

Now what is the prop that Jimin is holding in his hands here? That is a 부채(‘Buchae’) or a hand fan and the dance form is called 부채춤 (‘Buchaechum’) or fan dance.

So, what is Buchaechum?

It is a well-known Korean dance form that is based and inspired from various traditional and religious Korean dances. In 1954, Buchaechum was created by dancer Kim Baek-bong. This dance is said to have taken inspirations from Korean shamanic ritual dances and includes nuances of various folk dances from the Joseon dynasty. It is the most thriving Korean dance, almost equivalent in status to modern dance. It is much more than a dance form as it portrays the Korean culture as well.

The Performance:

The performance comprises of the beautiful 꽃부채 (flower fans) held in both hands to create various patterns and formations as a group, which represents images such as waves, flowers, and such, and also depicts the strong love for the nation. Performers wear 한복 (‘Hanbok’) or the traditional attire. The 군무 (dance) showcases graceful movements amalgamated with techniques suitable for interpretation by modern audience. The rhythm of 음악 (music) accompanies the dance performance, especially 민요 (‘Minyo’) i.e. Korean folk songs or 산조 (‘Sanjo’) i.e. instrumental music.

This dance requires a high degree of perfection, and it summarizes the traditional dance of Korean people. It is performed at cultural events, in schools, universities, and in almost every Korean community around the world. And when top and famous artists like BTS perform this, it speaks loads about how every Korean is proud about their culture and are trying their best to preserve and promote it.

Would you like to try this dance form? It is beautiful, elegant, and charming. It is definitely worthwhile to witness Buchaechum in all its glory.

Copyright © 2023 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

What's cooking? K-food.

“What’s cooking? Um.. K-food?” they asked.

“More like yum food!” I replied.

Well, that is a lame beginning. It sounded okay in my head though. Now let’s begin again.

I do not know where exactly I should start because Korean cuisine and I go way back. I do not even remember what my first dish was. But I will tell you of the food story mostly through pictures. I have a very few pictures because I forget about clicking (majority of the time) when food is there. That’s every foodie’s struggle!! 

(Since all the pictures can not be put in between the text, I will add a video of few selected pictures at the end.)

To give a little background, the place I am from is very similar in food prep and culture to Korea. The culture of multitude of side dishes (반찬 or banchan), taste of certain food, and even some etiquettes match too.

Korean food that I love cooking:

The first meal (Korean) that I cooked all by myself was Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개). I do not know why I decided that. It just felt so natural that time.

Later that day, I ended up making Jajangmyeon (자장면) too (which is considered as Chinese food in Korea). 

Both tasted better than I had ever expected and that boosted my confidence a little bit.

I continued cooking more Korean food every now and then. In fact, last year (in December), I prepared a few Korean dishes for my parents. I made Bibimbap (비빔밥), Yachae-hotteok (야채-호떡), and Kimbap (김밥).

They loved it and hence I ended up making different varieties of Kimbap every other day for an entire week. Needless to say, Bibimbap feels like a soul food now.

Korean restaurants I loved eating at:

There are a couple of places (in the city I live in) that serve Korean food, but authenticity is a big question mark. My go to place these days is a small Korean home kitchen.

It is owned by a Korean person and the taste is as authentic as it can get with ingredients that are only partly Korean. I love their Fried Chicken (치킨) and Kimchi Bokkeumbap (김치 볶음밥).

Apart from my regular place, I like the Korean food served in Taiki (Bengaluru) as well.

The most happening one was my first visit to Arirang (A Korean restaurant in Bengaluru). It’s not your fancy restaurant. It has a traditional (식당) sikdang/restaurant vibe… the ones that one would often encounter in Kdramas. As you enter Arirang, you will be welcomed by an array of BTS posters. 

A good start, no one would complain on that. There are few private/family rooms and few of them are in the common dine-in area. Each table has an assortment of the usual suspects: chopsticks, spoons, tissues, a grill (for the bbq), and a call-in bell. They have a decently extensive menu as well.

The first time I went there: 

The serving staff were prompt and responded almost immediately to the call-in button. They told me that the food that I was ordering would be too much, quantity-wise. But what a foodie can do? I ended up ordering more, nevertheless. Why can’t we make place for food that we want to eat!? The side dishes (반찬 or banchan) were served first. The food arrived soon after.

The dak bokkeumtang (닭볶음탕) was served on a mini stove top. It had a very familiar taste… it tasted very similar to my home chicken curry (it’s a family recipe). Nostalgia and amazement hit me together. 

The mandu was good too but I have had better. But the overall experience was awesome. And the day that followed this experience was no exception- it was as memorable as it can get. That’s a story for some other day. Let’s put that on pause for now. I am off to grab a dessert! Enjoy the video.

Copyright © 2022 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

My Language Journey: Korean Focused

Route Map: 

Where it started?---》A detour---》Back on the road, again---》Roadblocks---》Destination?

Where it started?

Unlike the popular stories about how every individual’s language journey started, mine is a bit different (no surprises there, right?). I did not have the “need” to start learning a new language at that time, because I was neither relocating nor traveling. It had always been a “bucket list” item, of course. And then one fine day, the prologue of my language story started.

It started during the latter part of 2009 when I came across a poem called “You are so lovely” (참 좋은 당신 or Cham johun dangshin) by Kim Yong-Taek. The poem of course was translated in English. However, the depth of the words showed through even in the translated version. I read few more translated poems by the same poet, and I was amazed with the thoughts that transcended into words.

Prologue

It moved me to a point where I wanted to learn the language and understand the words in their original form. I did a quick Google search, but sadly there were no language schools that taught Korean in my city. Internet resources too were very limited at that time. So, I had to postpone learning Korean. However, the eagerness to learn a new language kicked off.

A detour

During the spring of 2010, I was mesmerized by Monet’s works. As expected, I looked for French classes.

Thankfully, I found one which I could somehow accommodate to my academic schedule at the time. I enjoyed every bit of that time. Later that year, I watched my first K-drama. But more than the drama, the music moved me. I wanted to understand the lyrics and the desire to learn Korean was reignited. So, I started my self-learning journey. There were fewer online lessons available then, and hence, I could not learn as much as I had wished for. Because of this and some other reasons, I paused my Korean journey there. However, afterwards I caught up with other languages like Mandarin and German (which I continued for quite a few years).

Back on the road, again

It was as if I found the piece of a puzzle that I had been looking for. 

During 2020-21, somehow, I again stumbled upon the same Korean poem. That was my moment of epiphany. It was then that I re-started my Korean self-learning journey. There were plenty of resources online, more than I had expected to find. I did not just focus on the language this time. I started learning about their culture, their lifestyle, their art, and other aspects as well.

It was as if I discovered a part of me, a part that was there all along. It was sort of a soul connection. I identified with many things. It was as if I found the piece of a puzzle that I had been looking for. You would know what it meant to me and how much it has influenced me if you have read my first book. (If you haven’t yet, this is your cue. 😉)

Roadblocks?

Well, there always is some kind of obstacle in a story. There is one in mine too. Self-studying a language is difficult by itself. And with my work schedule (that involved a job, my writing, and a few hobbies), maintaining appropriate study hours for Korean language was becoming more and more challenging. Absence of a definite course structure was not making things any better. For days, weeks, and months, I was not making any progress. It was as if I was moving in an entangled loop. I knew it was time for opting a structured learning program - a proper language class for Korean… just like the ones I took for the other languages.

Considering my schedule, attending a class sounded almost like a crazy idea. But what is life without a little whimsy and a few quirks! Earlier the language had found me. This was my time to make the choice. And I chose the language. Of course. Why would I have not? After all, Korean helped me explore myself and rediscover Love. I signed up for the class.

But what is life without a little whimsy and a few quirks! Earlier the language had found me. This was my time to make the choice.

Destination?

Signing up for a class (or starting to learn anything) will not make anyone good automatically and instantly. It requires discipline and diligence. I too am not good at it. I have barely managed to write a couple of pieces till now. But, believe me, the experience and the fun are incomparable. It shows you avenues you never knew existed before.

Everyone must be waiting to know how it ended, right? Not everything has an ending. Mine, too, has no ending. I am not looking for an ending either. This language is already a part of me. And it will always be. If you are wondering why I am saying this, take a dive… explore the language. Every moment will be worth it.

Copyright © 2022 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

매력: Charm

그대 웃음소리는

바다의 음악을

더 선율적으로 만들어요

눈을 깜박이면

반짝이는 별이

더 밝게 반짝에요 

그대 모든 매력이

봄의 향기로 

세상을 물들어요

어느 마술인가요

아니면 그냥

그대 매력인가요?

________________________________

Meaningful English Translation:

The sound of your laughter

Makes the music of the ocean

Even more melodious

When You blink Your eyes,

The twinkle of the stars

Become brighter

Your every charm

Colors the world with

The fragrance of Spring

Is it some sort of magic

Or is it just

Your Charm?

Copyright © 2022 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved