September Monkey by Induk Pahk

September Monkey by Induk Pahk

Author:Induk Pahk [Pahk, Induk]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nonfiction, History, Asian, Korean War, Military, India
ISBN: 9781839745072
Google: 7G9mAAAAMAAJ
Publisher: Barakaldo Books
Published: 2020-05-19T04:00:00+00:00


11—The New Approach

When I arrived at Pyongyang station, my mother and a missionary friend, Grace Dillingham, were waiting to meet me. This was the second largest city in Korea and it was here that my mother and I had attended the Bible institute together, and from here I had taken the train to Seoul as a little girl when I left for Ewha High School. Known for its lovely scenery, delicious water, beautiful women and delectable cold Korean noodles, Pyongyang had now become a great missionary center for the Presbyterians and Methodists, with hospitals, schools and colleges for both boys and girls. At that time there were many revolutionary political organizations working toward the overthrow of the Japanese regime. But all this was of secondary interest to me now, for within me was a burden heavier and more miserable than all the political and economic miseries surrounding me. Being bound by age-old concepts and traditions was the worst burden of all. I had learned that the most precious thing in the world is freedom to do what one believes is right and now I must choose between the Korean custom of remaining with my husband “no matter what,” or starting out on an independent way of life.

As Mother and I met a long look of understanding passed between us, and although no word was spoken, each knew what was in the mind of the other. When the opportunity to talk came, the first thing my mother said was, “Son, have you enough strength to overthrow the unfair weight which has piled up for many centuries upon our women?” My mouth felt so dry that I could not answer. After some little thought, she continued, “I know that you are very eager to see your little girls but before you see them I must tell you what has happened in your absence. Don’t think that I want to interfere in your life, but today I am telling you this, not as your mother but as a woman who has suffered much, and also as a messenger from a just God. Your husband has a concubine. With what money? With the money you sent to care for your children. Whether the children got any of the money I do not know, but your mother-in-law has taken good care of them. Their father was off having a good time with his women at Buddhist temples and at summer resorts where they serve good food. Now I know what I think should be done and I believe you know, too. You should ask for a legal divorce. Your marriage was a mistake but there is no use continuing in a grave mistake. I just wonder whether you are strong enough to meet the criticism a divorce will bring.”

This was a long speech for my mother; she usually spoke abruptly. Now we both fell silent, thinking of the same matters. A Korean woman never divorces her husband, although a Korean man may divorce his wife. Moreover, Christians did not approve of divorce.



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