13/03/2025
30-Year-Old Kim Soo Hyun’s Full Letter From The Military To 17-Year-Old Kim Sae Ron.
KSH LETTER:
Today, the weather was so unpredictable that I felt like I was being tossed around in all directions this wonderful Saturday. What a great day for writing something and thinking about you, Saero-Nero.
This morning, in the foggy haze, I wondered, ‘What kind of a day will it be today…?’ Caught up in that feeling, I went straight to the noraebang (karaoke) and tried some Shin Seung Hoon songs, butchered them, and got in trouble for doing him disgrace…
Maybe an hour or so later, the sun started blazing—the same sun that messed with my skin. I thought, ‘This is a sign.’ So, I grabbed some oil and went up to the helipad. Tanned both sides. After an hour, I couldn’t handle it anymore because it got too hot. Then, I ate some lunch and am now watching some reruns of Heart Signal 2, cheering on for the contestants.
It got dark outside again. Soon enough, the stormy clouds are letting go of everything they held onto, making all sorts of strange noises. I thought, ‘Wow. I’m so glad I’m not on a training mission today.’ About an hour later, the rain stopped unexpectedly. Perhaps the clouds went too hard, too fast. Or maybe it’s gearing up for round two. Anyway, the clouds stayed, but the weather cleared. The sun began gleaming in the clouds. The shadows of the clouds deepened, and through those shadows, rays of sunshine began bursting out. It was a sight worth seeing, but I didn’t have a camera with me.”
“I remember one November morning, when snow was falling over the fallen leaves in the empty field, making it a lonely scene. I also remember when I first went on a mission, and my sight was completely filled with mountains. I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing something like this in Korea.’ I remember, on the day of ambush training, the moon was so bright and the sky was full of stars. Everything was so clear that I could see every nook and cranny of the terrain, which scared me. I spent the night terrified. I remember when the weather got better and I could smell the change in seasons. I was dying from a tough training session, but then, I could smell sand from a sunny beach. I remember feeling sentimental all day.
What I’m trying to say is… I just want to share what I think is good, what I find as joy, what I’m looking at or feeling… I want to share these things with you. It’s hard to see your face, but I still want to share with you how I feel inside. What I’m willing. I don’t want to burden you… So, I guess what I can say is… I miss you.
Anyway, it was a good weekend. I got to write some things. I thought about going back to work after discharge. Maybe I’ll travel to Japan or somewhere far like Northern Europe. With all the younger guys here, I even thought maybe I’ll go back to school. Would that mean we could school together? But when even is my discharge?
Looking back, it has already been 8 months since I enlisted. But when I look ahead, I still have over a year left. Haha. So, that said… I hope you’ll continue… to do your best to take good care of me. Salute.
From far, far away,
Kim Private First Class“
- Kim Soohyun
