Meet Me Where the Sun Rises: A Joseon Love Untold
by Nhessa Joy H. Jamisal
"HAIN-UI!!!!" Hyo-Jin shouted, trying to get his servant's attention.
Hyo-Jin, the only son of King Hyo-Jeong and Empress Jin, was known for his rude and arrogant demeanor towards everyone except his father.
The servant promptly approached Hyo-Jin to assist him, obediently following his commands. "Here, Prince Hyo-Jin," said the servant as he handed him the pen. Unfortunately, the pen slipped from the servant's hand, leaving a line on the Prince's hanbok.
"Neo babo ya!" the Prince angrily exclaimed.
Despite the servant's apologies, the Prince ignored them and raised his hand to slap him. However, before the impending strike, King Hyo-Jeong intervened, shouting, "HYO-JIN!"
Hyo-Jin halted, and the king ordered the servant to leave. The king expressed disbelief at his son's behavior.
"Hyo-Jin, why are you so rude to people, including our servants? They are here to serve us, loyal to us. So, do not hurt them, please," the King implored.
"What if I don't want to? People, especially servants and the poor, have the ability to deceive us! Be careful who you trust, nop-eum," Hyo-Jin retorted.
He left the room and went to the river for some fresh air. While passing through the market, he overheard people discussing food from the palace, and he confronted an old man.
"Salanghaneun Wangja!" they said, bowing to him. The old man explained they brought food from the palace to share. Enraged, Hyo-Jin ordered the guards to take the man to Jeonokseo, accusing him of theft.
Returning to the river, an old man appeared and warned Hyo-Jin about his wrongdoing to the people. Laughing it off, Hyo-Jin closed his eyes, only to find himself in a different era when he opened them again.
Confused and shocked, he encountered two modern girls, Je-woo and Hyun-Ah, who found his claims of being a prince amusing. Hyo-Jin struggled to comprehend the changes in the surroundings and people's attire.
Hyun-Ah offered to help him, and they went to a clothing store where he changed into modern clothes. Still disoriented, Hyo-Jin insisted he was from the Joseon Dynasty. Hyun-Ah, finding him hungry, suggested they eat first.
Days passed, and Hyo-Jin and Hyun-Ah bonded, engaging in charity work together. Hyo-Jin wanted to confess his feelings but knew he might return to his time. As they walked near the Han River, he held Hyun-Ah's hand and expressed gratitude for teaching him kindness.
Suddenly, Hyo-Jin found himself back in his era by the Han River. Overwhelmed with emotion, he smiled, surprising his servants. They had never seen him smile like that before.
In the present time, Hyun-Ah attended a history class, learning about Prince Hyo-Jin. Reflecting on their time together, she uttered, "Meet me where the sun rises." The story ended with her looking at the Han River scene, reminiscing about the Prince from another time.
The End