Lookism: Seoul Underground Chronicles: Shadow of the White Ashes

"Power is not a robe that is placed on one's shoulders. It's a chain that is forged by one's own hands," that thought was imprinted on Choi Seong-Jae like a stigma. After escaping from underground fighting, he realized that freedom was an illusion as long as you were weak. To survive, you need to be significant. To be significant, you have to have power.

He started with the light: he roofed small traders in the markets, ran up debts for loan sharks, controlled illegal gambling. It was dirty money, but it made him gather men, arm them, and expand his territory.

His gang grew, attracting those looking for protection, a place to belong, or just a chance to make money. Sung-Jae was not a good guy. He didn't build a utopia or promise justice. He offered strength, the opportunity to be part of something bigger than just a miserable existence in the slums.

He was a charismatic leader, able to convince people to win for them even in the darkest of times. He had a knack for seeing in People their strengths and weaknesses, using them to achieve his goals.

But his main weapon was ruthlessness. He did not tolerate disobedience, betrayal, or weakness. He committed cruel and significant crimes so that others would be afraid to even think of going against him.

The seizure of territories was war. Sung-Jae did not be ceremonious with his rivals. He attacked suddenly, without comment, using terror and psychological pressure tactics. He destroyed their bases, kidnapped their leaders, intimidated their people.

He didn't just defeat, he crushed. He wanted his enemies to know that resistance was futile, that he was an inevitability.

Taking over another group is an art. Son Jae was skilled at persuasion, bribery, and intimidation. He offered lucrative deals to the leaders of enemy groups, promising them power, money, and protection. To those who refused, he offered death.

He used his men like pawns in a chess game. He pitted them against each other, created intrigue and conflict to keep them in suspense and keep them from advising against him.

He skillfully manipulated people by considering their weaknesses and desires. He played on their fears, ambitions and feelings. He could get them to do what he needed them to do, even if it went against their own best interests.

He knew that there were no friends in this world, only allies. And that even the most loyal allies could betray if they offered something better.

One day, while exploring new walls, Sung-Jae came across a small building with a sign that read, "Hansu Son's Taekwondo Dojo." He was attracted by the sounds of blows and screams coming from inside.

Curiosity was one of his drives. He loved new things.

He entered the group and saw a man in his forties, with a stern face and strong build, confiding in the young men. The man moved with incredible speed and caution, his punches powerful and sharp.

Son Jae had never done strict taekwondo. He preferred to read dirtier and stronger fighting styles, but he was interested in this man's technique.

He approached him and introduced himself. "Choi Seong-Jae. I would like to learn more about your art.''

The man looked at him with a high quality. "I am Hansoo Sung. And I do not teach those who seek strength for the army."

Sung-Jae grinned. "Isn't force always used in war? That is the law of this world."

Hansoo Song frowned. "You are wrong. Force must be used for defense and justice."

"Justice is an illusion," Sung-Jae replied. - "There is only power and the one who wields it."

Hansu Song shook his head. "You are deluded, boy. You are strong, but you have no discipline, no spirit. You wield your talent for nothing.

"You may be right," Sung-Jae replied. - "But I want to find you that I am worthy of your attention."

He challenged Hansu Song to a fight.

Hansoo Sung agreed.

The boy was short and demeaning. Sung-Jae was fast and quiet, but Hansu Song moved too fast, too precisely. He parried all of his punches with incredible speed and strength.

Sung-Jae didn't realize what had happened. He woke up on the floor, looking up at the ceiling. He felt pain all over his body.

Hansoo Song was standing over him, his head in charge. "You've lost," he said. - "But I see potential in you. If you're willing to learn, I can help you.''

Sungjae looked into Hansu Song's eyes. He saw in them not pity, but respect. He realized that this man could teach him something important.

"I do, I agree," replied Sung-Jae.

Thus began a new chapter in Choi Sung-Jae's life. He became a student of Hansu Song, studying Taekwondo and comprehending the philosophy of the art. He learned discipline, control, and respect.

He is still a ruthless gangster, but there is a spark of hope in him, a chance to change his life, to become something more than just a killing machine.