Lookism: Seoul Underground Chronicles: Shadow of the White Ashes

"Dobok," Hansoo Sung held out to him a complicated snow-white uniform. "Start with this, Choi Sung-jae. Put aside your pride and become a disciple."

Sungjae, accustomed to luxurious suits and an expensive lifestyle, took the dobok doubtfully. He had never worn anything like this before. But in Hansoo Sun's eyes, he saw firmness and determination.

Sung-Jae put on the dobok. He felt uncomfortable, as if he were naked. But he knew that this dobok was more than just a garment. It was his symbol of his new path.

The first training sessions were excruciating. Hansu Song made him perform basic stances (sogi), blocks (maki), and hand strikes (jirugi) for hours. He yelled at him for the slightest mistake, forcing him to repeat the movements over and over again.

"Ap chagi!" - shouted Hansu Song, forcing him to perform a straight leg kick. "Your kick is weak! Put all your strength into it!"

Sung-Jae performed the chagi, feeling the muscles of his thighs and shins burning. He was used to fighting dirty, using tricks and techniques. Now, he should follow strict rules, observe technique, and control his movements.

"Apki sogi! Chumbi!" - Hansu Song forcefully pushed him into position, clenching his muscles and tensing all the muscles in his body. "You must manifest the power coming from your center, from your tanden!"

Sung Jae stood in the apki sogi, feeling his legs trembling. He was used to pain, but this pain was different, debilitating and monotonous.

But gradually, step by step, he began to understand the essence of taekwondo. He began to feel his body becoming more flexible, larger and more coordinated. He began to understand how to utilize his energy, channeling it into each strike.

"Taekwondo is not just fighting," Hansu Song said. - "It's an art, a philosophy, a way of life. It's a path to self-improvement."

Sung-Jae didn't discern his words. He still saw Taekwondo as just a tool to accomplish his goals. But he began to respect Hansu Song, his knowledge, his strength, and his dedication.

Hansu Son taught him not only the techniques but also the theory of Taekwondo. He addresses him about pumseh, a set of formal exercises that mimic a real fighter. He explained to him the significance of each movement, each stance.

"Pumseh is a reflection of your spirit," Hansu Song told him. - "It's your show of strength, your confidence and your respect for your opponent."

Son Jae performed the pumseh, trying to put meaning and energy into each movement. He felt his body becoming an extension of his mind, his movements becoming smoother, more perfect and efficient.

But the real test for him was kyorugi - sparring. Hansu Song had him fight with other students, raising his level each time.

At first, Son Jae easily defeated them using his strength and experience in street fighting. But then he ran into Sung Taehyun, the son of Hansu Song.

Daehyun was a young but incredibly talented fighter. He knew all Taekwondo techniques perfectly, moved with the grace of a panther and threw punches with lightning speed.

"You will fight my son today," Hansoo Song said. - 'Show me what you have learned.

Sung-Jae stepped onto the tatami, feeling a slight wave. He had heard many tales of Daehyun's strength. And now he had to test them out for himself.

The fight transitioned with the traditional bow (Kyungnae). Sung-jae bowed to Taehyun, showing respect for his opponent.

They then took a support position. Sun Jae watched Taehyun's movements carefully, trying to anticipate his next move.

Daehyun attacked first. He performed an ap chagi, aiming for Sun Jae's head. He deflected, but felt the wind from the punch touch his face.

Daehyun continued to attack using various taekwondo techniques: dolio chagi (roundhouse kick), yop chagi (side kick), huryo chagi (heel kick). He moved with incredible speed and agility, as if dancing.

Sung-jae blocked punches, dodged and counterattacked. But Taehyun was too fast, too precise. He constantly ordered his pressure, not allowing him a respite.

Sung-Jae felt sweat dripping down his face. He was breathing heavily, his muscles burning with exertion. He realized that Taehyun had surpassed him in taekwondo technique.

But he hadn't passed on. He used all his skills, his cunning, and his experience. He tried to trap Taehyun, to make him make mistakes.

The fight continued, and it was getting more intense by the moment. Sun Jae and Taehyun formed with blows, as if they were two deadly mechanisms.

Suddenly, Sun Jae saw an opportunity. He pretended to keep his balance, and Daehyun fell for the ruse. He rushed into the attack, trying to finish off his enemy.

But Sung-jae had been waiting for this moment. He dodged sharply and counterattacked, delivering a visible chagi to Daehyun's stomach.

Daehyun bent over in pain, losing his balance. Sung-Jae took advantage of this and landed a finishing blow, sending him into a knockout.

The hall fell silent. Hansoo Sung walked over to Taehyun and helped him up.

"You won," Hansoo Sung said as he looked at Sungjae. - "But you paid a high price for it."

Sung-Jae looked down at himself. His face was broken, his body covered in bruises and welts. He felt exhausted and devastated.

"You're right," Sungjae replied. - "But I learned a valuable lesson. I realized that Taekwondo is not only about technique, but also about strength of mind. And I still have a lot to learn."

Hansoo Song smiled. "You're on the right path, Choi Sung-jae. Keep practicing, and you will become a true master."

Sungjae bowed to Hansoo Sung and Taehyun. It was clear that this fight had changed him. He had become stronger not only physically but also mentally.

He left Hansu Song's dojo knowing that his journey to power was just beginning. And that he still had much to learn in order to achieve his goals.