The Last Night of a Soldier

It was a February evening in 2012, that time of year when the chill of winter still clung to the air, refusing to yield to the coming spring. The doors of the Chuncheon Bus Terminal, which had been firmly shut against the biting cold, finally swung open, and a tide of people spilled out onto the street. Perhaps because it was the weekend, the crowd seemed unusually dense, far more bustling than on a typical weekday.

Once the flow of people thinned, I stepped out through the terminal exit. At 182cm tall with a sturdy build, I was a soldier on my way back to base. I wore my field jacket with the sergeant’s rank insignia, and my combat cap bore the frog-shaped patch that symbolized an impending discharge.

"Whew... this is the last time I’ll be walking through here."

I held a light shopping bag in my left hand, glanced at the watch on my wrist—the one engraved with the G-SHOOT logo—and headed toward the line of taxis waiting just ahead.

I opened the door, climbed in, and gave my destination before pulling the door shut.

"Sir, the 2nd Corps Headquarters, please."

"Got it."

The driver acknowledged me, but upon confirming I was a soldier and catching a glimpse of my name, he looked genuinely surprised.

"Whoa, that’s a unique name you’ve got there."

"Haha, is it? I hear that quite often."

"Well, I’ve been driving a taxi for twenty years without a single accident, but I’ve never seen a name like yours. Wait... are you getting discharged tomorrow? Congratulations. And thank you for protecting our country. Ho ho ho."

"Oh, thank you, sir."

With those well-wishes, the driver pulled away from the curb.

Vroom.

Hearing the engine roar to life, I closed my eyes and sank into my thoughts. The light reflecting off the taxi’s interior light caught my name, written clearly on my identification.

'Kim Eodum'

My name is Kim Eodum. It sounds like something out of a middle-schooler’s edgy fantasy, but it’s written that way on my resident registration, so it’s official. Maybe that’s why I’ve had so many awkward moments when introducing myself, only to be met with laughter. Of course, back in my younger, more hot-headed days, I’d often get worked up and pick fights over it, but now I just laugh it off. My discharge was right around the corner; I was way past the age of fighting over a name.

They say that ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠on a rainy summer day, when I was found wrapped in a swaddling cloth, I was clutching a piece of paper that said I was about two years old, my name was Kim Eodum, and that I should be well taken care of. The orphanage director, moved by deep sympathy, took me in and let me live there for nearly nineteen years. I went through a rebellious phase during puberty, but I pulled myself together quickly, entered high school, and finished my two years without any major trouble.

Then came late December 2010, as the year was drawing to a close. Due to my circumstances, while my friends were taking their college entrance exams and worrying about their futures, I had to worry about how to put food on the table. What else could I do? I had to find a way to survive.

One day, right after fourth period, I headed straight to a PC bang to play games, and that’s when I stumbled upon an article. It said that orphans could receive additional government support if they enlisted in the military early as a "special case." It was a policy implemented by the government to project a positive image of the Ministry of National Defense. After agonizing over it for a few days, I volunteered, wanting to repay the director for all she had done for me. Perhaps because of my 182cm height and decent physique, I was classified as Grade 1 and received my draft notice for March of the following year.

About two years later...

I had spent my military life in a blur, and before I knew it, I was a sergeant returning from my final third regular leave. As I was about to leave the orphanage to head back to base for my discharge, the director handed me a house key and a bankbook with her wrinkled, calloused hands. She told me she had saved up the support money I’d received to set me up in a small studio apartment, and that it was time for me to be independent. I didn't say a word; I simply bowed deeply, offering a silent, heartfelt prayer of gratitude. She had provided me with an incredible lifeline when I was terrified about how I would survive after discharge. When I bowed, she turned away without a word, and I guessed she was probably shedding tears.

How long had I been sitting in the taxi with my eyes closed, lost in those memories? The driver spoke up, signaling we had arrived.

"Alright, we're here."

"Oh, thank you. How much is it?"

"12,000 won."

"Yes, here’s 15,000 won."

"Got it, I'll get your change."

I pulled the money from my wallet and handed it to the driver. I had bought some civilian goods that my closest junior soldier had requested before I left, and with the shopping bag in my right hand, I stepped out of the taxi. Watching the car turn around and head away from the guard post, I felt a surge of joy knowing I would never have to return to this place. I strode toward the guard post with a light step.

I hadn't walked far when the guard on duty recognized me and called out.

"Oh? Sergeant Kim, you're back already?"

"Yeah! You’re working hard. I’m heading in, alright?"

"Hehe, look forward to tonight!"

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Aww, come on! You know what it is. The! Discharge! Beating!"

"You little punk! Hahaha, alright, I get it. See you tonight."

I left the guard behind and headed into the guard post to show the guard commander what was in my shopping bag. I saw him staring at a computer, recording something.

"Yo! Sergeant Song!"

"Oh? What, you’re back already?"

When I greeted him, he ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠stopped what he was doing, stood up, and walked over to shake my hand.

"Man, you’re getting discharged tomorrow and you’re already back? Hahahaha!"

"Of course, man! You think I can sleep? I had to get back early so tomorrow comes faster."

"Ugh, I’m so jealous, you jerk... So, you here to get your shopping bag checked?"

"Yeah. But this stuff is yours, anyway. Hahaha."

"You rascal... hehehe, alright, leave it here. Thanks!"

"Got it. Work hard, see you later."

"Okay. Sergeant Kim, returning from terminal leave."

After our brief chat, I left the guard post and entered the base. I headed to the administrative office to report my return and process my weapon handover. As I passed by, I waved at my fellow soldiers who were welcoming me back, and finally stepped into the office. Inside, I saw the duty NCO checking the duty roster. Feeling a bit mischievous, I decided to mess with him.

"Salute! Sergeant Kim Eodum reporting for duty. I’m here to submit my discharge report."

"Nope. Not accepted. Go back."

As expected of a seasoned soldier, he retorted with a joke immediately.

"Man, I’m a civilian tomorrow, you know. Hahaha."

"Hey, I’m on duty! Duty! Why is a guy who’s leaving tomorrow acting like this?"

"Why? Because I’m bored!"

"Ugh... I have to go lead the guard shift change. See you tonight?"

"See me for what, man? Where’s my rifle?"

"Rifle? What rifle? It’s been ages since I gave that rifle to a new recruit. Oh, and keep in mind that your locker and bed are gone, too."

"What are you talking about?"

"Go to the barracks. You’ll find out. Jeez, why aren't the shift change guys coming?"

Flustered by the news that my rifle and locker had vanished, I left the grumbling duty NCO behind and headed toward the barracks where I’d spent my time before my final leave.

I climbed the stairs to the third floor, and finally, I saw the sign for the barracks I’d lived in for the past two years.

When I opened the door, all the privates were sitting on their beds. As soon as they saw my face and the cap I was wearing, they jumped up in unison and began to salute.

""Please, rest easy.""

"Oh? Oh, right."

I accepted their greetings, feeling a bit dazed. I checked my locker just in case, but it was already occupied by a new owner. Feeling a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠strange, bitter sense of being replaced, I muttered to myself.

"Whew... they really cleared everything out for the guy who’s leaving..."

I went over to the empty locker of the junior soldier who had gone on his final leave and sat down on the bed. Perhaps it was because a sergeant had entered the barracks, or maybe they were just hyper-aware of my presence... they all just sat there on their beds, glancing at each other, staying quiet. Feeling sorry for them, I ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠stood up to give them some space and headed out into the hallway to visit another barracks.

21:50.

Finally, the evening roll call ended... and the entire company flooded into the barracks where I was staying.

"Hey, why is everyone here instead of going to sleep?"

"What do you mean why! We’re here to celebrate your discharge. Hahaha! Right, guys?"

""Yes! That’s right!""

I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh, seeing these guys—who usually couldn't even coordinate properly during work—suddenly united with such burning intensity.

"Seriously, you guys can’t even work together on a normal day, so why are you suddenly one today!?"

"Hahaha. Do you know how long the juniors have been waiting for this day? You of all people should know! Right, guys?"

""Yes!!!""

"Congratulations on your discharge?"

""Congratulations on your discharge!""

"Yeah, thanks."

"We’ve gotta do the ritual before you go!"

"Here’s the blanket!"

Their unity was so automatic, like muscles contracting and relaxing, that I couldn't help but click my tongue in amazement.

"You guys really prepared for this, huh? Can’t you just let me go peacefully?"

"Don’t be ridiculous! Hey! Turn off the lights! Guys! Stomp him!"

With the shout to kill the lights, the room plunged into darkness. At the same time, I felt the entire company swarming over me. I was rolled up in a blanket and took the "discharge beating" in an instant.

How long had I been getting pummeled while wrapped in that blanket?

Click.

I opened my eyes to the sound of the lights flicking on, and the beating was already over. Rubbing my sore spots, I grumbled at the company members.

"Ugh... I’m gonna die... couldn't you have gone easy on me? You jerks! How much resentment have you been holding onto?"

""Congratulations on your discharge once again. Thank you for all your hard work.""

"Take care, Sergeant Kim."

"Let’s meet up once you’re out. I’m gonna miss you, Sergeant Kim!"

"Man, I’m so jealous! When is my turn going to come?"

"Who? You? You think that day is ever coming for you? It’s not, man! What are you talking about? Go lie down in your bed and think about your guard duty tomorrow! Hahaha."

""Hahahaha.""

"Who was that? Who’s laughing?"

""It’s nothing~""

"Nothing my foot! Was it you?"

""It wasn't! Why are you only picking on me!""

"Shut up! You’re the prime suspect!"

As the company members left the room, still noisy and rowdy, each leaving a parting word, I couldn't help but smile while rubbing my aching body. When the private turned off the lights for bed, I thought I might toss and turn from the excitement of my impending discharge, but perhaps due to the eight hours of automatic sleep ingrained in my body, I drifted off into a deep slumber almost immediately.