His smile

His knees ached, still sore from the marathon he’d run just days before. His past achievements were fading, long clouded by the relentless passage of time.

Someone younger, someone more beautiful and charming would come along, winning the roles and contracts that once seemed destined for him.

No, he had every reason for his grief. He’d worked long hours, sacrificed everything, and now, now he was being passed over for a major film role—a role that was supposed to be his big break.

Life felt unbearable; there was no mistaking it.

He thought of calling someone, but dismissed it. No one would truly understand or be able to help.

He glanced down at his hands, gripping a deadly mix beside his glass of alcohol.

He didn’t cry. Instead, he wanted to see his best memories once more and write letters, bidding everyone goodbye.

What if no one noticed?

No, that wasn’t who he was. He’d been social, well-loved. They would surely notice.

SIX DAYS LATER

An actor was found dead in his home. He was known for his roles in...

As Mia drank her morning coffee, she was stunned, almost spilling the milk.

He was a famous actor, and she had mentioned him many times. It wasn’t the only time that an actor or singer had died that way in Korea.

There was an epidemic of these deaths, and it shattered the good image Korea tried to maintain.

Mia was angry. She was angry at how her culture worked; they only accepted excellent students. They were prideful, and in her Bible studies, she had learned how pride could be a very bad drug.

She tried to manage her thoughts when her secretary, Elizabeth, came in.

"Did you hear?"

"I... yes, I did. He was so young, Liz. I just... I can’t believe it."

"Only two weeks ago, another star died from an accidental overdose."

"These monsters who supplied him the poison! And now this!"

"Yes, I don’t know what to say."

"We need to do something. We need to promote mental health facilities more. We need to talk about this problem."

"But the government is not going to be happy."

"I don’t care," Mia said in a very angry tone.

"I... okay, I will arrange a speech and call people."

"Great, make it so that I can do it in two weeks. We need to make sure we respect the family and communicate with them too."

Two weeks later

It was a breezy day. There were many reporters and people from all industries, anticipating this speech about mental health.

Mia entered and was greeted. She carefully started the speech:

"As you all know, two weeks ago we lost an artist, but more importantly, a human—an amazing being.

This acquaintance of mine always smiled and joked with me. He did not ask for help; he let his pride win, and what is left is grief.

But his hurt pride and his darkness could have been helped if he had just asked. If he had called me or any of his friends, we would have all helped him.

But there is something to be said about our culture. It is deeply prideful, awarding only the greatest, and even one single mistake can make you feel left out.

Not only that, but his industry is something that uses not only him but also the people.

We do not protect our artists; we accept the wilderness they live in.

There is something to be done for that, and as a company, we will donate to mental health awareness in Korea, to initiate programs in all schools across the country in partnership with other big brands.

He was amazing, and I miss him deeply. But I know that wherever he is, he would have understood that he was really loved, and he will certainly be in peace.

I have him in my prayers and urge you to pray for him too, for his peace."

In loving memory of Song Jae Rim and Liam Payne