A Chance Among the Crowd

The family sat together, exchanging gentle conversation.

Bora (smiling):

— "So, Ji Han, haven't you found a job yet?"

Before he could answer, their mother responded in a calm voice:

— "He's looking. He'll find one soon, God willing."

Bora:

— "Have you thought about continuing your studies?"

Ji Han:

— "I've thought about it… but not now. We need to settle down first and cover our needs."

Bora (proudly):

— "My little brother has become a man—supporting the family already."

Joon Un (gently):

— "I have a friend who works in a tech company. I'll ask if they have any openings in the admin department."

Grandmother (her face lighting up):

— "That's wonderful news, dear!"

Mother:

— "Thank you, son. That's very kind of you."

Joon Un:

— "No need to thank me. I haven't done anything yet."

Bora glanced at her watch and stood up:

— "We need to leave. We have a night shift and could use some rest."

Mother (affectionately):

— "Stay for lunch."

Joon Un:

— "Maybe later, Auntie. Thank you."

Bora and her fiancé said their goodbyes, then left.

The family returned to their quiet seat on the couch.

Grandmother (proudly):

— "My grandson will be working for a big company!"

Ji Han (with a modest smile):

— "Nothing's happened yet, Grandma. It's just a suggestion."

Grandmother:

— "You're a good person. You'll get your chance."

Ji Han:

— "Thank you, Grandma."

Their mother stood, picking up her bag:

— "I'm heading out to buy some things. Ji Han, help your grandmother prepare lunch."

Ji Han:

— "Sure, Mom."

---

✦ Three Days Later

In the quiet of morning, Ji Han's phone rang. It was Bora, her voice bubbling with excitement:

— "Brother! Joon's friend reached out—his company is hiring admin assistants in the technical department. Get your resume and go today!"

He hung up and stood motionless for a moment.

Excitement pulsed in his chest—but so did fear.

"Me? Among all those people? Just a guy who used to work in the fields—how am I supposed to fit into a giant company?"

But despite the doubts, he decided to try.

The next morning, he put on a simple shirt, combed his hair nervously, and left.

As he stood before the towering glass building, it felt like the whole city was watching him.

"If I don't go in now… I may never do it."

He pressed the elevator button.

On the 37th floor, a receptionist directed him to the waiting area, where he sat among a handful of other applicants.

Finally, the receptionist called:

— "Mr. Ji Han, you may come in."

He entered and sat on a chair facing three sharply dressed men.

Interviewer 1 (glancing at his resume):

— "Only a high school diploma?"

Interviewer 2:

— "Any experience?"

Interviewer 3 (sarcastically):

— "Even our building guards need ambition. What makes you think we'd hire you?"

Ji Han felt dizzy. The words fell on him like knives.

But then, a scene from a movie he'd watched the night before flashed through his mind.

The hero had said:

"If the road is hard… maybe you're on the right one."

He raised his head, meeting their eyes with quiet determination:

Ji Han:

— "I know I don't have the qualifications.

But I do have something else: a strong will to learn.

I'm not just looking for a job… I'm looking for a chance.

I'll work with sincerity and dedication—and I'll keep growing every day.

Just give me the opportunity."

Silence.

One of them closed the folder.

— "Thank you. We'll review your application."

Ji Han walked out, not knowing whether he'd been accepted or not…

But for the first time, he felt proud.

"I said what I needed to say… and that's enough for today."