San_Eun

“In the end, fate and timing do not happen, out of coincidence. They are products of earnest, simple choices, that make up miraculous moments. Being resolute, making decisions without hesitation… that is what makes timing. He wanted her more than I did. And I should have been more courageous. It was not the traffic light’s fault. It was not timing. It was my hesitations.” 
                                                                                                                – Jung Hwan, reply 1988
                                                        
New Beginnings in Seoul follows Alex Daniels, an Indian student and K-drama enthusiast, as he embarks on a journey to Seoul National University. Enchanted by the city's vibrancy, Alex hopes for a fresh start away from the judgmental environment of his home in Chennai. However, life in Korea brings its own complexities, far from the idealized world of his favorite dramas.

On his first day, Alex meets Ji-hoon, a charismatic and compassionate student volunteer who helps him navigate the sprawling campus. Ji-hoon's warmth and charm immediately draw Alex in, sparking a connection that promises friendship and perhaps more. They exchange numbers and plan a Friday night outing for Korean BBQ and soju, setting the stage for an evolving relationship. But Ji-hoon’s seemingly perfect exterior masks a deeper, hidden turmoil, leaving Alex to wonder if there’s more to Ji-hoon than meets the eye.

Alex also befriends Yuna, a spirited Korean student with her own struggles. As Yuna becomes a close ally, she offers Alex a window into the nuances of Korean culture and the shared challenges of acceptance in a society that mirrors the stigmas he faced back home. Together, they navigate the unspoken rules of relationships, both platonic and romantic, in a society that is accepting on the surface but deeply complex beneath.

As Alex’s new life unfolds, he finds himself grappling with the scars of his past, the cautious thrill of a new connection, and the unraveling secrets that Ji-hoon and Yuna bring into his world. The city he once saw as a dreamland becomes the backdrop for an emotional journey of growth, trust, and self-discovery.

New Beginnings in Seoul is a story about love, resilience, and the courage to uncover the truths hidden behind carefully curated facades. It’s a tale that reveals how real life, though far from the perfection of a K-drama, can still hold its own kind of magic.

Table of Dreams Across Borders: Timing and Choices

Table of contents

Volume 1