As they sat down for dinner, Mingwa made sure to set out an array of simple but comforting dishes. There was kimchi jjigae (spicy kimchi stew), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables), and a side of grilled mackerel. To top it off, she prepared some steamed rice and banchan (small side dishes) of seasoned spinach and spicy cucumber salad. It was a meal that reminded her of home and her dad, but the atmosphere around the table was far from usual.
Mingwa tried to stay calm as she served everyone, her mind still processing what had just happened. As they started eating, she turned to her dad, deciding to broach the subject that had been buzzing in her mind since she walked in.
"Dad," she began hesitantly, "I wanted to ask… why did you change? I mean, your… preferences. How did this happen?"
