Yoon Ji-Yoon sighed, rubbing her tired eyes as she scrolled through job listings on her laptop. Her small studio apartment, cluttered with art supplies and half-finished canvases, seemed to close in on her. The faint scent of turpentine and oil paints lingered in the air.
"Thirty-one applications, and not a single call back," Ji-Yoon muttered to herself, frustration etched on her face. She tossed her long, dark hair over her shoulder, revealing a smudge of paint on her cheek.
Her eyes scanned the screen, the rejections stinging:
- Samsung Electronics: Rejected.
- LG Corporation: No response.
- Hyundai Motors: Not qualified.
Ji-Yoon thought back to her decision to drop out of college. Her younger brother, Yoon Ji Hoon, had needed eye surgery, and she'd had to work to support him. Her mother had passed away when Ji-Yoon was 16, leaving her father struggling to make ends meet.
"Why did I drop out?" Ji-Yoon lamented, her mind filled with regret. "Was it worth it?"
As she browsed, a listing caught her eye:
Starlight Entertainment: Temporary Artists Wanted!
"Celebrating 40 years! Seeking talented artists for contest and event design. $5,000 stipend."
Ji-Yoon's heart skipped a beat. This could be her chance.
"Temporary, but it's better than nothing," she said, optimism sparking within.
With renewed determination, Ji-Yoon opened her portfolio, ready to submit her application.
"Maybe this time, luck will be on my side."
Her gaze fell upon a photograph on her desk – her family, smiling and whole. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
Ji-Yoon's small studio reflected her artistic soul. Vibrant paintings adorned the walls, alongside a cluttered desk and a worn-out couch that served as her bed.
As she worked on her portfolio, Ji-Yoon's thoughts drifted to her brother, now thriving thanks to her sacrifices.
"Min-Soo's doing well now in school, his eyes are better... thank goodness. But what about me? When do I get to chase my dreams?"
As Ji-Yoon delved into her portfolio, memories flooded her mind. She recalled her mother's encouragement, "Ji Yoon-ah, your art is your voice. Never silence it." Tears welled up, but she blinked them away, focusing on the task at hand.
BACKGROUND, PERSONALITY AND LIFESTYLE
Her studio apartment, a cozy sanctuary, reflected her artistic soul. Vibrant paintings adorned the walls, each telling a story of hope and resilience. The cluttered desk, a testament to her tireless efforts, held paint-stained brushes and half-finished canvases.
Ji-Yoon's style, eclectic and free-spirited, mirrored her personality. Oversized sweaters and ripped jeans, her comfort zone, allowed her to express herself without constraint. Her hair, tied in a messy bun, framed her heart-shaped face.
Born in Seoul, Ji-Yoon grew up in a loving family. Her mother's passing had shattered their world, leaving her father struggling to make ends meet. Ji-Yoon took on part-time jobs to support her brother's education and medical expenses.
The weight of responsibility had forced Ji-Yoon to drop out of college, but she refused to let her dreams die. Art remained her solace, her escape.
With renewed determination, Ji-Yoon submitted her application to Starlight Entertainment. The temporary position might not be ideal, but it was a stepping stone.
"Maybe this time, luck will be on my side," she whispered, a smile creeping onto her face.
As she clicked the submit button, Ji-Yoon felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this was the start of something new, something that would bring her closer to her dreams.
Ji-Yoon clicked the submit button on her laptop, a sense of relief washing over her. She glanced at the time - 1 AM. A yawn escaped her lips as she stretched, arching her back.
"Goodnight, bestie," Ji-Yoon whispered outside Ha-Na's door, smiling at the soft snores coming from within.
She yawned again, her exhaustion catching up. Ji-Yoon threw herself onto her bed, letting out a contented sigh as her head sank into the pillow.
Across the room, Kim Ha-Na slept peacefully, her fashion magazines and design sketches scattered around her.
Ha-Na, Ji-Yoon's confidante and roommate since high school, brought vibrant energy to their small studio apartment. Her passion for fashion design was contagious, inspiring Ji-Yoon's artistic pursuits.
As Ji-Yoon drifted off to sleep, she felt grateful for Ha-Na's unwavering support.
The next morning, Ji-Yoon woke to Ha-Na's cheerful humming.
"Morning, sunshine!" Ha-Na chirped, already dressed in a stylish outfit.
Ji-Yoon rubbed her eyes, smiling. "Morning, fashionista. Did you knock before coming in?"
"Hey,Yoon Ji Yoon! Wake up! Check if this red gown looks good on me," Ha-Na exclaimed, shaking Ji-Yoon's shoulder.
Ji-Yoon lazily lied back on her bed, dozing off again.
"Ji Yoon-ah, hello! Earth to Ji Hoon Yoon-ah!" Ha-Na chimed, her voice growing louder.
When no response came, Ha-Na declared, "This won't do!" She grabbed Ji-Yoon by the ear and dragged her to the bathroom.
"Ow, Ha-Na! Let go!" Ji-Yoon protested, pretending to be half-asleep.
Ha-Na chuckled, "Not until you're awake!" She squeezed toothpaste onto Ji-Yoon's toothbrush and handed it to her.
Ji-Yoon mumbled, eyes still closed, "I'm sleeping..."
But Ha-Na had other plans. With a mischievous grin, she splashed cold water from a cup onto Ji-Yoon's face.
"Ahh!" Ji-Yoon jolted awake, startled. "What's wrong with you?!"
Ha-Na laughed. "Wake up and wash up! You're not a hibernating bear."
Ji-Yoon rubbed her eyes, pouting like a child. "Why? It's not like I have a job like you do. I'm tired of applying..."
Suddenly, yesterday's job application crossed her mind.
"Oh no, my application!" Ji-Yoon exclaimed, her grogginess vanishing.
Ha-Na noticed the spark in Ji-Yoon's eyes. "Which application?"
"Starlight Entertainment's temporary artist position," Ji-Yoon replied, excitement creeping into her voice.
Ha-Na's eyes widened. "That's amazing! You never told me!"
Ji-Yoon shrugged. "Didn't want to jinx it."
Ha-Na beamed. "I'm sure you'll get it! You're talented."