A few years later, Kang Min is now recognized as an extraordinary figure in South Korea and the world. At a relatively young age, he has managed to become the managing director of a major company, while also achieving great heights as an international boxer. It is a rare duality between success in the corporate world and dominance in the sporting arena.
However, despite all his achievements, Kang Min never lost sight of his original goal: to avenge the injustice that befell his family. Although all the secrets about his past endeavors are kept tightly under wraps by his friends, Kang Min knows that those struggles have transformed him into a stronger person.
The mother's funeral It was raining heavily in Seoul that day. The atmosphere at the cemetery was somber, though only a handful of people attended. Kang Min stood in front of his mother's grave, wearing a black suit. His hand held a white chrysanthemum that he placed on the grave.
"Today I not only lost my mother, but also the only person who always gave me the strength to keep going," Kang Min muttered softly, his eyes looking at the name engraved on the tombstone. "But, mom... I promise that I will continue to live this life with pride, just like you always wanted."
Behind her, Choi Sang Woo, Ji Ho, Lee Ju Nan, Kim Hanna, and Lee Jong stood silently, paying their last respects to the woman who had been a mother figure and inspiration to them all.
Sang Woo patted Kang Min's shoulder gently. "We all lost a wonderful person. But I'm sure she's proud of you, Kang Min."
Ji Ho, who is now married and has a small family, added, "We will always be there for you. Don't ever feel alone."
However, for Kang Min, this loss still left a big hole in his heart. Although he is surrounded by loyal friends, nothing can replace his mother's love.
The next day, Kang Min was in Tokyo for an international MMA match. The arena was packed with thousands of cheering spectators, but Kang Min's focus remained on one thing: victory. His opponent this time was an experienced Russian fighter, Ivan Mikhailov, who was known for his lethal punching power.
As Kang Min entered the arena, the cheers of his supporters echoed throughout the room. Sang Woo and Lee Ju Nan sat in the VIP row, providing moral support.
The fight was fierce. Kang Min was backed into a corner early in the second round due to Ivan's relentless offense. However, with composure and a well-thought-out strategy, Kang Min managed to turn things around in the final round. A right hook crashed perfectly into Ivan's face, knocking him to the floor and causing the referee to stop the match.
Kang Min was declared the winner. His hand was raised high by the referee, and the crowd erupted in cheers. However, despite the victory, Kang Min still felt a void that he could not fill.
After his big win, Kang Min went straight back to Korea. Instead of celebrating his success, he chose to return to his company building. On the way, he thought of many things-including the promise he made to his late mother.
Arriving at his company building, Kang Min was greeted by Lee Jong, who was now the CEO of the company. "Congratulations on your victory, Director Kang," Lee Jong said with a smile.
Kang Min returned the smile with a nod. "Thank you. I just wanted to make sure everything went smoothly here."
Lee Jong nodded. "Take it easy, the team and I have everything organized. You just focus on the bigger things."
Meanwhile, Lee Ju Nan, who was now his personal assistant, entered the room with some documents. "There are some new projects that need your approval," he said.
But Kang Min did not respond immediately. He sat in his chair, looking at the large window that showed the Seoul cityscape at night. "Ju Nan," he called softly.
"Yes?"
"What do you think... I should do now? Everything I've been chasing... is it really worth it?"
Lee Ju Nan was silent, trying to understand the hesitation Kang Min felt. "Kang Min, no matter what you've accomplished, it was never in vain. But if you feel that something is missing, maybe it's time for you to look for something more meaningful."
A few weeks after that, Kang Min began to think about a new step in his life. He continued to run his company with Lee Jong, while also maintaining his career as a boxer. However, he also started making time for more personal things-like building closer relationships with his friends.
Sung Jae, now a senior basketball player, often invited him to play basketball in his free time. Kang Min, who rarely played other sports, felt challenged to try.
Kim Hanna, who is currently in the process of therapy abroad thanks to Kang Min's help.
In a foreign country known for its advanced mental health programs, Hanna dedicated herself to getting well. It was not an easy journey; there were moments of doubt, tears, and overwhelming memories. However, with Kang Min's unwavering encouragement-through messages, phone calls, and financial support-she found the strength to persevere.
A few months later, Hanna returned to Korea a changed person. Her eyes, once filled with pain, now shone with a new resilience.
During one of their meetings at Kang Min's office, Hanna expressed her gratitude. She said, "Kang Min, I don't know how to thank you. You didn't just help me; you saved me."
Kang Min smiled slightly and replied, "I only gave you a chance. You were the one who chose to fight through it. I'm proud of you, Hanna."
Hanna's recovery became a source of inspiration for Kang Min. Seeing Hanna rebuild herself reminded him of his own journey - how the resilience and support of others can bring light even in the darkest of times.
Eum Byeul, meanwhile, is now working as a detective in the regional unit under the same division as Choi Sang Woo. Her transition to this demanding role is not without reason - Byeul has always been interested in uncovering the truth and bringing justice, making her want to get more involved in the action rather than just reporting it.
Although her demeanor remained as cold and professional as ever, Byeul quickly gained a reputation in her unit for her keen instincts and fearless determination. He was often seen working late into the night, gathering evidence with precision and focus.
Kang Min, who often crossed paths with her due to her connections with the unit, admired her dedication. However, Byeul kept her distance as usual, keeping her interactions with Kang Min professional. However, there were subtle moments that hinted at something deeper.
One night, after a tense meeting about an important case involving Kang Min's company, Byeul approached him. "You need to be more careful, Kang Min. This case is more dangerous than you think," she said, her tone firm but her eyes showing a flash of concern.
Kang Min nodded. "I believe you'll handle it well, Byeul. You always do."
Eum Byeul, on the other hand, felt a growing connection with him. Her strength and determination reminded her of the qualities she valued most, and although she didn't dare express her feelings yet, she knew that he held a special place in her heart.
As they work together on more cases, the unspoken bond between them grows stronger. Both realize it, but neither is willing to take the first step, and choose to let time and circumstances lead them.
On the other hand, Choi Sang Woo, who is still unmarried, often jokes that he will "adopt" Kang Min if he doesn't find a partner soon.
At the end of the day, Kang Min realizes that his life is no longer just about revenge or personal ambition. His life was now about preserving what he had built-family, friends, and his dreams.
He stood on the balcony of his company building, looking up at the starry night sky. In his heart, he whispered to his mother, his brother, and the people who had left, "I will keep going, not just for me, but for all of us."
And with that, Kang Min stepped back inside, ready to face whatever awaited him in the future. The end.