[W Forum] Today Is Tomorrow

It is rare to shed tears in front of others, but there are moments when tears cannot be hidden. It is not when watching a sad love drama or a heartbreaking movie. It is the moment of witnessing the joy of winning at the Olympics, contest programs, and similar events that brings tears streaming down.

Sometimes, even while watching a rookie singer contest program favored by teenagers, one might get emotional. It seems the overwhelming feelings come from sharing the silent endurance of hardships and the sense of accomplishment they have achieved.

Recently, the event that evoked such feelings was undoubtedly the triumph of Director Bong Joon-ho. Winning four awards at the American Academy Awards and delivering acceptance speeches filled with consideration for others was so moving that it brought tears of pride. I am grateful as a Korean.

I am not a fan who watches all of Director Bong’s films without fail. Rather, it was his composure in sharing the glory with his colleagues and his confidence that did not diminish even on a big stage that sparked my curiosity about him.

What was Director Bong’s unknown period like? There was a time of financial hardship unimaginable from his current glamorous image. When the film he and his family endured hard times to make failed at the box office, what thoughts and mindset helped him overcome it?

When looking at those who have succeeded in any field?be it honor, power, or wealth?many people fail to consider the tears and sweat hidden behind their success. There must have been lonely and arduous times of relentless effort while others enjoyed comfortable moments.

Presumably, during those difficult times, Director Bong certainly did not get swayed by fleeting emotions. If he had changed his goals according to the rise and fall of his films, today’s Korean “Director Bong Joon-ho” would never have existed.

Without comparing himself to others or being overwhelmed by inferiority, it seems he endured yesterday and today and prepared for tomorrow to achieve the goals he dreamed of since he was 14 years old.

Imagining Director Bong’s difficult times has become a great strength for me now. In the financial investment industry, there are incidents where investment recovery does not proceed smoothly. The unexpected spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) worldwide has also contracted the economic environment.

I felt a sense of bitterness as if the surrounding environment was pushing me into a difficult situation beyond my control. I even forgot the excitement felt at the beginning of each year and the pride in seeing planned goals. It has only been about 40 days since the new year started.

However, I resolve once again to renew my spirit. There is no need to greedily set grand dreams admired by everyone and achieve them all at once. Even if you cannot take a step forward today, you can take one tomorrow. Tomorrow’s one step will be a valuable experience that helps you take two or three steps in the future.

Something I once engraved in my heart through a book comes to mind: “Today creates tomorrow.” This is a story to think about from two perspectives. If you endure today quietly instead of collapsing from exhaustion or escaping meaninglessly to avoid difficulties, a tomorrow more wonderful than the one you imagined will greet you. The other perspective is that if you do not work hard today, only a tomorrow like today will come to you.

If you long for a better tomorrow, you must not let today slip away meaninglessly just to rest for a moment. Even if today was boring and tiring, it will become the foundation that will give birth to the next “Bong Joon-ho.” I am simply grateful to be able to breathe life into my today once again. I send a round of applause to all who spend today meaningfully in their respective places.

Yoon Bo-won, Sales Executive, Hana Financial Investment Club1 WM Center

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.