Chapter 62 – Actress of the Century (1)

“I knew you would be like this! What date is tomorrow?”

Kim Yun-seok asked with an annoyed expression.

“Tomorrow? It’s March 26th. What day is it? I think your birthday is still far away?”

Kim Ji-hyuk tilted his head.

“Are you really going to play innocent like this?”

“Sigh, you can just tell me… Could it be Marilyn Monroe’s visit to Korea?”

Kim Ji-hyuk checked the calendar and raised his voice.

“Yes. What are you going to do now? Since they are words you spat out, you must take responsibility, right?”

Yun-seok glared at Ji-hyuk fiercely with his legs crossed.

‘Ah! Come to think of it, I made a promise to grandfather. March 26th! The day Marilyn Monroe made a surprise visit to our country!’

Only now did Kim Ji-hyuk recall the words he had spoken to Yun-seok.

“What do you mean, what am I going to do?”

“It’s a lie, right? Tell the truth. I took my precious leave to see our goddess tomorrow! This can’t even be canceled, and if it turns out to be your red lie…”

“It’s not a lie. I told you Marilyn Monroe is coming tomorrow. It’s certain.”

Kim Ji-hyuk said in a firm tone.

“But if such a great actress is coming, why is our country so quiet?”

Kim Yun-seok still could not erase his suspicious look.

“Hahaha, that’s because she is coming in top secret. Anyway, it’s certain that she is coming.”

“You tell lies so skillfully. Is there a need to go this far? Why don’t you just confess?”

“Wait. I might be able to secure at least one seat. Just wait a little.”

“Hmm, fine. Let me believe it for once. That lie!”

Kim Yun-seok closed his mouth in a straight line and put strength in his eyes.

Marilyn Monroe, the actress of the century!

On March 26, 1954, she visited South Korea in top secret, or rather, she will visit.

She, who had suddenly married the legendary star of Major League Baseball, Joe DiMaggio.

Although there was a proposal for a consolatory performance from the Far East Command, Marilyn Monroe boarded a plane bound for South Korea in a hurry, without even spending her wedding night with Joe DiMaggio.

Despite the cold snap of March, Marilyn Monroe stood on stage wearing a pink dress that completely exposed her shoulders and back, drawing passionate cheers from the US soldiers.

A moment later, the department office.

“Hyung, it’s Kim Ji-hyuk.”

Kim Ji-hyuk called Brigadier General Park Jeong-ui, who was serving as the artillery commander of the 2nd Corps.

-Uh. Ji-hyuk.

“Yes, hyung! You’re doing well, right?”

-Hahaha, of course. I’m doing well. As long as the North Korean puppets don’t invade. By the way, what brings you to call?

“It’s nothing else… I’m sorry, but I wanted to ask a favor.”

-What is it, tell me?

“Actually…”

Kim Ji-hyuk explained to Park Jeong-ui that Marilyn Monroe was visiting Korea in secret.

-Really? You say such a thing is happening? I haven’t heard any news yet?

“Yes. I am sorry to bother you with a trivial matter when you are busy.”

-Ah, no! To be honest, I would also like to see Marilyn Monroe once. What was it… ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’? I also watched that movie, and she was a truly sexy woman. The mole right above the right side of her lips was really attractive.

Ahem, Brigadier General Park Jeong-ui cleared his throat repeatedly as if embarrassed.

‘Haha, even the great Park Jeong-ui is a man in the end.’

“Yes. I think she is a great actress. I am sorry, but could you look into it for me?”

-Sure. That’s not difficult. Marilyn Monroe… If it’s true, it will be a sensation. Let me check first and call you back.

“I am sorry for causing you trouble.”

-No. There’s no such thing between brothers. By the way, I’ll be going up to Seoul soon, so let’s meet up. I have something important to discuss with you.

“What is it about?”

-Let’s talk when we meet. Anyway, as for the Marilyn Monroe performance, I’ll check and call you back.

“I understand. Then I will wait.”

‘Hmm, what important thing would Park Jeong-ui have to discuss with me?’

Seven years from now, he would stage the May 16 military coup and seize control of South Korea. Kim Ji-hyuk thought that although he might receive help in other ways to achieve his goals, he would absolutely not get involved politically.

Since he was none other than him, he could not help but be nervous at his proposal to meet.

That evening, the duty room.

-Ji-hyuk, I looked into it and it’s true that Marilyn Monroe is visiting Korea tomorrow! How did you know?

Park Jeong-ui, who figured out the situation, asked in surprise.

“Well. I just happened to find out.”

-Indeed, our Ji-hyuk is so well-connected that he even has a friendship with Eisenhower!

“Oh, no. I just overheard it somewhere.”

-Nonsense! I know you went to Gyeongmudae not long ago and met Vice President Nixon.

“Sigh, that was conducted in secret, how did you…?”

-Hahaha, if I want to know, I can know. Anyway, you are amazing. To speak with the Vice President of the United States alone.

“No. We just shared some personal conversations.”

Kim Ji-hyuk tried hard to emphasize that it was no big deal.

-Alright. I’m not asking what you talked about, so do not worry.

“Yes.”

-Hahaha. I got it. Anyway, I have a friend named Colonel Stephen in the Far East Command, and I took care of it through him.

“Thank you, hyung.”

-Thank you? How can an older brother refuse his younger brother’s request. By the way, I would also love to go see the performance if I got a chance. Marilyn Monroe…

Brigadier General Park Jeong-ui smacked his lips as if disappointed.

At any rate, Marilyn Monroe’s visit to Korea for a performance turned out to be true, and Brigadier General Park Jeong-ui used his connections with the US military to make arrangements so that Kim Yun-seok could go see the performance.

A moment later.

“Uh? Uh-uh? Is it… is it true?”

Kim Yun-seok, who had been half-believing. He blinked his eyes in surprise at Kim Ji-hyuk’s words.

“Yes. Since Hyung Jeong-ui sent a special invitation, go to Yeouido Airport by 12:00 tomorrow. The security will be tight. Be careful.”

“Got it! Is this a dream or reality? I-I can really see Marilyn Monroe?”

Kim Yun-seok stammered as if he still could not believe it.

“I told you so.”

“Oh, my heart feels like it’s going to explode. Ji-hyuk, feel here.”

Kim Yun-seok made a fuss and brought Ji-hyuk’s hand to his chest.

“Gross! Let go of my hand.”

Kim Ji-hyuk pulled his hand away from Kim Yun-seok’s chest with a straight face.

“What should I wear? Should I get a suit tailored right now? Shoes? What should I do? Should I go to the barber? My hair is a mess.”

Kim Yun-seok tidied his clothes frivolously while looking at his reflection in the mirror.

“Stop making a fuss! Are you going to a blind date? Marilyn Monroe won’t even know you came. Get a grip!”

“No. Even so, since I am going to meet our goddess, shouldn’t I show minimal courtesy? Going out in a mess makes no sense!”

‘Sigh, grandfather! Isn’t this too much? Are you the same person who told me to get a grip when I said I was going to a girl group concert? I can still clearly see grandfather telling me to read one more medical book and study instead. Isn’t this crossing the line?’

“…”

Kim Ji-hyuk had an absurd expression looking at Kim Yun-seok, who was too excited to know what to do.

“Even if I die, I will get an autograph!”

Kim Yun-seok clenched his two fists. He looked determined, just like a soldier going to a battlefield.

At any rate.

Thanks to Kim Ji-hyuk, Kim Yun-seok obtained a dream-like opportunity to see her in person.

* * *

Yeouido Airport.

Buzz, buzz—

She, who departed from Japan and arrived at Yeouido Airport in South Korea.

Marilyn Monroe finally showed herself through the tight security.

When she got off the plane wearing a military uniform for cold weather, Yeouido Airport turned into a crucible of excitement.

Yeouido Airport felt like it would float away with the thunderous cheers of countless US soldiers.

Finally, the actress of the century, Marilyn Monroe, visited South Korea, which was devastated by the war.

‘Ah! Ma-Marilyn Monroe! To think I would see her in person!’

Kim Yun-seok, who swallowed his saliva and stood on tiptoe to gaze at her, had wet eyes.

It was time for Kim Yun-seok to receive the goddess he had dreamed of.

She descended from the plane while receiving welcomes from domestic and foreign guests.

Kiss, kiss—

Marilyn Monroe blew hand kisses toward the cheering crowd with her characteristic captivating smile, and immediately headed to the special stage.

The US soldiers gathered around her.

With open mouths, they responded with screams at her every little action, and Kim Yun-seok, who was standing like a dot among them, was also shedding tears of emotion.

A moment later, Yeouido special stage.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for welcoming me!”

-Wow!

Marilyn Monroe, who stood on stage.

She blew hand kisses continuously toward the cheering crowd while fluttering her characteristic blonde hair.

Buzz, buzz—

The rough breathing of men echoing here and there.

Finally, when Marilyn Monroe threw off the military jacket she was wearing, the US soldiers whistled and let out frantic cheers.

“Hello, everyone! I am Marilyn Monroe!”

Despite the still somewhat chilly weather, she, Marilyn Monroe, wore an outfit that exposed her shoulders and back. As her voice flowed through the microphone, the audience began to get excited.

“We love you, Goddess! We warmly welcome you!”

“You’re the best! Marilyn Monroe!”

“Please, autograph my leg!”

The US soldiers showed an explosive reaction. Even a soldier with a cast on his leg lifted his leg and appealed for her autograph.

‘I will see Marilyn Monroe up close by any means!’

A desperate will.

Just like a crazy car driving in reverse across the center line, Kim Yun-seok advanced to the front of the stage through countless US soldiers.

Finally, he was able to squeeze through the mountain-like US soldiers and reach the very front of the stage.

Pant, pant—

“Marilyn Monroe! Welcome!”

Yun-seok caught his breath and responded to Marilyn Monroe’s greeting.

A moment later, as the bands came up on stage and took their places, her main performance began.

* * *

Surgical department office.

‘The performance must be in full swing right now. Grandfather hit the jackpot today.’

“You say Dr. Yun-seok went to Yeouido to see Marilyn Monroe’s performance?!”

At that moment, Shin Jeong-eun, who heard the news of Marilyn Monroe’s performance late, came to the surgical department office.

“Haha, yes.”

“Did Marilyn Monroe really come to our country?”

Shin Jeong-eun also seemed unable to believe Marilyn Monroe’s performance.

“Yes. That’s right.”

“Really? That is truly surprising! I understand that she married Joe DiMaggio, that famous baseball player?”

“Yes. That’s right. They came to Japan for their honeymoon and she came straight to our country, they say.”

“Pardon? Suddenly during their honeymoon?”

“Yes.”

“Sigh, at any rate, I can’t understand Americans at all. How can she come to perform in Korea during her honeymoon…”

It was at that very moment.

Bang—

Kim Yun-seok hurriedly opened the door of the department office and entered.

“Yun-seok?”

“Dr. Yun-seok!”

The startled Kim Ji-hyuk and Shin Jeong-eun jumped up from their seats.

“Ji-hyuk! We have a big problem.”

Pant, pant—

Kim Yun-seok placed his hands on both knees and exhaled rough breaths.

“What on earth is going on? Is the performance already over?”

“Don’t even ask! It-it’s total chaos right now!”

“Calm down and explain the details! What happened?”

“M-Marilyn Monroe collapsed!”