Hidden World beneath Gangnam Station, The Catacombs in Seoul

Abandoned People on Abandoned Underground

What we are living up to and where it leads.

“The Novel of Light” found by diving into the deep darkness

I quietly disappear into a hole between dark building in the middle of frenzy Friday night in Gangnam. After the determination to go deep down the subway where no one can be found, I began to have an amazing experience. The huge underground space, connected with the subway platform, was home to people who just couldn’t handle the harsh and competitive life of Seoul.

In the tunnel that is connected to the outside world, I stumble upon three young siblings: Seon-ah, Seung-woo, and Hwa-yeon. Hwa-yeon calls me big sister and follows me closely. With the sibling’s presence, I slowly come back to life. Hwa-yeon’s longing for the world above, even among those who have abandoned the world and live as if they are already dead, revitalizes me. One day, while dreaming of going back to the world above with the siblings, Hwayeon is found dead…

Would it be possible for those with crushed hopes and buried themselves in the deep underground can go up again? Or will they find new hopes in the underworld?