Seoul, From the Beginning

At the age of nineteen, Kang Sol-woo departs from Rhode Island to visit his mother in South Korea — a final destination before his father's ultimatum compels him into law school. He arrives without any plans and with one certainty: an intense, all-consuming passion for indie rock and alternative music. Since he began playing the guitar at thirteen, Sol-woo has been crafting raw, unrefined songs, pursuing a sound that feels uniquely his own. A fortuitous meeting with a South Korean native who discovers his music transforms everything — one song becomes a viral hit on YouTube, and suddenly, the world takes notice. Now in Seoul, 2016, Sol-woo grapples with the overwhelming presence of the Big 3 agencies and an industry focused on manufactured personas. He is determined not to conform. No agency, no packaged identity — just a guitar, an unexpected sound, and a journey he must forge independently. Author's Note: Sol-woo's narrative unfolds over several years and involves multiple relationships — crafted to be realistic, well-rounded, and true to his character. This is not a tale of instant romance, nor does it culminate in a harem. If you seek a protagonist bound to one love interest from the very first chapter, this may not be the story for you. I will remain faithful to Sol-woo's journey at every turn. A note to my readers: I am a native Spanish speaker from Latin America, and this tale was initially composed in Spanish. The English version is created with the assistance of translation tools. I appreciate your patience and understanding — what matters most is sharing Sol-woo's story with you, no matter where you are. This is a fictional work set in a parallel universe resembling modern-day Earth. All characters, names, places, and events are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual individuals or occurrences is purely coincidental.