Na Jeon-Il’s house was quiet. He was unaware of the events that had occurred overnight around the world before turning on the television. There were announcements from countries awarding him and his wife their highest honors.

He checked his phone, but aside from missed calls from his in-laws, there was no contact from any government agency. He had expected this, but it was truly astonishing when it became reality.

Na Jeon-Il leaned forward to watch the news. Influential leaders from around the world, including Russia and China, and even the chairman of North Korea had made emergency announcements.

Their messages were clear and consistent. They all wanted to invite him with the highest state honors for a medal ceremony. If circumstances did not allow, these top leaders expressed their desire to personally visit Korea and hand them over to him and his wife.

Na Jeon-Il found it hard to imagine himself meeting the President of Russia and China, and the Chairman of North Korea. He often dealt with high-ranking...