By Honorary Reporter Marvi Sung from Philippines

Photos= Marvi Sung

Two months have passed since the first case of COVID-19 in Korea was announced. The coronavirus started rapidly spreading all over the country, causing the temporary closure of establishments for disinfection. The new school year was first delayed for almost two weeks and then again for another two weeks. Some cannot go to work but others cannot leave their jobs, especially medical workers.

Despite all the doom and gloom people feel, something gave me hope. While on Facebook, I saw a post by a friend featuring a cherry blossom tree that was beautifully blooming amid the outbreak. I asked her if I can use her photo for this article and she said yes.

As I look at the flowers, I see hope for everybody. That's why I wrote this article and asked several friends about the first thing that came to mind when they saw the cherry blossom.

Chris Chan, a Filipino who lives in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do Province, said, "Spring is always a new beginning, a cherry blossom reminds us that there's a life after a drought."

Meggie Yu, an American who lives in Seoul, said, "I think life keeps going. The cherry blossoms didn't postpone themselves or wait for safer conditions. They just bloom. No matter what happens in life, time keeps turning and things continue. It reminds me that nothing is forever. Good or bad."

Sheila Lee, a Filipina who lives in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, said she worries every day about her family since they live near Daegu, the epicenter of the outbreak. "Seeing the cherry blossom today made me think that life is beautiful even in the midst of chaos," she said.

I agree with my friends that spring and flowers give us a fresh start. Flowers make people feel better, happier and more optimistic. And that's what I feel right now. I believe everything will end and we just need to be strong and hang in there a bit more.

Stay strong, Korea!

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.