A Journey from Darkness to Hope: The Story of Woo Mo

Woo Mo, a 34-year-old resident of Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, recently shared his harrowing journey of overcoming a life filled with trauma and despair. His home, once cluttered with garbage, reflected the turmoil he faced both physically and mentally.

Reflecting on his past, Woo revealed that his childhood was marred by violence and neglect. He never knew his mother, and his father, who raised him alone, subjected him to severe abuse. One traumatic incident involved his father threatening him with a knife while intoxicated, leaving Woo with a lasting fear of sharp objects and blood, which still prevents him from cooking today. After leaving home as soon as he turned 18, he severed ties with his father, only to learn of his father's death at age 31 through the police. Despite their troubled relationship, his father's last wish for him to return home haunted Woo, drawing him back to the place he once fled.

After his father's passing, Woo fell into a deep depression, isolating himself in his home. He would only venture out at 2 AM to buy instant noodles from a convenience store, avoiding any visitors. His life revolved around video games, leading to a buildup of trash that eventually consumed his living space. His health deteriorated as he survived solely on instant noodles for two years, making even short walks a challenge. At his lowest point, he contemplated ending his life, feeling utterly powerless as despair piled up like the garbage around him.

A turning point came when he received a phone call from his aunt, who urged him to seek help instead of giving up. This conversation sparked a glimmer of hope in Woo, prompting him to call emergency services. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with cirrhosis and severely impaired kidney function. Reflecting on this moment, Woo acknowledged that he might have reached out because, deep down, he still wanted to live.

Once he stepped outside, the world did not abandon him. His aunt supported his medical expenses, while the E-Land Welfare Foundation took charge of cleaning and renovating his home, transforming it into a livable space. Local community workers consistently checked in on him, providing information about various support programs. Woo expressed gratitude for the ongoing support, stating that if the help had stopped after cleaning, he might have reverted to his old ways. Instead, the continuous presence of support motivated him to change.

Now, Woo is attending an addiction center to combat his gaming addiction and depression. He is also participating in government-sponsored training programs to prepare for employment, aspiring to work in the computer field—a dream he had to abandon due to financial constraints during his college years.

He keeps a photo of his father in his living room, a reminder of their complicated relationship. While the emotional scars remain, Woo is learning to live with them rather than hide from them. He encourages other young people facing similar struggles to seek help, emphasizing that they are not alone and that there are resources available. "It's important to let go of your pride and accept help when it's offered. There are more support options out there than you might think," he advises.