Eun-Young Han Ch.6: "The Enforcer VS. Wicked Kat" Hale"
The Tokyo Dome, a grand venue filled with history and significance, was abuzz with anticipation. Reporters from all over Japan and beyond had gathered, eager to question Eun-Young Han after a tumultuous few days. The room was packed, with cameras flashing and journalists whispering amongst themselves. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of curiosity and tension. The large, ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling brightened the scene, highlighting the rows of seats filled with eager reporters. The press conference stage was set with a long table adorned with microphones and bottles of water.
As Eun-Young Han walked onto the stage, the murmurs grew louder. She was dressed in a sleek red and blue suit, her demeanor calm yet intense. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the sea of faces and the array of recording devices aimed at her. She sat behind the long table adorned with microphones and bottles of water, her gaze sweeping over the room before settling on the gathered press.
Moderator: Thank you all for being here today. Eun-Young Han will now take questions. Please raise your hand, and I'll call on you.
A sea of hands shot up instantly. The moderator, a middle-aged man with a composed demeanor, nodded to a reporter in the front row.
Reporter 1: Ms. Han, you have an upcoming match against Katrielle Hale, one-half of the Midnight Society. How are you preparing for this match, especially after your recent loss to them in the tag team division?
Eun-Young Han leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered her response.
Eun-Young Han: My preparation for this match is no different from any other. Katrielle Hale is a formidable opponent, but I am focused and determined. My recent loss with Drake Nygma was a setback, but it has only fueled my resolve to return stronger. Every match is a new opportunity, and I intend to seize it.
Her words were measured, but her voice had an unmistakable edge of determination. The intensity in her gaze left no doubt about her commitment. Another hand shot up, and the moderator pointed to a young journalist in the middle of the room.
Reporter 2: Speaking of Drake Nygma, how do you feel about losing the Young Blood Championship to him? Do you think it has affected your standing in Ultimate Wrestling?
Eun-Young Han's jaw tightened briefly before she responded. She took a moment to reflect on the impact of the loss, her thoughts drifting back to the match where everything had changed.
Eun-Young Han: Losing the Young Blood Championship was difficult for me. However, it does not define my career or my capabilities. Championships come and go, but a true fighter's spirit remains constant. I am more motivated than ever to reclaim my place at the top and prove that I am still a force to be reckoned with in Ultimate Wrestling.
The next question came from a reporter at the back, his voice slightly louder to carry across the room. His eyes were sharp, reflecting his eagerness to delve into more controversial topics.
Reporter 3: There have been reports of a fire at your apartment recently. The police have stated it was arson. Do you believe this incident is connected to the recent attacks on other wrestlers, including the deaths of Damien Blackwood and Alice Ali?
Eun-Young Han's eyes flashed with anger, and she took a moment to compose herself before answering. The memory of the fire was still vivid in her mind—the heat, the smoke, the sense of loss.
Eun-Young Han: The fire at my apartment was a cowardly act, and the loss of life among my fellow wrestlers is tragic. While I cannot speak to the specifics of each incident, it is clear that there is a pattern of targeted aggression. Whether these acts are connected remains to be seen, but what is undeniable is the need for heightened security and vigilance within the wrestling community.
A major Japanese news outlet reporter stood up, his expression serious. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent as he prepared to speak.
Reporter 4: Vice President Devin Zeagal and Ultimate Wrestling owner Rupert Mudcock have accused AAPW owner Haruki Tanaka of having ties to the Yakuza, suggesting these attacks aim to push Ultimate Wrestling out of Japan. Do you agree with their assessment?
Eun-Young Han's lips pressed into a thin line. The politics of wrestling were complex, and the accusations had added another layer of tension to an already volatile situation.
Eun-Young Han: The accusations against Haruki Tanaka are serious. I believe it is up to the authorities to investigate these claims thoroughly. My focus is on my career, my safety, and the safety of my comrades. If there is any truth to these accusations, justice must be served.
The room buzzed with murmurs at her response, and another reporter quickly asked a follow-up question. The tension in the room was palpable, and the reporters exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Reporter 5: Ms. Han, do you believe the arson at your apartment was a targeted attack against you and your North Korean comrades?
Eun-Young Han's expression hardened, and she leaned closer to the microphone. She felt the weight of her words and the impact they would have.
Eun-Young Han: I do. I believe that the arson was a result of Japanese racism against me and my North Korean comrades. We have faced hostility and discrimination since arriving here, both inside and outside the ring. This attack manifested that hatred, a message that we are not welcome.
The room erupted in a flurry of whispers and hurried note-taking. The Japanese reporters exchanged uneasy glances, and the tension in the air was palpable. The accusations were heavy, and the atmosphere grew even more charged.
Reporter 6: Are you suggesting that the Japanese people as a whole are responsible for this discrimination?
Eun-Young Han's eyes flashed with defiance. She knew her words would be controversial but determined to take her frustrations out on the Japanese even though she knew what she was saying was a bald-faced lie and that the fire was caused by the Yakuza.
Eun-Young Han: I am suggesting that there is a systemic issue with how we are treated. From the insults hurled at us in the streets to the biased refereeing in our matches, it is clear that we are not seen as equals. This racism is ingrained in the society we find ourselves in, and it needs to be addressed.
The room fell silent momentarily, the weight of her words sinking in. Another reporter, visibly agitated, stood up. The tension in the room was reaching a boiling point, and the reporters were eager to challenge her statements.
Reporter 7: Ms. Han, after what your government did to the world, shouldn't you expect this type of behavior?
Eun-Young Han's gaze was unwavering. She felt the anger bubbling beneath the surface but kept her composure.
Eun-Young Han: We are not the North Korean government. In fact, North Korea doesn't even exist anymore, thanks to the American Military. We are just individuals trying to survive in this world like everyone else.
The moderator stepped in, trying to regain control of the press conference. The room was on the verge of chaos, and it was clear that the situation needed to be managed carefully.
Moderator: Please keep the questions on Ms. Han's career and upcoming match.
A reporter near the front raised his hand, and the moderator nodded. The tension in the room was still thick, but the focus shifted back to the upcoming match.
Reporter 8: Given the recent turmoil, how do you plan to stay focused on your match against Katrielle Hale? Do you feel safe continuing to compete in Japan?
Eun-Young Han took a deep breath, her expression resolute. She knew that the challenges she faced were in the ring and the broader context of their situation.
Eun-Young Han: My focus remains unwavering. I have trained my entire life to face challenges head-on, and this situation is no different. Competing in Japan has risks, but I will not let fear dictate my actions. I will face Katrielle Hale with the same intensity and determination I bring to every match.
The atmosphere remained charged, and the tension between Eun-Young and the reporters thickened with each passing moment. Next, a veteran journalist known for his hard-hitting questions stood up. His reputation preceded him, and the room quieted as he prepared to speak.
Reporter 9: Ms. Han, you speak of discrimination and hostility. Do you have any specific examples to back up these claims?
Eun-Young Han's eyes narrowed as she recalled the countless slights and insults they had endured. The memories were painful, but they needed to be aired.
Eun-Young Han: Where do I start? The jeers and taunts from the audience, the biased calls from referees, and the cold shoulders we receive backstage. The fire at our apartment was the culmination of all this hatred. These aren't isolated incidents—they're part of a larger pattern of discrimination against us.
The room was silent, the reporters absorbing her words. The moderator, sensing the growing unrest, stepped in again. The tension was almost palpable, and it was clear that the situation needed to be managed carefully.
Moderator: One last question, please.
A reporter from a foreign outlet raised her hand. Her expression was serious, and she seemed determined to get to the heart of the matter.
Reporter 10: Ms. Han, what message do you want to send to your fans and supporters in Japan and worldwide?
Eun-Young Han: Fans? What fans? Everyone hates me and my comrades. Were not here for any fans. Were here for ourselves!
With that, Eun-Young Han stood up, and the press conference ended. The reporters watched in stunned silence as she walked off the stage, her head held high. She had spoken her truth, and the impact of her words would linger long after she had left the room.
As she exited the Tokyo Dome, the weight of her statements settled on her shoulders. She knew she had ignited a firestorm of controversy. Still, it was necessary in their fight for respect and equality. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but Eun-Young Han was no stranger to adversity. She would face whatever came next with the same unyielding spirit that had brought her this far.
Backstage, Moon and Hwang were waiting for her, their expressions a mix of concern and pride. The atmosphere was tense, but there was also a sense of solidarity.
Moon: You sure know how to make an impact.
Eun-Young Han nodded, her resolve unshaken. She knew her words would have consequences but was prepared to face them.
Eun-Young Han: It's time we stop hiding and start fighting back. If they want a battle, we'll give them one.
Hwang: We're with you, Han. All the way.
Together, they walked out into the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Eun-Young Han would not be silenced. She would continue fighting for her place, comrades, and beliefs, no matter the cost.