In a city haunted by its past, one woman dares to uncover the truth even if it will kills her.

Gwangju, South Korea. Beneath the neon lights and bustling streets lies a buried history of bloodshed and betrayal. Rookie journalist Seo Ji-won never expected her first big story to lead her into the heart of a decades-old conspiracy one tied to the brutal 1980 uprising that scarred her family forever.

When Ji-won teams up with Kang Do-hyun, a hardened detective with his own ghosts, they unravel a web of corruption that stretches from the city’s darkest alleys to its highest offices. As protests erupt once again, the past and present collide and the cost of truth becomes unbearable.

Love blooms in the shadows. Justice demands sacrifice. And some stories are written in blood.

Echoes in Gwangju is a gripping tale of political intrigue, generational trauma, and the quiet bravery of those who refuse to forget. For fans of Signal, Narcos,Youth of may, Snowdon, forests of secrets, flower of evil, Chicago typewriter, Mr sunshine, Move to heaven, My mister, Beyond evil, stranger, Vincenzo, Healer, Kairos,and When the Camellia Blooms, this is a drama that will stay with you long after the final chapter.

2025 Fatima Maina Mai'Idris. All rights reserved.

This work, including all characters, plot, and original content, is protected under international copyright law. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without explicit written permission from the author. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

### Trigger Warning & Reader Advisory

This story contains mature themes and emotionally intense content. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

Content includes:

- Graphic depictions of *violence*, including bloodshed, physical assault, and fatal shootings  
- Fire-related trauma, including arson and death by fire  
- Political oppression, including protest suppression, torture references, and systemic corruption  
- Death and sacrifice  
- Mental health struggles, including grief, survivor’s guilt, and emotional breakdowns  
- Historical trauma, referencing real-life events from the 1980 Gwangju Uprising  
- Emotional intensity, including scenes of romantic tension, heartbreak, and moral conflict  

>Note: This novel is deeply realistic in its portrayal of trauma, justice, and sacrifice. Characters face unpredictable dangers, and not all stories end in triumph. Prepare for emotional twists, moral complexity, and the unexpected.

If you are sensitive to any of these topics, please take care of yourself and skip chapters as needed. Your well-being matters.

This Novel is coming soon on 30th August, 2025.

Personality: Sharp, principled, emotionally guarded 


Backstory: Raised by her grandmother, a survivor of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Ji-won's uncle was labeled a traitor and killed during the protests. She carries his legacy and her grandmother's grief in the form of an old camera and a relentless hunger for truth. 


Motivation: To uncover the truth behind a modern-day conspiracy tied to historical trauma. 


Signature Quote: "If truth costs me everything, let it be paid in full."


Occupation: Ambitious Police detective, Special Investigations Unit 


Personality: Stoic, intelligent, emotionally repressed 


Backstory: Son of a former activist during the uprising. Do-hyun buried his past under duty and ambition, but Ji-won's investigation forces him to confront the ghosts he's spent years avoiding. 


Motivation: To dismantle the syndicate that destroyed his family and protect Ji-won from becoming another casualty. 


Signature Quote: "I was the detective. But in the end, I was just the witness."


Occupation: Forensics officer, Do-hyun's best friend 


Personality: Loyal, witty, quietly brave 


Backstory: Grew up with Do-hyun, joined the force to make a difference. He's the emotional glue between Ji-won and Do-hyun, and the first to believe in Ji-won's theory. 


Signature Quote: "Truth leaves a trail. You just have to bleed enough to follow it."


Personality: Fierce, outspoken, idealistic 


Backstory: Inspired by Ji-won's articles, Soo-jin becomes a key ally in exposing the syndicate. Her father was a protester in 1980, and she carries his fire. 


Motivation: To make Ji-won's sacrifice mean something. 


Signature Quote: "They tried to silence the past. We made it scream."


Occupation: Editor-in-chief, Ji-won's mentor 


Backstory: Covered the Gwangju Uprising as a young journalist. She sees Ji-won as a second chance to tell the story right. 


Motivation: To protect Ji-won and ensure the truth is published. 


Signature Quote: "History doesn't repeat. It waits."


Occupation: Politician, syndicate leader 


Personality: Charismatic, ruthless, calculating 


Backstory: Son of a military officer involved in the 1980 massacre. Built his empire on silence and fear. 


Motivation: To bury the truth and preserve his legacy. 


Signature Quote: "Justice is a luxury. Power is survival."


This Novel is coming soon on 30th August, 2025.


Chapter 1 - Echoes in Gwangju — Character Profiles