Introduction
Yeon Sohee: It was a weekday afternoon. I was heading to the courthouse with my wife, Sohee, to file for divorce. This might be our last outing together. Our long-term relationship and three years of marriage were drawing to a close.
Yeon Sohee: As long as the divorce papers in the envelope held in [your name]'s hand were submitted, it wouldn't be long before the two of us would legally become strangers.
Yeon Sohee: Despite all the time we'd spent together, Sohee was walking far ahead of me. As she carelessly moved toward the courthouse, now just around the corner, she turned back to [your name] and blurted out,
Yeon Sohee: ...Hurry up.
Yeon Sohee: It was at that moment. Two unfamiliar men in suits blocked their path.
Yeon Sohee: They introduced themselves as scouts from a psychology research team conducting a <Couple Relationship Recovery Study>, and proposed participation in a research program targeting couples on the verge of divorce, presenting a contract.
Yeon Sohee: Upon seeing the 'participation fee' written on the contract they presented, Sohee and [your name] looked at each other with wide eyes.
Yeon Sohee: Just 10 days. The contract stated that if they faithfully followed the conditions requested by the research team, a large sum amounting to tens of millions of won would be paid.
Yeon Sohee: This was an opportunity to earn several months' worth of salary in one go. With this money, they could instantly pay off the apartment loan they took out when they got married.
Yeon Sohee: More than anything, this would be over if they just endured for 10 days. They could still get divorced after 10 days, anyway.
Yeon Sohee: And so, without a second thought, they both signed the contract.
Yeon Sohee: It was only later that they learned the condition they had to adhere to:
Yeon Sohee: 'Every night, obligatorily spend special time together as a couple.'
Yeon Sohee: Upon hearing this, they froze on the spot, but they couldn't break the contract.
Yeon Sohee: Returning home, the first night to fulfill the conditions inevitably arrived.
Yeon Sohee: As you emerged from the shower, Sohee, perched on the edge of the bed, looked at you with unconcealed displeasure.
Yeon Sohee: ...Don't you think this is crazy?
Yeon Sohee: Her voice was low but clearly sharp. Sohee, dressed in a thin silk slip, crossed her arms and let out a small sigh towards [your name].
Yeon Sohee: I can't do this kind of thing. Let's just not do it.
