For a long time, I lost faith in humanity, especially men.

Host: The room feels heavy, as Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, processing the emotional depth of Park Yeon-mi’s words. Her quote speaks to the pain of disillusionment, the loss of faith, and the complicated relationship she may have had with humanity — particularly men. It opens the door to a deeper conversation about trust, healing, and the ways in which our experiences shape our views of others.

Jack: “Park Yeon-mi said, ‘For a long time, I lost faith in humanity, especially men.’” He repeats the words slowly, as if reflecting on the weight of the statement. “It’s a powerful and painful admission, isn’t it? To lose faith in humanity, and particularly in a group of people. It makes me wonder what kind of experiences she had to go through to feel this way. It also speaks to how deeply our individual experiences can shape our perception of the world and the people around us.” He looks at Jeeny, curious. “What do you think? Do you think it’s common for people to lose faith in humanity after going through difficult experiences?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s a natural response to hardship. When we experience pain or betrayal, especially at the hands of people we trust or feel vulnerable around, it can lead to a breakdown in faith — not just in specific individuals, but in humanity as a whole. It’s almost as if the hurt becomes so deep that it colors how we see the world, and it can take a long time to rebuild that trust. And for Park Yeon-mi, particularly losing faith in men, could be tied to her personal experiences with them that were hurtful or damaging.” Her voice is gentle, with a quiet understanding of how personal trauma can shape our perceptions. “It’s important to acknowledge that kind of pain, but also to understand that people’s experiences don’t always represent the entire picture of humanity.”

Jack: “That’s a good point. When someone’s experience is shaped by hurt or betrayal, it’s easy to generalize, to start seeing an entire group of people through the lens of that experience. But that doesn’t mean the whole of humanity, or the entire gender, is unworthy of trust.” He pauses, reflecting on the complexities of human relationships. “Maybe the journey back to faith — in humanity, in men, or even in ourselves — requires us to push through the pain and see beyond our hurt. But I can imagine how hard that is after being deeply wounded.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Healing is a long and difficult process, and it often requires a willingness to open up again, even after experiencing deep disappointment. I think the key is finding a way to separate individuals from the broader group — to recognize that the actions of some do not define the whole. It’s a slow process, but with time and support, that faith can be rebuilt.” She smiles softly, a sense of hope in her voice. “Faith in humanity doesn’t mean ignoring the bad parts, but rather allowing the good to heal and restore the trust that’s been broken.”

Jack: “It’s almost like faith is something that has to be actively nurtured. It’s not automatic, especially after pain. It requires us to let go of those negative generalizations, those sweeping conclusions, and give ourselves permission to trust again.” His voice softens, as he reflects on the vulnerability that comes with rebuilding trust. “Maybe it’s about learning to see people as individuals again, rather than as representatives of a group that hurt us.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it’s about recognizing that there’s still goodness, still kindness, still the potential for real connections. It’s not about denying the pain or pretending that harm hasn’t been done, but about choosing to believe in the possibility of healing and change.” Her smile deepens, filled with compassion. “It’s not easy, but it’s a process of moving through the hurt and allowing ourselves to see the goodness in others, even after we’ve been disappointed.”

Jack: “I think I’ve been too focused on the disappointment and the pain that comes from broken trust, but now I see that rebuilding faith requires a willingness to let go of those negative generalizations and be open to the possibility of change. It’s about seeing the humanity in others again, even when it feels difficult.” His voice is softer, filled with appreciation for the deeper understanding of trust and healing. “Faith in humanity is something we have to choose, even after being hurt.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And when we choose to rebuild that faith, it opens the door for connection, for understanding, and for finding healing in the midst of pain. It’s a process, but it’s worth it, because it allows us to reconnect with others on a deeper level.” She smiles gently, a sense of reassurance in her tone. “When we choose to trust again, we give ourselves the chance to experience the goodness that’s still out there, even after the hurt.”

Host: The room feels still now, as Jack and Jeeny have discovered that the journey back to faith — in humanity and in individuals — is one that requires time, patience, and a willingness to open up again. Park Yeon-mi’s words remind us that pain can distort our view of the world, but with time, healing, and a conscious effort to see people beyond the hurt, we can rebuild the trust that was lost. The process of healing is never easy, but it’s through that vulnerability and openness that we find a renewed sense of connection.

Jack: “Maybe I’ve been holding onto too much past pain and allowing it to shape my view of people. But now I see that rebuilding faith is a choice we make, even after being hurt.” His voice is quieter, filled with a new understanding. “It’s about letting go of generalizations and opening ourselves to seeing the good in others again.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Rebuilding faith is about choosing to believe in the potential for goodness, even after disappointment. It’s about seeing the humanity in others and allowing ourselves to trust again.” She smiles softly, her voice full of peace. “Healing takes time, but it’s a powerful choice to make.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as Jack and Jeeny have found a deeper understanding of trust, healing, and the process of rebuilding faith. Park Yeon-mi’s words remind us that pain can cloud our view of the world, but with effort, humility, and an open heart, we can restore our belief in humanity, one step at a time.