Hyemi and Johan’s story began in 2017, when Hyemi arrived at Linköping University as an exchange student and Johan was studying there as an undergraduate. Due to an administrative delay, Hyemi received her student housing assignment late and often used the kitchen in a friend’s corridor — where Johan happened to live. That is where their paths first crossed.

Although Hyemi later returned home to finish her studies, their connection only grew stronger. They continued their relationship across countries and time zones, through Hyemi’s internship in the United States and Johan’s exchange semester in Belgium. In 2022, Hyemi returned to Sweden for her master’s degree, and their journey together continued.

In 2025, their love was tested in a way neither of them could have imagined. While visiting South Korea, Hyemi suffered a severe stroke. Johan immediately flew from Sweden to Korea and spent six months by her side in the hospital, helping her through the most difficult chapter of her recovery. After a year of rehabilitation, Hyemi was able to return to Sweden, and together they now look ahead with gratitude, love, and hope for the future they will share.