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INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS

BUT ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS PORTRAYED ARE FICTIONAL

WHAT IS THE TRUTH THEN?

"Sometimes the truth lies on the far side of the moon."

"But that doesn't mean what's on the near side is fiction."

By Truman Shady.

Come on! Haven't you heard that one?

Of course I have!

There could be all kinds of bullshit happening in the dark,

but people only believe what they see.

And that becomes the truth, like the news.

Maybe it's the moon making you talk crap.

No matter which side you look at, it's still the moon.

You're the one barking nonsense, not me!

Are you calling me a dog?

She's here.

Thank you for coming at such a late hour.

Oh, you're even more beautiful in person.

Here are two pieces of news.

The first one is...

Sixty-six days ago, an aircraft flying a domestic route

was hijacked by the puppet army's spies...

ANNIHILATE THE US IMPERIALISTS!

...and 51 of our citizens were abducted to North Korea.

And today, 66 days on...

FEBRUARY 14, 1970 IMJIN RIVER, SOUTH KOREA

...39 passengers were finally returned to freedom.

However, the remaining 12 passengers are still being held hostage in North Korea

and are unable to return.

They locked us up one by one

and then subjected us to brutal electrical torture.

One of the men lost his mind...

And the second piece of news.

MARCH 15, 1970 TOKYO, JAPAN

Today in Komagome, Toshima, Tokyo,

the leader of the Red Army Faction, a violent extremist anti-government group,

Tadashi Yamamoto, has finally been arrested.

The Red Army Faction is the most violent anti-government Communist group,

and has partaken in the Tokyo University struggle in the past.

They have armed themselves with weapons and homemade bombs

and evolved into a terrorist organization.

Revolution!

These two pieces of news were from different countries

and had little in common.

Until recently.

Correlations can be drawn and erased just as easily.

All it takes is a bit of creativity

and the willingness to suspend disbelief.

GOOD NEWS

We found this among your belongings.

What does it mean?

I'm not that familiar with English.

What does that say?

And the third piece of news starts here.

MARCH 31, 1970 HANEDA AIRPORT, JAPAN

Relax.

We're Ashita no Joe.

We're Ashita no Joe.

Back then, there were no metal detectors or security screenings.

From that day on, all of that became mandatory.

You could say these nine lunatics

contributed toward improving Japan's aviation security systems.

Go ahead, please.

Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome aboard Japanese Ride Flight 351 headed to Itazuke.

We'll be departing shortly,

so please fasten your seat belts.

Try opening the top and then pulling it.

It's an honor to fly with you, Captain.

What's wrong?

Shouldn't you be smiling today?

Why?

You're about to hit 10,000 flight hours.

How does it feel?

Painful.

What?

Spending 10,000 hours in this tiny seat

has exacerbated my hemorrhoids.

Are they that bad?

Malignant.

If it was cancer, it'd be terminal.

It's a shame that it's too intimate for you to show off.

Why would I show them off?

They're more like a medal of honor.

I bet your hemorrhoids want to scream out loud,

"I am the result of 10,000 flight hours!"

Preflight checklist.

Preflight checklist.

Ma'am.

Would you like me to store your bag to give you more legroom?

Look.

Do you get paid extra

if you fake a smile like that?

My apologies.

I remember now.

HJ stands for...

Hijack!

CHAPTER 1 HIJACKING

Keep your heads down!

Shut up!

Ladies and gentlemen,

there has been a minor interruption on the flight.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Allow us to formally introduce ourselves.

We are a Communist League called the Red Army Faction.

Hello. I'm Shinichi Ishida, the deputy minister of Transport.

Today, Japan has...

ended up with what Marx called high capitalism.

The Expo '70 showcases

Japan's rapidly progressing economy...

We hereby declare!

In order to crush bourgeois capitalist power,

we came to a conclusion that there is no other option

but armed revolution.

The decision must have been difficult to make.

Will you be attending the opening ceremony?

Of course. And...

- Mr. Ishida? - Yes, I will be attending.

The Ministry of Transport has a lot--

Well, that's live TV for you, ladies and gentlemen.

- We apologize for-- - Fuck!

Those bastards!

Dear viewers!

Where are they headed?

Pyongyang?

Did you just say Pyongyang?

Does it look like we're going on a Hawaiian vacation?

We're not doing this to go hula dancing!

We're going to build a military base.

Do you even know what North Korea's like?

Of course we do.

And yet you're still taking all those people with you?

Don't you know what will happen to them?

Unfortunately,

some sacrifice is inevitable in a revolution.

Every one of us is prepared to die.

And if anyone gets in our way...

we're ready to kill them.

As long as we can get to Pyongyang...

we will do

whatever it takes.

A little to the left.

I do not know how to get to Pyongyang.

No commercial Japanese aircraft has ever entered North Korean airspace before.

Wait.

Maeda.

You've been there, haven't you?

What?

I became a naturalized Japanese citizen more than ten years ago.

And my parents are from South Korea, not the North.

Then I suppose we have no other choice.

Can't you just follow the radar?

Ground control gives us orders, go this way or that way.

Do you know the radio frequency for Pyongyang air traffic control?

You don't know it?

How on earth would we know it

when we don't even have any diplomatic ties to them?

Next time you try hijacking,

try doing your homework first.

Stop! Stop it!

That's enough! Pull yourself together.

How will you get to Pyongyang if you beat up the pilot, huh?

My apologies.

Let us be mindful of each other

until we reach our destination.

This is a domestic flight.

We don't have enough fuel to go to Pyongyang.

We need to land at Itazuke as planned and refuel--

What bullshit are you pulling now, old man?

You know, actually...

I think one pilot is plenty.

But the fuel isn't.

Later, I saw on the news

that they actually had enough fuel, but...

What else could they do?

The hijackers had no clue what or where the fuel gauge was.

And the brave pilots used that to their advantage.

FUEL GAUGE

STILL FULL

ITAZUKE TOWER

Requesting to land as scheduled at Itazuke for fuel.

They are arriving in 20 minutes! Are the riot police unit on their way?

The hijackers demand the following.

The Self-Defense Forces and the police

must not approach the aircraft while it's refueling.

After refueling, we'll head straight to Pyongyang.

So we demand a map and a compass.

The hijackers have liquid explosives.

If their demands aren't met,

they're threatening to detonate them.

Damn it! I knew they'd do this!

The riot police units are everywhere! Brace for a shootout!

Bring the hostages over!

Nobody move!

Please don't kill us!

Be quiet!

Take one step closer, and we'll kill them all!

If they open fire, we respond!

We won't back down to capitalist pigs!

Our plan is as follows.

First, Team A will puncture the wheels.

Then lower the rear airstairs--

Hold on. Isn't that the front?

Is it the front?

Oh, it is!

This looks more like a sausage with wings!

Who the hell drew this?

Who the hell drew this?

- Step forward! - That's enough.

Estimated casualties?

I'd say anywhere from five

to a hundred, give or take.

That range is too wide.

Everyone.

Why are there armed riot police units on the runway?

Not a single life will be lost on my aircraft.

Mr. Chairman.

While I admire your noble spirit to put people's lives first,

some sacrifice is inevitable in order to wipe out

the anti-state communist forces.

"Some sacrifice"?

- You. - Yes, sir.

What is our airline's slogan?

"As safe as a house in the sky," sir.

Sometimes,

people do die at home...

You little bastard!

And if they do, house prices drop, don't they?

If our revenue drops, will the JSDF take responsibility for it?

Or will the government take responsibility?

Have all forces stand down immediately and refuel the plane.

Or else we'll detonate the bomb and blow everyone up!

This airport is under the jurisdiction of the US Armed Forces,

so refueling will take some time.

Let the passengers go first,

and we'll talk to the US military.

I'll give you one hour.

We, the Red Army Faction,

are not afraid to make sacrifices for a successful revolution! We are...

Ashita no Joe.

Ashita no Joe?

What on earth is that?

Isn't it a manga series?

Yes, sir. It was published in 1968

and written by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba.

The main character is a boxer named Joe Yabuki.

A famous quote from the series is,

"Even if it's for a moment, I'll burn, blindingly bright and red."

"Then in the end,

all that will remain is a pile of white ashes."

Just how old are those damn Reds?

Firstly, I would like to apologize.

If this bomb does go off,

it won't be seen as our doing

but as a massacre by capitalist Japan who forced our hand.

I'm sorry.

Wait a second.

Is that coming towards us?

What are they doing?

I'm sure the government

knows what they're doing.

What is that?

Why's there a fighter jet approaching now?

Get them on the radio immediately!

Who the heck authorized this?

It wasn't me, sir.

I gave the order, sir!

What?

As a member of the Self-Defense Forces, I can't just stand by and watch!

What are you going to do if it results in casualties?

That won't happen, sir.

What's happening?

What is he going to do?

It looks like he's just getting off the plane.

Did he just...

double park the plane and run?

Do you know how annoying it is

when someone parks in front of you and runs off when you're in a rush?

Move that fighter jet right now, or I'll blow a head off every ten minutes!

Don't look at them like they're pathetic.

We weren't much different back then.

KOREAN CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

No. Unless His Excellency directly orders it...

CHIEF OF STAFF, ROK AIR FORCE

...the Air Force will follow proper protocol.

Chief of Staff Choi!

Why is he suddenly being so uncooperative?

I heard the Air Force is siding with Kim, the president's chief of staff.

Looks like it's true.

Now, what pressing national issue brought all of you gentlemen together?

Who is that?

I'm a nobody, so you can just call me Nobody.

Hey, Nobody.

- How have you been? - Doing well, thanks.

You've been briefed, yes?

What do you think?

Japs kidnapping a bunch of other Japs to go to North Korea? Just say "sayonara."

“Japs”? Watch your mouth!

Oh, excuse my potty mouth.

You see, during colonial rule,

my grandpa used to live two houses over from an independence activist.

Didn't you say that your grandpa ratted him out to the Japanese police?

Come on, that's a painful part of my family history.

Anyway, Japan, North Korea... other countries' problems, not ours.

There are no borders when it comes to people's lives.

This is about human rights.

Human rights from the KCIA? Well, that's new.

So wait, is this from the top?

His Excellency has important duties to attend to today.

I'll be briefing him on it later like a surprise gift.

Anyway, I received some intel from the US CIA.

The situation doesn't look good here, sir.

If Japan fucks up,

it is possible that the aircraft will pass through South Korean airspace.

Requesting immediate notification up the chain, sir.

I can see where the US is coming from.

If they want to keep the Soviets in check,

they'd want us to be chummy with Japan.

But what is Japan doing right now?

The fighter jet that blocked Haru on the runway is being pulled out.

Fighter jets can't reverse

so they're towing it out with a truck.

So we're fixing this mess to rub the Japs' faces in it

and kiss the Yankees' asses?

Who the heck is this guy?

Yes, what is it?

How many times do I have to tell you? Those men have to be Reds!

What? Evidence?

Give me two weeks.

All right.

Goodness.

So here's the thing.

Once they go over to North Korea with the airplane and passengers,

they'll use them to negotiate with Japan.

But!

Think about what will happen if they ask for economic aid.

Then the GDP of the Reds in the North

will grow and surpass ours.

Just hearing that makes my blood sugar drop.

But what if...

we take matters into our own hands and fix this mess for them?

If we do,

then Japan will owe us a big favor!

And we can wave our flag proudly on the global stage.

It's sure to please His Excellency.

And the Blue House Chief of Staff will be green with envy.

All right, to sum up...

If Japan fails, as we predicted,

the lunatics, armed with explosives, head to North Korea with 130 hostages.

And our mission is to appease those lunatics,

who will be floating in the air.

How do you propose we do that?

By talking to them?

Thank you for your valuable input.

The fact of the matter is, sir, it simply cannot be done.

We'll have a moment, if you please.

Come on, brother.

It really can't be done?

If I tell you I want to walk on water, your job is to freeze that water solid.

I mean,

it's not like I'm a magician.

But if you do work some magic,

I could do what my dad couldn't do and make your wish come true.

Go on,

pull a dove out of your hat for me.

I thought you might get angry if you heard it...

What? No way.

I have no anger in me.

Go ahead and tell me.

You idiot!

Are you trying to get me killed?

That's unacceptable. That just isn't okay.

How could you...

Shut up!

Put your gun away!

You're scaring the baby!

Sir!

- Are you all right? - Shut up!

- What is it over there? - Stewardess!

- Come over here! Quick! - What is it? Huh?

I...

I have a heart condition.

You should've mentioned that before you got kidnapped!

Pardon?

Untie him right now!

Is there a doctor on board?

- Any doctors? - Is there--

I'm...

a doctor!

A medical emergency has occurred on board.

Please start refueling the plane.

We are still in discussion with the US Armed Forces.

Wait a few more minutes.

Please hurry...

If the passenger dies,

just know that it's all the government's fault!

Hey!

- Fuck. - Hello?

Hey!

Tell them that you'll free the sick and elderly in exchange for fuel.

I'm sure you don't want to see anyone die either.

We won't be making any deals with capitalist pigs.

If anything happens to a passenger on board,

then you will be giving

those capitalist pigs an excuse to charge in here.

It's a yes from me.

We'll still have enough hostages even without the sick and elderly.

It's five to three.

We should hurry and let them--

It's a no from me.

One compromise will open the floodgates.

Four to four.

Actually, I've changed my mind.

What?

We have to stand our ground until we reach Pyongyang!

That's five to three. No one gets off!

No.

Communism calls for a unanimous decision.

We don't follow things like majority rule.

Wait, Leader. Then why did you call for a vote--

Shut up!

The leader makes the call.

Right?

Of course.

Dictatorship in communism is inevitable.

Japanese Ride Flight 351

has finally begun refueling after a four-hour standoff.

With much effort and persistent persuasion from government authorities,

23 passengers were released,

including a patient with a heart condition,

the elderly, women and children.

My son is still on board!

The Japanese Self-Defense Forces

prioritized the passengers' lives and safety above all.

We worked tirelessly to safely rescue the passengers

according to proper protocol.

Hurry up. Close the door!

However, it seems that the remaining 106 passengers

will be departing Itazuke Airport soon.

Are you kidding me?

I'm supposed to go to Pyongyang with this?

Is there a problem?

Aeronautical charts must have flight routes and airport information.

They clearly ripped this out of a middle-school textbook.

I wish you the best of luck.

Hold on. Wait a second.

Hey! Stop right there!

Hey!

Hey!

Do you still think this government has a plan?

But why would they...

They can't send us to North Korea but they can't stop us from going either.

So they're leaving us to fend for ourselves.

Despite everything,

we did our best.

"Our best"?

What did we even do?

All we did was double park and piss them off!

You all just stood there and stared like idiots!

Why is nobody furious about this?

Excuse us!

CHAPTER 2 DOUBLE HIJACKING

Since the armistice,

we've lost four US fighter jets in North Korean airspace

and incurred dozens of casualties.

But last year, there was a team that made it back safely,

surviving an attack by North Korean MiGs.

And the pilot who completed the mission received a medal.

But...

why does only the pilot receive the medal?

Ask the person handing them out, not me.

Well, look at you!

You've got some sass, huh?

You were the only Korean in that mission, weren't you?

As an assistant controller.

Per the rule, the lead controller of RAPCON

should be from the US military.

I see. By the way,

I heard that the number of people

who passed the RAPCON assessment in Korea

can be counted on one hand.

Isn't that right?

I'm probably the first finger on that hand.

Impressive.

What exactly is RAPCON, anyway?

RAPCON, or Radar Approach Control.

State-of-the-art radar control system held by the US since 1968.

It's controlled by a US 5th Air Force battalion

and can detect up to 30,000 ft. in the air--

Enough.

It's boring.

In the end, you're just an assistant.

And who exactly are you?

I'm a nobody, just a shit-ass nobody.

You can just call me Nobody.

Am I understanding this correctly?

This so-called Red Army Faction hijacked the plane,

so we're going to hijack the airplane's radio.

Isn't it fucking genius?

I think so too.

You have no idea how this system works, do you?

The controllers can't initiate communication with the pilots.

But you're going to make it happen.

Since you know the system so well.

Let's say we get in contact with them.

How will we persuade them?

By talking to them?

What a genius.

Cut me some slack.

I had no time to prep, either.

"By failing to prepare,

you are preparing to fail."

Benjamin Franklin.

Yet another bastard who's obsessed with quotes and shit.

There's value in the words of those remembered by history.

KIMPO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

You speak Japanese, too, right?

If this goes well, I'll make your wish come true.

Are you a mind reader?

What do you think my wish is?

Success.

How shallow do you think I am?

Your name means "making yourself known"?

It's even in your fucking name.

Excuse you, my father named me.

Your father...

Wasn't he a Korean War vet?

WHITE HORSE HILL, 20 YEARS AGO

The grenade went off at White Horse Hill.

Have you ever seen the puppet army's limbs fly?

I was watching the spectacle in awe...

when I realized that my legs flew off too.

The person...

who threw the grenade, my lieutenant colonel,

received the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit.

Meanwhile...

instead of two legs...

your dad received this watch from the president.

Look. It's pretty nice, isn't it?

If we pull this off,

will the government give me a medal or something?

But of course! You'll be living up to your name.

Lieutenant Seo, who are these people?

Just wait a sec.

I'm about to walk them through the procedure.

As RAPCON is under US command, even ministers need to receive clearance.

Give me your ID, and I'll get the process started.

Tell him I really need to use the restroom.

This isn't some neighborhood café.

Just interpret already.

This guy has to pee badly and wants to use our restroom.

What the fuck was that?

That's the code?

So I get you're working for the government,

but what do you do, exactly?

I told you, I'm just a nobody.

That makes no sense.

This is something that could make the news.

My work does appear on the news, but I never do.

So no need to know anything about me.

Come on, there's no time to waste.

- Sir! - Sir!

All right, the board's been set,

so let's go!

You are not serious, are you?

You want me to be the... the local controller?

- All we can do... - Now...

How does it feel to have control of South Korean airspace?

Are you saying

the US military is giving us operational control?

How does that even make sense?

They're the ones who recommended you.

This is clearly an unbelievable privilege.

Which means the medal and promotion aren't a bluff.

It's a great opportunity to make my mark in the world.

But why?

Why me, of all people?

Quiet!

I can hear your cogs whirring. Just sit down.

Everyone's in a mad rush right now.

They left Itazuke 35 minutes ago and are headed north over the East Sea.

NORTH KOREA AIR FORCE HQ

They're going to come straight over South Korea?

They sure are gutsy!

They just have to make it over the Demarcation Line.

Then we'll have a Boeing 727 in our hands without breaking a sweat.

On top of that, we'll have about 100 lives to use for negotiation!

Our Soviet comrades will regard us highly for this.

Get our most proficient air traffic controller on the job!

- He's the one who will carry out the plan. - I see.

In terms of range, RAPCON covers a maximum radius of 40 miles.

They have to radio us at least in Kyonggi for us to track it.

It's hard to intercept transmissions to Pyongyang.

Hey!

40 miles, really?

- Control, Range. - Go ahead, Range.

Permission to change the controlling range.

The control license number is...

My license?

You're fucking out of your mind.

Going over 40 miles in range is a violation of international aviation law.

Are you trying to turn me into an international criminal?

Go ahead, Range. Give us the control license.

For fuck's sake.

So this is why I'm sitting here?

Major Hall.

We, the United States of America,

as the defenders of liberal democracy around the world,

firmly declare that we can never allow the displacement of innocent civilians

to a communist dictatorship.

I agree, sir.

So we command this operation?

Major Hall.

We, the United States of America,

as the guardians of the rule of law,

firmly declare that we can never violate

any international aviation law.

What the f...

I can't do this. No, I will not do it.

Sit.

License number.

8-2-9-0-7...

1-4.

Copy that. We'll extend the controlling range

to the maximum of 200 miles.

Look! There's more stuff now.

But how do we find "it"?

What do you think you're doing?

You guys all saw that, right?

I didn't say it. This guy did it!

Lieutenant Go-myung.

Don't you want a medal?

Not even a statue in my honor. Cancel it immediately!

More than 100 people are being dragged off to North Korea.

As a soldier and a controller, don't you want to save those poor people?

Damn it.

- Go and sit back down! - Shoot!

I'm a soldier of the ROK Armed Forces,

and I have not received any official orders yet.

Aren't all of you soldiers like me?

This bastard's aiming a gun at a ROK soldier.

Have you eaten yet?

No, I've been too busy to eat. I'm starving. Yeah.

Well, I got him in front of the panel,

but he said something about aviation law.

I don't know, but it's complicated. My head hurts.

Right. Sure.

Take it.

- Who is it? - Hello.

I'm Park Sang-hyeon, the director of the KCIA.

And who might you be?

Yes, sir.

COMSEC. I'm Lieutenant Seo Go-myung of the 9th ACSG.

Please proceed, sir.

The Korean Central Intelligence Agency.

Two things came to mind the moment I heard that name.

The moment I refuse...

Commie, commie, red rat!

...I'll be branded a Red and live the rest of my life as a cripple.

You little brats!

Or be a snippet of news as a soldier killed in a training accident.

I don't know aviation law or anything like that.

Just do whatever it takes

to land that plane nice and smoothly.

Did you say, "Just do whatever it takes," sir?

Yes.

Do whatever it takes.

Then...

Then...

May I say this is North Korea?

You bastard!

And you call yourself a soldier of the ROK Armed Forces, you asshole?

You know you can be punished immediately for what you just said, right?

Put Nobody on the phone.

See? I told you that this was the only way.

Yes, okay.

Oh, yes. Yes, sure.

Oh, sure. Yes. Yes.

So then, the KCIA is authorizing it?

Why are you standing there like you have a stick up your ass?

Aren't you going to work?

Are you...

Are you sure this is a good idea?

Who gives a damn?

If it all goes south, we'll be eating our own words.

Hey, soldiers, what are you waiting for?

Follow me.

Move it! We're running out of time!

Yes, sir!

Fuck.

Where the heck are you?

Thank you for your patience and compliance.

We are approaching Pyongyang, so please bear with us a little bit more.

As soon as we reach Pyongyang,

we'll request that North Korea returns all of you home safely.

If you need to use the restroom, please use it now.

After the meal is over, we'll be collecting all cigarettes.

The collected cigarettes will be shared equally among us over time.

Hold on.

I had three packs of Marlboro, but he barely has a whole pack.

Isn't it unfair to divvy them up equally?

It's because of people like you that we're trying to bring about a revolution.

You keep talking about revolution.

May I ask what the goal of your revolution is?

LONG LIVE LENINISM

"Capitalism that only chases success

will inevitably lead to discrimination and submission

and breed classism."

We plan to overthrow such established order

and bring peace to the world.

I heard them refer to you as the leader.

But I guess that doesn't count as classism.

What?

Anyway.

You hijacked a plane, and now you plan to organize an army in the name of peace?

Peace doesn't necessarily require peaceful means.

Wow.

That's some impressive logic.

That almost persuaded me.

Friendly 5-1-1, 0-9-5.

I found it!

What was the previous track?

Friendly 510 was at 105,

- 108 miles-- - Okay!

If we tracked them here and then here,

that kind of speed only comes from a fighter jet.

Then that means the Unknown 472 in front of them

is the plane we're looking for!

Oh! I get... What?

- What? - What?

An unidentified aircraft invaded our airspace illegally,

so naturally, according to protocol, we scrambled our fighter jets.

But we shouldn't scramble according to protocol.

Does the Air Force not know about this operation?

Mr. Kim, sir.

CHIEF OF STAFF, ROK AIR FORCE FROM EARLIER

Unless His Excellency directly orders it...

Per protocol, two fighter jets have been scrambled.

They should've caught up with it by now!

Well done.

You did an amazing job. You did great.

RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT'S CHIEF OF STAFF

Having the head of the ROK Air Force on my side

is so reassuring, let me tell you.

If I could be of any help to you, I'll do all I can--

"Splitting move."

Oh, fuck!

What's wrong, sir? Did I make a mistake?

No, not at all.

Anyway, make their balls crawl back inside them

and force them to land at the nearest runway.

What if they refuse to comply?

Then what should we do?

"Push and crush"!

"Push and crush"...

Are you saying we should shoot it down?

What is that?

What is that?

- It's a South Korean fighter jet. - South Korea?

We must have veered off course. Connect to the emergency frequency.

This is the Korean Air Force.

You made an intrusion in Korean airspace.

State your call sign and destination.

Japanese Ride 351.

We are an unarmed Japanese civilian aircraft.

This is not our destination here.

We are heading to Pyongyang Airport.

You are intercepted by Korean Air Force.

Descend and maintain 9,000.

What are they saying?

Follow me.

I say again,

you are intercepted by Korean Air Force.

We don't allow you to go to Pyongyang.

We don't allow you to go to Pyongyang.

I say again, we don't allow you to go to Pyongyang.

Follow--

What are you doing?

What if we get shot down?

If we can't set foot in Pyongyang,

then dying in the sky isn't too bad.

They've pulled back!

But wait...

They're in attack position.

- Call the Osan base right now! - Yes, sir!

- No, no. Hey, Dopey. - Sir?

Go sit back down.

- I-- - What do you think you're doing?

This is a secret operation by the KCIA.

Secret operation, my ass.

What if there are casualties?

Isn't this a rescue mission?

Everyone, take your seats and buckle up!

- Prepare for Plan B. - Damn it!

Come on.

What are you doing?

What was that... just now?

I think it was a flock of geese.

Lieutenant Go-myung.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

Attacking a Japanese commercial flight is a declaration of war.

What lunatic would do such a thing?

What?

They didn't respond?

Those Reds are so rude, no matter what nationality they are.

If they refuse to land before the Demarcation Line,

then just turn back.

"Cross"!

Yes!

They've turned back!

Wait a second.

If the Korean fighter jets have turned back...

It just crossed the MDL and entered our airspace.

All right, comrades!

Our internationalist revolutionary warriors

are flying straight into the Republic's arms!

Open the emergency frequency.

Now what?

You said we can't initiate communication from here.

That's why Lieutenant Seo opened the emergency frequency.

When they try to radio again, we'll intercept their transmission.

But wait, what if they--

What if they're already talking to Pyongyang?

You said they're headed straight to them.

They probably won't know Pyongyang's frequency.

How the heck would you know?

If they were under Pyongyang's control,

they wouldn't have dared to go through South Korea like that.

They will end up using the emergency frequency.

The problem is that the emergency frequency of 121.5 MHz is used worldwide,

so anyone can listen in.

Including Pyongyang.

So the call won't come directly to us but to an emergency contact? Is that it?

Then are the South Koreans listening in as well?

Cat got your tongue? Answer us!

My head's about to explode from all the noise.

Keep it down, all of you.

You little ass--

Without talking to a control tower,

we might get swept away or crash into a mountain.

You said this frequency was open to everyone.

What if someone else listens in?

Do you want to be aimlessly flying in the sky forever?

The elite controller face-off between North and South Korea

is simpler than it seems.

No.

It's not simple at all.

This duel demands extreme focus and speed.

Amid the countless transmissions, we have to locate Haru's call

and press this red button even just 0.0000000001 second faster.

That's how you win this solitary and nerve-wracking battle.

So, to summarize,

the person with the fastest hand wins.

If I had to give an example...

Like Clint Eastwood in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Is it connected?

Listening. Go ahead.

Wildfire extinguished! Wildfire extinguished!

Returning to headquarters.

All firefighting helicopters,

please refrain from using the emergency frequency from now on.

Oh, come on, man!

We've always used it. So let's keep it that way.

The emergency frequency is for emergencies only!

Firefighting helicopters are supposed to put out fires!

That's not an emergency, you bastard!

What a fool.

That dumb South Korean controller

is fighting with a firefighting helicopter pilot right now.

We'd expect nothing less from a US imperialist pawn.

Shouldn't they have reached out by now?

Any station. This is Japanese Ride 351.

This is Japanese Ride 351.

We're asking for Pyongyang approach control.

Japanese Ride 351.

Japanese Ride 351.

- This is Pyongyang approach control. - ...Pyongyang.

South Korea might listen to this.

Your radio is very weak and garbled on this frequency.

- Go to... - Change frequency to...

...134.1.

129.7.

And follow my instructions.

This is Japanese Ride 351.

Frequency...

134.1.

Frequency 134.1.

Over.

This is Japanese Ride 351.

Now on your frequency, 134.1.

Japanese Ride 351.

Radar contact.

Fly heading 290 and maintain 9,000 ft.

Fire surface-to-air missiles immediately and draw them back!

Do not shoot them down! Just send a signal. Understood?

Fire!

What...

is going on now?

Explosive noise and light detected on our route.

This is for you guys, comrades.

Welcome to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

I see...

So this is a cannon salute?

Leader.

Even North Korea's welcome is revolutionary, isn't it?

Yes.

Congrats to you too, Captain.

You hit 10,000 flight hours.

I think my hemorrhoids are peeking out more.

Lieutenant Seo! The world's greatest hijacker!

To double hijack a plane without setting foot in it?

That's damn good, right?

You saved a lot of lives, man.

Yup. Thank you, sir.

And you can get yourself fucking cheeseburgers

with the price of their lives.

All right. Captain, stand by.

Hey, can you stall for as long as you can until they arrive at Kimpo?

The mission succeeded. You could at least give me some praise.

Don't you know that quote? "Success is not final."

Winston Churchill.

Right.

Keep up the good work.

Where do you keep disappearing to?

What does it matter to you?

If you don't see me, it means I'm working.

CHAPTER 3 SANDCASTLE

What about the US aircraft on the runway?

It's a nightmare trying to get them all to take off,

so we're trying to hide them away as best we can.

I don't think hiding them will do.

Look at that. Are you going to take your sweet time moving those?

This isn't like parking cars, sir!

Hey, mister!

You can't just pull the flag down like that! It's all tangled!

Is the North Korean flag really on its way?

Where do you even get hold of a thing like that?

Cut! Cut!

You call that acting?

That wasn't realistic at all!

- You can't just shoot-- - Sir! Sir!

Someone wants to see you.

Who the hell is ordering the director around on set?

Come out!

There we go!

Now, this is what I call realistic! You know?

But weren't we filming the Korean Army scene tomorrow?

I'm sure it's realistic because they're real soldiers.

- Thank you for coming, director. - You must be the planner!

- Yes. - You know, as an artist,

I'm so honored by this opportunity to serve my country!

PYONGYANG SUNAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Wow, they are tossing someone in the air!

Hooray for Park Sang-hyeon!

Hooray for the Republic of Korea!

Hooray for Park Sang-hyeon!

Hooray for the Republic of Korea!

- Gosh, my back. - Look who it is!

The defeated troop is making an entrance.

- You pulled off a big one, Park. - I did.

His Excellency will be pleased.

But is it really okay to pretend this is North Korea?

Isn't saving lives more important than ideology, brother?

Seo Go-myung.

Man, what a name!

It's been so long since I've seen such a reliable young man.

I'm so proud and happy!

So I heard that your father fought in the Korean War.

Yes, sir!

He lost both legs in the Reds' grenade attack, didn't he?

No, sir. It was our own grenade.

Such is the tragedy of war. Sacrifice always follows.

- But he was always proud, sir! - Is that right?

And he's about to get prouder now.

His son's about to get decorated with a medal and everything.

- You may resume your duties. - Yes, sir!

Minister.

Why don't we put him right in front?

It's the perfect picture!

Two generations of national heroes.

All right, you have 30 seconds to change and gather outside!

Wait, these ladies are too refined.

This is how you keep it realistic.

You know how they say,

"Handsome men in the South, beautiful ladies in the North."

- Can't remember. - What?

Why are you wearing the puppet army's uniform?

I used to be an actor!

If I can't capture this moment on film,

I want to at least be a part of it!

It's only realistic if people believe it to be so.

But will they believe you're a soldier?

Are you saying that

because I'm fat?

- Assistant Director. - Yes, sir.

Isn't this social discrimination and prejudice?

Of course! In this day and age? You can't say things like that.

I was just saying! Since you're a soldier...

Never mind. Go ahead.

You're right. Some soldier I am.

Can't see his own dick because of his pot belly.

When did I ever say that? I told you to go ahead!

This is my character, okay?

I'm a well-fed officer from a wealthy family.

Even Kim Il Sung in the North is a pig!

- You know? - Yes, I got it.

I've filmed eight anti-communist films!

- Eight! Your outdated-- - Okay! Go ahead!

Oh, fuck it.

What does it matter?

Japanese Ride 351.

Your position, 80 miles west of the airport.

Descend and maintain 4,000. And maintain present heading.

This is Japanese Ride 351. Maintain 4,000 and approaching.

Japanese Ride 351, roger.

Continue descent to 2,500.

Cleared ILS runway 14 approach.

Contact tower 129.1.

Approaching runway 14. Control tower, standby.

Bravo!

Can I trust you to take care of things until the hostages are off the plane?

Excuse me?

Sir, RAPCON is under US command,

and landing is controlled by our control tower.

The landing controller is already on standby. I don't know if I should--

What are you talking about?

Until the hostages land on Kimpo soil,

Lieutenant Seo should be in control and put an end to this

so that your heroic arc will be complete.

When they get off, we'll take a group photo here

and get some interviews as well.

And you get a medal.

What a great opportunity.

The hero of Korea, Lieutenant Seo Go-myung,

is entering Seoul right now with a million citizens welcoming him.

You are a hero who saved the lives of 106 Japanese passengers.

How does that feel?

I'm undeserving of the word "hero."

As a member of the ROK Air Force,

as an air traffic controller,

I simply did my duty.

Oh, my stomach hurts.

Lieutenant Seo Go-myung, Korea's own hero!

Why are you taking a dump after you wash your hands?

Mr. Park is asking for you.

My beloved Mr. Park. We are ready to go.

Okay. Great job.

Now go greet our guests.

Me?

Since when do planners show up on set?

Who else knows North Korea better than you?

Fuck, that ridiculous rumor was true?

What rumor?

You know you can't pull up his resident registration number, right?

There are rumors he was part of the North's puppet army.

And you know how Mr. Park's father was a general back then?

Among the puppet soldiers they captured during battle,

there was one that stood out among others. A genius.

And that was Nobody?

Yes! They erased all his records

and kept him as a fixer for two generations.

That's ridiculous.

So you're saying we've been hunting Reds with a Red?

Wouldn't Mr. Park just have given him a new identity instead?

Then they can't keep him on a leash.

Look.

He drags him around everywhere and makes him do all the dirty work.

So you've decided to join us and witness history in the making.

I'm so thrilled that I'm positively shaking.

It'll go well, won't it?

We managed to slap something together. Let's just hope it holds.

This morning,

I didn't think I'd be coming to Pyongyang.

You will all be heading back to Japan soon.

Thank goodness we didn't have to resort to Plan B.

Plan B?

All right, the plane is coming in!

Welcome team, shake those pom-poms! Come on, show me what you've got!

Cameras! Start rolling!

Puppet soldiers! In formation!

All right, ready!

Action!

Japanese Ride 351.

Welcome to Pyongyang.

You may open the door and get off.

Why aren't they coming out?

Shut up!

Comrades of the Revolution! Welcome!

We've prepared

a press conference at the airport--

Japanese Ride 351, do you have any problem?

Is this really Pyongyang?

Where else would this be?

A comrade saw a US plane on the runway.

I clearly saw

"Northwest" on its tail.

Why is there a capitalist plane in the land of revolution?

It's a decoy aircraft.

We'll be sending soldiers of the revolution like you to the US.

You're going to hit the US directly...?

North Korea's really something else.

Yeah.

Leader.

Take a look at this!

What?

A Black person?

He's looking at us

while eating a burger.

That idiot.

It's the Soviet army stationed in Pyongyang.

Are there Black people in the Soviet Union?

I've never heard of Black people living there.

But I've also never heard that there weren't any there.

I think there could be some there.

It's a huge country, you know.

Do you think so?

Look outside.

It's clearly Pyongyang.

Hey.

Let me give you a piece of advice.

You shouldn't believe everything you see.

I thought my parents loved each other!

Go find a passenger with a radio.

Alexander Pushkin was Black too.

Who's that?

The father of modern Russian literature.

Come on, that's common knowledge for a soviet follower.

Common knowledge...

Ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to ask you a general knowledge question.

As far as I know,

you are currently running a five-year national economic plan.

Which year are you on now?

I think you may be mistaken.

The five-year economic plan,

which was once in flight like a winged beast,

ended ten years ago.

Then,

when is the Supreme Leader's birthday?

Our beloved comrade Kim Il Sung--

No!

Not you.

You there.

You! The fat one.

I'm talking to you, fatso! Stop looking around!

Answer me!

When is the Supreme Leader's birthday?

I...

do not speak...

Japanese.

This is...

This is Pyongyang?

Yes or no?

Yes.

This is Pyongyang? Yes or no?

Leader! I found a radio...

Yes or no?

This is Pyongyang? Yes or no?

- "Yes or no?" - Yes or no?

- Yes! - Yes or no?

- Yes! - Yes or no?

Louis Armstrong.

This is American capitalist music!

Yes or no?

What the heck is he saying?

Rock, paper, scissors?

Yes or no?

Yes or no?

No.

CHAPTER 4 BAD NEWS

A Japanese aircraft, hijacked by Reds and en route to North Korea,

made an emergency landing at Kimpo Airport.

It's tough as it is with the North.

And now we even have Japanese Red b******* here?

Send them off already to their Red Land!

They're not holding Koreans as hostages.

I'm just scared that our soldiers might get sacrificed.

I knew this would happen.

You didn't have to stir the pot so much.

The President was busy with important business,

but he's been briefed.

He is deeply aware of the gravity of the situation.

And he emphasized that not one life will be lost

on Korean soil, no matter what.

Don't you understand what His Excellency wants?

They're not even our citizens.

He clearly wants the plane to take off and be gone to the North!

Oh, come on, brother!

Why are you making His Excellency into a heartless, inhumane person?

He obviously wants to negotiate and get them off the plane!

I feel like we're losing.

So who's right?

What he wants is for them to figure it out without involving him.

Then, let's decide what His Excellency's intentions are democratically!

Majority rule.

By a show of hands? Is this okay?

Japan is sending Minister of Transport Sugimoto

and Deputy Minister of Transport Ishida to Korea to work closely on the situation.

First time in Korea?

Just 25 years ago, everything was ours, including this airport.

So all the officials here speak Japanese as a given.

You don't need an interpreter.

How did that plane end up here, I wonder?

"It's not like the plan was successful."

"Will you take responsibility

if we end up with dead bodies?"

That's probably how His Excellency feels right now.

He's right. He'll have issues with the process as well.

The Japanese will be here soon.

Imagine if they find out that we disguised Korea as a Red state.

Wouldn't he be embarrassed to look upon our own flag?

Well, well. Our very own Lieutenant Seo Go-myung.

What?

How could you turn a proud country like ours into a Red state?

I mean, earlier you told me to--

Making excuses

is a bad habit of those who fail.

You know?

Everyone.

Can we just blame everything on the rock because we tripped and fell on it?

Can you?

Put your hands down already. What are you, children?

A show of hands?

Yes, majority rule is great.

But isn't a democratic country about respecting the minority as well?

His Excellency once said

that the US is the big brother, and Korea and Japan are siblings.

But those bastards keep treating us like the youngest. Isn't that right?

But what if we take matters into our own hands and resolve this?

Then they'll be bowing to us and saying,

"Arigato, arigato."

That's how we'll become the world's second big brother.

Use your heads!

You're right!

- You're right! - Absolutely right.

Doesn't it make your heart just swell with pride?

We must never, ever forget our history!

Just thinking about it

makes my blood boil and my teeth clench!

Think of the Imjin War!

Think of when those bastards invaded during the colonial rule--

And I'm sure they had their own grievances.

- Oh my, Mr. Kim. - Minister.

- It's been too long. - Indeed.

Please have a seat, Minister.

Our government never got word about our civilian plane landing here.

Was this an official operation by the Korean government?

If it were official, wouldn't we have let you know?

What? If it's not official...

Regrettably, it seems...

that someone here acted on their own

and lied to them, claiming that this was Pyongyang.

Acted on their own?

Who was it?

I was the one...

who did it.

Thank you.

It was truly a brave and remarkable operation.

Lieutenant Go-myung?

Right.

I was simply following the orders from Director Park over there.

I see.

On behalf of the Japanese government, we offer our deepest gratitude.

There is no need for such words between brothers!

Lieutenant Seo. You're the best.

What's the current situation like?

Since the plane lost power, they should be reaching out soon.

Plan B?

Did you say you were a doctor?

What do you think they are planning?

I don't know.

Hey, listen.

Why don't you ask them to start the engine in exchange for some hostages--

I want to talk to the person who landed us here.

Yes, I'm listening.

Your voice is different.

I am in charge here.

Then are you the one who deceived us?

It was a plan to save innocent lives.

First off,

release the passengers, and then we can discuss conditions--

Let's meet in person and talk.

If you're the one who landed us here,

then you should be here in person.

Inside the plane?

Come alone and unarmed.

If you don't come within 30 minutes,

we'll behead a hostage every ten minutes and throw the heads out.

Over.

Will you really be all right alone?

Unfortunately,

they want to speak with the person

who landed them here.

These guys are really perceptive.

I never expected them to remember his voice.

An order should come from the Blue House tomorrow.

Until then, you need to buy more time.

Why the fuck do I have to get beat up and do all the dirty work?

My job was to land the plane safely in Kimpo. I succeeded in my mission!

Okay, I'm the one who failed. Better?

Don't touch me.

Failure is contagious.

Ouch. That wasn't necessary!

You hurt my feelings.

Careful! The paint's still new there, so it's slippery!

Come in.

So you're the boy who cried Pyongyang.

Could you please put the light down?

The engine shut down because you landed us here.

They're connecting it now, so the power should be on soon.

I knew they'd send someone like you.

It's typical of rank-obsessed bureaucrats.

You knew someone like me would have no power.

So why did you call me here?

I wanted to...

show you their faces in person.

Look carefully, boy who cried Pyongyang.

These are the people who will die because of your lies.

If you don't want to become a murderer,

send everyone on this plane to Pyongyang right now.

The weather is bad right now, and it's too dark--

You fool!

You already deceived us once!

Then ask the pilot!

Moreover,

if you cross the Military Demarcation Line now,

what will you do about the North Korean anti-aircraft guns all over the DMZ?

If you get shot down,

none of your bodies will be recovered.

We did all we can. It's time to step back

and do what Mr. Kim said.

Send them off to North Korea.

Here's the thing.

I never reverse even when I drive. Why?

Because it makes me feel like I took the wrong road the whole time,

and it pisses me off!

If I say I'm going this way, that's the right way.

And it should continue to be the right way.

And that's what your job is, brother.

I was just worried that if a bomb really goes off,

you might have to take the blame for it.

One word from me, and he'll press the button.

But you won't.

Because there's nothing you can gain from that.

This is our Plan B.

We'll burn away to white ash

and show the whole world our revolutionary will.

That way,

there will be a second

and a third Ashita no Joe following in our footsteps.

Ashita no Joe?

From the manga series?

You know Ashita no Joe?

Of course I do.

It's a masterpiece.

It truly is.

Especially the ending.

- Yes, yes, exactly! - Right?

At the end,

I don't think Joe died.

- What? - No.

He died.

Do you think giving up one's own life is easy?

They will never be able to detonate it.

But let's be real. It's not my fault even if it does explode.

I'm the one desperately praying that it doesn't explode!

My life...

is your deadline.

If we don't get to Pyongyang,

I'll die anyway.

How is he?

You avoided his vital organs, just as I taught you.

If we can stop the bleeding, he could last another day.

Did you hear that, Leader?

I nailed it!

These lunatics...

You have until noon tomorrow.

If you go over by even one second,

the plane will blow up.

The same conditions apply if Leader dies first.

Please.

Please just send us to Pyongyang.

At least that way,

we can all still live!

You capitalists

only see the price tags and not the true worth of people.

I'm curious now.

What price will you put on the passengers' lives?

I told you it's slippery there, mister!

Oh, fuck it all!

Then you should've sprinkled some dirt on it, you son of a bitch!

Good work, Lieutenant Seo.

We've got plenty of time until noon tomorrow.

They said they refuse to negotiate before then.

- Furthermore-- - What did I say?

- We need to send them off now! - Oh, please.

North Korea put out a statement saying they'll welcome them. So send them off!

Is this fatty tuna?

Did North Korea release a statement?

That's medium-fatty tuna. This is super-fatty tuna.

- Oh, this one? - It's good.

What was it like inside the plane?

What were the hijackers like?

Did they really seem dangerous enough to carry out a suicide bombing?

No.

They were just reckless kids.

Hey!

Are you going to take responsibility if things go wrong?

Come on, he saw it with his own eyes.

If we promise them in His Excellency's name

that we will send them to the North

once they release all the passengers,

this will be solved in no time.

Then why don't we contact the President right now?

Right now...

he should be in bed.

- Excuse me? - But...

he rises early in the morning!

Excuse me?

- You're saying we just wait? - That is a healthy habit.

- Here? - Let's have a smoke.

- But... - It's okay.

If things go south,

we'll blame those idiot Josenjings.

- Don't go kicking the hornet's nest. - But if everything goes well,

Korea will have resolved everything we failed to do.

They'll probably demand some big favor from us.

I told you. If you don't see me, it means I'm working.

Wait. There's actually a Korean passenger onboard?

Really?

That's news to me.

It's an assumption based on the name. Just an assumption.

I marked it right here.

Yuuno Baku?

That's a Japanese name!

But it's in English, so the surname comes second.

Baku Yuuno. Baku Yuno.

Park Yun-ho.

Don't be ridiculous! You're talking nonsense.

Give it here!

Good heavens. Leave!

What kind of nonsense is this?

Is the news a joke to you?

How dare you make light of the news in this day and age!

I'm a member of the press, all right?

- Director! - What? What now?

You know what I'm best at, right?

- Rooting out Reds. - No.

Making Reds out of normal people.

There's no need to get all scary like that.

I know full well that the press shouldn't lie.

So I'm telling you, it's just an assumption.

Today, the name Park Yun-ho, allegedly a Korean-Japanese man, has been found

on the list of passengers aboard the Japanese airplane in Kimpo Airport.

Oh, and tack on this little headline from three months ago.

This incident is reminiscent of a similar hijacking of the YS-11

that occurred just three months ago by the North Korean puppet army.

They locked us up one by one

and then subjected us to brutal electrical torture.

What do you think?

Is it tugging at your heartstrings?

So, that...

Korean passenger story is a lie?

What does it matter?

Oh, the moon is beautiful tonight.

Maybe the far side of the moon isn't as beautiful.

Did you know we'll never see the far side of the moon?

Because its orbit matches its rotation.

It was a philosophical question, not a scientific one.

"Sometimes the truth lies on the far side of the moon.

But that doesn't mean what's on the near side is fiction."

By Truman Shady.

- Haven't you heard that one? - Of course I have!

There could be all kinds of bullshit happening in the dark,

but people only believe what they see.

And that becomes the truth, like the news.

Maybe it's the moon making you talk crap.

No matter which side you look at, it's still the moon.

You're the one barking nonsense, not me!

Are you calling me a dog?

She's here.

Thank you for coming at such a late hour.

Oh, you're even more beautiful in person.

What would you like me to do?

Just tell the truth, that's all.

- The others? - They're on their way.

We absolutely need the electrocuted guy.

We are still trying to save people, aren't we?

Go ahead. I'll meet you there.

This way, please.

Everything will be solved as soon as the President gives the word.

And if he doesn't?

What happens then?

Like you said, they're a bunch of reckless kids.

Didn't you say that so they wouldn't send them off?

KIMPO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The 66 days I spent in North Korea

made me feel less than human.

Sometimes, even the truth lies.

I felt like...

I would be better off dead.

And lies also tell the truth.

Our station spoke with the Korean Embassy in Japan

and was able to confirm

13 people named Park Yun-ho who currently reside in Japan.

I was tortured and electrocuted

by the puppet army.

I am currently being treated at a psychiatric hospital.

It's most likely that Mr. Park Yun-ho

will suffer the same fate as me.

Real events that happened, a little bit of creativity,

and the willingness to suspend disbelief.

If these three components come together...

Those damn puppet bastards from the North!

- Yes! - Take them down!

An anti-Communist demonstration occurred in front of Kimpo Airport.

The people are crying out for peace and liberty.

And they are demanding the release of Mr. Park Yun-ho and other passengers.

What a sight to behold.

Koreans are so full of love, emotion, and energy!

The Blue House is en route.

I'm sure he's worried about the election next year.

Wouldn't you say

that this is the greatness of democracy?

I wonder if he'll come in person.

No.

His Excellency could not make it, for some unknown reason,

but the First Lady will be coming instead.

Could you take the photos from the left instead?

That's my better side.

His Excellency is unwell.

How so? Where is he feeling ill?

Don't worry yourselves too much.

How could you say that?

Depending on the condition, it could be a national disaster.

He is...

very hungover right now.

He had a few too many drinks.

Send someone immediately

and get some natural hangover remedy from Taebaek Mountain.

His Excellency...

is more concerned about this crisis than his hangover.

He holds his liquor far better than most adult men, as you know.

You must be the controller.

The Republic of Korea will never forget your service.

Thank you, ma'am.

Those poor people.

I can't imagine the fear that is gripping them inside that plane.

But I heard that there were...

some people here who wanted to send them north.

His Excellency was adamant on having no casualties on our--

Up in the North!

Do you even know the horrors occurring there now?

She pointed to the east, not the north,

but no one said a thing.

If you agreed to send them to North Korea, please leave this room.

You don't deserve to be here.

Ma'am, what we meant was--

I said now!

That fucking crazy bitch!

You know what? Let it fucking blow up!

Let it blow up!

Madam.

North Korea has already guaranteed the safety of our citizens.

Deputy Minister. Do you really believe what communists say?

What about the rest of you?

- No, ma'am! - No, ma'am!

Twenty years ago...

It was a peaceful Sunday morning on June 25, 1950.

That communist puppet army stormed in from the North.

They covered this land in blood and took countless lives.

I will never forget what happened.

We cannot and will not

believe those evil communists ever again.

Our anti-communist hero,

Lee Seung-bok, was just a little boy,

but his last words before he was killed by the North Korean spies were...

- "I hate communism!" - "I hate communism!"

I hereby give this order in the name of the President of the Republic of Korea.

The second they release the passengers, tell them to get lost and go north.

That's all.

Hooray!

- Hooray! - Hooray!

- Finally, the wheels... - Began turning again.

Good news!

The document you just received

ensures you'll be able to enter North Korea,

as long as you let everyone go.

It's confirmed by the government of Republic of Korea!

You fool! Are you joking?

You want us to believe this piece of paper?

Your army will charge onto the plane as soon as we let the hostages go!

It's for real this time.

Just let the passengers go,

and you can go wherever you want!

There was one thing we overlooked.

No one believed the boy who cried wolf anymore.

We will only release them after we set foot in North Korea.

If you don't let us go, the plane will blow exactly at noon. Over.

Fuck.

No, Leader!

If you die before noon, I'll kill you!

I lied.

Those bastards are all insane.

If that bomb goes off...

their deaths are all on me.

I feel like you're thinking too highly of yourself.

All we did was follow orders.

Does justifying it like that help you sleep at night?

Justification is a survival instinct.

Without it, it'd be a tough life to live.

Considering the situation,

isn't it time for us to try something?

Just now,

I was praying.

Praying?

Let's have a meeting.

Let's have a meeting!

What meeting?

We cannot refute the will of His Excellency!

So all you're doing is praying?

Praying?

Does prayer solve the current problem?

Will it improve the situation? Will it please His Excellency?

What are you going to do?

I should at least tell them to send them north.

Pull yourself together. You're just a controller.

At least I'm not a nobody.

If I can't say what's on my mind, how is this not a dictatorship?

A dictatorship?

A dictatorship?

At least we don't crown and revere kings like you.

Don't interpret this.

Mr. Park! You do realize you committed a diplomatic offense, yes?

What was that?

Did you just hit me?

Wow. Did you see that?

You saw it, right?

He's just casually throwing hands now.

Didn't anyone see that?

Seriously? No one saw it?

I did!

I saw it with my own two eyes.

- You did? - Yes!

This is no longer about feelings offended. This is a military provocation!

And from now on, everything's in Korean.

This is the Republic of Korea!

- Mr. Park! - Lieutenant Seo.

You get it, don't you? This is a game of chicken.

They'll never be able to detonate it, so don't call them.

Answer.

Hey, you little punk. Answer me!

Praying?

Praying doesn't change anything!

Stupid idiots!

Idiots! You stupid idiots! Use your heads, you fools!

Are you all lacking brain cells? Do you not have a brain at all?

Whether the bomb blows up or not, the result's already been decided.

So you should get out of here first.

Do you really think they'll blow it up?

No, right?

Of course not.

But if anything does happen,

everything falls on the field commander.

That's right! The field commander. How dare this shameless--

Wait a second.

That's me, isn't it?

Of course not.

You're the one who assigns the field commander.

There are so many other pressing issues, but we've neglected them for so long!

Return to your posts and do your duty!

- Serve the country with all your heart! - Let's go!

Those brainless idiots!

What is the point in praying?

Religion...

It's a business that can never fail, don't you think?

Desperate people end up turning to God--

You have no right to mock me!

You don't even have a plan!

Was it any different

in your country, sir?

I'm so mad.

There's nothing I can do...

except stand here and watch.

This feeling of helplessness...

Do you have anything to say to the victims of this incident?

Lieutenant Seo Go-myung, say something.

Defendant Seo Go-myung aided in the deaths of 106 innocent lives

and is hereby sentenced to death.

Why the hell are you breaking stuff?

- You're not going to talk to them? - Did you not...

Did you not hear what Director Park said?

He said not to initiate!

Director Park isn't here right now.

How so?

That fucking motherfucker!

What am I supposed to do here? He dumped all of this on me now?

What the hell am I supposed to do?

He suddenly named me field commander!

It's you, isn't it? You bastard! You dumped this shit show on me!

Minister!

It certainly is a shit show.

But the question is, who made this shit show?

Why does the field commander always have to take the blame?

The one who ignored orders and caused this shit show

is right over there.

- What are you doing? - You bastard!

How are you going to fix this?

Japanese Ride 351.

Japanese Ride 351.

This is Kimpo Control Tower.

The military is withdrawing.

Is this your answer?

I will not lie to you anymore.

The condition still stands.

As I told you earlier, if you let the hostages go,

everyone can live.

Don't try to stall for time.

Even Leader...

doesn't have much time left.

Are you going to give up this easily?

Ashita no Joe fought until the end.

You're right, boy who cried Pyongyang.

Ashita no Joe

burned brightly until there were only ashes.

After that death, there was nothing left.

Nothing half-burned left behind.

Just pure white ash.

Even though he didn't win in the end,

that alone made it worthwhile and meaningful.

Ashita no Joe didn't die!

The illustrator didn't color it in!

So it just looks like he turned white and faded into death!

Please. Please!

Let's meet and talk.

I'll come back in!

Oh, fuck!

We've done all we can now.

In the end,

there are things that can only end with sacrifice.

FOUR MINUTES BEFORE DETONATION

I don't know whether I wanted to save them

or I just didn't want to kill them.

I was dragged here out of the blue, made some absurd plan...

May I say this is North Korea?

I hijacked the airwaves

and turned Kimpo into Pyongyang.

I may never become a hero,

but I did not want to become a murderer.

No. Please, no!

No!

FOUR MINUTES AGO

In the end,

there are things that can only end with sacrifice.

Sacrifice?

In other words,

you'd call it "responsibility."

Just like the boy who ran out just now.

He didn't pray.

He took action.

Can you hear me?

I am Shinichi Ishida, the Deputy Minister of Transport.

I request a hostage exchange.

I will go to Pyongyang with you.

As Japan's Deputy Minister of Transport, I can be your ticket to Pyongyang.

No.

Please, no!

No!

That must hurt.

You've worked hard,

boy who cried Pyongyang.

The communists, who swore to tear down classism and capitalism,

ended up setting the price for more than 100 civilians

as that of one Japanese Deputy Minister.

After much effort from our government, over 50 Japanese hostages were freed

from the violent, reckless Red Army Faction

and emerged in more or less good health.

Think of it as a little trip.

To North Korea?

How is this a little trip?

However, in exchange,

Deputy Minister Ishida was taken hostage by the North Korean puppet army.

Once Deputy Minister Shinichi boarded the plane,

the rest of the passengers were able to return to their families.

Your Excellency! How's your hangover?

CHAPTER 5 GOOD NEWS

We hijacked their transmission.

As they hijacked a physical plane,

we hijacked the invisible airwaves.

When you say "we," who else do you mean, Lieutenant?

For every big job like this...

there are always people who put in their work namelessly and tirelessly.

I'll leave it at that.

So the aircraft didn't land here by mistake

but due to deliberate efforts from our government.

Will it not cause North Korea to provoke us somehow?

The Republic of Korea

continues its strong alliance with the US

and will not bow down to any threat.

You are a hero who saved 106 lives. What's next in store for you?

I'll have to finish today's shift, first of all.

Then I'll head back to base

and catch myself on the nine o'clock news.

Jeez.

I really had to go today.

You're getting way too comfortable here.

Hey, wait for me!

You used me as a pawn to move that Japanese minister, didn't you?

I wasn't entirely sure it would work.

But you two just looked the most sincere.

There's no way you don't have a bathroom at home.

Good news, bad news.

Which one do you want first?

Don't scare me like that.

It's better to take a hit first.

Then we'll start with the bad news.

They landed in Pyongyang yesterday.

They'll be returning the Deputy Minister and the pilots safely too.

That's great. Then why is this the bad news?

We got some intel from our spies over there last night.

All the guns and bombs they had...

were fake.

What?

That makes no sense.

We never intended

to kill the passengers.

If we couldn't make it to Pyongyang,

we had resolved to take our lives with the Japanese sword.

That was our Plan B.

Then we ended up saving their lives.

What about the good news?

It's about the president's hangover from yesterday.

It seems that he had a drink with the US ambassador.

Turns out the US will begin talks with the Soviets.

A good thing, to be sure.

At that rate, we could also eventually reunify with North Korea.

Isn't that good news?

So you're saying that if we beef with North Korea, it upsets the US?

Is that it?

You sure catch on quickly.

Officially, our government was never involved.

Don't be ridiculous.

Like the North is going to believe that after all that ruckus.

They need to play along because the Soviets want it that way too.

Then...

what about my promotion?

And my medals?

Are they all gone too?

Even the interview you gave today...

Oh, fuck. Fuck.

How the fuck is this good news?

Everything ended well, and nobody died.

Including you.

You're threatening me to keep my mouth shut, aren't you?

And what if I won't?

You know what will happen.

Is this how you always felt?

I told you.

It's still the moon.

It doesn't need a name in order to exist.

It also doesn't need to be recognized to hold meaning on its own.

What you did,

in itself,

was worthwhile.

The heroes who saved over 100 passengers have returned.

Shinichi Ishida, the Deputy Minister of Transport,

exchanged himself for the hostages at Kimpo, Korea,

and saved 106 lives.

Our heroes, Captain Takahiro Kubo and co-pilot Seigo Maeda,

made an emergency landing in Itazuke

and saved 23 lives.

No, I don't deserve to be called a hero.

As Japan's Deputy Minister of Transport,

I simply did my duty.

After enduring 10,000 flight hours,

I have incurred hemorrhoids.

But right now,

I am proud of them.

It was an honor to serve alongside your hemorrhoids, Captain!

"Sometimes the truth lies on the far side of the moon."

"But that doesn't mean what's on the near side is fiction."

By Truman Shady.

Right...

- It's still the moon. - I'd like to confess something.

I did not know that quote by Truman Shady.

- Of course not. - It's still the moon.

He never said such a thing.

Ta-da.

By the way,

why did you choose that name, of all names?

RESIDENT REGISTRATION CARD CHOI GO-MYUNG

Just because.

So you want to know who Truman Shady is?

What does it matter?

He's just...

Nobody.

THIS FILM IS A WORK OF FICTION INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS

ANY RESEMBLANCE TO REAL PERSONS, EVENTS, OR LOCATIONS IS PURELY COINCIDENTAL

Subtitle translation by Grace Kim