Original subtitles

This film is based on a true story, but the characters, events, and locations

have been restructured for dramatic purposes.

Fine, I’ll die for real!

Let’s all die together!

Please, snap out of it!

I never cheated on you!

I know you’ve been around the block!

I swear, I never cheated!

Hey, give me the megaphone.

You didn’t answer my calls!

What took you so long?

Yes, yes, I understand.

Sir!

For everyone’s sake, don’t do anything reckless,

and go back inside!

Go inside!

Put down the gasoline!

Sir!

Tell that bastard,

I truly loved a bitch like you!

I’ll pass on the message!

Set yourself on fire!

You stay out of this!

Sir, calm down and go inside!

What’s the bastard’s name?!

Give me his number!

You there!

Stay out of this, I’ll get you arrested!

Salute!

You graduated from college with a major in athletics?

- That’s right, sir. - Good.

Go wait in the break room for now.

When everyone returns from the call, you can introduce yourself.

Are you the new rescue guy?

Yes.

- Good luck out there. - Thank you.

Hyun-su, release it exactly in 5 seconds.

You’re all dead!

I’m gonna burn this place down!

- Move in. - Move in!

What the hell are you doing?!

Grab him!

Get him, his hands!

Grab his hands!

Stay still! Don’t move!

Be careful not to injure him!

I gotta go to the restroom!

- Salute! - Hey!

Reporting for duty, fighfi--

Rescue dispatch, Western Station.

Rescue dispatch.

Hey, you run too, quickly!

Yes, sir!

FIREFIGHTERS

Vehicles collided with a truck and fell from the Hongeun Overpass.

Other units in the Western are engaged at another scene,

once you’re on site,

focus on saving lives immediately.

4-6!

4-7!

Prepare the spreader and ram!

Yes, Chief!

And bring the crowbar.

Yes, Cap!

Yong-tae, he’s the new guy?

Yeah.

You’re a hottie.

Gi-cheol,

your days as the department poster boy are over.

Hey!

Grab the crowbar.

Yes, sir.

Western 148 on site, initiating field operations.

- Grab the equipment! - Yes, sir!

Hose, get the hose!

And grab the crowbar, too.

Smoke is coming from the vehicle on fire.

What are you doing?!

Get over here!

Where’s the crowbar?

Here...

I don’t believe this...

Stay right there!

Crowbar, crowbar! Now!

- Open it up. - Yes, sir.

Can you hear me?

Can you?

- Yong-tae, support his neck. - Supporting.

If you’re conscious...

Inward!

- grab the reel! - Got it!

One, two!

What are you doing?!

Come help!

Yes!

- Careful with his back. - Support his back.

One, two!

Stop!

Son of a bitch!

I’m sorry...

I panicked...

If you panic out in the field,

what would the person you’re rescuing think?

I’m sorry.

Even if you get impaled or your back is burning,

never show panic or exhaustion in the field.

Do you understand?

Yes, I understand.

Memorize all the equipment names ASAP.

Yes, sir.

Hey! So the rookie’s here?

Well done, Bravo Team!

- Good job, everyone. - Good work today.

Well done.

Good work today, take care.

Good job, everyone.

It’s so itchy.

Here, try this.

What is it?

That new dermatologist made this herself,

it’s dope.

This will help with the itching, try it.

I can’t reach, can you apply some?

So itchy...

Jesus...

Look how much you’ve scratched, your back’s completely torn up.

That feels so refreshing, it’s really dope.

- Yeah? - Totally.

Hey! Dammit!

- Several bowls, please! - Sure.

For completing his first 24 hours, give it up for Choi Cheol-woong!

Cheers!

Cheers!

Look at that rookie,

you’re quite handsome.

He’s bound to be a fire chief.

Thank you.

Come on, ever seen a rescue unit guy become chief?

Who says it can’t happen?

Eat up, everyone!

Yes, ma’am!

This one’s all blood sausage, it’s yours.

But are there no rescue unit chiefs?

Nope, none.

It’s all brawn over brains around here.

There will never be one.

You’re talking out of your brawn again.

We’re all just blockheads.

Here, blockhead.

- Cheol-woong. - Yes, sir.

The things and victims you saw at the scene today,

don’t hold onto it, just let it go, got it?

Yes, sir.

Otherwise, you won’t last in this job.

Yes, sir.

- Cheers! - Thank you!

Ready, set!

Cheol-woong!

Kick up with your legs as you climb!

Understood!

Cheol-woong, did you eat slugs for breakfast?

Mine, mine, mine!

Yo, Cheol-woong!

Take it! Kick it over!

Good!

Here it comes!

I thought you could kick, but you're a total amateur.

Just focus on saving people!

I’ll do my best!

What exactly are you going to do your best at?

Saving people and playing football tennis!

Ma’am!

Almost done! Almost!

Help me!

Could I get another?

Thank you!

Eating for two?

Cap wants me to go on patrol with Cheol-woong.

Come on...

Why is he making the rescue unit do that?

Sir! Please!

Let go of me!

Sir!

Stop!

You can’t do that!

Are you okay?

Sir, are you okay?

When there’s a fire, firefighters spray water with hoses from the fire engine!

The rescue truck saves people when there’s a fire!

Rescue truck!

That’s right!

What’s going on?

Dispatch! Dispatch!

Dispatch!

Dispatch! Cheol-woong, run!

Hurry up!

Cheol-woong!

Grab the crowbar!

Love is more painful than joyful,

you planted that in me

I loved you so

Rescue unit, go!

Get me another beer!

Keep the vibe going, keep it up, keep it up.

Get the energy up!

Rook, sing us a song!

I’m not much of a singer.

That’s bullshit!

Doesn’t matter, sing!

Don’t bail out, all the seniors are doing it.

I really can’t sing...

Let’s go!

You in My Hazy Memory Sssssslip, oh yeah

Order ten more bottles of beer!

Okay, I’ll be right back!

Love it!

Here comes the waterworks!

Mom! Give me the new kimchi!

Alright!

Well-off people never call us.

Now you can be punished for making a false 112 call.

They do a double take before calling.

Right.

We’re not any authority agency.

Yup.

Drunk people call more.

That sounds right.

New kimchi!

Coming.

Eat up.

- Thanks, mom. - Thank you.

Go easy with this.

Is your brother and parents doing well?

Yes, he works in Daejun, so they live there now.

I see.

Stop living alone and come stay with us.

I’ll make you nice meals.

I’ll think it over, ma’am.

Don’t think, stay while she asks.

It’s been so long since I last saw them.

For sure.

Yeah.

- By the way, - Hm?

are other captains like that too?

What do you mean?

Sometimes Captain Jung seems to overdo things.

He’s making us do things the cops should be doing.

It’s not that,

he just does things instinctively.

Like, if he feels like it, he just does it by nature.

What can we do? He’s the cap.

What about Commander Kang?

What about him?

There has to be a command structure,

and Cap won’t obey his orders?

It’s not like that,

they’re special forces buddies, so they’re just close friends.

But still, he’s #1.

Of what?

The number of rescues.

He’s been #1 nationwide for 5 years in a row.

So no one can touch him, his skills are the best.

Seriously?

No...

It’s the cheapest price around.

Then sign the contract.

We’re short on money.

Wouldn’t they refuse if we’re short?

But this place is the cheapest.

Is there no way?

Friend Chicken

I get $200 allowance, what can I do?

You manage all our money.

There is one way, though.

What way could there be?

How much do you think your pension will be?

What?

I’ll do it.

I’ll write it, right this second.

Cheol-woong, get me a red pen.

What for?

Mom had a bad dream,

and told me to write something on my sole.

- Okay. - I sent Cheol-woong to get it.

You heard his voice.

- I’ll do it, it’s fine. - No, it’s okay.

No, no, no!

That’s a permanent marker, it won’t come off.

It won’t work if it comes off.

Wait, wait!

Wait!

Please!

Fire dispatch, fire dispatch.

Western station, fire dispatch.

Fire dispatch, rescue commander on board.

Low rise, 429 Nogbeon-dong, 3rd floor.

About six households, victims on-site.

Looks like we’ve got a big one today.

There are victims present, stay sharp, everyone!

Yes, sir!

Hey!

Yes?

Why bother wiping it? It’ll be covered in soot.

Right.

These goddamn cars...

Get out.

Yes, sir!

Run!

Run! Run!

Western, 4-8, on site.

Commencing operation.

Requesting additional support!

Connect the hose!

What took you so long?!

Hyo-jong and Rook, take the first floor.

- Yes, sir! - Yes, Cap!

Gi-cheol, Hyun-su, second floor!

Yes, Cap!

Yong-tae, you’re with me on the third floor!

Yes, Cap!

Request support if needed! Report the situation!

I can’t see a damn thing...

- Watch your step ahead! - Okay!

- Hey, left side, left side! - Copy!

First floor entrance here!

Copy!

- Yong-tae. - What?

Be careful.

Okay, you too!

Sure.

Connect the hose! Connect the hose!

Connecting!

Hot!

The fire seems to have started on the first floor!

- Cheol-woong, the crowbar. - Yes, sir.

And take a step back.

The fire could burst out.

Squad 1, entering the third floor!

The fire hasn’t spread yet!

Searching for victims!

Is anyone inside?

Is anyone inside?!

If you can hear me, make a sound!

Open up!

Opening!

Hey, you okay?

Yes, I’m good.

Stay close!

We’ve found the source of the fire! Check the city gas line, 4-6!

Entered the first floor! Starting the search!

Rook, smash the window!

Yes, sir.

Did you shut off the city gas?

Yes, we just did, but...

But what?

Most units here use individual LPG tanks.

What?

Goddammit...

There might be a separate LPG storage room inside,

evac ASAP!

4-6?

4-7!

Is anyone in here?!

Cap, 2nd floor clear!

No one on the 2nd floor!

Let’s swap floors and check again!

- Cheol-woong! - Yes, sir!

Did you check the washroom side?

Yes, no problem!

Let’s look a bit more!

Hey, you okay?

One sec!

Where are you going?!

Hey! Don’t just break anything!

No! Don’t do it! Get a grip!

Backdraft!

What happened?!

Hyo... Hyo-jong!

Hyo-jong!

Hyo-jong!

Scream if it hurts!

Scream if it hurts!

Scissors! Give me scissors!

Where are you going?!

I told them to evac!

Everyone, evac!

Can’t you hear me? Come out now!

Please, goddammit!

Wait, wait!

Victim located!

Victim located!

Check their breathing first!

Ma’am! Are you conscious?

Victim located! We’re bringing her down!

Wait a minute!

Hyun-su, put the mask on her!

Okay!

No, lift it up!

- Like this? - Yeah.

Wait a minute.

Gi-cheol do it from the side!

Done, done!

Wait, hold on a sec!

Is the kid inside?

Is the kid inside?

She’s unconscious!

She needs to be evaced!

- Yong-tae! - Yes, Cap!

Leave it to Gi-cheol and find the kid!

She’s in here!

First floor fire is still not under control!

What about Hyo-jong and Cheol-woong?

Let’s get out of here first!

Cap, you gotta swap air tanks!

Damn, I don’t believe it...

If we go down now, we can’t come back up!

Let’s search a bit more!

Understood!

Stretcher! Stretcher!

Grab the legs!

Go! Hurry!

Don’t go! Stop the water! Stop the water!

We have to help them!

Get out of there! If there’s a gas room,

it’s too dangerous!

You have five minutes at most!

Get out of there!

- Yong-tae! - Yes, Cap!

Grab the kid!

Get out quickly! Get out, you bastard!

Victim found on the 3rd floor, coming down now!

Yong-tae, you good?!

Yeah, I’m good!

Are you okay? Get out now!

We’re okay, coming out!

- Yong-tae! - Yes?

We can’t go down!

Get us the ladder! 4-6!

4-7!

Get the ladder up! Now!

Get back, get back!

Cap, I’m out of oxygen!

Christ...

Yong-tae, what are you doing?!

Cap, take the kid first!

What was that?!

Yong-tae!

Yong-tae!

Cap!

I’m right here!

You okay?

Yes! Get the kid to safety and come back for me!

I’ll just hang on!

Go and bring me a rope!

Hang in there!

I’ll bring the rope!

Yeah!

Captain!

Give me the rope!

Where’s Yong-tae?

I’ll head down, you go ahead!

Yong-tae!

I’m back! I’m here!

Cap, lower me the rope!

Here comes the rope!

Yong-tae, grab this!

Yong-tae!

3 months later

So you’re cooped up at home all the time?

I go out for fresh air occasionally.

Come see us from time to time.

I saw you.

You should have said hello.

How’s Hyo-jong?

Go easy with that.

He’s happy that he has a turtle shell on his back.

Looks cool.

I’m about to eat, gotta go.

Commander, salute!

Good to see you back.

Just seeing a gas stove can make you feel oozy.

But that doesn’t mean you got yips.

INTRO TO FIRE SCIENCE

You can endure it with the right mindset.

Take a few months off, and come back energetically.

Does this make sense?

Despite last year’s incident, part of this year’s fire budget

has been allocated to the fireworks festival.

Improving your working conditions has been postponed once again.

Meeting with 119 Firefighters

To ensure this never happens again,

I promise to work tirelessly for your welfare,

and strive to improve it day and night.

This concludes the meeting, next up is a commemorative photo op.

Excuse me, Assemblyman!

Yes, do you have a question?

Can we discuss our firefighting gear before our welfare?

Frankly, our gear isn’t fireproof, but more like raincoats.

Once it catches on something, it tears easily.

Assemblyman, these gloves...

these are cotton work gloves we’re using in the field.

The flames burn right through to our skin.

They’re consumables, so they aren’t even included in our supplies.

And!

The biggest problem is illegally parked cars.

No matter how hard we run with our air tanks and gear,

we can’t keep up with the speed at which the fire spreads!

Assemblyman.

Please pass a law allowing us to push illegally parked cars.

with fire engines.

Allow us to rescue people

without getting hurt.

Oh dear...

It’s Yong-tae’s birthday today.

So...

this one’s only has blood sausages.

You remembered that?

Sure, I marked it on the calendar.

Yours too.

Yong-tae’s Birthday

What? He liked it salty.

But only you guys came?

When’s Cheol-woong returning?

He’s returning this week.

Yeah?

Good, eat up.

It’s been a while, Kyung-ho!

Happy to see me? You morons...

Yo, grilled meatheads!

So, no one died today?

You fool, get out, you rascal!

You can’t take this money! I got no money for you!

There’s some here!

You can’t take any of it!

I’m your damn son, let me have it!

You bastard!

Buddy!

Ma’am, can I hit him?

How can you be so disrespectful to your own mom?!

You fucking bitch!

Buddy!

You just wait.

I’m gonna report you for hitting me as a government employee!

Go right ahead!

But I’m not a government employee!

Dick head!

Don’t have one!

I’m really going to report you!

I’m so sorry...

Sorry for getting worked up.

No, it’s my fault for giving birth to such a fool.

Go, eat up.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Can I get a bottle of soju and some dried pollock?

Soju and pollock...

Here you go.

How much is it?

$5.

Visiting a grave?

Here, here.

Ma’am, what are you doing there?

Today is my son's birthday.

He died here a few months ago...

I just wanted to feed him.

She must be the mother of the fireman who died there.

Jung Jin-seob

Good work, asshole.

The chainsaw is good!

Hydraulics!

The spreader and ram are good!

Respirator!

- Problem! - What?

Alpha unit doesn’t dry them properly, so it’s always like this.

Those morons...

Okay, I’ll give them an earful.

What about the gloves?

What gloves?

You said last month you’d at least get us rope gloves.

I did?

Be patient, I’ve already submitted the budget request.

The commander is something else.

What brings you here?

Baby.

Hey.

I guess she didn’t come to see me.

Damn you both.

Your snack and facial masks.

I brought some vitamins too.

You really didn’t need to.

Yo, Gi-cheol!

Not many days left until you hang off the ladder!

- What does he mean? - Yes, sir!

Chat with your brother and come inside.

Okay.

- Let’s go! - Yes, boss!

Hyo-jong!

Do you have a suit?

Why?

The in-law dinner is next month.

Do I really have to wear a suit just to eat with him?

It’s not just a meal.

You have to wear it.

Whatever! Go away.

I’ve had it with them...

Dude.

They hooked up only because they came to visit me in the hospital.

I never thought they’d end up together...

Sunday Magazine

The fire chief and the commander kept quiet,

but you made a bold statement.

By the way, how much did you raise in total?

Raise what?

The fundraiser where all firemen donate $10 for the fallen comrades.

There are about 5,000 firemen in Seoul...

so, it’s gotta be over $50,000, right?

Raising funds is one thing,

you’ve been ranked first in rescues for the past few years,

and received many awards and prize money, right?

So? What do you want?

Honestly, firemen don’t have it as bad as other civil servants,

you’re not exactly suffering from low pay, are you?

I know you all take some bribes using fire regulations.

Let’s have lunch sometime.

I swear, I’m gonna crush this guy...

He’s got a temper, that’s for sure.

He doesn’t know how scary the media can be.

Salute!

Choi Cheol-woong reporting back for duty!

Wow!

Look who it is!

You look good, man!

Thank you!

- Have you been well? - Yes.

Salute!

I missed you, moron.

Thank you.

Hey, welcome!

Let me give you a hug.

That stings!

It doesn’t hurt at all, I’m all healed now.

I’m sorry.

For what?

I’m just messing with you.

Forget it! Let’s have a pint of beer after work.

Sure.

Alright, let’s go.

Choi Cheol-woong!

You’re back.

Why are you so proud of him?

Him coming back here is something to be proud of.

The kid went through so much.

Let’s give him another chance.

I’m just grateful that he’s back.

Hey, Seo-hee!

Cheol-woong’s back, right?

Yes, he’s here.

Hey.

Could you call him to the weight training room?

Sure.

He must’ve worked up a lot of courage to come back.

Courage?

That comes out from your head.

Us, rescue unit, needs to act without thinking.

Use him in admin or emergency care.

He’s got the yips.

Who among us hasn’t had the yips?

We just hang in there and get through it.

I don’t care, it’s up to you.

Help him grow or let him go.

What was that reporter about earlier?

What else? He’s a parasite.

A parasite?

Salute!

- You’re back. - Yes, sir.

Did you have lunch?

Yes, I did, Commander.

Take it easy, okay?

Go.

Come in.

For now, don’t go home, eat and sleep here.

You’ll do a physical in two weeks, if you mess up, you’ll be reassigned.

Choi Cheol-woong.

If you’ve got the yips, quit this job.

Don’t make others suffer because of you.

Do you regret it?

Regret what?

Pushing the search so aggressively until the end.

Saving the victim before Yong-tae was pushing too hard?

What made you become a firefighter?

I started because Yong-tae recommended it.

After the military service, I thought I could handle it.

I started for a similar reason, but...

this isn’t like the military.

In the military, training all you do.

But here, every day is a battle.

A firefighter doesn’t risk their life for competition,

and you must never hesitate to give your life for the victim.

Never, ever.

Cheol-woong.

Think carefully if this job is right for you.

I’m going to take the exam.

While I was on sick leave, I studied for the officer exam.

If I pass with my one year of service,

I might leave the rescue unit.

So, if I reach a high rank later,

I’ll reform the command structure of the rescue unit,

so that no one else ends up like Yong-tae--

You son of a bitch...

We all busted our balls waiting for you...

Do that, be an officer,

and reform.

Here, try this.

Give it a bite.

I signed the chicken shop contract!

For the first time ever, I borrowed money from my family.

Happy?

Oh man...

Give it a taste.

Everyone says it’s good!

Finally, my dream is coming true.

I’m gonna go buy a bottle of soju.

I know you’re off somewhere!

The whole house smells like grease.

Why won’t he just taste it?

Your physique is fit for a model.

Very handsome too.

All done, you can sit down now.

It’s finished?

Yes, it’s all done, please take a seat.

- Thank you. - You did great.

The bride is so beautiful too!

Thank you!

Do you prefer ‘Yeon-su’ or ‘Su-yeon’?

I want ‘su’ in the name to represent ‘water.’

Do people use that character in a name?

The character for ‘outstanding’ is the norm, no?

Well, it’s up to us to decide.

Kiddo.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl,

but don’t ever look like your uncle.

Look like your mommy or daddy, got it?

What happened here?

Just a bald spot.

Is this from stress?

I’m sure it’ll get better.

It’s okay.

By the way,

what’s this about you being hung from the ladder?

Oh, that?

It’s my station’s tradition.

What tradition?

On the eve of the wedding, the groom is tied to the ladder,

and gets hosed.

But why?

Because it’s a tradition.

If I close my eyes and turn away, will I forget?

How can I cope when you walk away?

The memories of love that collide with my steps,

and the tears welling up in my eyes

The alcohol isn’t working.

...find me

Love is more about pain than joy

It’s what you planted in me

I loved you

I didn’t realize it back then

This feeling...

Dude.

I loved you with all I had

You did this with a permanent marker, it won’t come off.

I told you, if it comes off, it won’t be effective.

Bullshit.

We got the call.

Dude...

Where are you going?

Dispatch!

What? The bell didn’t ring!

It didn’t ring.

That was paid out with the year-end bonus.

It’s not even $50 combined this year.

Fine, but can you give me a personal advance?

Just say you need a loan.

How much?

You have to come, it’s the cap’s order.

Fine, but let’s not go to Hongje-dong.

Let’s not go there!

How long are you going to keep throwing tantrums?

What?

I can’t stand pissy guys.

If you puke or cry again, I’m seriously gonna kill you.

Ma’am.

How much is this?

That’s American-made, $100.

How much for the one beside it?

That’s Canadian, $130.

$130...

And this one?

That one’s expensive.

So, how much?

German, $200.

What? $200?

That’s double the price of the American.

Just go with the American, it’s the best value.

Do you offer bulk discount?

How many will you buy?

About 5 pairs.

How much you got?

About... $300...

I can’t go that low.

We have our own cost to cover.

You’re practically trying to get ‘em for free.

These really are nice...

Yong-tae...

Yong-tae...

Firefighter? Shit.

Please move your car, this is a fire engine route.

Why is the firefighter telling me this? Are you a cop?

Then I’ll call the cops, wait here.

Fine, I’ll move.

Move those cars before I torch them all!

- Excuse me? - Screw you, firefighters!

What the hell?

What? What’s up?

Why are you using my stuff?

She’s still my sister, asshole.

Even if she gave them to you, I’m her brother, so I can use them too.

Am I right?

Fine.

The in-law dinner isn’t just for you.

I have to go too.

I took some vitamins too.

Have a great day! Enjoy these

Whatever.

I heard during training,

that PTSD isn’t about being psychologically weak.

You get angry and sensitive, because you think people are

forgetting about the incident already.

So, you become obsessed with remembering it.

You’re not the only one, we’re all like that.

We just act like it’s nothing when we’re together.

After Yong-tae died, I started thinking a lot.

He really was a good person by anyone’s standard.

Gi-cheol.

I think one firefighter in the family is plenty.

If I beg earnestly, will you transfer to admin?

For my sister, I mean, for your unborn child.

How about this?

How?

As you said, one firefighter in the family is plenty,

so you go to the admin.

That’s be advantageous on dates, and ease your mother’s worries.

Fine.

I thought I might be saying something moronic.

I’ll take the admin role, you goddamn fool.

Christ...

Hyo-min, how did you end up with a guy like him?

What a crappy luck...

Dear Lord...

Ganggu!

All these pups were brought from the scene?

Aren’t they cute?

This one’s called ‘Kong,’

I brought him from a car accident scene.

I see.

This one’s ‘Pina,’

her owner committed suicide during the IMF crisis.

She was left guarding the house alone.

This one’s ‘Ganggu.’

He survived the slaughterhouse fire,

and he’s still afraid of people.

He’s ‘Yonggam.’

He was a 119 rescue dog,

he was going to be put down because he’s old.

What else can I do but bring him here?

- Right? Come here. - How cute, come here.

These guys are like medicine to me.

They help me forget everything.

I wish things could stay like this.

No one dying, no one getting hurt.

Just living peacefully and beautifully like this.

Yong-tae really loved it here.

Hey, you drank too much.

Get up, let’s go.

Don’t touch me!

Shit...

Shit, I deserve to get cursed at.

Who’d curse you?

Captain Jung.

Why?

What did you say to him?

I asked him why he kept pushing the search,

and got Yong-tae killed.

You’re out of your mind.

Did you apologize?

Nope.

You need to go apologize to him tomorrow.

You’ll regret it for the rest of your life if you don’t.

Regret it for life?

He’d feel that more than me.

Safety protocols, article 1, clause 2!

“No individual actions allowed during field operations!

Follow the commander’s orders and perform the assigned tasks!

When the safety of the scene is not secured...”

So what?

Do you study just to memorize stuff like that?

You don’t seem fit to save people’s lives.

Here’s the key.

Thank you.

- Take care. - Good bye!

- Hope you succeed! - Thank you!

At least we don’t have to pay any extra fees.

Now we just need to work hard and make this

the most popular shop in the neighborhood.

Oh man...

Are you still conflicted?

We already got the key, there’s no conflict here.

What is it then?

I could’ve been a pensioner in a few years.

A few years?

10 years.

Buddy!

Stop talking out of your ass!

Damn you!

I feel anxious just hearing sirens now.

I’ve been throwing up so much, I had an endoscopy and X-ray.

Chronic nervous stomach disorder!

What do we do?

Forget it, it’s all useless.

Jeez...

I married you because you said you’d love me till death,

but I never thought you’d get an uninsurable job.

And now you’re asking me to wait 10 more years?

After what happened to Yong-tae--

Stop!

No, I have to let it out.

It’s hard on me too.

I’m begging you, please.

Come on...

Don’t touch me.

Why ruin a happy day with this nonsense? Let go.

Let go.

What!

Tack care of thes What happened to that cheapskate?

Holy cow!

Stay strong!

Yo, Rook,

look at this, you got a pair too?

Yes.

It’s the same one.

“Tack care of thes”?

Intro to Fire Science He can’t spell for shit.

Wow, it’s made in Germany.

Yo, Rook!

Take care of these, this will not happen again.

This is no joke!

I’m busy, what is it?

Did you by any chance use my credit card?

Credit card? What credit card?

$1,000 was spent at some place called “Special Gear”!

Don’t joke around, why’d I do that?

I got a dispatch, I gotta go!

What dispatch?

You used your wife’s credit card again?

Hey, lunch together later?

Sure, with the fire chief.

The fire chief?

Why?

Give me a cigarette.

Alright, alright! Here come the birds!

That’s two points!

Today’s your lucky day!

Two points, right here.

He’s winning them all!

Even a cow’s trying to be the coach.

That Hiddink or dinky dink, why trust him to be the coach?

He’s gonna rake in money...

Do you even know how much he’s making?

At least a few $100K, do you know?

It’s in the millions, dumbass.

You’re too dumb to know how much that is.

You barely carry a few bucks.

It’s funny?

You’re bragging just because you bought a new car.

Oh yeah, did you hit the jackpot with the horse race?

What jackpot, you idiot?

I bought it with hard-earned money.

Get lost, idiot!

If you want to join, go fetch some money.

Shit...

Are you looking down at me?

I’m gonna shit all over your new car!

Goddammit!

That’s gotta hurt.

Screw you!

Fuck!

You son of a bitch!

Dammit!

Since people get their hands stuck in this,

I said I’d take a look at it,

then the junkyard man told me to just take it.

I recommended you as the new captain.

Is it because of what happened to Yong-tae?

My son told me my wife wakes up

in the middle of the night.

So, this is a strategic retreat.

I’ll spend a year with my boy.

Did they say you’ll be reinstated?

Coming back here is unlikely,

probably in the country.

What? What will you do then?

I guess I done working with you guys.

What is our job called in English?

Obviously, it’s...

‘firemen’?

I prefer ‘firefighter’.

Firefighter! Doesn’t that sound cool?

When I first became a firefighter,

I joined the rescue unit.

There was this guy, who was the oldest...

When it was so hot that I could barely breathe,

but he’d put out fires and save people

with just a crowbar in hand and his mask on.

One day, while I was drunk, I asked him,

“Aren’t you scared?”

Do you know what he said?

Take a guess.

I’m not sure.

“I’m scared too.

When I’m blind because of the black smoke,

my legs start to tremble.

The thing about the black smoke is,

it can feel like the Grim Reaper’s cloak wrapping around me.”

So, I asked, “What do you think of in moments like that?”

He said, “Just one thing,

if I give up here, that person dies.

Don’t outsmart the Grim Reaper, just go save them.”

So he’d just walk in, and bring the person out.

He was the best firefighter I’ve ever known.

Guys like Yong-tae and him must be watching us fiercely from heaven,

how can I quit this job?

Oh man...

One last thing to wrap up before we go.

What?

Who the hell parked illegally in front of the fire engine,

that’s supposed to be dispatched?!

Hey, hey, hey!

Yes, sir!

Wh-what are you doing?

Some idiot parked illegally in front of the fire engine

that’s about to be dispatched.

Is this your care?

No...

Right?

There’s no way you’re this dumb.

Here, take this.

What are we doing here?

Be patient.

The kids are out.

Look at them.

Aren’t they cute?

Yeah, cute.

Do you see that girl in the wine color coat?

She’s the one that Yong-tae saved.

What he saved wasn’t things like a desk or a pair of sneakers.

It was a life, a family that he desperately wanted to save.

Grab your bag and get out.

He told me take you out and let you have some free time.

Who did?

Captain Jung, he said your exam’s not far off.

And...

he’s quitting next month.

His wife has already signed the contract for a chicken shop.

That was a lot.

Good job.

Jeez...

See you tomorrow morning, I’ll come by with my things.

Want me to come help?

There’s no need.

Can you handle it alone?

Of course.

You must be so tired.

It’s alright, bye!

See you!

Salute! I’m back, sir.

Did the exam go well?

Yes, thanks to your support.

Good.

One must leave for another to take his place.

I hope you pass.

But I didn’t submit the answer sheet.

Why didn’t you submit it?

Suddenly, I felt like I was giving up on something.

Give what up?

The qualification to live by saving people.

A precious qualification

that not just anyone in this world can have.

Like you, sir,

I will also become a good firefighter.

Thank you for your tremendous work.

Salute!

I’m going to miss the stench of this place.

Cheol-woong.

I’m not such a great firefighter.

Residential Fire Insurance

What are you doing?

Ah, no, no... I just...

Gotta return a comic book I borrowed.

This.

Fire dispatch, fire dispatch.

- Let’s move! - Do this again later!

Fire dispatch, fire dispatch.

- Where? - Bulgwang-dong.

Fire!

Do you even understand the power of this tiny fire?

If my home catches fire, I get an insurance payout.

Even if the neighbor’s home burns, I’ll get compensated.

But can you really do it?

- Evening! - Hello.

It’s a burglary, but it was reported incorrectly.

I understand, thank you.

Good bye.

Pullout! False alarm!

Pullout!

Go over there and investigate.

Hello, 119, what is your emergency?

I’m in... Ho... Hongje-dong.

I think there’s a fire.

3:47 a.m., March 4, 2001 First fire report received

There’s a fire in Hongje-dong? Where is the exact location?

I think…

You should come quickly, like, right now!

Hello? I’ve reported it, so I’m done!

Hello?

It was a burglary, not a fire.

Don’t worry, In-gi will drop me off in the morning.

Okay, okay.

It wasn’t a fire, we’ll see him at the station.

Okay.

Rescue unit, rescue unit.

Hongje-dong commercial building, fire dispatch.

Western unit on the road, proceed to the scene.

4-6.

4-7! Proceeding to the scene!

Dispatch all nearby patrol units.

Old commercial building, tier 2 rescue alert.

Wait a minute...

Isn’t that Mrs. Soon-ja’s diner?

What the hell.

We can't go any further.

I’ll reverse and take another alley.

It’ll be the same.

Can’t we just push through?

I’ll try to open up the road!

Guys, it’s Mrs. Soon-ja’s diner.

Run! Run!

Let’s move!

5809, move your car!

3:59 a.m. Fire trucks unable to pass through

7345, move your car!

The wind is way too strong!

Tier 2 rescue alert issued!

Deploy all nearby fire stations!

Connect the hose at once! Hose connection!

Connect the hose first!

Hurry!

Bring more hoses!

The fire is spreading fast because of the strong wind!

We’re the first on the scene, so we’re short on manpower!

No problem!

Take Cheol-woong and start with 2nd floor comic shop!

Copy!

- Gi-cheol! - Yes, Cap!

3rd floor boarding house with Hyo-jong!

- Yes! - Yes, Cap!

Move out!

Stay back, stay back!

It’s dangerous!

I’ll move the car! You told me to move it!

The fire has spread throughout the entire building!

Let’s search thoroughly and don’t get hurt!

- Yes, Cap! - Understood!

- Be careful! - Yes, sir!

- This way! - Yes, sir!

Western 24H Comic Shop

This is where Kyung-ho always hangs out!

- Let’s start here! - Copy!

Mrs. Soon-ja!

Kyung-ho!

Answer me if you hear me!

Mrs. Soon-ja!

Anyone here? Can you hear me?!

Shout if you can hear me! Anyone here?!

Anyone inside?!

Over here!

Is there anyone else in here?

I don’t know...

Try to get up!

Put strength in your legs!

Backing up the ambulance!

Back up and let’s go around.

Yes, ma’am.

We don’t see Mrs. Soon-ja on the 1st floor!

Anyone see her yet?!

He’s the only one on the 3rd floor, no need to go up!

Okay, got it!

- Careful on the way down! - Yes, Cap!

Cap! We found a victim in the comic shop!

Anyone else inside?!

I’m not sure! I’ll get him down first!

- Yeah, go ahead! - Okay!

- Be careful! - Yes, sir!

Ambulance, over here! Here!

Okay!

Buddy, go help over there!

Let’s take him first.

Are you okay? Where does it hurt the most?

Breathe!

Huh? They still couldn’t get through?

What’s the hold up?!

The hose is too short!

Goddammit!

This is unbelievable!

Where are you going?!

The captain is still inside!

Just push them through! Let’s move!

I’ll do it!

Hey, hey! Let’s move!

Victim found on the 2nd floor!

Mrs. Soon-ja!

Mrs. Soon-ja!

Good, good!

- Connect the hose! - Yes, sir!

- Hyo-jong! - How did you get up here?

- Where’s the captain? - He’s still inside.

- There he comes! - Captain!

Stretcher, bring me a stretcher!

4:10 a.m. First sweep completed

Are you okay?

- I think that’s everyone! - We’re all here.

Give me some water!

Hey! Water!

No one’s here.

So, this is why he never let me come here.

Jeez...

I smell fire, mom.

Yeah.

- Anyone hurt? - We’re good!

Kyung-ho! My son!

Please save him!

Hold up!

Mrs. Soon-ja!

My Kyung-ho, he’s inside!

Ma’am, is he inside?

Please save Kyung-ho...

My baby, save my boy!

He’s still inside!

- Okay, one moment. - Please save him...

Anyone see Kyung-ho inside?

No, Cap.

Hey, everyone out?

Damn good work, rescue unit, pull out.

Kyung-ho’s inside.

You checked everything, don’t you see that?

The illegal extensions are so bad, it might collapse at any moment.

Let’s focus on water suppression.

Rescue unit, pull out!

I’ll go in quickly by myself, swap my air tank!

No, don’t go! Don’t!

Give me an axe.

Please stop.

Someone’s still inside.

Come on.

What are you doing? The cap’s going in alone.

- Let’s swap our tanks too. - Okay, sir.

We’ll be right back.

Your dad’s not a firefighter anymore.

He’ll spend a lot of time with you from now on.

Oh gosh...

This isn’t even usable.

Oh my...

Huh?

This isn’t dad’s.

Shin...

Shin Yong-tae

4:17 a.m. Second sweep initiated

- You good? - Yeah!

- You okay? - Yes, Cap!

Check every corner of the 2nd floor again!

I’ll go to the 3rd floor!

Yes, Cap!

I’ll come with you!

- Follow me! - Yes, sir!

Spread out! Now!

Kyung-ho!

Kyung-ho!

Kyung-ho!

Kyung-ho!

- Kyung-ho! - Kyung-ho!

Answer me if you can hear me!

Kyung-ho!

Boss!

He’s not here!

- Not in the diner? - No!

Let’s move!

Hyo-jong!

We’ve got some oxygen left, let’s go help on the 3rd floor!

- Okay! - Go!

Guys!

You’ve done all you could, come on out!

Incoming fire!

Get down!

Put out the fire!

Put out the fire!

Extinguisher!

Gi-cheol!

Gi-cheol!

Put it out!

Dammit!

Get out of there!

Get out!

- Cheol-woong! - Yes, sir!

Crack, crack!

It’s worse than I thought!

Get out of there! Now!

- Cheol-woong! - Yes, sir!

Let’s reassess the situation and search again!

I’ll take point!

Okay!

Stay close behind me!

I understand!

- Got it?! - Yes!

Follow closely!

Cheol-woong! Let’s move!

Left side of the building, come out!

Come out! Quickly!

4:27 a.m. Building collapse

Excavator! Where’s the excavator?!

The alley is too narrow for them to enter!

Dig by hand for now!

Goddammit!

- Pry it open! Do it! - Hey!

One, two, three!

5:47 a.m. Search for trapped firefighters begins

Captain...

Captain...

Captain, wake up.

Please, wake up, Captain.

Captain.

Over here!

Over here! We’re right here!

Here! Here!

Bring the respirator! Quickly!

One, two, three!

You’ll make it! Great job!

You did great, Gi-cheol!

Gi-cheol! Good job!

You did good!

Over here!

Over here! We’re in here!

Over here!

Answer if you can hear me, asshole!

Just hang in there!

Don’t give up!

Get the respirator! Quick, over here!

One, two, three!

Cheol-woong!

Here!

Cheol-woong! Cheol-woong!

Cheol-woong!

Breathe!

Stretcher!

Honey...

I’m sorry...

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

If you fight the fire, you’ll win, right?

Of course, I will...

I knew it,

that's why I drew this!

Let me see.

That’s you, dad!

You drew it so well, you did great.

This is so good.

I always brag to my friends.

I tell them we need to call you when we’re in danger.

When you boys are in danger, I’ll come running with sirens blaring.

You're so heavy, go to Mom.

Mom! I drew this!

Let me see!

Wow, this is amazing!

It’s so good!

I got a cramp, ow, my leg, my leg, my leg!

A cramp?! Let me help!

No, no, no!

Don’t touch, don’t touch my leg!

No, don’t touch my leg!

34-Year-Old Hongje-dong Arson Suspect Arrested

What happened?

He’s... in surgery right now.

He’s alive?!

Well, he’s...

he’s still in surgery.

Thank you, thank you, please...

Thank you... thank you.

Thank you, please save him.

Please save him...

Please, I beg you.

Please... save him.

Please... please save him, I beg you.

Dear God...

When I am called to duty,

wherever the flames may be,

grant me the strength to save one life.

Before it is too late,

let me protect a child,

and save an elderly person who trembles in fear.

Keep me vigilant and always ready,

and if it is your will

that I lose my life...

grant your grace

to protect my wife and family.

This prayer...

was on the captain’s desk in the rescue unit.

I believe these were his last words to us,

so I read it on his behalf.

Western Fire Suppression Unit, Kim Joon-hyuk.

Firefighter Hong Sung-ho.

Firefighter Lee Sang-bong.

Lastly!

Captain Jung Jin-seob!

Hyo-jong!

Hyun-su!

Please rest in peace!

The 2001 Hongje-dong fire incident, which inspired this film,

significantly raised public awareness of the working conditions of our firefighters

and became a major turning point for improvements

in firefighting equipment and command systems

In 2020, 19 years after this incident,

all firefighters in our country were given the status of national civil servants.

This film is dedicated to the South Korean firefighters

who gave their lives for the people