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OLYMPIC STADIUM, BERLIN

The winner of the 1936 Berlin Olympics marathon is...

SON Kitei!

His record is 2:29:19!

SON takes home the gold with a new Olympic record!

HA Jung-woo

And so, I won the gold.

YIM Si-wan

My record time was 2:29:19.

BAE Seong-woo

It was a new Olympic record.

KIM Sang-ho

At 6:15 PM,

PARK Eun-bin OH Hee-jun PARK Hyo-ju

I stood on the podium with Victor and NAM Sung-yong.

The national anthem of our country rang in my ears.

That moment of happiness shall never be forgotten.

It was not just my personal victory.

Louder! Speak louder!

It was a victory for all citizens of Japan!

Rather than a victory of my own,

Directed by KANG Je-kyu

I believe it was achieved due to the great cheers of our people.

DUE TO COVERING THE JAPANESE FLAG ON THE PODIUM AT THE BERLIN OLYMPICS

SON KEE-CHUNG WAS FORCED TO AGREE TO RETIRE FROM TRACK AND FIELD

AUGUST 15th, 1945 KOREA WAS LIBERATED UPON JAPAN'S SURRENDER

HOWEVER, THE JOY WAS SHORT LIVED

AS THE NORTHERN HALF FELL UNDER THE SOVIETS AND THE SOUTH TO THE U.S. MILITARY

DESPITE HOPES OF AN INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT, KOREA FACED A TIME OF TURMOIL

THIS MOVIE IS A CINEMATIC RECREATION OF TRUE EVENTS

Get ready!

Yun-bok! Come in first!

Then get the medal from Mr. SON Kee-chung himself!

The prize money means more than the medal.

Come on!

Then get the medal and the prize money!

TAEPYEONG-RO, SEOUL AUGUST 1946

Run fast!

1st MARATHON TO COMMEMORATE THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF SON KEE-CHUNG'S WORLD WIN

Yun-bok!

Go!

♪ Along with the exhaled smoke ♪

♪ Distant memories come to pass ♪

Mr. SON.

Mr. SON?

Sir!

Leave him alone.

It's because he couldn't bring his kids from the North for 3 years.

He's drunk on sorrows.

But it's the Marathon to Commemorate the 10th Anniversary of his win!

Can he sleep here like this?

The race is in his honor.

What are you doing!

- Hello. - Mr. SON!

Wake up!

You can't be here like this! People are waiting!

Mister? What is a marathon?

Give me some soup.

We should've woken him.

What is a marathon?

Regrettably, Mr. SON Kee-chung had an urgent matter.

Head of the U.S. Military Government Sports,

U.S. MILITARY GOVERNMENT SPORTS CHIEF, MS. SMEDLEY

Ms. Smedley, will present on his behalf.

Wait!

He's here!

Gold medalist of the Berlin Olympics, Mr. SON Kee-chung has arrived!

At last, the award ceremony for the marathon

shall now begin.

The winner with a run time of 45 minutes and 57 seconds

is SUH Yun-bok, a student of Korea University.

Wait, Mr. SON! He's the winner.

Why you...

Yun-bok!

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

- How was it? - What?

Shaking the hand of a national hero?

Nothing much. He stank of alcohol.

SUH Yun-bok! I'm NAM Sung-yong.

Hello, sir.

The Korean Marathon Association is preparing for the London Olympics.

We're looking for talents like you.

Will I get the prize money today?

Prize money? I don't know.

- Who do I ask about that? - I'll find out for you.

Any thoughts on running in the Olympics?

Not interested, sir. I just ran for the prize money.

We're late! Hurry!

Let's go.

- Who do I ask for the money? - We gotta go!

Sir! We're back. Sorry!

Where'd you run off to at our busiest time of day!

- Dong-gu! - Yes?

We have 6 orders backed up!

- One bowl of noodles. - Coming!

- Thank you! - It's coming out of your pay!

I knew you'd say that, so I brought extra help.

- You boys stink! - Let's go!

When will you stop running around like kids!

That's how we became Seoul's fastest noodle delivery shop!

Out of the way, please!

Delivery coming through!

Move, please!

Coming through!

I can't breathe!

- Coming through, please! - Move, please!

All these Americans...

After the Japs leave, the Yankees run wild in the streets.

The war is long over. Why don't they go home already?

But it's thanks to them the Japs lost the war.

What do you mean thanks to them?

Dong-gu.

After the Japanese flags came down, what replaced them?

The American flag.

What do you think that means?

Stupid.

Think you're so hot going to college?

- Yun-bok! - What?

I'm sorry.

- There's no marathon prize money. - Why you!

But you got to shake Mr. SON's hand!

Forget that!

U.S. MILITARY GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN KOREA

We need international competitions experience to compete in London.

We placed 1st and 3rd at the Berlin Olympics.

Ms. Smedley knows that.

They're credited to Japan. Korea has no official records.

That's crazy!

We've been liberated! Our records should be too!

Why are they still credited to Japan!

Once set, records can't be changed.

That's insane!

The Japanese are still dragging us down!

This makes no sense!

Feel the ground push back under you!

Use it to push forward!

Jeez...

Push down!

Don't step lightly!

Press down!

You're making me dizzy.

How about some dust on you? It's been a while.

Why'd you call me here?

Tell me what you want, then let's go for lunch.

Not just dust.

How about the smell of sweat?

Doesn't it smell good? Makes you sober up?

But you missed it, didn't you?

Are you drunk?

Not at all.

I heard a rumor.

When the bank called back executives during Japanese rule,

teller SON Kee-chung had a fit and quit?

What will you do without a job?

Whether I quit or drown in booze,

what's it to you?

Let's go to Boston together.

Boston?

Drum roll! Tada!

You know John Kelley.

He won the Boston Marathon with the shoes you gave him.

The race is held annually in April.

If you ask John, he can get us an invitation.

If that's not fate calling, what is?

You called me here for this?

We don't have much time until April,

but we can make it with your help.

Don't mislead the boys. Teach him skills for work instead.

When will you stop being so pessimistic?

I'm living fine.

Come to Boston with me!

Got money to feed the boys?

See?

Let's make a great team together!

Winning a medal won't put food on the table.

It won't bring in money.

I should sell it. It'll just get rusty.

Think it over. You'll regret selling it.

I won't regret it.

Right! Don't sell it.

I'm selling it.

You and your damn lies!

I'm not listening to you ever again!

Look here, folks!

Who are our 3 greatest heroes?

SON Kee-chung...

YI Sun-shin, AN Jung-geun, and SON Kee-chung!

This is the 1st place medal of the marathon

to commemorate Mr. SON!

BIRTHPLACE OF MASTER KIM KYO-SHIN

Master KIM always said

it's better to sow seeds than to eat fruit.

He said our time will come.

YANGJEONG HIGH SCHOOL

BERLIN OLYMPICS LAUREL TREE DONATED BY SON KEE-CHUNG / PLANTED BY KIM KYO-SHIN

Why are you stalking me like a Japanese policeman?

I am not.

Of course you'd come to Master KIM's anniversary of passing.

The laurel tree has grown big on foreign soil.

Time flies, huh?

Seems like just yesterday,

he planted this when you brought it from Berlin.

If it's about Boston, save your breath.

They just want to be like you!

You're a hero!

What hero?

All that's left is a record under a Japanese name.

Like you said,

we couldn't run with our names.

Let's help them run with their Korean names!

After we ran and won 1st and 3rd places,

we got crumpled and tossed.

But the best way to smooth out crumples is by running.

After Berlin, I smoothed out the crumples by running again.

But it's not as fun as it used to be.

Not without you.

Running is more fun when you do it together.

You know!

Back then, we'd just look at each other and start running.

We'd rather die than lose.

I miss those days.

You always lost to me.

I ran staring at your back.

How did you run so lightly and smoothly?

Like flowing water.

I still dream about back then.

If we go to Boston together, wouldn't it be incredible?

- Run on! - Okay!

Arms down!

- Passing through! - Watch out!

- Keep it up! - Coming through!

Hello.

Hello, sir. My name is LEE Dong-chan.

I'm SON Kee-chung. Nice meeting you.

Hi, John Kelley. I miss you. Are you well?

No, wait.

He must be doing well. He's an athlete.

Is it weird for me to say that I miss him?

Let's start over.

John Kelley. How are you?

- How do you do? - Hello.

We've received a reply from John Kelley.

It's an invitation to compete in the Boston Marathon.

Sung-yong will be pleased. Thank you.

Stop staring at it.

You can't read English.

You can't either.

Tell me, already! I'm going crazy here!

I guess we're going to America.

Yes!

You're making me dizzy.

Jeez!

Act your age, will you?

It's too early to be happy.

Still, I'm so happy!

Stop yelling.

So this is the official invitation?

- Right? - Yes.

But it's conditional on me going as the coach.

You okay with that?

See?

Then you should've stayed here from the beginning.

Who needs Boston?

This is awkward for us.

- Let's rip it up. - No!

You can be the coach.

It won't bother me.

I'm mentally superior anyway.

You laughed?

Still, you and I both know that is the truth.

You're the coach now.

Train 'em well!

Coach SON!

You know I'll be the best coach there is.

Thanks to you, I'll wear the Korean flag and run.

People will think it's stupid to compete at my age,

but I want to run.

So you won't embarrass yourself, I'll train you till you shit blood.

- Mark my words. - Sure!

Your wife sold nothing today, but you're happy?

I'm not happy.

I lost my coaching job and am crying inside.

If you're an ambitious man, you wouldn't be living like this.

What do you mean?

I'm filled with ambition from head to toe!

That's how I went to the Olympics.

Otherwise, I'd be living off digging in the country.

Honey!

You can finally wear the Korean flag

and run all you want.

But I hope they don't make fun of a grandpa running a marathon.

Seeing an Asian grandpa run

will be a sight to see!

First.

31 minutes, 20 seconds!

20km in 90 minutes? It's pathetic.

It's not that bad.

The boys still have time.

We have a fast one.

Where did Min-sik go?

His father pulled him out to work in the fields, sir.

Too bad making a living comes first.

We have no money and no runners.

How can we go to Boston?

You're the coach now. Find a way for the team to improve!

Look for good runners too!

What's wrong?

Are you okay?

Your shoes are all worn out!

Bum-hee! Get the first-aid kit!

- It must hurt. - Are you okay?

Here.

I got 'em in various sizes.

Great.

How much are these?

I know your situation.

Pay me later when you receive funding.

Be sure to make a good, smart runner like yourself.

Thank you, sir.

I spilt the noodles because of you!

You pushed me, so pay up!

I don't understand you! Just pay for the noodles!

Stay put!

Hey, everyone! This guy is stealing off me!

Pay for the noodles!

That punk...

I'm busy too!

You thief! Pay up!

What are you trying to pull here!

You talk a lot for someone who's gonna shoot.

- Enjoy your meal. - Thank you.

You and your hot temper!

First time trying the noodles here?

I'm dying to make money. How can I afford 'em?

Think about it.

Who has money to spare? We all get by as we can.

Only people with money say things like that.

You have guts and look strong.

But you'll injure yourself running like that.

You were late that day from drink...

You didn't see me run.

I can tell by the way you walk.

You only think about winning and run hard,

so your upper body leans backward.

Where'd you learn to run?

I ran by myself.

What is there to learn about running?

What team are you on now?

I said I ran by myself my whole life.

Why join a running team? There's no money in it.

A runner doesn't run just for the money.

Right.

So I plan to learn a trade to make a living.

Fine. I guess you're right.

If that's what you want, learn a trade.

Thank you for the meal. I'd better go.

Go on.

41.

42.

43.

No use keeping record.

What's the most important quality a marathoner needs to have?

Endurance.

- Goals. - Diligence.

I don't believe this.

The most important quality of a great marathoner is talent.

I see that none of you

have what it takes to be a marathoner.

I can't find an ounce of talent!

If you agree, don't waste time and pack your bags.

You can't lie to yourself. Accept the fact and move on.

How could you kill the boys' spirit like that?

Only those with strong mentalities to take that shit can be marathoners.

They have no determination in their eyes!

You gotta be gentle with kids these days.

It's different from our days!

Where can we find a guy like you?

Remember SUH Yun-bok? The winner of the recent race?

That brat has no heart.

You met him? When?

Did you get him to join?

Don't mention that little brat again.

Who'd satisfy your standards?

Excuse me?

Do you know where SUH Yun-bok lives by chance?

He lives there.

Here?

Thank you.

Yun-bok? Are you home?

Oh, my!

Mom...

Mom?

Are you all right?

You should've dusted off before coming in.

She just fell asleep.

You work nights too?

I work all day and night.

She's in a hepatic coma.

She needs to stay hospitalized.

Did you eat?

Why'd you come here?

You're much thinner than when I last saw you.

How can you run like that?

I'm not running anymore.

You can't run because your situation won't allow you?

Or you really don't want to run?

Will you run for money?

1:12:24!

Really?

Who's that?

It's SUH Yun-bok!

He ran 20km in 1:12:24!

He may break your record!

What did Smedley say?

She wants the list of runners by next week.

Then we'll do just that.

Gather around!

Let's go for dinner to welcome our newcomer.

- Dinner? - Let's go!

SUH Yun-bok!

Is someone paying you to run?

No.

You can't make money off this. Why come here and not learn a trade?

Because... I really want... to run.

I came to run, sir.

Hold on.

Here.

I can run in these, sir.

Just wear 'em!

Thank you.

You got yourself into this, so promise me two things.

First.

Don't be arrogant just because you're fast.

Second.

You'll trust and follow NAM and me no matter what!

Got it?

Yes, sir.

The deposit is 9 million won.

- 9 million won? - Yes.

You can buy a house for 300,000 won.

What does this mean?

Why should we pay a deposit?

The world knows I'm SON Kee-chung. Why would we stay there illegally?

As Korea is still a refugee country, stricter rules apply.

We also need a guarantor in America.

She'll ask the military government for help.

Damn it.

An association member's cousin lives in Boston.

I'll see about the guarantor.

We'll figure it out.

Even if we find a guarantor, money is still a problem.

Coach SON.

Think about it.

When we returned from Berlin, people gathered like clouds.

Why?

Because they wanted to see SON, the marathon king!

Right?

Then let's show 'em the marathon king again!

Who wants to see a retired runner from 10 years ago?

That's why we must create the next SON Kee-chung.

We have Yun-bok.

If we depict him as the next you,

people will gather and funds will follow.

You mean hold a selection race?

Yes!

So the next SON Kee-chung can recreate the glory of Berlin!

It's on the 27th. Come see the marathon!

The 27th!

Come see the race!

Thank you!

Marathon! Marathon!

Where will it be held?

It's a 20km half-marathon selection match.

To go to Boston and London,

run with all your might!

If you wanna wear our national flag, run till you drop!

Yes, sir!

Eat all you want and tell me if you need more.

Here.

Eat lots, Yun-bok.

- Isn't it too obvious? - Come on!

Let's change plates!

Mister! I know what a marathon is.

Forty-two...

Point... point...

Point one-nine-five.

Sweetie! Sit here.

Where'd you get the money to buy meat?

Eat all you want!

We'll go through the course tomorrow, okay?

Yes, sir!

- I'm a little short this month. - I see.

I'll get you the rest soon.

- Thank you very much, sir. - Go home safely.

- Yes, sir. - See you at the race.

MARCH 5th, 1947 SELECTION RACE FOR THE BOSTON MARATHON

- We brought drinks! - Come here!

Make good time, so the crowd will remember you.

Where's SUH Yun-bok?

Our fate rests on your two legs. Run like hell!

Yes, sir!

Is he the next SON Kee-chung?

We'll have to see.

But we have high hopes.

I heard you invested all you have to prepare for Boston, is that true?

That's our business.

Mr. SON.

- So good to see you again. - Hi, sir.

I heard you have no financial support.

And the U.S. Military isn't helping either.

I've got people lined up to see your legs!

Let's have a drink sometime.

Go Yun-bok!

There they come!

Coming in 1st is SONG Jung-min!

- 1:24:15! - Oh, no!

His record falls short of expectations.

More runners are coming in.

How will they go to Boston like this?

SUH Yun-bok is nowhere in sight.

Maybe the next SON Kee-chung had diarrhea!

1:25:43!

45!

47!

Knowing the course is a given!

You missed the practice course run. You're no marathoner!

He ran 5km more and still came in 4th.

Just because he's a bit fast, he's full of arrogance!

I'm not arrogant, sir.

100 laps here. Let's see who wins for sure.

Since you ran 20km today, I won't time you.

But only those who beat NAM will go to Boston.

Warm up for 30 minutes, then we start!

Yes, sir!

SON? You want to kill the boys?

Don't you dare lose.

Especially not to Yun-bok!

- Ready? - Yes, sir!

Go easy. You won't last like that.

So damn stubborn!

They're both so damn stubborn!

One mark for every 5 laps.

I'll do it!

Yun-bok! You can do it! Hang in there!

97!

98!

Can't go on?

Then give up!

Yun-bok!

It's too bad.

You can't even beat a 36-year-old man?

What?

Think it's unfair because you ran 20km this morning?

Still don't get it, do you?

You failed to keep your pace.

You have the stamina to run 20km then another 40km more!

What's inside that arrogant head of yours?

You think it's unfair, but you gotta win.

That's all you think about!

The only way for a marathoner to run to the end

is not with anger but humility!

You get fed and paid, so 42km seems like a joke?

How dare you run for money?

Is getting paid to run so bad, sir?

If you were paid, at least do your best!

Why? Not enough?

You disrespect the sport because it's not enough?

Coach SON!

I'll return the money, sir.

See?

How could you bring in a brat like him?

He has no basics! How can he represent our country!

The next SON Kee-chung?

Forget it.

What is the difference between his temper and yours?

He may be young,

but you're old enough! Why act like the kid?

You swear and yell all the time!

Why are you so stubborn?

Follow me.

Come with me now!

You know liver disease well.

Forget the nurse. Help me massage her. Hurry!

This should help her liver pump out blood. She'll be okay.

Oh, my.

When will there be a cure for this?

Must've been hard to take care of your wife like this for 2 years.

Can't you understand and accept Yun-bok?

He's busy studying and paying hospital bills.

Still, he's running.

I heard you took out a loan on your house.

Why bring that up now?

Why hide that from the coach and the other runners?

How can we be a team like this?

Others may see us as a joke, but we gotta stick together!

Don't take all the burden.

I'll cover the expenses from now on, so focus on training the boys.

Okay.

Good work.

Thank you.

You quit running. What will you do now?

Mom...

I was stupid and never listened to you.

I won't do it anymore.

And...

I'll work hard and make lots of money.

So we can move to a nice house, wear some nice clothes,

and eat good food.

So please get better soon. I want to live happily with you.

Let's be happy.

♪ Under the moon, ♪ ♪ while crickets chirp ♪

♪ A lost wild goose flies well ♪

♪ Into the vast, endless sky ♪

I think we can find the man you asked about.

Then securing the guarantor will be done soon.

Great.

We've caused you so much trouble in the past...

You printed the Berlin picture with the Japanese flag erased.

REPORTER LEE GIL-YONG

I heard the reporters were tortured by the Japanese Government-General.

We just did what we must as journalists.

I feel like I owe you so much.

The country owes you, Mr. SON.

You moved the marathon office here to your house?

Well, it's only right the marathon office should begin at his house.

Dong-gu? What brings you here?

Did Yun-bok come here by chance?

No.

Where is he?

Oh, boy...

Ma'am? Yun-bok is on his way.

Please hang on.

I'm sorry...

My son...

Yun-bok...

Thank you for being with Mom at the end.

Don't worry and concentrate on the funeral.

Be strong.

Yes, sir.

Listen.

Your mom said she was sorry.

That she didn't let you run when you love it so...

She must've felt bad.

So I answered on your behalf

that you'd run again.

So she shouldn't feel sorry.

- Yun-bok. - Yes?

She said you should do everything you want in life.

Welcome.

Hello.

Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

Why are you following me?

I need to walk off all the food I ate.

What's wrong with me following you?

It's just too bad you're always having to look at my back.

Honestly, having you behind me makes me anxious.

Afraid you'll pass me.

I can't run anymore.

What a steep, hard hill!

My heart is about to burst!

It's a nasty hill.

I need hill training too.

Or I'll be laughed at as an Asian grandpa, like my wife says.

That's embarrassing.

Who's that?

Isn't that Yun-bok?

I think so.

It's him.

- Hello. - What brings you here?

I wanted to bring an offering to the village shrine.

For what?

When I was young and didn't have food,

I stole the food set out as offerings.

I don't want Mom to pay for that.

I want to give an offering and pray for her to go to a good place.

That's why you're so fast on hills. Running up here to steal the food.

Go on.

Yes, sir.

Yun-bok!

Send your mom off well, then return to training.

Thank you, sir.

Run!

Jump up high!

Don't rush!

If your balance is off, you'll lean on the weaker leg!

Kick your knees higher!

Keep up with the bicycle!

Yes, sir!

We're not done yet!

Again!

Yes!

1 hour and 14 minutes!

Not 24 but 14 minutes?

You sure it's not broken?

It's cold!

- Sung-yong! - Hi.

We got it!

What? The money?

Not the money, but a guarantor.

That's great!

BAEK Nam-hyun, a Korean-American volunteer for the Boston Marathon.

Hello!

- Hi! - Hello!

Hello. Good work, everyone!

There's only the deposit problem left.

We printed two articles on the deposit, but there wasn't much response.

Shouldn't the U.S. Military Government help out?

She's worried with only a month away.

When do we have to send the money?

Next week.

She asks if you have plans?

What do we do?

We'll find a way.

I wonder if it's worth much.

Coach NAM was here too.

Why'd he do that?

Coach SON.

Do you have to go this far? It's precious!

You know, this isn't gold. It's steel.

I see. Thank you.

Don't you have any pride? How can you sell your medal?

He squealed?

I couldn't think of anything else.

But it's your Olympic medal.

Take it.

It's not worth any money.

That means you went to sell yours too, huh?

The rich have strong stomachs.

The filthiest thing in the world is money.

We gotta have strong stomachs to take the stench tonight.

Got it?

Okay!

- Let's go! - Okay.

Hello. I'm SUH Yun-bok, a marathoner.

Come and have a seat.

How can someone so thin run marathons?

He's so cute!

He went off track last time, so his record wasn't great.

Yes.

But he can beat my record, sir.

Iron calves!

He has strong, natural-born stamina just like coach SON.

He's a tank!

He is a born marathoner for sure.

That's great.

But what about the people starving to death in the streets?

$2,000 is not peanuts.

I know, sir.

If it was, we'd be able to manage.

Yes, it's a tremendous amount.

So despite the shame, we've come to ask you for help.

Soon, the Korean government will be established.

Then we won't need guarantors or deposits.

Right.

So don't push it like children.

You gotta consider public sentiment.

What you say is all true.

But the race is around the corner.

If we fail to go to Boston now,

we'll lose the chance to compete as an independent nation in the future.

I can give you the money anytime.

But I'll be criticized for spending that money on running.

The public will go crazy when people are starving to death!

Even if you enter the race, you'll just be tailing the Yankees.

Save yourselves the embarrassment and just drink it up tonight.

Let's drink!

What is your name again?

SUH Yun-bok, sir.

Right. Yun-bok.

- Take it. - It's okay, sir.

Go on. Take it!

No need, sir.

- Take it! - Show your respect.

Here, have a drink.

Hey, pretty face.

After that, let me pour you a drink too.

Pour me one.

Let's go.

Thanks for the food.

Coach SON!

You bastards smuggle rice to Japan. Like you care for our people!

Goddamn rats!

You bastard!

Screw you, son of a bitch!

- Why you! - Sir!

- Let go! - Stop it!

- Calm down, sir! - How dare you!

So much for having a strong stomach...

Couldn't you keep it cool for a bit longer?

How can a marathoner be so impatient!

Is it short track?

Or wrestling?

Okay, okay.

How much have we collected?

Not even close to enough.

Not even half of half!

That damn deposit...

Hodge, that jerk! If he says the word, we'd have enough!

He doesn't give a damn.

What are you doing here?

We'd like to pitch in, sir.

I brought the best one!

I brought potatoes!

- I brought yams! - I caught a chicken!

I bought an heirloom!

I'm returning all the money I've received.

Take them, sir.

Please accept it, coach.

Let's hold a send-off ceremony!

We have no options, but gotta give it one last shot.

We came so far.

Let's call the public to put pressure on the U.S. Military Government.

Reporter LEE? Please move the press to generate some buzz.

That's my specialty.

Let's do everything we can!

APRIL 5th, 1947 BOSTON MARATHON SEND-OFF CEREMONY

KIM Won-ju.

LEE Su-min.

KANG Yun-chul.

PARK In-kyu.

Now, our marathoner to represent Korea in the 51st Boston Marathon!

SUH Yun-bok!

It's Yun-bok!

COMMANDER IN CHIEF HODGE

Now, we will hear some words of encouragement

who has given us much material and moral support.

U.S. Commander in Chief Hodge!

The U.S. Military Government supports the Korean Marathon's trip to Boston.

We've asked the U.S. Government many times, to cancel the deposit.

What is he saying?

Why isn't he translating?

Please translate.

I'm sorry.

I can't.

What?

What is he saying?

I am deeply sorry.

Judging by the interpreter's face,

it seems we won't be entering the Boston Marathon.

I assume the finances are not in order.

Our runners did their best to come this far,

but this is due to my lack of effort and preparation.

I apologize to all of you here today.

I stand ashamed and embarrassed.

Why can't our team go to America?

That's crazy! Let them go!

Send them to Boston!

If money is the problem, we'll donate!

We'll send them to Boston ourselves!

Let's send them to Boston!

APRIL 8th, 1947 GIMPO U.S. MILITARY HANGAR

So we'll fly to Japan to Guam, then Hawaii.

11 DAYS BEFORE THE BOSTON MARATHON

From there, we'll go to San Francisco, New York,

then finally Boston.

Why is it so complicated?

It was a single train ride to Berlin last time.

That's right.

Did you memorize the English she taught you?

Not bad at all!

I thought you were American!

Don't forget to smile.

She says Koreans don't smile much.

Right. Okay.

Doesn't that look scary?

Looking good!

Yun-bok!

Let's say goodbye the American way.

American way?

Run your heart out.

I will.

Honey!

Your wife's here.

What are you doing here?

You left the soybeans, chili pepper paste and kimchi!

How could you forget?

That's because

I wanted to see you one more time!

Shall we say goodbye American style, too?

Go on.

- Have a good trip! - Bye!

Take care! Yun-bok! Bring home the gold!

What the heck? Is this safe?

Damn it!

I guess it was okay.

- Why you! - We're flying!

Scared chicken? Never been on a plane before?

It's your first time too, pal!

I'm very sensitive, you know!

Wow! That's what Seoul looks like?

Ugh! My ears are blocked.

- Me too! - It hurts!

Think we can make it to Boston safely?

The plane is in the air now. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

APRIL 9th, 1947 AIRFIELD, GUAM

APRIL 10th, 1947 AIRFIELD, GUAM

What's he saying?

APRIL 11th, 1947 HONOLULU AIRPORT, HAWAII

- Use it for your trip. - It's okay, ma'am. I can't...

Please! Take it.

He sleeps well for a man who is so sensitive.

It's really good with kimchi.

What?

Huh?

- Sleep. - Okay...

SAN FRANCISCO

Stop it! Stop!

It's too creamy. I'm gonna throw up.

I want some too.

It stinks.

NEW YORK

APRIL 14th, 1947 BOSTON LOGAN AIRPORT

5 DAYS TO THE BOSTON MARATHON

This is Boston, right?

Looks like it.

Yun-bok. Smile.

Yes, sir.

Thank you for your warm welcome.

- These people came here for us? - It looks like it.

- Where is the guarantor? - Right!

Shouldn't he be here?

Where is Mr. BAEK?

What?

What's wrong?

- Watch it! - Oh, no.

It's ripped.

Oh, no.

Is your foot okay?

It's fine.

Mr. SON!

Hello!

Hello.

I'm BAEK Nam-hyun.

Nice to meet you. I'm SON Kee-chung.

Hi!

- Hi, Mr. BAEK. - Hi.

- Pleased to meet you! - Mr. NAM?

And this is SUH Yun-bok.

- Hi! - Hello, sir!

Kimchi?

I'm SUH Yun-bok.

Seeing you in person...

You don't look like national delegates.

You're straightforward like Americans.

We couldn't wash up much, but if we do

we'll shine like diamonds!

- We look good! - Of course!

Then let's get you cleaned up!

- Sure. - Where's the money?

What?

Didn't you get the deposit money?

I mean for the staying expenses.

Things are calculated precisely in this country.

I heard the people donated.

Right.

I guess money comes first here.

Koreans are great to donate like this!

Money talks here.

- Follow me! - My shoes...

Mr. SON! Let's go inside.

Take your luggage.

- What? - Mr. BAEK! What is this?

Give him your luggage.

I told him to carry them.

This way!

Wow!

- Come in. - Yes, sir.

- Come. - What's this?

It's an elevator.

Leave your luggage here and unpack, please.

We don't have heated floors here, so please don't sleep on the floor.

We've used beds before. We know.

We slept on beds in Berlin.

Right! You've been to Berlin!

Yes.

Let me remind you again just in case.

Don't touch any of the food here. You'll be billed for it.

Just checking.

Everything except the air costs money here.

Money is everything here.

And the toilet...

You've been to Berlin, you know, right?

We stayed for several days.

Okay! Then use it well.

We'll register tomorrow. Sleep tight tonight.

Okay.

See you.

- We finally made it. - Yes.

It's like a dream!

Don't sleep now. We gotta get over the jet lag.

Sleep at night.

Just checking on the firmness.

It's nice.

- Then I'll wash up first. - Okay.

Washing your face?

Yes.

Want soap?

- Thank you. - Sure.

- I'll wash up quickly. - Take your time.

BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

4 DAYS BEFORE THE BOSTON MARATHON

It's been so long.

Well...

Where is he?

I'm SUH Yun-bok.

Mr. SON!

Over here!

Hurry! Translate for us.

He has high hopes for Yun-bok.

Wishes him luck.

They say that all the time here.

Let's go register now.

SON KEE-CHUNG

See? They say good luck all the time.

Let's go.

Wait a minute!

This is not ours.

What happened here?

What's this?

This is the American flag.

Yes.

Why is it on our uniforms?

The U.S. Military Government sent you. Of course you wear that.

What?

Did you expect it to be the Korean flag?

Hold on. Look here.

It says so right here.

They're only acting as our guarantor!

You mean our affiliation is to the U.S. and not to Korea?

Yes.

That makes no sense!

Change it.

Change what?

To the Korean flag!

This isn't some corner store in Korea!

You're in America! Boston!

What are you saying?

Who's in charge here?

We're at an international competition here.

Mr. SON!

Change this to the Korean flag.

He says the same thing. It's common sense to wear that flag.

Common sense?

Korea is an independent country!

How is it common sense for Koreans to wear American flags?

Why are you yelling?

Please calm down and think.

You're an affiliate of America on paper now.

These people only work to what's on paper.

If you do well, they'll give you American citizenship.

Know how much that is worth?

You'll get social security!

Forget the citizenship!

We want to run with our country's flag on here!

How frustrating!

Aren't you a Korean too!

- Let him go! - You're in America. Follow the rules!

Let's just talk!

What if we refuse to run wearing the American flag?

You can't run the race without an affiliation!

Why are you all so stubborn!

Take 'em!

- Mr. SON. - Coach!

But...

Mr. SON!

What's the big deal to cause a scene like that?

What did Korea ever do for you?

Did they give you even a new pair of shoes?

Did they ever give you anything for winning gold in Berlin?

How about you?

The country didn't give you anything! What's the big fuss?

Mr. BAEK.

Think we won medals expecting something?

Just because it couldn't help us,

we can't just sweep aside our motherland!

For Koreans living here,

we say we're from Korea a thousand times,

but still get asked if we're Japanese or Chinese.

If I meet someone and tell them I'm Korean,

they ask me again the next day if I'm Japanese or Chinese!

Are they kidding me?

They do it on purpose to make fun of me.

Then what?

We gotta make money and succeed.

People listen well to the rich and successful here.

So we fight hard everyday to make money.

To be heard!

You come first before the country!

You should run no matter what!

Maybe you're right.

But we're not running with the American flag!

- Stop the car now! - Kee-chung.

I'm sorry for all this.

It's too bad this happened.

Let's go home.

What?

Then what did we do all this for?

After all that hard work?

After all the snubs?

We give up and go home?

Sorry, kid.

Sir, I want to run.

I want to show them.

I want to win and pay them back for looking down at us!

Do you want to live like me?

Yes! I want to live like you.

Didn't you know you'd be running with the Japanese flag?

Whether we run with the Japanese flag or the American flag,

the fact that we're Koreans doesn't change.

You'll represent Korean Marathons for years to come.

You'll head it.

If I don't run, no one will know.

Look at me.

The glory of Berlin does not belong to SON Kee-chung!

It belongs to SON Kitei of Japan!

That will never change!

SUH Yun-bok, the Korean, will not run with the American flag.

Coach SON.

Let's not jump to conclusions.

Let's think this over.

What's there to think about?

We go home!

Fine. Let's forget everything.

Yun-bok.

Have a drink to cool down.

Yun-bok went to get some air.

Mr. BAEK. Can you help me?

Yes, yes.

Mr. SON Kee-chung and Mr. NAM Sung-yong

came for the Boston Marathon...

3 DAYS BEFORE THE MARATHON

They're asking if Korea has universities and newspapers.

What the hell?

Why not ask if we take shits?

They ask why you're not entering the race.

I heard Boston is where independence was first announced in America.

And that the Boston Marathon commemorates the independence.

Boston is a symbol of freedom.

We came here to let the world know about Korea's independence.

But when we arrived,

we received uniforms with the American flag, not ours.

If running under your country's flag,

is the spirit of Boston and America,

and claims to follow the spirit of the marathons?

Then we've come to the wrong place.

I received this uniform from the association yesterday.

But I've come to return it to Mr. Harris.

Here you are, sir.

Let me ask all of you.

Is this young man American?

He is SUH Yun-bok, a marathoner from Korea!

Should he not run with the flag of his motherland?

What damn rules!

That's crazy!

Cut the damn nonsense!

During the awards ceremony in Berlin,

I covered the Japanese flag with the laurel plant.

Due to that,

I suffered constant surveillance and persecution.

The Japanese forced me to pledge never to run again!

For a runner to promise never to run again,

it's like the Japanese had cut off my two legs!

All we want,

is just to run, wearing our country's flag!

Mr. SON?

The decision is yours.

Like what happened to me,

will you cut off this young man's legs?

Or will you uphold Boston's spirit of independence,

and allow him to wear the Korean flag?

Please stand up!

Stand up!

2 DAYS BEFORE THE MARATHON

Karagounis won last year. He's a national hero in Greece.

KARAGOUNIS

His time was 2:29:27. He's the favorite to win again.

Virtanen from Finland.

VIRTANEN

He set an unofficial new record of 2:24:55.

Geoffrey from America.

GEOFFREY

He won the Boston Marathon 2 years in a row.

His best record is 2:28:25.

Don't worry.

We've beaten those with better records.

It's the midpoint! Pick up speed!

Yes, sir.

Run!

This is the famous "Heartbreak Hill".

It's perfect to break your heart pump here!

It feels so much better to stay here instead.

We couldn't cook at the hotel.

How could we have the energy to run just on bread?

No worries. I'm being paid.

You're crazy about money.

Enjoy your meal.

Thank you.

By the way, after making big promises before the reporters,

can you really run well like Mr. SON and Mr. NAM?

Of course!

He's better than us.

I'll do my best.

Eat up.

You gotta eat to win!

Zoom through the finish line! Place first!

Please don't pressure the kid.

I'm sorry.

My stomach hurts. I'll turn in to rest.

Sure, get some rest.

- Thank you for the meal. - See? You burdened him.

He didn't even have the soup.

Seems like he hasn't adjusted yet.

We've been through so much.

It must be from stress.

Should I buy some beef tomorrow?

What a welcomed surprise from you!

I'm getting paid for it.

Money, money!

APRIL 19th, 1947 DAY OF THE BOSTON MARATHON

How do you feel?

Me?

No, Yun-bok.

I feel great, sir.

Good.

Why aren't you asking me?

I know you're sensitive. Why ask you?

Can't you just cheer me on?

You're mean.

Maybe we should've brought jackets.

We worked hard to show this. We can't cover it up!

Right!

Jealous, huh?

It's not too late. I'll take you on!

Yes, I'm very jealous.

Don't bother following us. Just meet us at the finish line.

I plan to take a nap in the association's bus.

- Let's go! - Okay!

What did they say?

He's here!

- Why are you so late! - Sorry.

Translate!

- Did it start yet? - Turn it up!

00:00:00 HOPKINTON 0KM

Mr. CHOI! Let's go! Hurry!

Stay close behind me. Keep pace.

Mr. SON! Hurry!

Let's get on this bus!

Remember what Coach SON said.

Keep this pace until the 19th kilometer.

00:22:47 ASHLAND CLOCK TOWER 6.5KM

00:56:09 LAKE COCHITUATE 16KM

Don't run at an angle! Stay right behind me!

Yun-bok.

Yun-bok!

SUH Yun-bok!

Don't lose your pace to him!

Maintain your speed!

Get behind me again!

They're coming up on Wellesley College.

Female students are waiting.

They believe kissing marathoners will help them marry well.

So they're waiting to kiss!

01:10:48 WASHINGTON STREET 21KM

- That's Geoffrey, right? - Yes.

- There! - There they come!

This is the halfway point!

Sung-yong, cover Geoffrey.

Yun-bok, looking good! Maintain your speed!

Keep the same speed!

01:36:27 NEWTON LOWER FALLS 26KM

NAM Sung-yong is amazing!

He's running on par with Geoffrey.

- That what they said? - Yes!

Are you okay?

It's time to take the lead! Slowly start accelerating!

01:47:12 NEWTON HILLS 30KM

Wow!

SUH is running neck and neck with Karagounis, last year's winner!

01:55:06 HEARTBREAK HILL 33KM

The commentators are complimenting SUH on how great he is doing.

SUH is now running strong after Karagounis in the lead!

I can't just sit here.

- Where are you going? - See you at the finish line.

SUH Yun-bok just took the lead!

He's first!

Quiet! Let's listen!

02:00:39 CHESTNUT HILL 35KM

No! Yun-bok fell!

This makes no sense!

Oh, no!

Get up, buddy!

- Stand up! - Get up!

Yun-bok! Are you okay?

Yun-bok! There's no rush!

Move slowly!

Go slowly!

You're doing great!

Recover your pace slowly!

No need to rush!

You're doing great!

Don't speed up quickly!

He started running again!

SUH Yun-bok! SUH Yun-bok!

Don't rush! You're doing great!

Keep running like that!

You can do it!

02:08:48 BROOKLINE 37KM

02:16:23 BACK BAY 40KM

02:21:02 COPLEY SQUARE 41.5KM

They're not here yet.

I can't watch.

Mr. SON! He's coming in second!

Go SUH Yun-bok!

Yun-bok!

Eat it all to get better soon.

Go on!

What if the village spirit curses my dear son?

I can beat a ghost any day!

You're always hungry from running around all day.

You don't study... What do you hope to become?

I'll be SON Kee-chung!

Walk! You'll wear out your shoes.

Go SUH Yun-bok! Go!

- Yun-bok! - Run!

Yes!

He came in first!

Yun-bok!

Well done!

You were great. Good job!

- Mr. SON! - Well done.

It's a new world record!

2:25:39! A new world record!

He set a record!

Thank you!

A new world record!

There he comes!

Go Mr. NAM!

What happened?

How did it go?

We...

We got first place.

Well done, boy!

I'm so proud of you!

How can an old-timer come in 12th?

Damn! I wanted to be in the top 10!

I missed it!

- You were great! - Thanks.

Hurray for Korea!

Thank you very much!

Thank you all!

♪ Till the East Sea runs dry ♪

♪ And Mt. Baekdu wears away ♪

♪ May God protect us ♪

♪ Long live our country! ♪

♪ 3000 Li of Roses of Sharon ♪

♪ And splendid mountains ♪

♪ May our great people bind ♪

♪ And preserve our great country ♪

♪ As the Great Pine on Namsan Hill ♪

Well done, Asian grandpa.

♪ With the unchanging winds ♪

UPON WINNING THE 1947 BOSTON MARATHON,

KOREA BECAME AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC).

AT THE 1950 BOSTON MARATHON,

KOREA MADE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS BY PLACING 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd.

SON KEE-CHUNG HELPED ATTRACT

THE OLYMPICS, ASIAN GAMES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS IN KOREA.

HE FOUGHT TO CHANGE HIS BERLIN WIN TO KOREA,

BUT IT REMAINS A RECORD FOR JAPAN.

HE PASSED AWAY IN 2002 AT THE AGE OF 91.

NAM SUNG-YONG COACHED MARATHON THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE

AND RETIRED AFTER THE 1964 TOKYO OLYMPICS.

HE PASSED AWAY IN 2001 AT THE AGE OF 90.

AN ANNUAL MARATHON IS HELD IN HIS HONOR AT HIS HOMETOWN OF SUNCHEON.

SUH YUN-BOK WAS ACTIVE FOR 40 YEARS AS A SPORTS ADMINISTRATOR AND COACH.

AT THE 1988 SEOUL OLYMPICS, HE LED THE MARATHON TEAM AS AN HONORARY COACH.

HE PASSED AWAY IN 2017 AT THE AGE OF 95.

Directed by KANG Je-kyu

HA Jung-woo

YIM Si-wan

BAE Seong-woo

Politicians shouted all they want about our independence,

but it was never in the press.

But look.

"SUH Yun-bok, the miracle of Korea, a small country in the East"

You let the whole world know about Korea.

Well done.

Mr. BAEK.

If you ever return to Korea,

I'll treat you to the best soup in the country.

Soup from back home...

It sounds great.

When did you practice that?

You should start running.

You'll have to live long to spend all the money you made.

I wish you good health.

Thank you.

- You'd better get going. - John!

Your plane is leaving.

Let's go.

We'll be going, then.

Mr. SON! Goodbye!

Take care!