All language subtitles for North.Korean.Partisan.in.South.Korea.1990

This film is based on the life
and factual records of Lee Tae,

a correspondent who took an active part
in the Korean war as a partisan.

NAM BU GUN
North Korean Partisan in South Korea

Korea was liberated on 15 August 1945

Soviet Army occupied North Korea
on 20 August 1945

U. S. Army occupied South Korea
on 9 September 1945

Democratic National Front formed
on 15 February 1946

Riot in Taegu on 2 October:
South Korean Labor Party formed
on 23 November 1946

The U. S. -Soviet joint talks broke off
on May, July 1947

Yeo Un-hyong, head of the Working
People's Party, assassinated on 19 July 1947

Jeju incident on 3 April 1948

North-South joint meeting of political parties
and public organization held in Pyongyang
on 19 April 1948

Revolt in Yosu, Sunchon
on 20 October 1948

Kim Gu, head of Korean Independence Party,
assassinated on 25 June 1949

The Korean war broke out on 25 June 1950

Prerogative of supreme command of
South Korean Army transferred
to U. S. Army on 12 July 1950

Naktong river battle on 2 September 1950

U. S. Army landed in Inchon
on 15 September 1950

Produced and directed
by Jeong Ji-young

The Korean war broke out amid a whirlpool
of rightest-leftist conflicts which
resulted from a hegemonic struggle

between the U. S. and Soviet Union
after Korea's liberation.

I was a HAPTONG News Agency correspondent
during this period.

Since the People's Army advanced to Seoul
and took over HAPTONG,

I became a war correspondent for the
Korean Central News Agency and
went down to Jeonju.

Jeonju City in September 1950

Communications are severed
and everything is in chaos!

Hasn't the U. S. Army landed?

Don't worry!
How can the Yankees exert their strength

even if they do land on our soil,
wasting all their energy in pleasure resorts

in Okinawa or Kakinawa.

Don't you think so, boss?

Let's pack up! U. S. troops have landed
in Osik Island.

What?

You mean they can be here
within 2 hours by tank?

Yes, Hurry up!

We'll really be in trouble!

Everyone is going to the North.
Where shall we go?

Well, we should follow the orders of
the provincial party committee.

What?

We are instructed to join the provincial party
at Mt. Yeobun guerrilla headquarters.

Really?

Hey, you guys the must be comrades
of news agency coming to join
provincial party in Mt. Yeobun.

That's right. You are...

Glad to meet you!

I'm Oegari notorious in Mt. Yeobun.
Let's go!

We only knew about partisans
from past rumors.

Our members went to Mt. Yeobun
a partisans' hiding-place guided
by Comrade Oegari.

Guerrillas were very active in this area
even before the war and there we met
man young men from various strata.

lt was the first time for me to
see this new world
Guerrilla headquarters, Korean Labor Party's
provincial committee in Mt. Yeobun,
Sunchang county

with mixed feelings of fear and curiosity.
Guerrilla headquarters, Korean Labor Party's
provincial committee in Mt. Yeobun,
Sunchang county

Comrade reporter, come this way

Good bye, Comrade Sung.

Good bye.

You follow me.

I was reporter, not a technician,

so I was assigned to a combat unit,
seperated from my colleagues.

Take care of yourself!

You now belong to 4th Company.

We will organize our platoons.

Comrade Sung, since you have some
experience you should head the
reconnaissance unit.

All right.

You, what extra work did you do in school?

I waged the struggle against National College
system of the U. S. military rule

and against the Syngman Rhee's cllique's
separate election maneuvers in South Korea.

Do you any military experience?

A little in the Japanese army... like basic rifle firing.

You mean, you participated in the war
against our nation's liberation.

Well anyway, you should take advantage of
your military experience.

So, I appoint you as the 2nd
platoon leader.

You are a petit-intellectual.

I hope you will reform your mentality
through the partisan struggle.

Yes.

Humm... you left Yonhui college
in mid-course.

This company is going to be
the intellectuals unit.

You go to the 2nd platoon.

Yes.

They said partisans should be courageous.

Aren't you scared?

Our struggle will continue in everywhere
and anywhere the nation is liberated.

Let's get some sleep.

You mean... everywhere?

Who are you? I didn't say anything.

Put your shoes on!

Hurry up!

You'd better be careful from now on.

You weren't paying attention
during the training.

Didn't you hear that partisans
must keep their shoes

on 24 hours a day...
whether they are wet or dry?

What's the matter with you?

... My spoon.

What?
You lost your party member's certificate?

Oh... Here it is!

Yah, who is that Comrade woman?

She is the girl I came with
from my hometown.

Well, you shouldn't recklessly give your party
certificate to other person.

Didn't you hear during training that only
when we find short spoon on a dead body

that we know he is our comrade
and cover the body even with fallen leaves.

After some simple basic training,
we embarked on the first mobilization march.

Comrades, we have not touched
any food all day.

We should eat something in that village...

but as you know,
that village is not a 'democratic' one.

In other words, rascals may appear
at any time from anywhere.

So, you must start as soon as you get there
and finish eating in less than 5 minutes,

The first platoon should block
all roads to outside.

the rest can slip into any house
and eat whatever's being served...

and as soon as you finish eating,

you should bring back some leftovers

for the other comrades in the 1st platoon.

I'm sorry, auntie.

Thank you, auntie, for the delicious food.

Comrade Mah, this is the share
for the 1st platoon.

Our operation is likely to be waged
on a large scale don't you think?

Yah... we'll carry out a powerful struggle
to obtain provisions for the winter
before it gets cold.

All the troops under the provincial party
command will be deployed all over
Mt. Hoemun and make a surprise attack.

Damn, We've been spotted!

Comrades! Go to that direction!

You, women, hide Yourself in the rear!

Hurry up! Things are getting twisted.

You fellows move back!
Carry on with the covering fire!

Comrade Jeon, you must run!
Otherwise you will be killed!

Platoon leader! I left my rifle behind.

My rifle's jammed!

This rifle's out of order.

You all run to dead angle across the hill!

Comrade Kim, take care of Jeon!

2nd platoon, don't retreat!

You fellows must really be taking a beating.
lt's OK to take this road.

Machine gun unit, this way!

Did you get hurt?

Are you alright?

Give me towel, please.

What? Comrade Jeon deserted
giving up his rifle.

He should be disciplined!

- What was your situation?
- Situation?

Does any one abandon his rifle
under a comfortable conditions?

But the life of man is more valuable
than a piece of rifle.

You'd better discard the nepotist
sentimentalism! I just don't agree...

How can you lead the people's liberation
struggle to victory with such a weak
ideological armament?

Well, well, We made great gains
in today's battle.

Let's stop arguing perplexing matters.

I agree with the platoon leader.
We've captured a lot of weapons

but we also need men to handle them.

Look! Comrade company
commander there...

We were returning after burying company
commander Choe on the mountain
in front of the village.

We receive an order from Headquarters
to reorganize our unit.

Headquarters was moving to Mt. Hoemun

and our 4th company was reorganized
into "Eagle Brigade".

Maeng Bong, who rescued us,
took the command of our brigade,

and we made a foothold at Mt. Baekryon.

Cho Young-ja, Bae Bong-suk!

Lee Eun -ha, Jeong Un-ok,
Kang Sung-hee.

You've been transferred to the Headquarters.
You'd better 90 quick!

Chief...

What is it?

... how about Comrade Cho Young-ja...

Anything wrong with her?

... No

Am I allowed to see you?

Oh, Comrade Pak.

Are you sick?

Oh, no.

I'm happy to be here.

I'm also assigned
to this "Eagle Brigade".

Oh, that's good. Then, I don't mind your
using my own private wash place.

Thank you.

The piercing bullet wound is worse!

How could you leave a wound like this...

Yeah, it certainly swelled up badly.

Hold it firmly!

How do you feel?
Does it still hurt you?

Aha... the night in Shilla, I heard the
sound of the bell in Bulguk Temple...

You!

Go on singing! I feel like the pain is better.

Comrade Pak! It's just a minor thing...

Please help me!

- Hurry up!
- I'm dog tired!
Wolchi Village in Sunchang County,
November 1950.

Comrade Shin!

They raided when all left for Chonggung.

Fire!

Escape!
Let's go to the stone wall down there!

2nd squad! Go close to the well!

Comrade Jeon!
You can't see anything for the smoke.

Just keep running to that
mountain corner!

When you get there, throw a hand grenade!

When the grenade explodes, we'll run

Run!

Chief...

You mean, we burn the whole village?

That's right. We are ordered to do so
because that village serves as a, supply
point, for the rascals.

as a supply point for the rascals.

Chief...

Why doesn't the hand grenade explode?

Comrade Lee, listen!

We can't run with you.

We're in between the stone walls,
so we won't burn to death!

You should make the best choice
by yourself after we run.

Comrade Min-ja!

Follow me!

Hurry up!

They said we'll just withdraw.

You mean,
we aren't going to burn this village?

I'm not sure...
we may burn it while withdrawing.

- Hey, look! There's another house.
- Yeah, You're right.

We've entered enemy's lines.
We have to get out here.

Corporal Kim!

Auntie!

Yes?

Haven't you seen two
soldiers around here?

... They went in that direction
a few minutes ago.

They are gone

- You haven't had dinner, I guess.
- No.

Auntie...

Yes? What can I do for you?

I picked this up over there.

What's that?

lt's a spoon carried by red guerrillas.

Yeah, red, red guerrillas?

Who are you?

Thank you, indeed, auntie.

You can report after a while
and tell them we ran away to Galje.

Come!

You think we came for a picnic?

The sound of your reed
may invite the enemy.

I'm playing this in the hope
to see friendly forces.

I feel refreshed after a good sleep.

Why, you...

You ran desperately up to here.
Then you collapsed.

You didn't fall asleep you fainted.

Really?

So, I could give you first aid
without you screaming.

My hometown is a flowery
mountain village...

Who taught you to play the reed?

My brother.

We lost our parents
when we were children.

After finishing school, we worked in
the Taejon provincial hospital for a while

I followed my brother,

and worked as an office girl
at a construction site

at Unam Dam before the war.

When the war broke out,
my brother was drafted into the army.

Later, I heard he was killed in battle.

I returned to Taejon again

but the hospital had turned into
a field army hospital of the People's Army.

So, I became a nurse.

I was then mobilized to the front line.
But I came to the mountains with
straggling soldiers

when the People's Army was retreating
from Naktong river.

You mean, you were on the side
that killed your brother?
I can hardly understand...

You're right. But I don't understand why
people are standing apart in sharp
confrontation with each other.

You see, people who suffer wounds
and pains from any side need me.

lt's getting cold.

You should keep your body warm
so that your wound will heal quicker.

Please hold me in your arms!

Get up!

I'm the platoon leader of the
"Eagle Brigade".

She is a nurse.

- Is that true?
- Yes!

We're from "Thunder Brigade".
Let's go!

They say the "Eagle Brigade" is in Mulguri
to defend Yakdam Hill,

and you, Comrade nurse are reassigned
to the rear hospital in Hwiyotteo.

You should leave at once.

The number of wounded soldiers in increasing.
You are needed in many places.

Can you go to Hwiyotteo by yourself?

Yes.

Well, then you should go
now. Hurry up!

Who will take care of you
if your wound gets worse?

Comrade Heo In-sun will do it, I'm sure

Don't ask her to embrace you
to keep you warm...

Will she if I ask?

Well...

Who is this?

Oh, Seyong.

Chief!

very Hot

If the war ends,

you'll be working someplace
in Seoul as a journalist.

What will I be doing then?

Well, you'll be waiting at the dinner table,
after preparing food.

Can we meet again, really?

If we don't die...

Even if we don't meet again,
please be a good journalist.

What sound I give you?

Let's see...
what do I have to give you?

You may write something with that
fountain pen words that I can keep
in my mind.

You and I do not share the same destiny.

I shall repress my surging passion

but may peace take reside in your heart.

Sending off Min-ja at Sumjin riverside

on a snowy day. Tae

I don't like the phrase

we do not share the same destiny...

That's a phrase from Byron's poem.

Be careful! Watch in all directions!

Look out!

I was so frightened that I couldn't take
the pin out of my hand grenade.

The image of my mother, left alone at home,
flashed before me. .

So I froze.

- You said your father passed away last year...
- Yeh...

He was taken to a police box,
charged with something,

and beaten all night long.
He returned home but died of a
lingering illness,

without being given any medicine.

Chief!

Yeah?

We'll certainly see a happy world after
undergoing various pains we are
suffering... Won't we?

Sure, we will.

Chief! Will you take me to Seoul
when the war ends?

Why to Seoul?

I want to attend a good school, like you

Alright, I certainly will.

Trench mortar... you are my class comrade.

I feel a stir in my heart
whenever I see you...

Machine gun! You are always my headache...

whenever I see you.

Comrade Mah, you have no headache

as you always run away from battlefield...

What? What did you say... when did I...

Reflect on your conduct!

I said I have a headache
because I was enraged

whenever I must pour liquor
into a machine gun

as a substitute for antifreeze solution.

Kah... You want a drink?

Toe toe... Some guy put his dirty
mouth in the gourd.

The colder it is, the more
cautious we should be.

Didn't you know that liquor means
poison to partisans?

lt's so cold... I can hardly be
patient about this...

lt's now the time for mobilization!

Intelligence reports say that the enemy is
coming into Galdam.

2nd platoon! Take charge of Sagusil!

We'll lead 1st platoon and take charge of
the Kagok area.

Keep away! Yellow dogs are coming!

Comrade Sung! Come over here!
We'll cover you!

My puppy...

My puppy...

Stop firing!

Stop firing!

Hey kid Come here

lt's dangerous

Hey Kid

Kid come this way.
Come here to soldier uncles

Kid! Come here

Kid! They are Reds!
We'll give you candy if you come here.

Kid! Come here! They are yellow dogs!

My boy!

My boy! Why are you standing there?
Come! Come here!

Yellow dogs! You seem to be more
humanitarian than we thought...

You, wild pigs!
You seem to be a bit kind.

Don't you want to go home?

You should go back to your home and
support your wives and kids!

You stopped firing for the child

and puppy not because we all descended
from the same forefathers.

You, wild pigs! Listen!
Don't you know that wild pigs

and yellow dogs are all offspring
of Father Dangun?

You, rascals!
You pretend you know something.

Don't you guys agree that national
reunification and the people's liberation

must be expedited!

Raise your hands and come forward!
We'll ensure your life!

Stop such silly talk! You just listen
to your brother singing a song.

How many guys do you think there are?

Well, shall we sing a song, too?

Twice as many as we are...

Since we are spread out,
they would think we are more.

Really?

Hey, you yellow dogs! We know only 30

of you are running wild in out village,
you sons of bitches!

You, wild pigs!
How many men are there

to make a show of power?

The rascals have disappeared!

Comrade Kim!

What is the use of book in combat?
Put it back!

Who is this?
Code! "Sumjin river!"

Mountain Parektu!

The situation in Kagok is unfavorable.

1st squad should keep this area and 2nd
squad and reconnaissance unit follow me.

- Let's go to "Kagok!"
- Yes.

- Let's go!
- 1st squad!

Comrade Jeon! You stay here
and if anything happens,

send a message to us in Kagok.

Alright.

Seems that the rascals have retreated.

How about we go to the 1st squad?

Wait! It's just a momentary lull.

Yes.

Are you composing a poem?

Oh, no.

Is it a sin that men are afraid of death?

I knew that you were always
courageous in combat...

I thought of many things after rebuking
Comrade Mah as a coward

in front of all platoon members.

I thought that fearing death is quite natural
and humanistic for a man.

That's a way of thinking for a poet.

Such humanistic fear is considered a sin

because we are in a state of war.

Huh... It's cold...

so cold that I can no longer stand it!
I'm going into the house.

No, you shouldn't!

You should keep this place
until the platoon leader comes back!

Yellow dogs or black dogs, whatever they
are they just don't move, fearing us.

How can we stand here
all night in this cold air?

Comrade Jeon!, let's drink just a little.

What are you doing now?

I'm drinking a liquor. Anything wrong?

You'll be scolded.

I don't care! My cheeks are
flushed with wine.

Hey, Comrade Kang! Come here
come here quick!

I came into this mountain as
I was forced by our time

to make only one choice-- either a rightist
to leftist stand.

If this war is waged to make
mankind live the life worthy of men,

I'll be glad to offer my life.

But I deplore that the inhumane situation
in which men and men, fellow
countrymen in particular,

must kill each other, is aimed at
attaining humanistic future oh, what
a contradiction!

Such mental complications will only
reduce the will to fight.

You have had enough!

Don't be afraid! Come on, have a drink!

You like it, don't you?

Well... I bottomed up.

I'll fire only to live. I'll only to survive.

I know you'll not tolerate being discarded

as a worthless existence.

But if a great history is to be born
from the muzzle of our guns,

our act would be worth offering our lives.
Don't you agree?

Well, this war is so complicated
that I can hardly have such a belief.

Comrade Kim! You look a little strange
since Cho Young-ja was transfer, red to
Head, uarters.

Who said so?

Who said that I only cleaned horse dung
in the cavalry unit?

You mean...
you really fought riding on a horse?

That's right! You'd better believe it.

When I worked in a tailor's shop in Seoul,
I rode all the female workers.

Whom am I? I am Mah Dal-ho,
the very manly Mah Dal-ho.

You mean Comrade Cho Young-ja?

She was a young lover of literature
who grew up as a daring
daughter of a landlord

One day she read my poem,
and began to follow me.

As I came to the mountain,
she just followed me.

She is too young and too naive to make
ideological armament.

What is so valuable for her
as to offer her life?

I had a good time yes good time indeed

Aren't we fighting to have
such a good time again?

Yeah, you're right. You are young, but
your way of thinking seems to be
that of my elder brother.

Who is this?

What's the pass word!

Sumjin river!"

Who is damn "Sumjin river"?

This must be from the Sagisil direction.

Yes. It looks like it.

Comrade Jeon! You!

Hey, you, Comrade Jeon!

Chief! I have got a blow!

Everything is over. Thank you, chief!

Rascals drank all the liquor!

lt's a reactionary's house.

This is the liberated area.

You were the only one who informed

the yellow dogs after we moved out.

Confess!

You informed them, didn't you?

Platoon leader!
Take this reactionary girl to the village yard

and gather all villagers.

Yes. Let's all get out!

Your husband was a police man
but still alive in our liberated area.

You tried to collect some intelligence,
didn't you?

Your husband died some time ago... why?

He was killed by you! Yes, by your clique!

That's what made you act as a spy.

To avenge the death of my husband

Go away!

That child's mother killed herself
by biting her tongue.
Anything to say?

Raise your head!

Long live the People's Republic!

Clap your hands!

Applaud the death of Comrade Hwang
who committed a disgraceful act

on the national liberation front of
our courageous partisans!

Clap your hands!

All are leaving.

What's your relationship with
Comrade Pak Min-ja, the nurse?

I only received medical care as a patient...

You are all cowards!

What do you mean by
"You and I share a different destiny... "?

That's a phrase from Byron's poem.

Who is Byron? Isn't he a reactionary writer?

He is not a Bolshevik, but...

Well, that's alright.
You've been relatively faithful to your duty.

But this question may be rather serious
according to each one's standpoint.

Under present circumstances and at this time,
it is serious to indulge in love affairs.

lt is an erroneous act against the
nation and the people.
Anything to say?

No.

- You mean, You accept my words.
- Yes.

Pack up!
You've been summoned by Headquarters.

You don't have to worry because
this is not for the note.

Seems that the communications section
in the provincial party headquarters
requested your summon.

A liaison man is already
here from Mt' Hoemun.

As the executed Comrade Hwang pointed out,
you have weak-hearted

sentimentalist nature.
You'd better to discard it promptly,

then you'll be an excellent
warrior in every aspect.

I understand.

Platoon leader! If you meet Comrade
Cho Young-ja in the
Headquarters, please...

I wrote a few words,
trusting you would understand me.

You rasclas... no matter how deeply
you may hide in the winter,
I won't miss you!

Where were those female comrades
who were selected from each brigade
last time, transferred to?

Perhaps they are assigned to the
New company composed of women...

You mean, to the Headquarters?

No. That company is a combat unit
so it cannot remain in the rear.

If you have any message to convey
I'll pass on when I get there,

except a letter.

Oh, no. How about the hospital unit?

It'll take all night to get
the female company or hospital unit.

Well, I want to have one more...

HQ of North Cholla Provincial Party
Partisans in Mt. Hoemun, Sunchang County

Your way must be painstaking...

I like you to meet our new Comrade Min.

How are you? I now see the genuine partisan
after a long time.

What are you doing here?

We called in comrade section chief
precisely for this.

This is a complete code!

All these communications were made
possible
through my own efforts. "

Didn't you see the water generator
at the riverside? That's my skill.

How could you decode this so easily?

Well, I'm not sure if it's right.

People's Army and Chinese Communist
Army advanced to Chechon.

The situation has changed with intervention
of the Chinese communist army.

Headquarters was in a
peaceful atmosphere.

A news bulletin informing of war situation
was published.

This was the most luxurious period
since I came into the mountain.

Yet, I had no sufficient time to visit Min-ja

nor could I go to female
company to convey

the letter asked by Comrade Kim Young.

Indeed, I missed... members of the 2nd platoon

including Kim Young and Pak Min-ja.
However...

March 1951

lt's a retreat!

- Where Shall we go?
- We'll assemble at Daesumal yard.

All units of the provincial party are going to
withdraw with Headquarters tonight.

Dividing all forces into two, one will go to
the direction of Mt. Sobaek

and the other to the Byonsan peninsula.

How about us?

We'll head for Mt. Sobaek as the
Headquarters go to that direction.

Comrade branch chief! Branch chief!

Which way is the hospital unit
do you know?

Hospital unit? It'll be divided into two

because both sides will have wounded soldiers.
Let's go!

Say, is this the hospital unit?

Is this the hospital unit?

Do you know a nurse named Pak Min-ja?

Comrade Pak, Is heading for Byonsan.

Which side is she on now?

Go to that direction!
They left a few minutes ago.

Which way is the hospital unit?

Over there in the back.

Is this...

- Where is the hospital unit?
- I don't know.

Is this the hospital unit?

Hospital unit? No.

I was not able to meet Pak Min-ja.

I had to advance to the North along
the ranges of Mt. Sobaak

following the North Cholla party unit
with some 400 members.

On the front lines, the United Forces were

also advancing toward the 38th parallel.

Mt. Baekun Hamyang County,
South Kyongsang Province, May 1951

Dark clouds were drawing near.

A fearful infectious disease called
"relapsing fever"

which began in a unit swept over all the units
of North Cholla Province.

This disease caused a high fever
repeatedly and was accompanied by
severe pains and serious sequels.

Since we had no medical means to
deal with disease,

we had to suffer a number of victims.

Is this tree known to be good
for the infectious disease?

Yes, they say so.

Comrade Kim Young!

Platoon leader!

Oh, the letter.

I was so busy with the work of
communications center after I arrived
at the Headquarters

that I couldn't even touch it,

and lost it at last.

Didn't you have any news?

No, not at all.

Some people said she was killed
when she was fleeing from
Headquarters in Mt. Hoemun

while others say she went to the west...

all my fault.

Do you have a pencil?

No, I don't.

What's that fountain pen?

Oh this? I couldn't get any ink.

Why don't you throw it away
if you can't use it.

No, that's impossible.

Comrade Song,
what made you come here?

You know Pak Min-ja
who went to the west.

I just returned from the west.

Knowing that I am a liaison man
from Headquarters,

she came to see me
and inquired about you.

So?

So, I told her that you were suffering
from a fever. Then she
gave this to me,

asking me to give it to you.

Isn't it Aspirin? I envy you.

Well, I'm going back. Anything
to convey?

I will send her

Well, good bye!

Say, Comrade!

Haven't you met a girl named
Cho Young-ja in Byonsan?

She is small and slim...

Cho Young-ja?
No, I haven't seen her.

Her nickname was "white lily".

If you have any chance to go to Byonsan,

please try to find "white lily"
and give this to her.

Isn't this a letter?
Our rule prohibits delivery of letter.

I'll certainly pass on your words.
Well, good bye. Take care.

You, Comrades!
The chairman is coming!

They came here with the mission
of reassigning the soldiers at the directive
of Comrade Lee Hyun-Sang,

Commander of the Nambugun
of the Korean People's Army
guerrilla forces.

I want you to follow the order
of those comrades.

Those who're recovering health,
please come forward voluntarily!

If you go to Nambugun,
you'll have better food.

Comrade Kim and I were fascinated
by the guide's remarks that
if we go to Nambugun,

we'll haver better and more sufficient food,

although we had not completely recovered.

Mt. Dokyu, June 1951

I know you came a long, tough way.

I'm Kim Heung-bok, commander
of "Victory Division".

You'll be enlisted into our unit
as plain soldiers regardless of

your previous positions
and career in the Chonbuk unit.

The goal of our struggle in not only to
secure more liberated areas

but also to induce as many enemies
as possible into our side...

so as to make the People's Army in
the front line have a more a favorable
situation by building a second front-line.

Therefore, we'll constantly
move and harass the enemy!

You'll know that the this unit is not by name.

Cadre members! You take
the lead of each unit.

First line, Taegu unit!
Second line, Seoul unit!

Third line, Jeonju unit!
Fourth line, Yosu unit!

Go get the supply of weapons and clothes!

Platoon leader,
how shabby are you!

In the old days, a man with
a thick beard was called

a heroic man

but nowadays, a genuine soldier should
look clean and neat, like a bridegroom.

You had a hard time with that
damn fever, I suppose.

Yet, you should not look as shabby as this!

Aren't you from Jeonju?

I remember you!

You were a representative of Chonwon
country at a speech contest!

Yes, I was. Now you remember me...
I'm glad to meet you!

lt's first time for me to meet a
friend from my native hometown
since I came into Nambugun.

Assemble!

Assemble!

lt's accidental firing! Accidental firing!

You stupid!

You must capture 200 bullets
to pay for that accidental firing!

I wonder if he can properly take
care of his own balls...

If you were close to the enemy's position,
you would have been executed on the spot!

Leaving Mt. Dogyu, the "Victory Division"
of Nambugun continued its march and
combat one after another...

and constantly moved to another place.

The might of Nambugun was indeed
as powerful as I heard.

and this might was shown in such
action as raiding the police strongholds
in broad daylight.

The soldiers' fighting spirit was also high.

Look! That's is village.

We'll soon be arriving in Mt. Chiri.

Start! Our leader used to tell us

about Mt. Chiri as a stronghold

for the South Korean revolution.

We may be able to see
commander Lee Hyun-Sang

if all the Nambugun units assemble.

That's a dream!

Let's get started!

lt's a long time since we took a bath, isn't it?

Yes... so long time that
I can't even remember.

What a spectacle!

Leader!

Leader!

lt was the first moment for me to
see Lee Hyun-Sang,

the legendary commander of
South Korea's partisan forces.

Lee Hyun-Sang was a hard-core communist
who became a partisan

when the South Korean Labor Party
effaced itself as a
clandestine organization,

making the most of his experience during
the period of anti-Japanese
independence movement...

he was a nationalist,

and a lonely fighter who was dreaming of
South Korean revolution while adhering to

the political tradition of the South Korean
Labor Party declining to go to the
North Korea.

Camping out for a night in
Ungsok Hill Mt. Chiri,

we decided to smash, joining forces
with Kyongnam units,

the police garrison in Doksan,
Sinchon and Simjang

who were blocking the way
out to the South of Mt. Chiri.

Let's launch a attack when it gets dark!

Enemy!

Enemy appeared in front of wire-entanglements!
Flare bomb! Flare bomb!

Seems that they are more
than we can handle.

We must do something! Let's
destroy the garrison by firing
a few rounds of 81-mm mortar!

Well... civilian houses are so close to it...

We could make only two holes in the iron fence
in the 5-hour long combat.

Our "Victory Division" has no previous
instance of being outstripped
by others like this!

This affects the morale of all.

How about firing trench mortar at the
enemy side after evacuating
all the residents

from the garrison area?

Rascals are now quiet after
having a hell of a time.

But they won't give up so easily.
Don't you think?

Flare bomb! Flare bomb!

Comrade Choe and I will take care of
this garrison!

Comrades! You carry out your own mission!

Be careful! Don't hurt civilians
when you evacuate them.

Comrade Choe, keep firing!

Hey, you guys, don't be surprised.
Hide yourself when shells fly overhead.

I'm sorry... let me use your quilt.

Comrade Choe!

Come quickly!

Get this!

Come out! Hurry up!

- Ready fire!
- Yes.

Fire!

A few members including Comrade
Kim Hui-suk who was wounded
in the fighting that day

and political member Lee Bong-gak
headed for a patients' shelter in
Korimgol for medical care.

I was also suffering from beriberi,
and accompanied them

as an attendant to take
care of the patients.

Well, well... you were lucky enough
to get hurt only in the leg.

You can never get married if the
bullet passed through this way
even a little...

You, damn, son of bitch!

Your face is beautiful like a flower
but your mouth is rough!

Yet I smell a luscious scent from you.

Your ideological outlook is corrupt!

Ideological outlook?

Well, well, don't you know that I am

a genuine working-class man
retaining the basic outlook?

So, you have the basic outlook.
Then, why do you always talk
about women and drinks?

Well, your remark is unreasonable.
Do you dislike a woman?

No man dislikes liquor and woman.

Why didn't you say so when Comrade
political member way here?

Do you think I can't if he is here?

What are you talking about, Comrade Joo?

Yes... since you have not given us
any order all day long today, I...

I see. I guess Comrade Pak recovered
to a satisfactory extent.

Be ready to return to your unit.

Yes.

Well, something serious
could have happened!

I sympathize with you, Comrade Lee.

How would you feel if you saw your
lady working only in the kitchen?

I don't have to worry about
as I am not married.

Seems that I am the only one
who worries about you.

That boy is always playing a "Cherry"

The girl he was in love with must have
run away to Seoul, becoming fickle.

Well, love affair is unfit for
such a young boy!

Then, do you know about love?

Have I had any time to make love?

My father was beaten to death
by the Youth group during
the riot incident

and my mother way confined to bed
being labelled as the Red's wife.

Feeling indignation against them.
I came into this mountain

with a firm determination for revenge,
discarding my mother in bed.

But I was a little impatient.

When I see the "yellow dogs" or
"black dogs" whether they
are alive or dead,

I feel like they are the enemy of my
father and brother and to blow
out their brains.

After staying in the patients' shelter
for about 3 weeks we, the
recovered patients,

embarked on the road returning to
our unit guided by liaison member
from Division headquarters.

People say that you and I will
be awarded with medals when
we return

to our unit for the good
fight in the recent combat.

Stop that silly talk!

lt's true

The political member said so.

Isn't it true, Comrade political member?
We, two, will get the medal, won't we?

Comrade Lee!

How about working in the political section
when you return?

How can I dare you?

Yes, it's a loss for our unit
to leave you as a plain,

lowest fighter.

All of Nambugun units have assembled
in the Piagol Valley late September.

A ceremony of awarding medal personally
by commander Lee Hyun-sang was held there.
Piagol Valley in Mt. Chiri

A ceremony of awarding medal personally
by commander Lee Hyun-sang was held there.

Citations and medals were awarded
to those who fought as suicide
squad members.

Comrade Kim Hui-suk was promoted
to battalion commander.

A great festival was held that night.

Comrade, I want to meet Comrade Lee
whom I mentioned earlier.

They are members of the political section
you'll work with.

This is the indoctrination guide.
This is Comrade Pak Hyung-kyu.

Welcome!

This is the operational guide.
This is Comrade Yang Ji-ha.

I'm glad to meet you.

This is the civilian affairs guide.
Comrade Lee Dong-kyu!

Nice to meet you!

This is Comrade Choe Mun-hui,
guide of cultural affairs.

Glad to meet you.

Well, now you became a member of
out great Korean Worker's Party!

From today, you will work in our
political section as a responsible person
for editing our unit newspaper,

Victorious Road of Mt. Chiri
and our war history.

Since Autumn of the year, the Nambugun
carried out various offensive operations
including surprise attack on Goksong and
destruction of Cholla railroad.

But with the beginning of a large-scale
counterattack by the punitive forces,

we roamed about the northeast area
of Mt. Chiri while searching around two
provinces of Kyongsang and Cholla.

As the winter approached, Nambugun
settled in Hakdong Valley.

The Armistice talks that again in Kaesong
were moved to Panmunjom.

On 27 November, the talks made a progress
to agree on the provisional contact line
between the two sides on 27 November.

lt appeared that notable progress was made
in the Armistice talks.

You mean... Armistice talks or
cease-fire talks?

lt doesn't make any difference.
The question is how we,

the partisans, will be treated
after the Armistice agreement is signed.

That's clear enough. Under international
law we are a justifiable combat
unit organized

by the supreme commander of the
Korean People's Army the very one side
engaged in the war.

Thus, we will be repatriated to the North
as soon as the Armistice is concluded.

You mean, we'll be treated as brilliant
heroes of the Republic amid thunderous
welcome and cheers by the people?

Sounds like a dream...

What if our guerrilla units will be treated
as a criminal organization instead
of a regular army?

That's unreasonable.

I'm sure the Republic will demand our
safe repatriation during the
Armistice negotiations.

Stop arguing! At this point, the Armistice
means only an illicit union between
the North and the South of Korea.

We should reject either Armistice or
cease-fire for national reunification

and people's liberation.

Comrade Lee, it's time to relieve the patrol
team. It's terribly cold.

I was frozen during patrol.

There are many rumors about the Armistice
talks, large-scale winter offensive

by the South Korean army and so forth.

According to progress made
in the Armistice talks,

both sides will wage
a desperate struggle to secure

even an inch more of lands
along the Armistice line,

and we should make the People's Army fight
in a more favorable situation

by dragging the enemy troops
into Mt. Chiri

from the main front line
to the maximum extent.

In other words, we carry
out the role of division

by talking hold of the troops
of one enemy division

and that of corps by talking hold of
one enemy corps troops.

At this point, our Nambugun's mobile
division decided to raid

nearby major strongholds in cooperation
with 57th Kyongnam Division

in order to strengthen the second front line
and secure the winter materials.

Comrade, you write a manifesto
to read for all troops

before they set out for assault.

I hope you will write an impressive
and inspiring manifesto.

Even if our Nambugun's 300 troops
are completely destroyed,

we'll play the role of more than a
division and a corps.

In other words,
we are waging and advantageous

and victorious struggle
whether we win or lose in the fighting.
Hakdong Valley in Mt. Chiri

How is the time for us offer

even the last drop of our blood
for the nation and for the people!

Damn!
Our secret leaked out!

All to combat position!

Rascals are indeed desperate
with bombardment!

lt's clearly a full-scale offensive! Seeing
the scale of bombardment,

it must be a full-scale offensive
by division-level artillery!

How about a temporary retreat?

Comrade of political section! Hand
out an order for dispersion and retreat
to all units notifying emergency lines!

First emergency line in Chilsun
valley, second emergency line in
Korim valley!

Tell all units to disperse and
retreat by each unit so that the rascal's
offensive be weakened!

Hey, you guys, don't move back!
Keep your positions!

Battalion commander, we are ordered
to retreat to Chilsun valley.

Damn! How can we retreat in this situation!

We can hardly resist any longer
with our present manpower
and firing capabilities.

Let's hurry up!

strategic retreat

Comrade Choe!

You've fulfilled your duties.
Now, go to your mama.

Notify the rascals that they are all encircled
by making a bonfire from all hills!

As soon as morning breaks, we'll
block the road to Korim valley and
Chilsun valley and compress valley

and compress the encircling net.

We are completely encircled!

We'll be totally crushed if we don't get out
of here by tomorrow morning.

What's the status of damages?

Since all retreating units are mixed up,
we can't find out

the precise situation of our unit but
apparently the majority was either
killed or missing.

Blazes fade in that cliff.

We must move out along the cliff. Let's go!

A full-scale offensive was waged jointly
by Paek sun-yup's field army

and Southwest district combat command
under the Capital Division.

The total number of punitive troops
mobilized into Mt. Chiri was more
than 40,000.

After retreating by each unit,
we had to go through plains

and mountains covered by snow to
reassemble in Korim valley, the
first emergency line.

Pluck up courage!

Comrade Hui-suk, take courage!

Hui-suk! Keep up your nerve!

I'm hopeless!

Blood sheds in your face...

I am alright. Hui-suk, pluck up courage!

You should survive and meet your mother!

Mama...

Hui-suk!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Get Up!
The "yellow dogs" have withdrawn!

Get up!

- Get up!
- Get up!

Hurry up!

Comrade Kim Young!

Oh, you are alive!

Is this the Jeonju unit?

No, I was forced to join
your unit while retreating.

You may make a fire.
After warming up for a while,

you'll head for Korim valley crossing
the Samsinbong hill.

We'll have rice secretly stored there.

We'll have hot, steaming rice food.

We've been chased for more than
a week amid starvation.

Furthermore, most of soldiers are frostbitten
and cannot walk.

Unless some measures are
taken by the North...

Hey, you!

You are an indoctrination guide.

How can you make such reckless
defeatist remarks?

I mean to urge the people to
look straight at reality.

We waged the struggle even
in the worst condition

and are totally exhausted amid
coldness and hunger.

During Bolshevik revolution

the Siberian partisans transported
supplies by truck, and during the
period of Japanese

imperialist rule, the anti-Japanese partisans
in Manchuria struggled

while engaging in farming and cultivating fields.

Now, what is our situation?

They say Mt. Chiri is the best stronghold
for partisans in South Korea.

But it is confined within a circle
with only 15-kilometer radius,

and even communications with the
North are being completely severed
apart from dialogue.

You should have iron-clad consciousness
of history before becoming a
slave to defeatism.

No matter what difficulties may lay before
us, the history is on our side.

We'll win the final victory!

Sure.

The neither side will be victorious.

Our tragedy begin with the fact
that we failed to

repel the Japanese imperialist aggressors
by our own strength

and that the nation was liberated
by outside forces.

Both the South Korean people's tenacious
resistance struggle

and this tragic fighting called Fatherland
Liberation War have a troublesome
tinder-box

caused by such a fact.

Either side of North and South of Korean
will win a victory.

The victory in merely on the side of
the United States or the Soviet Union
not on the side of the Korean people.

You, Comrade!

If you say that again...

Let's calm down!

Don't get excited! You, Comrade guide
should not waste time by arguing the
issues that go beyond the principle.

Let's work out some plans to boost

the morale of exhausted fighters.

Why don't you get a moment's sleep.

I was listening to arguments
in the political section.

I met Lee Bong-gak, political member
in Hakdongol.

I heard that you recommended me
to be a political member.

But you refused. You said you wanted
to remain a plain fighter.

I wanted to seek, when I am
confronted with the enemy,

coming into the mountain with me

and in having to part with the "white lily".

I thought I could seek such significance
when I am confronted

with the enemy with a gun in hand the
genuine significance of the war.

Look at those comrades!

Our enemy at this point is

this terrible cold, hunger and sweeping
sleepiness. Don't you agree with me?

Yes, I do. What is more unbearable is that
the colder, more hungry

and more painful I become, the stronger
the instinct of survival dominates me...

the very instinct of mere survival,
forgetting about the significance of war

and "white lily" that I wanted to seek.

lt's an air-raid! Air-raid!

The enemy's airplanes!

The offensive was waged persistently
by the punitive forces with the
support of aircraft.

Every corner of the first assembly site
was seized by the punitive forces

and we were all as exhausted as we could be.

How come you look so shabby?

Whose leg do you think it is and why
do you handle it so recklessly?

lt's the leg of the Republic
and very leg of the people.

The ranks were severed in the middle.

Some fellows lost their own
ranks while dozing.

You, Comrade guide, link the line
while we reduce our speed.

I see.

When we move, we'll leave a sign
by breaking off a branch of tree to show
the direction of our advance.

I'll go with you.

Taesong Valley in Mt. Chiri

Platoon leader!

Comrade guide!

I was taking care of
an exhausted nurse...

Where are the other members?

The other members?

Not only you but the ranks were
disconnected in the middle.

We came to link the line.

Comrade! Comrade nurse!

We'll get Korim valley crossing that mountain.
We'll meet our comrades there.

Take courage!

They are comrades!

Comrades! Have I really survived?

Where are the men?
Where is the emergency line?

The site where weapons are concealed...

You mean, the storage house of weapons?

To the direction of Bomyabong
lt'll take a full day...

You mean, we have to cross
the main ridgeline?

My feet are frostbitten and getting rotten.

lt'll take two full days.

Let's go!

We've been starving for more than 10 days.
We couldn't sleep for many nights.

But we must link the ranks!

Otherwise, we'll all die in vain!

How about going there detouring
Yonso rock and Imgol hill?

That's right. That's less arduous.

We may get some food at brand-tillers'
huts before crossing the Imgol hill.

We can get there to night.

They say my life would be saved
if I surrender with this note.

Seems that they would not kill me...

Nothing is here, either.

We can't find even a rotten potato.

The "yellow dogs" must have
ordered brand-tillers

not to leave a grain of rice.

Let's get going!

Comrade Ha is hopeless!

His leg is decaying up to the knee.

He fainted at seeing his leg

as I pulled up his trousers.

He should not know this...

lt's rather miraculous for him
to follow up to this point.

He will die soon if we leave him alone.

No! My leg!
Where is my leg!

My leg! My leg!

My leg!

Comrades Kim and Ha!
Look after him for a while.

I'll be back soon.

Comrade Kim! Where is my leg?

You can't possibly go to Bamyabong
in this condition.

You can go to the village even
by rolling your body.

You can go to the village even
by rolling your body.

Show it to the punitive forces if you
meet them. They will not kill you.

No, No! I don't want go. I'm scared!

I want to go with you.

Do as I am telling you! That's the only way
to survive for all of us!

No, I won't!

Platoon leader and nurse
went down last night.

So, they ran away!

I won't do so.

You are different.
You are only forced to surrender.

Comrades!

Please take me with you, please!

Please!

Comrade Kim!

Please!

We don't want to be frozen to death
while staying with you. Well, let's...

go down or...

Comrade!

Comrade Kim!

Comrade guide!
Comrade Kim!

I hope not he will blow himself up.

Let's go.

Don't move!

Platoon leader must have told them on us!

I feel rather resigned! Will you take
Comrade Ha with you?

Let's get out!

Don't come!

Don't come any closer!

Dangerous!

Don't come any closer!

Put back the safety pin!

You'll survive if you surrender
with the certificate!

Hurry up!

Oh, it's me who killed Comrade Ha...

Search the house!

No one is there!

Platoon leader!

Chief!

I'm hopeless!

Chief!

Stop firing!

No more footprints...

He can't have fled far.
Search every nook and cranny!

I'll leave a sign with a branch of
tree when I move.

I was arrested by the punitive forces
in Oegongni village, Sichon-myon
on 9 March 1951

16 month later,
the Armistice Agreement was signed.

This agreement stipulated evacuation of
equipment left in the rear areas of both sides,

as well as discovery
and delivery of the war dead.

But no one has paid attention to the men
who were alive and wounded

about the mountains
in the South in the midst of despair.

The total number of soldiers,
police and partisans who died
in the guerrilla warfare

in the areas of Mt. Sobaeke and Mt. Chiri
from 1949 to 1954 is approximately 20,000.

The total number of victims from
both North and South of Korea

during the 3-year long Korean war reached
approximately 2. 4 million,

including 1. 3 million dead
and 1. 1 million of missing.

This film is dedicated to their souls.