Original subtitles

THE FILM IS INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS, AND THE CHARACTERS,

STORY ELEMENTS, AND DETAILS ARE FICTIONAL.

IN LEBANON, ALSO KNOWN AS THE PEARL OF THE MIDDLE EAST

OVER 170,000 PEOPLE DIED IN THE CIVIL WAR BETWEEN CHRISTIAN AND ISLAMIC FACTIONS.

IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF BEIRUT, WHERE PUBLIC ORDER HAD COLLAPSED

FOREIGNER ABDUCTIONS AND TERRORIST INCIDENTS OCCURRED FREQUENTLY.

JANUARY 31, 1986 BEIRUT, LEBANON

What’s that?

-Look, Secretary Oh! -Stay still…

Don’t provoke them.

Hands up and get out!

-I… -Hands up!

-Get out! -I’m…

a South Korean diplomat…

The ID of the kidnappers?

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

We’re checking that, sir.

-Any contact from them? -None so far.

Is it about money?

We’re figuring that out now.

If we know nothing, what should I report then?

Give me that!

Minister, any contact from the kidnappers?!

-What are they demanding? -Sir!

GIMPO AIRPORT RETURN OF JAE-SEOK'S FAMILY

How are you holding up, now?

1 YEAR AND EIGHT MONTHS LATER DEPT. OF THE MIDDLE EAST

You said I’d go to London as a sojourning officer,

you told me that right here!

How could it change only in a few days?!

Who knew it’d change so suddenly?

I want to be understanding, but this is all wrong!

HR is based on seniority,

and Kim Chi-yong is 3 years my junior!

Foreign service exam takers aren’t all created equal.

He’s the heir apparent.

A Seoul U Political Science graduate.

This is for you.

Goddamn Seoul U pricks.

An Iraq post will open up in the second half, take that post.

Why should I go there?

Boosting your Middle East credits and focusing on regions

shunned by others will pay dividends later.

Never seen little drops of water make the mighty ocean.

I’m gonna request posts in America or Europe next year.

Leave the dreaming to your bedtime,

and stay practical when you’re awake.

Congrats on your London post!

You landed G7 right away.

Dinner’s on me tonight. Let’s go.

LEBANON

IRAQ

I don’t know, whatever.

Whatever…

COCKROACH PESTICIDE

Son of a bitch.

Shit…

Department of Middle East, Lee Min-jun speaking.

Hello? This is Lee Min-jun!

Hello?

Hello?

I'M A KOREAN DIPLOMAT OH JAE-SEOK

We lost contact over a year ago after the kidnapping.

Then out of nowhere, he suddenly calls?

Is this a sure thing?

He used our verification code,

which only Foreign Affairs officials know about.

Secretary Oh Jae-seok is alive.

Minister, if we get this wrong, it’ll only fuel the fire.

We could be ridiculed again for not even knowing the kidnappers.

But if he’s still alive,

shouldn’t we bring him in?

If he’s really alive, what if we looked for him ourselves?

Bypass KCIA and have FA bring him back?

Yes.

Honestly, after the announcement of the direct election system,

he’s nervous about losing the general election.

If we can somehow bring Oh back,

the administration will use it to be in the media’s good graces.

This would secure our position as well.

What if we fail?

That’s why we should go through unofficial channels.

Until we verify that he’s alive, we mustn’t get involved officially.

You know Richard Carter.

I heard that the ex-CIA agent is back.

If it’s so important, send the Seoul U alum, why me?

You’re the Middle East expert, and you answered the call as well.

The minister complimented you, saying you look like a smart chap.

So, meet him and get him on board? Unofficially?

Right.

Then if this works out, send me to New York or L. A.

How could you bring that up when a man’s life is on the line?

Yeah, come in.

Excuse me.

How do you do?

I'm Min-jun, I called you before.

So nice to meet you.

Thank you.

So, what brings you here?

I heard that you're a Middle East expert.

-So? -So…

We need to find someone in the Middle East.

Mr. Oh.

Yes.

We got a phone call and found out that he's alive.

I answered the call myself.

And how can you be sure that this is from Oh Jae-Seok?

One, he used a special code that only we know.

Two, the call was from Lebanon.

And three, all other Koreans have been evacuated from Lebanon so

we know for sure that it's Oh Jae-Seok.

So the message came like this?

Song of Mokpo

Not just foreign affairs knows your code apparently.

I just cracked your 100 percent certainty.

During the Siemens incident, did you have 100 percent certainty?

That was a case where the hostages escaped themselves.

No… West Germany did not act directly

but the hostages were released after a negotiation.

What makes you think that?

You are the arbitrator.

No, I only introduced an arbitrator.

Then can you make an introduction for us?

Is this an official request?

An official request is not possible now.

Listen… What was your name again?

-Min-jun. Lee Min-jun. -Min-jun.

I'm sorry, Min-jun. I'm a businessman,

if this is a personal request

I'm going to need a retainer.

Your name is?

Carter.

Okay, Carter.

It seems you can speak Korean a bit.

If you’re doing business with a man’s life,

then how are you any different from the kidnappers?

Once you verify that Oh is alive through the arbitrator,

then Foreign Affairs will send an official request.

Until then, please…

please be patient.

Let me get a spoonful.

Hays Shaito.

He’s a businessman who deals in art in Switzerland,

he was instrumental in resolving the recent German kidnapping case.

he was instrumental in resolving the recent German kidnapping case.

But do you have to go behind KCIA’s back?

Aside from North Korea…

they’re weak in foreign intelligence compared to us.

You saw what happened last time,

they blamed North Korea and the case collapsed.

Bring me the evidence that he’s still alive,

I’ll raise the money.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

This will be a big boost to the president.

Put Lee on the plane.

Get him to bring back physical proof ASAP.

And get him some art lessons!

Pardon?

Come on, Hays is an art dealer.

Lee has to know something to get on his good side.

But that can’t be done instantly…

We Koreans are good at memorizing, right?

Gotta go.

Deputy.

Do you mind going to a bookstore?

Why?

To study art.

Picasso…

Why am I memorizing this?

Cubism… where are the cubes?

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND HAYS SHAITO'S MANSION

This piece is here?

Do you know what that piece is called?

Massacre in Korea.

Cubist painting, by Pablo Picasso.

It is seen as a criticism of American intervention in the Korean War.

Alongside…

Guernica.

It is an artist's work that most clearly depicts

the cruelty of massacre in war.

It was painted in 1951.

Word for word. Did you memorize the encyclopedia?

I memorized it on the airplane

to make myself look good.

Very honest.

Carter filled me in on the situation.

And I've got all my Lebanon contacts looking for Mr. Oh.

If he really is alive.

It's just strange

they didn't make any demands.

According to the kidnappers, they took Mr. Oh thinking he was Japanese

but then were taken aback to find out he was Korean.

At the same time, the organization underwent a split

and then later they came back together.

But in the process, they lost the intel on Mr. Oh.

They just forgot he ever existed.

Shit, I don’t believe it…

Excuse me?

Nothing.

The going price for his release is five million dollars.

Our service charge is ten percent. Non-negotiable.

If you try haggling, he may come back with some limbs missing.

Yeah.

Please send me a photo of Oh holding this.

PLEASE WAIT A BIT LONGER

You'd ask me to see if I have the proper chance?

Yes.

Yes, I’ll get this done as smoothly as possible.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

We got the president’s go.

Good work.

Incredible, what did I tell you?

Thank you, Carter.

Sir, the KCIA director is here.

What brings you here, director?

What’s wrong?

We’re all civil servants, can’t I drop in?

I guess Mr. Secretary wasn’t aware,

that I get a call whenever the purse opens up.

As a fellow civil servant,

you’ve done a proper job of knifing KCIA in the back.

Please forgive our impertinence.

We did not want to disturb KCIA with a Foreign Affairs matter.

It’s fine.

Sit down.

Yes, sir.

Is this a job that requires CIA involvement?

If the CIA were involved, they wouldn't have gotten caught by the KCIA.

Don’t translate that.

Sounds offensive.

So, who will deliver the ransom?

Vice Minister Lee will go. Weren’t you stationed there?

Going there in person could expose additional liabilities…

So you’ll allow a third party to carry that much money?

Handover mishaps happen often in that area.

It has to be someone that we trust a hundred percent.

We were told to go ourselves…

Can bookworm diplomats fly out to such a place?

It’s not too late to hand over the operation.

We always have hard labor agents on standby.

I’ll go, sir!

Who was that?

It’s Deputy Lee Min-jun.

Good afternoon, sir.

Middle East division, Deputy Lee Min-jun, sir.

I just came back from meeting Hays Shaito,

who is working as an arbitrator with the kidnappers.

Here.

Here, sir.

You’ll do the handover?

Ever shot a gun before?

I served in the Gimpo Marine Corps Second Division,

Fifth Regiment, 55th Battalion.

This prick’s got grit.

But will that work during the war?

I’m not volunteering to test my grit.

Article 34 in the FA guideline

states that whoever receives the verification code

must carry out the task to the best of his abilities.

On September 30, 1987,

as soon as I received the message from Oh Jae-Seok,

I knew it was my assignment, sir.

Take care, sir.

You incompetent morons!

How could KCIA get intel later than Foreign Affairs?!

-You did good. -Thank you, sir.

-That was an amazing job. -Thank you so much.

By the way, deputy,

I thought you were just a scholar, you served in the marine?

I wasn’t a marine per se,

I manned the PX at the Marine Corps base, sir.

Wait, did you just lie to the KCIA director?

I never said I was a marine, sir.

Only that I served in the Marine Corps base.

He’s right!

You’re a natural-born negotiator.

You have the DNA of a Foreign Affairs official.

Thank you, sir.

Minister.

Take care, sir.

-Minister. -Yes?

I have a favor to ask you.

Yes, go on.

I’d like to represent our country as a diplomat in the US, sir.

Does it have to be the US?

Yes, it was my dream since I prepped for the foreign affairs exam.

Someone ridiculed me, saying dreams are for when we sleep,

but I’d like to fulfill that dream.

Seeing you today, you’ll do good work over there.

Come back from the Middle East, then go to the US.

I’ll do my best, sir!

Good day, sir.

Should I declare the ransom money at the airport?

If you bring the cash in yourself,

you'd normally get a police and military escort.

But sometime back there was an extortion incident.

Since they can't be trusted, we'll need to come up with another plan.

I have a client in Lebanon who wants this catch.

At the airport, Sameer

will be waiting with two and a half million to pay for it.

The return date is three days later at 3:00 p. m.

Everything will kick into motion

once the remaining 2.75 million arrives in Geneva

on October 15th at noon.

This is your captain speaking.

We're expecting to land at Beirut International Airport

approximately ten minutes ahead of schedule.

BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

According to our wiretaps, the ransom for the Korean diplomat

who was kidnapped last year will be coming in today.

-Which wiretap? -Al Inash, sir.

Find it.

What is the purpose of your visit?

Welcome.

Thank you.

Hey.

-You forgot this. -Thank you.

Hey!

Hey, Korean!

Wait!

Passport.

Diplomat Korean?

Yes. I have an official intimation.

Search him.

Any problem, sir?

That is a gift.

My friend loves children's drawings.

May I go now?

Head back!

Oh, Thank you!

Call me when you're back to Lebanon.

My number.

Hey, bro.

Okay.

-Here's your tip. -Oh thank you.

Very good. Good boy.

You're a cool guy.

Have a nice flight! Bye!

-Hey. -Don’t you see the line here?

Back of the line!

-Now! -Okay, don't worry.

-Hurry! -Okay, relax.

Son of a bitch.

I gotta make a living as well.

Who's that?

Hey, Mr. Lee.

Mr. Lee.

I'm Sameer.

The drawing?

Move, move!

Two and a half million dollars.

There is an emergency exit down the hallway!

You go out and then find a taxi with the license number 372593.

-Thirty-seven, twenty-five, nine-three. -Yes.

Get him!

Korean!

Korean!

Korean!

Korean!

Korean!

Go!

Hurry! Go, go!

What? A Korean?

You’re Korean? Let’s go! Just go!

Shit!

Get out!

I can’t give you any details as I don’t know you,

but I’m here on important national business,

and I urgently have to meet someone.

I’m sorry.

I’m not interested in your sob story,

I don’t want to get mixed up, so just get out.

I think it was 372593,

I was supposed to get in that cab,

but those soldiers came after me and shot at me,

so, I hopped in here by mistake, I’m really sorry.

Listen, pal, I almost got shot because of you!

Stop giving me that bullshit, and get out!

Out! What a shitty luck!

How many times do I have to tell you?

I told you I’m here on national business!

An official business!

How are you so clueless for someone in the service business!

Even ex-pats must assist with national business.

You’re being rude to someone who’s doing a crucial job!

You punk ass.

Let’s get going!

What a piece of work!

Get out of there!

How are you so strong?

-Wait! Hold on! -What did I do?

What’s this?

I think I got shot.

Do you have a first aid kit?

Come out for a bit.

Okay.

Here, look at this.

Move aside.

Blood stains! They’re hard to clean!

Are you serious?!

I’m so dizzy…

I’m sorry to do this to you,

I really am doing work for our country.

Can you take me somewhere I can make an international call?

You really are shameless.

I’ll pay for you plenty of cab fare.

Money solves everything?

I’ll give you 100 dollars.

I really am busy today.

Thank you, sir.

Let me see.

Doctor, gunshot. Gunshot!

No, just a scratch.

Gunshot? No gunshot?

You can use the phone.

Mister, phone.

Okay.

He wants another 50 dollars.

Hey.

Here, fifty bucks!

Find Karim there.

Yes, I’ll find my way there.

Can you manage without knowing your way around?

I met a Korean local who drives a cab.

I think I can get some help from him.

A cab driver? Kim Pan-Su?

-That guy is still around? -Yes

Let me talk to him!

One moment.

Mr. Kim Poong-su?

Me?

Say my name properly, will you?

Hello, this is Kim Pan-Su.

Good afternoon!

Ouch!

He’s a diplomat?

Secretary Oh is still alive?

He came to do important work.

I see.

I’d like to help, but I’ve got business of my own.

One moment, please.

This is Min-jun.

When we had an embassy there, he drove for us

and ran some errands.

He’ll do anything if you give him money.

But don’t trust him too much.

He’s rumored to be an illegal alien and an ex-con,

he’ll find clever ways to scam you.

I’ll be careful, sir.

When Secretary Oh was kidnapped,

they ran off to a bomb shelter whenever bombs went off.

So, I manned the embassy alone,

answered calls from the presidential palace.

The voice sounded like President Chun, is that bloke still in office?

Yes, let’s go here.

Me? Why should I?

Is there another reason for driving a cab?

You just have to know the destination.

Why are you being condescending?

I’ll pay handsomely for your service.

You, young man keep mentioning money,

does money solve all your problems?

Forget the money, get me an American visa instead.

-American visa? -Yeah, US.

How can a Korean diplomat get you a US visa?

Come on, I know you diplomats got back channels for this kinda thing.

There isn’t such a thing, get with the times.

Forget it then, I’ll just go on my way.

Wait, Mr. Kim! Sir!

I’ll give you 300 in US dollars.

Look, here.

Here!

That’s him.

How old are you, young man?

I’m 38.

Born in 1951, zodiac sign is the rabbit?

I’m two years older, 1949, cow.

I get called a baby face often.

I miss being called "big bro" by youngsters,

but it could be awkward since we aren’t acquainted,

you can just call me "Sir" like before.

By the way, young man, what is your name?

Lee Min-jun.

Lee Min-jun, I’ll just call you Min-jun.

Okay.

What’s that up ahead?

Christian faction checkpoint.

One bad move could get you a bullet to the head.

What will you do with that?

This is a diplomatic passport.

It’s against the diplomatic treaty

to search the vehicle when this is present.

This will work.

Did Secretary Oh get kidnapped because he wasn’t a diplomat?

Could you fill-up the car?

I’m heading to the Ramada Hotel but I’m running low.

How much?

Forty liters.

Yes.

Pull up ahead.

Okay.

Don’t be too nervous.

Christian guys like it when we speak French to them.

Give me 100 dollars plus another ten dollars.

Thank you.

Why is gas so expensive in the Middle East?

They've got guns, whatever they quote is the price.

Where are you going?

Answer the question!

What is it?

This idiot won’t answer me!

I’m busy, could you hurry up?

Be quiet and wait!

Out of the car!

Come on, pull him out!

Pull him out!

Shit!

MUQATIL ALJAHIM MILITIA BASE

Captain!

Captain!

We got intel that a hostage negotiation will happen in Beirut today!

Airport security went after him and lost him.

Who are the arbitrators?!

That’s unknown, sir!

Look into it.

Before the exchange happens, find out who’s involved.

Capturing one of them will get us the money!

Understood!

That’s the place,

but it looks pretty bleak as well.

So, my service ends here.

Have a safe trip back with Secretary Oh.

Praise be to God.

You’re leaving?

Why don’t you have a pee break inside?

Don’t wanna pee.

I’m just scared, can’t you come with me?

Why should I?

A cab driver’s job is to drive to the destination.

I’ll give you the money inside.

Hey, hey!

Give me my money, you scheming…

You son of a bitch!

Captain!

He says he’s from Korea.

I'm Karim.

Who's he?

My taxi driver.

He's helping me now.

He’d be dead if it wasn’t for me.

I heard.

Glad you're okay.

Praise be to God!

Do you have the money?

Okay, let's go to Mr. Oh.

Right now?

Yeah, we'll finish fast so you're not in danger.

Give them the money, then we're done.

The car will be ready. Wait here.

Three of you stay, rest follow me.

That was easier than I thought, congratulations.

Let me give you a tip as a compatriot.

Don’t open your money bag until you’re absolutely sure.

Do you think I can trust these people?

You shouldn’t even worry about that.

Because you can’t trust anyone.

300 dollars, please.

Mr. Diplomat, have a safe journey home.

And say hello to Secretary Oh for me.

If you ever come back, give me a call, good luck!

Wait, wait a minute, sir.

What’s with you again?

Go to the US, I’ll get you the visa.

Come with me now,

and you’ll get the visa.

You said you can’t.

I’m no ordinary diplomat,

I’m a special government envoy.

I can personally get you a US visa no problem.

I think you’re pulling my leg.

Does it look like I’m scamming you right now?

Big bro, please.

Hey, come this way.

Let’s go.

It’s not like I’m a stranger to Secretary Oh,

since I’ve come this far, let’s go meet him.

Thank you, big bro.

Let’s go.

Sit here.

Over there!

Stop the car!

You stay here, I'll check it out.

Where are you going?

Did something happen over there?

Wait, he said to wait here!

Dammit!

Push forward, push!

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

Get over here! It’s dangerous!

Hurry!

I shouldn’t have come.

Are you nuts? If you want to die, die alone!

Shouldn’t we go after them?

Who took him?

We got one!

We got one!

Who took him?!

Who took him?!

Say it!

Who took him?!

Muqatil Aljahim.

Nazir!

Where did they take him?

I don’t know.

He'll be safe.

They won't kill him. They know he's worth money.

But if these gangs are chasing us, it means rumors are spreading.

We'll take you to a safe house. Stay there. I'll find Mr. Oh.

Okay.

-I think my work here is done. -No.

If you leave, you'll be mistaken for a spy.

Get in the car.

What is it?

Director, Oh Jae-seok has been kidnapped again.

Should we send our men?

If we intervene and the op goes south, we’ll get the blame.

Let them take the hit,

and put together a report for the president.

Yes, sir.

Fucking morons.

I’ve never been to the countryside while living in Lebanon.

Want some?

You look like you’ve fused with your bag.

-What? -Get up.

-Huh? -Move aside, come on.

What are you doing?

While sleeping comfortably on the mattress

we could get hit with glass shards.

While enjoying a lovely moonlit date with my lady, I got hit with shrapnel.

See this?

When her pretty face was about to get ruined,

I jumped in and saved her.

Don’t forget that I saved you as well.

What happened?

Blackouts are common here.

Since it’s out, let’s just sleep.

Why did I come along and get into this mess?

Who is it?

Foreign Affairs, Lee Min-jun…

What? What?

Pan-Su?

Hey!

Hey!

Hey!

What’s this?

Why is this here?

You son of a bitch!

Hey!

Hey!

Son of a bitch…

Stop, you asshole!

Stop right there!

What’s that?

Stop!

Son of a bitch…

That lunatic!

Shit!

Bastard…

You thieving bastard!

Stop right there, asshole!

Stop the car!

Stop!

You bastard!

Fuck!

What the…

Hey! Hey!

Dammit, that punk…

Screw everyone! You did good!

Kim Pan-Su, you’re the man!

Asshole!

That bastard…

Goddamn shit…

You little mutt, you scared me.

Bitch!

What is up with these bitches?

Shit!

Go away!

Dammit…

Stop the car.

It’s still warm!

Please…

You mutt…

Halt fire! Halt fire!

Go check it out!

Wild dogs!

Pull out!

Hurry!

Hurry!

All this trouble just to get to America…

I’m so tired…

What the hell!

Are you nuts?!

How could you steal that knowing what it’s for?!

Listen, Laila…

There’s no way to check if he’s dead or not,

and if he’s dead,

there’s no use for this money.

Are you even listening to yourself?

Are you insane?

That’s his ransom!

If you took off with it, that kid’s father is dead for sure.

You said you let him ride the cab, asshole.

Even the diplomat who came here to save him,

you destroyed both of their families!

I knew you were a bastard, but I didn’t think you’d sink this low.

Don’t ever come back here again.

Go home.

Right this second!

Seriously?!

I’ll give it back!

Fine, I’ll give it back!

I thought he might be thirsty…

So full of shit…

Hey!

Here!

Good morning!

What the…

You son of a bitch!

Shit!

Stop right there!

I came to return this!

Don’t get all worked up! Relax!

-Stop right there! You, asshole! -Relax!

If you drop that, I’ll stop!

Come on!

I came to return the money!

I brought water as well, you thirsty?

You bastard!

Asshole, you know what that money is for!

You fucking know what it’s for!

-So I brought it back! -Son of a bitch!

I almost became dog food!

-You punk bastard! -I’m sorry, Min-jun!

Big bro! Please!

You’re a real bastard, you know that?

I’m so disappointed in you.

Speak casually, I’m actually three years younger than you.

I knew it, you goddamn thief.

You’re just a baby,

you learned all the wrong lessons in life.

You’re a low life.

You knew what this money was for.

57…

-You don’t trust me? -Shut the hell up.

I’m counting, asshole.

I’m not a person who usually steals others’ money.

I fought in the Vietnam War as a kid,

lost all my money in a scam, and went to Saudi Arabia,

because I heard I could make good money, but got scammed again.

I somehow ended up here,

but another war broke out here too.

I don’t know why my life’s like this.

That’s what I was thinking when I saw that money,

and I went mad.

I’m sorry.

Are you testing me?

I can tell you’re not asleep by your tight fists.

Okay.

This is where we’re at,

and the bombing last night destroyed telephone poles.

We can only make the call from the telephone company.

But it’s quite far off.

I’m told there is an Al Inash checkpoint closer,

the guys who helped us, here.

What do you want to do?

Let’s go to the checkpoint and find Karim.

Okay.

Since I owe you for last night, I’ll take you there, at no charge.

That shirt looks good on you.

I think we’re almost there.

Let me make a right turn.

There it is!

Holy shit!

Fuck! What was that?!

Hands up!

What did he say?

He said “Hands up”.

Hands up, out the window.

Hands up!

A diplomat from Korea!

We came to meet Karim!

Keep your hands up, and get out!

What did he say?

They want us to come out with our hands up.

Bastards…

Did we come to the wrong spot?

-You said you knew. -Here they come.

Get the car!

Karim is looking for you

Get in the car.

But my car…

We’ll bring it.

Moving out to Bsharri! Hurry up!

Carry this for a while.

-Me? -Yeah.

These are the guys who took Mr. Oh yesterday.

I found him.

Where is he? Is he safe?

Outside, there's a blue car. Look in the trunk.

Our payment.

Okay.

Secretary Oh, I’m Lee Min-jun from the Foreign Affairs office.

Secretary Oh, it’s me, Pan-Su, Kim Pan-Su.

You remember me, Kim Pan-Su!

Sons of bitches, what did they do to you?

Secretary Oh…

Yes, Secretary Oh.

You’re safe now.

Secretary Oh?

He’s sleeping.

You both will be on your way home in a day.

By the way, what was that knock? Was it a code?

“Let’s go home together, ” it’s a diplomatic code.

Go home together…

sounds nice.

They’re supposedly headed for Bsharri!

Search all over Beirut and find them!

Secretary Oh.

Do you recognize me?

An honest young man.

Right?

That’s right, your memory is spot on.

Your judgment of people has not changed.

Sir, I’m Lee Min-jun of Foreign Affairs.

I was the one who received your code.

Do you remember?

Yes.

Were you also the one who sent the Times magazine?

Yes, for you to hang in there.

Thank you for keeping your promise.

Not at all, sir.

Right.

Your son drew this.

DADDY, I MISS YOU!

It’s nice out here.

I’d be so healthy living in a place like this.

Want some?

Maybe I should herd sheep here as well.

Why don’t you drop your gun,

and do the same?

You can’t live here without guns.

I can’t protect myself with sheep.

Yeah, I guess.

Look, that was fast.

They’re not our men!

Out of the way!

Move!

Push!

Go!

Back up! Now!

Back up!

Go! Go!

Go after them!

What happened?

Was the payment made?

KCIA has blocked the final payment, sir.

What?!

Our meeting lasted six hours.

Don’t connect me to anyone until tomorrow.

Not if the president asks for me, you’re so clueless.

There’s another clueless bastard.

Should I go around, sir?

Pull over.

Everyone’s up in arms about transparency,

does everyone need to know where I am at all times?

Director, we found Oh after 21 months.

With your permission, we can bring him home.

Bring him to Jordan, then I’ll send the money.

We need the money to fly him out!

What if he disappears after we pay them like last time?

The president was distressed beyond belief.

It’s a sure thing this time.

The airplane is standing by.

Minister Choi!

My apologies.

Are you aware that word is going around?

Because the FA is poking the fire.

What if the foreign press hears that the government negotiated with kidnappers?

Our Olympics and presidential election could go down the drain.

Director, a man’s life is on the line!

Our country is on the line, who cares if one life ends?

Cross the border into Jordan, only then will they get the money.

His entire foot over the line!

Hey!

Is there a mole in your ranks?

Why are we hunted down wherever we go?!

We have to make sure.

I can’t trust you people anymore!

Is there a guarantee that it’ll be safe here?

Safer than being out in the open.

Go upstairs before people start to gather.

I don’t trust what he’s saying.

Let’s go upstairs first, let’s move.

If you keep this up,

the Korean government will not stay put.

Yeah, go.

Go upstairs.

Come on, let’s go.

Min-jun.

Your person just canceled.

Canceled? Why?

I got a call, no payments from Korea.

What?

It's impossible.

I think there was a misunderstanding.

Please check again.

No, it's confirmed. The rescue plan is cancelled.

I've been ordered to stop protecting you and return to base now.

What the hell do you mean?!

What did you say?

If you pull out, we’re as good as dead!

Your government made this decision, okay?

It's too bad, but Korea broke its promise.

And now Hays and us are in a very bad position.

This makes sense to you? Who did this?!

Okay.

Please do me a favor.

Can I call them?

Sure.

Thank you.

I’ll be right back.

Korea!

Middle East department.

This is Lee Min-jun, Lee Min-jun.

One moment!

Sir, hurry!

Deputy!

You okay?

Sir, I can’t talk long, what happened?

KCIA hit the brakes on the op!

What?

KCIA blocked the payment!

Why? What’s the reason?

They don’t trust the situation in Lebanon.

Once he crosses the border, they’ll pay the remainder!

That doesn’t make any sense!

We’re so close!

What are we supposed to do here then?

Sir, every single day is like stepping into a minefield.

Deputy, get out of there alone!

Pull out, reassess, and let’s try again when things stabilize.

Sir, that’s a death sentence to Secretary Oh!

I have to go.

Can I send a telegram to Geneva?

-We need to go. -Wait.

-They're coming. -Give me one second.

-We gotta go now. -Okay.

Let's go.

There’s no time, Chief Secretary!

What am I supposed to do? The president isn’t saying anything.

I could co-sign the payment as an FA minister.

Are you nuts? Heads will roll if you do.

Two of our diplomats are about to get kidnapped!

We have to save their lives first!

There are still things that the government must do

and shouldn’t do!

Would you want the same if you were kidnapped?

I am willing to give my life for our country!

What do you take me for?!

Don’t act recklessly!

You got my attention!

Are they out of their minds?

What’s going on?

Head home.

Minister.

As members of Foreign Affairs, when we are in trouble overseas,

we don’t have any fantasies like in Hollywood films

that Special Forces will come to our rescue.

But…

we believe that our country will do everything in its power to help us,

and that’s why we follow our orders to go anywhere in the world.

Secretary Oh and Deputy Lee surely believe this too.

Please protect their lives and their beliefs.

This is three months of our salaries.

We’re ashamed that we can’t give more,

but we’d like to be of some help.

Connect me to Geneva, and bring my minister seal.

Minister, this will not help.

Let’s wait and see if it works after it’s done.

We’re good at waiting.

I'll stay in Beirut.

Nowhere here is safe for you.

Leave as soon as you can.

Is this the only way?

God help you.

What will you do with that?

It’s dangerous to wait here until the situation changes in Korea.

It’d be best to leave Beirut as soon as possible.

Without official consent, we can’t even use the airport.

Crossing the border on land is the only way.

That’s too dangerous, too many scammers over there.

We must go to Rachaiya,

and look for a broker named Hajid,

that’s what Karim told me. Look at this.

I wish we had a trustworthy local.

You want me to introduce you to a trustworthy local?

It's me.

I’ll come with you.

I’ll cross the border with you.

You’ll cross the border with us?

I’ll have to follow you to get my US visa.

Pan-Su.

That’s actually…

Don’t tell me you lied to me.

How could you scam a scammer?

Forget it.

Did you think I believed you?

I saw your lie right on your face.

Anyway, I’ll come with you.

Perhaps I’ll be useful along the way.

You shouldn’t decide so hastily.

I was going to leave here a long ago.

When the embassy closed, everyone was leaving,

don’t you think I wanted to leave too?

I smuggled in here, so, I can’t just hop on a flight.

And if I do leave here, there isn’t anywhere I can go,

but…

while my mom’s still alive,

I thought it’d be good to see her one last time.

Will you really be okay? No problems in Korea?

That’s…

I saved two diplomats for the country,

wouldn’t they go easy on me?

Put in a good word for me, I’m risking my life here.

And help me sponsor Laila.

Okay, then…

Then it’s decided?

I’m all for going.

Yes.

Yes.

Let’s head out early tomorrow.

Pan-Su.

I’m really sorry about the US visa.

I said I didn’t believe you.

Then why did you follow me?

I’m an honest young man.

But I hope my mom doesn’t pass out when she sees Laila.

I wouldn’t be surprised if she flips out.

Laila!

Laila!

Stop the car.

They’re hiding in a house by the cemetery!

Hurry! Let’s move!

Hurry!

Search every inch!

Get inside!

Did you find him?

No, captain, it was a dog!

Capture them alive!

Otherwise, we don’t get the money.

Sir, we have to move right away.

Please, get up!

Don’t look.

Move aside, I’ll do it.

Hurry!

Where’s the shooting coming from?

What’s going on?!

Find out where shots came from!

Come out!

Or I’ll shoot you!

Stand down!

Stand up, Korean!

You rat! Come on out!

Or I’ll kill you!

Last warning!

Hands up!

Your friend as well!

Hands up!

Captain, I got them!

Come on, dammit!

Min-jun!

My car!

There!

Mom?

Min-jun!

Min-jun!

Let’s head down.

Mr. Oh!

Don’t move!

-Hands up! -Oh Shit!

Hands up!

Put your hands up!

Hurry! Hands up!

Put your hands up!

Hands up!

Secretary Oh!

Hurry!

I’ll get you down.

A bit more!

That’s good!

-A bit more! -Okay.

Dammit!

Min-jun…

-You okay? -Yeah…

Pan-Su, cut me loose, it hurts so much…

Yeah. Hang in there…

-You okay? -Yeah.

Why are you backing up?

Can’t go forward! I can’t!

Vehicle coming!

Go forward! Go!

Christ, impossible!

-Hang on! -Dammit!

Shoot the driver and stop the car.

We just need one man alive!

What now?!

Shit!

You have a gun! Fire back!

Right.

Out of the way!

Dammit!

They’re on this side as well!

Stop coming after us!

Watch out! Up front!

Goddammit!

We’re stuck!

What?

It won’t budge!

They’re stuck in the alley.

Don’t let your guard down.

Capture them and get them out to the main street!

We're stuck!

Stupid morons.

Come on!

Min-jun, behind you!

Shit!

Get it together, fire at them!

I’m out of bullets!

Fucking hell!

Please!

Please move!

Are they dead?

Hurry!

Once we exit the city limits, they won’t follow us!

There…

You okay?

Are you okay?

-Karim. -Glad you guys are okay.

Korea sent the money.

You should’ve come faster then! We almost died!

Yusef!

Put them in that car!

You'll be flying in the UN plane to Switzerland.

You must leave now.

Will we be okay at the airport? Airport security?

I mean, the man they were chasing is gone.

And right now at the airport, there are many truce negotiators

and western journalists so you have to be careful.

How many seats do we have on the plane?

Two.

Can you add one more? I have to bring someone.

No, it's impossible.

I only have permission for two people.

Get ready. We're leaving soon.

All sorted out?

Yes.

Yeah, we’ll fly out on a UN plane.

That’s good, very good.

You’re really going home now.

Congratulations.

Mr. Kim, what will you do?

Well, I have a home here.

You’re all really going home.

It’d be best for you to leave as well.

It’s too dangerous here for you.

What can they do to me?

My life isn’t worth any ransom.

It’s okay.

Two of you wrap up here,

rest of you get to the airport!

Let’s go together.

What?

Come with us.

How can I? I can’t leave the airport

Departure procedure is simple because it’s a UN plane.

I’ll get you a seat no matter what.

-Seriously? -Trust me.

-For real? -Yeah.

Hey, Karim!

They got a seat for me, you hear that?!

They got a seat for me!

I got a seat!

I’m going on the plane?!

Secretary Oh, I’m coming as well!

These are documents issued by the UN.

You go ahead.

Pass.

Pass.

Min-jun, let’s go.

Pan-Su, take Secretary Oh and head inside.

I’ll catch up with you on the next commercial flight.

Deputy Lee, what do you mean?

It’s nothing, there weren’t enough seats,

so, I’ll catch the next flight.

Wait, I thought it was all sorted out.

Did you lie to me?

No.

There is a phone number in the document I gave you,

they’ll help you with the homecoming procedures.

This is all wrong, I’ll stay!

-Hey! -No.

Pan-Su!

Go inside.

If you stay here, you’re dead.

If you go out now, sir,

-you can't come back, okay? -Okay.

Deputy Lee is this…

Hey, hurry up. We don't have time.

If you're not coming, we're leaving without you.

Protecting our fellow countrymen is a diplomat’s first duty.

It’s my privilege that I get to fulfill my duty.

Please head inside.

Screw your duty, this is all wrong!

-Stop! -Pan-Su.

-What are you doing?! -Pan-Su.

There’s no time, go inside.

I’ll see you in Korea.

Min-jun!

Min-jun! Hey!

Min-jun!

We got a report that an Asian man was spotted in the B zone.

Let’s move!

Give me the next flight out of Lebanon. Anywhere.

There's a flight to Morocco at 7:00 p. m.

Okay. I'll take that.

One air ticket. How much is it?

Which seat do you want?

Aisle or window?

Anywhere. How much?

Aisle or window?

Aisle. How much is it?

Thank you.

So, we meet again.

Do you want some time to refund your ticket?

Why are you arresting me? I am nobody.

Come with me. Come.

You illegally smuggled goods into this country three days ago.

Do you remember you also ran from the airport security?

You have no right to inspect me.

I'll make a complaint to the Lebanese government.

No problem, you can do that after this investigation.

You bet? You're new here.

Our process is very complicated.

The investigation may take three, four,

or five years.

Open up!

Bomb!

Bomb!

Bomb!

Stop!

-Hey! -Don’t shoot!

Hey, stand down!

Please, calm down.

I am…

South Korean Diplomat

Lee Min-jun.

I am being illegally arrested by airport security.

If they arrest me now

I might disappear.

Two years ago

my fellow…

my fellow colleague, a diplomat, was kidnapped.

Please record me.

I’m a Korean Foreign Affairs diplomat,

Lee Min-jun.

You went through so much!

Kids, your dad is back.

Give him a big hand.

I got a call from South Korea stating that they will send the remaining payment.

It can't have been an easy decision for you

How did you end up paying it yourself? Such a large sum?

It was a hard calculation.

If Korea refused to pay, I'd lose two and a half million.

But if I didn't send the money

I'd be taking a hit on the credibility I've built up over the years

doing business in Lebanon.

I tried to figure out how to minimize the damage and maximize my profit.

But in the end,

I just decided to trust them.

The Korean government?

No, my trust wasn't in them.

But in these men.

And him.

1 MONTH LATER

Let him go.

You can go. Go!

Thank you for your trouble.

Thank you.

The South Korean Government strongly demanded your release.

I only came to pick you up since I was on business in Europe.

Hey, can you lend me two dollars?

One second.

The rest is your tip.

This is a South Korean Diplomat's etiquette.

Thank you.

Son of a bitch.

Welcome 1988 Seoul Olympics Pre-Inspection Committee.

We're going to be holding the 24th Olympics.

It's a great opportunity for Seoul.

Since this is a chance to present…

VIPs will be out in a minute.

Sir, do you go to Seoul?

-Where? -Gwanghwamun.

Too much traffic.

-Sir, Gwanghwamun? -No.

Myeonmok, I’ll pay double!

Where are you headed?

Gwanghwamun, I’ll pay double!

Double pay for Gwanghwamun.

I’ll let you scam me again.

Hey, Mr. Scammer.

You were still alive?

It’s the honest young man.

You missed me?

I’ll take the double pay back.

Then seven dollars without using the meter.

Use the meter and drop me off at the nearest station.

Let’s go.

The nearest station moved far away.

By the way, Laila’s here, thanks to you.

So, is your mother okay?

Well, she passed out.

OH JAE-SEOK WAS GIVEN AN ASSIGNMENT AS A FOREIGN DIPLOMAT SOON AFTER,

AND HE RETIRED IN 2000, IN MUMBAI, INDIA AS A CONSULATE GENERAL

CARTER CLAIMS THAT THE REMAINING BALANCE OF $2.5 MILLION

PAID IN ADVANCE BY HAYS WAS NEVER REIMBURSED BY THE GOVERNMENT AT THAT TIME.

DETAILS OF THIS CASE WILL NOT BE DECLASSIFIED UNTIL 2047.