Original subtitles

This film is based on real events.

Characters and scenes have been adapted for dramatic purposes.

National News

Honourable President

To welcome the new year, President Chun Doo-hwan

visited the Security Department.

He rewarded their graceful services to counter-intelligence surveillance.

The President expressed concern about leftists,

anti-nationalists and spies.

19 student activists arrested. 3 released.

We capture spies within students.

They even casuing riots..

only seek to undermine our country's liberal democratic system.

We must be alert and keep our nerves.

Our honourable president insists that we must guarantee

the basic national order and social stability.

What is it?

Commissioner Park Cheo-won. Director of national security. Born in North Korea, 1950 served in Vietnam.

Open the gates.

Buguk institute of oceanology.

Jan 14, 1987. 12:30 am. Namyeong-dong interrogation center.

Stand clear.

Oh In-sang, Physician. Chung-Ang University Yongsan Hospital.

His heart's stopped.

Revive him.

Epinephrine.

- Start the engine. - Sir.

Excuse me, Sir.

A student has died in Namyeong-dong.

The commissioner's car has arrived.

He can't be revived.

Move him.

Sorry.

Can you help me?

Sir!

Come on.

Who called for the doctor?

I did.

He wasn't a communist.

Just a witness.

You should have reported in first.

Eh.

There are witnesses now, aren't there?

What were you thinking?

It's only a student. Why is this so messy?

Let's eat.

Attention!

Now leave!

Sir.. about the body.

Burn it.

I'll see to it.

Welcome!

Cheo-won. Good evening..

It's nice to see you on such a glorious occasion.

Forgive my intrusion.

Lieutenant General Jang Se-dong. Agency for national security.

The President apologizes..

for not giving you this personally.

Thank you.

This is an honour.

Endless Bravo.

What do you have for me?

The Kim Jeong-nam Spy Organization

Kim Jeong-nam?

People's Revolutionary Party.

And the scientist Min Cheong.

Spreading propaganda...

It's the group behind the Incheon incident.

How can they think they'll get away with this?

The hunger strike by Kim Yong-sam..

was due to his collaboration with Kim Dae-jung and Kim Yeong-sam.

Do you want to arrest all three of them?

If it's proved they are Kim Il Sung's sidekicks.

Those bastards who calling direct election every day..

with anti-government protests.

What a good idea.

Even if government opinion changes, Namyeong-dong won't.

The bastards should be arrested as soon as possible.

Before the new academic year starts.

Definitely.

Prosecutor Choi-hwan. Seoul Public Prosecutor's office.

Didn't you just say five o'clock?

You'd better be telling the truth!

I forgot.

I can't even remember what I had for breakfast this morning.

Idiot!

Fill the clean bottles with petrol.

We haven't.

What is it then?

Thinner.

Noodle delivery!

Over here.

Thinner? Thinner. What do you want?

Fool!

Damned fool! Are you happy now?

You disappoint your parents and you're happy?

Happy?

A simple mistake.

How can the Chief Public Prosecutor eat like this?

Why are you here at this hour?

Come for dinner.

Everything's arranged.

Well then.

Where are you going?

Please stamp this order.

Here.

I thought I could eat and drink for free.

Using dirty tricks on me now?

Come on, Prosecutor.

Bak Jong-cheol, Seoul University.

A heart attack? In a 22 year old?

He must be cremated tonight.

I'll leave you in peace now.

You should loosen your belt and relax.

We've worked hard for our brothers.

That Seoul student..

That won't be a problem?

Of course not.

It's being taken care of.

Approval for cremation.

He's been dead for less than eight hours. Has the father seen his deceased son yet?

He hasn't seen him?

Has he?

We already got the father's permission.

I don't believe it.

What father would agree to a cremation without seeing his son's body first?

If you're going to lie, be consistent!

Does this make any sense?

This is Anti-communist matter. Please stamp the order.

Who the hell are you to order me around?!

Get out!

Why do you have to be like that?

Just close your eyes.. and stamp the damned order.

I'll buy you a hot and spicy meal.

I'm already hot and bothered. This doesn't make a bit of sense.

There should be a post-mortem before talking about burying or cremation.

As required by law.

Yes. I agree with you..

but my superiors..

ordered a cremation before dawn.

What?

Which superiors?

National Security? Presidential Palace?

Choi-hwan...

Just help me this once.

Do the post-mortem in the morning.

Then the cremation in the afternoon.

My noodles have gone soft.

Goodbye.

The crematorium is closed now.

I'm your father-in-law. You're making things difficult for me.

I know..

Of course I know.

Do as you're told. If you're ordered to crawl, crawl!

Understand? Idiot!

Yes, I understand.

There's someone to see you.

What do you want?

He said you have a dinner appointment tonight.

I've suddenly lost my appetite.

How about you?

Do they think the Chief Prosecutor's office is just for show?

They'll have to change their attitude.

Change yours first.

That's funny?

Just stamp it!

Or we're all screwed.

I know what I should do.

I think you're nothing more than a bastard relying on your father-in-law.

If I ever get another call like that I'll stamp the damned order. Understand?

No answer?

I'll stamp it.

It could be an emergency.

Order for anatomy of the corpse

If you tamper with the body..

I'll charge you with impeding an official investigation.

Choi-hwan!

Choi-hwan!

Let me out! Let me out!

Hey, open up!

Damned fool, couldn't you come earlier?

Prosecutor Choi. Prosecutor's office No.4

You're so undisciplined.

Sorry, Brother. Busy work.

I didn't even have time to wash my hands after going to the toilet.

When do you ever wash your hands?

When have you ever seen me not wash my hands?

As you care for me that much..

then let it slide.

I haven't been drunk in a long time.

I just want to go home.

You had another quarrel?

I slammed the phone down and broke it.

I'll get nagged by my wife later.

Something else is aggravating you, Brother.

The state security bastards were acting up again.

They think the chief prosecutor's office is just for display.

They think everyone..

can be treated like stray dogs.

How about I just simply resign?

If you're unable to resolve this small conflict.

This could all land on my head.

I could always..

spread rat poison.

Poison?

Nice shot!

Sorry to trouble you.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

That return was just like a professional!

It seems like Mr. Commissioner is regaining his youth.

This concoction is proving to be very effective.

Sir. We can't locate the director of public safety.

Even the hotels in the area have been searched.

Is that bastard a commie?

There's no evidence of that.

Get me Seoul District Attorney General.

Seoul Prosecutor's office. Jan 15, 1987. 07:30 am.

Ji Geom-jang, we don't know where Prosecutor Choi is.

It's your duty to..

This is bad.

Call everyone together.

Yes, Sir.

You gave me a scare.

This is bad luck.. bad luck.

Choi-hwan. Wake up!

Why did I get an early morning phone call from Park Cheo-won?

That's the last damned thing I needed.

Did you at least try to clean up the mess?

We don't need to discuss it..

but a post-mortem needs to be conducted.

You need to be careful who you're dealing with.

No one who's dared to go up against Park Cheo-won..

has lived to tell the tale.

In the Bucheon sex case, we couldn't prosecute..

based on their interrogation.

We had to bear the consequences.

This time, we follow legal procedures.

Take a look at this..

Just grab anyone and interrogate him till he confesses to everything.

At least they'll get their northern defector.

You really have no idea what Namyeong-dong is?

It's likely..

that he was actually tortured to death.

That doesn't concern us.

If this matter leaks,

how will we handle the fallout?

I don't want to think about it. I can't.

Therefore it must be handled discretely.

If anything happens, we'll be the ones getting screwed.

You're so damned stubborn!

I don't want to know any more!

It's better not to.

Just say you don't know nothing..

and express deep regret.

Let me handle it. Just me alone.

Let me.

Are you sure?

No.

It's nothing.

I'll drink to that.

It's better on an empty stomach.

So you say.

Everything's agreed then.

Oh, Reporter Sin!

How are you, Mr. Prosecutor?

Fine.

Fine.. fine, alright.

Don't worry. Right.

Right.

You're the first to arrive today!

Early bird gets the worm.

Thank you.

Don't underestimate the police.

He was a university student.

Sin seong-ho. Jong-ang Daily. Social affairs desk.

It seems the Jong Ang Daily is lagging again.

He was a law student.

Not the Faculty of Law, but Linguistics.

His name is Bak Jong.. something.

I see.

So he's a linguist.

A young life gone just like that.

Namyeong-dong bastards don't consider the consequences.

Namyeong...

Why.. why are these people so daring?

Hello.. hello, Editor?

A.. university student who was taken to Namyeong-dong for interrogation..

has died.

Hanyang University Hospital.

Is my Cheol here?

Where?

He was.. slightly injured.

Please come in.

Let go! Let go!

Why are you taking me to the morgue?

Father..

Why are you here?

What's wrong with you?

Where is Cheol?

Jong-cheol!

Jong-cheol!

My son! My son!

My son!

What happened?

Your appetite is pretty decent!

Why are you eating now?

Nine supporters of the labour movement arrested.

Yoon Sang-sam. Reporter. Dong-a Daily. Social affairs desk.

The Sam has an article on the growing labour movement.

It flows gracefully like a stream.

What's the point in that?

Any day now he might suddenly disappear.

Is there a sentence in that sentence?

Say what you mean and stop mincing your words like that.

It's all the same in the end.

Why are you so sensitive?

Are you still not talking to your sister-in-law?

I think you'd better beg for forgiveness.

The Jong Ang Daily is rather late today.

Press Room. Jan 15, 1987. 03:00 pm.

Shall we check for typos?

- Quick! - What's happening?

What's the story?

- Find it quickly! - Where is it?

Take it out!

If not the main page, try the back!

It's not this. Not this.

- It's not this. - Look again!

Which one?

What the hell?

Where is it?

Student dies of shock during police interrogation.

Hello?

I've seen the news.

Yes, Editor?

Is there anything about his life?

That's not important right now.

We're being raided by the Police. Everything's a mess.

What?

Are you saying.. it's not true?

Whether it's true or not..

We published this story, so..

Go! Hide somewhere and don't show yourself to anyone.

If they catch you, you can kiss your life goodbye.

He's here!

We've got him.

What do you want? You're coming with me!

Bastards!

- Bastards! - Tired of living?

What?

You damned bastards!

Let go! Bastards!

Sorry!

Yes!

Let me explain the rest.

Yes! Yes!

Kang Min-chang. Director General of police.

What is this?

This situation isn't good.

When you serve the country this is pretty normal.

Just a small case.

Hey, Park Cheo-won!

Your so-called small case is dragging us into mud!

Now's not the time for pointing fingers.

Sit down.

The president is extremely concerned about this matter.

Just a little carelessness and we're all blamed.

This urgent issue must be resolved first.

Just give a statement like this.

Joint decision of relevant event. Pro-left student died of heart attack.

This is the timeline of events..

With complete faith in the police I tell you all..

Department of Security. Jan 15, 1987. 04:00 pm.

There was absolutely no act of torture.

If that's true..

How did he die?

That's because.. during the investigation..

Because the investigator's desk..

His desk...

What about the desk?

Because when the investigator banged the table hard..

The student became so afraid

that he scared..

and collapsed on the floor.

Does that make sense?

Because of the table breaking, he collapsed on the floor?

A loud noise can sometimes cause a heart attack.

A living young man just died like that?

Or died of cardiac shock?

Indeed died of shock.

And it has been confirmed by the doctor from Jungdae.

Jungdae Hospital?

What's the name of the doctor involved?

That is...

The name.. what's the name?

There was no confirmation, right?

It's not like that.

I think it's Oh Yeon-sang.

- Oh Yeon-sang. - Oh Yeon-sang.

Oh Yeon-sang.

What's this?

I've made the problem even worse.

Sorry.

Chung-Ang University Yongsan Hospital.

Move!

In other words, he died from a shock to the heart?

That.. I'm not sure.

We'll know after a post-mortem.

Was he still alive when brought to the emergency room?

Not the emergency room but at Namyeong-dong.

- Namyeong-dong? - Namyeong-dong?

What happened there?

By the time I arrived there...

his heart had already stopped.

Can you please provide more details.

I mean, by the time I arrived there

and cleaned the water from his body

then did some check-ups..

Water?

Please explain in detail.

The point is, there was water on the body, right?

Ah, no.

According to the police..

the victim was in a drunken state.

So, during the investigation, he drank lots of water.

Drunken state?

Drunken state.

He drank too much rice wine.

Rice wine?

That means he didn't die from shock.

How can we report this?

It's so frustrating.

Why are you annoyed?

Just write down the facts.

Haven't you got any doctor friends?

If I had, I would have a scoop by now.

Don't leave yet. Wait here.

Okay, goodbye.

Toilet calling.

Hanyang University Hospital. Jan 15, 1987. 04:00 pm.

Good afternoon, Mr. Prosecutor.

Greetings.

I've brought several films.

I've prepared ten boxes of films.

Good.

Doctor Oh.

Prosecutor Choi-hwan.

I'm Park Dong-ho.

The situation is very serious.

Please follow the post-mortem principles.

Even the smallest things..

must be detailed in your report.

Are you sure about that?

This is just procedural.

Prosecutor Pyo. Seoul district criminal division.

Fool!

Don't try to deviate!

You're making me look bad.

After you.

I'm sorry to inconvenience you.

You bastards! Who gave you approval?

You dare to go against police orders?

We don't take orders from you.

Leave now!

Ignorant fools.

I'm a prosecutor.

Mr. Prosecutor..

You want this?

Sorry, sorry.

Leave me alone..

Let go! Let go of me!

Mother! Mother!

Just for a while, just for a while.

Just once. Let me see him once.

Please allow me to see him.

Hey, let go!

I'll remember all your faces.

Out! Out!

Bastards.

Organization chart of Kim Jeong-nam.

Jang Yeong-dal. Arrested.

Kim Jeong-nam.

Phone call for you, Sir.

Speak.

Who's that?

I'm the director of Public Security, Seoul District.

I'm calling from Hanyang Central Hospital.

Your men are preventing my men conducting official business.

All the heads of agencies have received a memo.

There is no need for a post-mortem.

Sir, do you know me?

Why are you being so disrespectful?

I am the Chief Prosecutor.

Are you trying to give me a headache?

So you don't have to obey the law, right?

Shall we gather all the prosecutors and talk about it?

What are you saying?

Try checking the police manual.

Make sure you know who has authority in this matter.

And also..

You shouldn't be using that dialect.

It's Kim Il Sung's dialect, uh?

Get Team 1 and Team 2 here right now!

Yes.

Stupid bastard!

What's this?

This is a post-mortem order.

A big man like you has to hide behind a piece of paper?

Let's not get emotional.

It's the law.

If dogs lose their prey,

do you think their master will stay silent and do nothing?

How about a bet?

Which one of us that will be the unlucky?

I'm just a wild dog with no limits.

Not as polite as usual dogs.

Moreover..

Wild dogs could bite whatever he want isn't that funny?

I'm so scared.

But you are just a toothless wild mutt.

Hold it!

The daughter of a cousin's uncle..

is married to a foreign reporter working for this magazine.

Peter Hendall is his name..

it always hurts me to ask him for an important news leak.

Any problems with the '88 Olympics..

will surely annoy the president.

Then what'll you do?

Go on then.

What is it that you really want?

It seems I've not made myself clear enough.

I just want to do my job well.

Really?

Well, carry on biting.

It won't change a single thing.

Get lost!

I will go ahead.

Then you'll die at my hands.

A mongrel dog only eats rubbish.

Humiliating and completely futile.

I'll have to buy some more soju.

Hanyang University Hospital. Jan 15, 1987. 09:50 pm.

Are you a family member?

What's your name?

I'm his uncle, Park Wol-gil.

Wol-gil, correct?

Have a seat while you wait.

Professor Hwang, please begin.

I need to go to the toilet.

Doctor..

I'm Yoon Sang-sam from Dong A Daily.

Was there any sign of torture?

I've been waiting here for ages.

Earlier you said there was water on the body.

What's the condition of the body?

Just tell me what you saw.

Doctor.

On the floor..

there was a lot of water.

Also a bath tub.

There were bubbles in his lungs.

Air bubbles?

Was this the cause of his death?

Fine.

Professor Baksa, please explain clearly!

Please explain.

- Professor Hwang! - Professor Hwang!

Murdered by the police! Murdered by the police!

He didn't die from shock. He was murdered by the police!

He was tortured to death, wasn't he?

They used water torture on him, didn't they?

It was water torture, wasn't it?

You'll be audited tomorrow.

They already know.

Okay.

I was only there to help.

It was merely a formality.

Think of it as a holiday and mess with the auditors.

Aren't you smart?

What did I do wrong? Why should I be audited?

Bastard! You're still glaring at me?

Tell me to bow, I bow.

Have me stepped on, I'm stepped on.

- Why should I.. - Han-gyeong..

I'm sorry.

Just go home.

As you order.

Yes!

The post-mortem results must be revealed!

It's not like he simply broke his arm.

It's an important story.

What is he shouting about?

Here he comes.

- Are you alright? - What happened exactly?

Come on. Let's leave.

Everyone!

From tomorrow, all torture will be prohibited.

Pardon?

A special investigative team will be formed.

Why did he die. Who killed him?

Investigate in detail.

Editor, what about that?

Enough of this shit!

A student dies after being tortured by police bastards!

What's the point of guidelines?

No more cover up!

Ready!

Oh, yes?

Come on, quickly!

Well.. it's Professor Hwang!

How troubling you are. Please sit.

How did he die?

Sir..

The cause of death was pressure applied to the neck.

During the water torture in the bath tub,

the neck was pressed against the rim.

Watch what you're saying!

Listen carefully.

If this ever leaks out,

the whole country will be in turmoil..

and all of us will die.

But.. the evidence left on the corpse..

was very clear.

He was supposed to be cremated!

This won't matter.

Just report that the cause of death..

was.. a.. heart.. attack.

Add nothing more.

Buy a good meal for everyone.

Sorry, Mr. Director.

You will only destroy yourself.

Tomorrow we'll announce the cause of death was shock.

Understood?

A ping-pong sized blood clot was discovered..

January 16, 1987. 09:00.

Indicating a possibility of tuberculosis.

Blood clots formed in the neck and chest regions,

occured during the process of artificial resuscitation.

There was absolutely no sign of torture.

- Mother. Mother. - Mother. Mother.

Mother. Mother.

- Mother. - Mother.

Our boy was not a communist.

The burial ceremony is over.

No.2 team clear to proceed.

Why are you not allowing access?

Line up properly!

Why are you denying us access?

The family members are there!

That's Yoon Gi-ja's car. Shall I turn around?

Wait a moment.

No, no.

Camera..

- Camera? - Yes, camera.

The bus is going straight on.

The car isn't.

What are these bastards doing?

Which vehicle?

2382.. Turn left! Turn left!

- Turn left? - Turn left! Turn left!

Hey, move the car!

I told you to move the car!

Hey, hey. Stop them!

Stop!

I'm a reporter from Dong A Daily.

Why did you throw away the camera?!

Get out!

Why won't you allow us to interview them?

Why can't we speak to them?

Jong-cheol..

Dad.

Why did this happen?

Why did you go away like this?

Why aren't you still here?

Goodbye my beautiful boy.

There's nothing more.. I can do for you.

Stop being difficult.

I already said you can't come in today.

I'm a reporter.

I've already told you..

Why are you so stubborn? Come back another day.

Yet another wild dog.

Why won't you let me through?

Move back! Move back!

Move back!

Get lost! Bastard!

Bastard? Who're you calling Bastard?

Reporter Yoon, please calm down.

I want to confirm some facts. He was drowned.

Death due to water torture?

Who told you it was due to drowning?

Then, what? Death due to violence?

National Security! Real bastards!

Why should I tell you? Go and check it for yourself.

You're in it up to your neck.

What did they promise?

Security Department? Presidential Palace?

Yes, you're right!

Yes, I want to be more successful than others. Satisfied?

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Just write a damned good story.

Strangled while tortured under water.

Sin Gil Industries. Security department. Sin gil-dong division.

Jan 19, 1987. 04:00 pm.

Isn't this the Department of Supervision?

Guk-jang, What's going on?

Cuff him!

Hey, hey.. get off! What are you doing?

Don't fuck around!

Bastards!

Don't mess with me!

You're under arrest on charges of torturing and causing death.

You're no longer a police officer.

You're a criminal. Criminal, okay?

What can I do? The Presidential Palace ordered the arrest.

Who in particular?

I can't tell you. You'll only make things worse.

Who'll take responsibility?

Director Park! You have to be firm!

To save yourself, you'll have to cut out the dead wood!

Sin Gil-dong.

Who?

Get out!

Sir!

Cheo-won..

Sir!

Sir!

You damned bastards.

Free them!

Continue with it!

Hey, Park Cheo-won!

Don't you know who ordered this?

Bastards!

You dare to disobey orders and assault a fellow officer?

You think all police are the same?

When you were receiving bribes,

we were facing life or death situations to catch communists.

If it wasn't for me, this country..

would've surrendered to Kim Il Sung, you bastard! Understand?

You bastard! You're making a very big mistake.

You dare to go against the President's orders?

Listen to me carefully!

If anyone dares to interfere in my hunt for communists,

I will treat that person as a communist also.

Leave!

Everybody, leave!

Get up! Get up!

Out!

Painful?

I'm innocent.

Keep your head up!

You are a patriot.

Keep your head up and straighten your back!

The penalty isn't that heavy..

for death by torture.

Just endure it for a few months.

It'll be death by negligence and I'll save you with a light sentence.

I have a family to support.

I'll look after them.

I will obey orders.

Of course...

this is what Namyeong-dong is all about.

Han Byeong-yong. Warden. Yeong Deung-po prison.

Once being fired due to set up labor union for wardens. Now returned to his place.

Please tell him to be quiet.

He's disturbing my sleep.

Lee Bu-yong. Dong-a daily. Suspected leader of May 3 Incheon movement.

He's off limits.

Death sentence?

No.

He tortured that Seoul University student..

and caused his death.

Hey there! Hey! You there!

Show me your ID!

Only this? No other form of ID?

Excuse me, which bus goes to Sin Gil-dong?

Catch him!

Drag him!

I'm home.

Really! Why is this in the way?

You always make a fuss. Why can't you just come home and sleep?

Where do you wander off to?

Careful you don't end up in prison. You still haven't got a wife.

That's why I wander, so I can get to know more women.

It's not clever to talk back.

Then you've got a date? Already dating?

You only know how to blabber all day.

What else is there?

Why do you get mixed up with such strange people?

Speaking of strange, I'm already the weirdest.

I listen to your ramblings..

how I can be normal?

- Crazy. - What is it?

I've cooked some nice meat stew. Go and eat some.

I need a girlfriend just like my sister.

But why can't you be polite?

What's up? Did you take the wrong medicine?

Yes.

Where's Yeon-hee?

In her room and sleeping.. just like a typical lazy student.

We have listeners who want to hear Yoo Jae Ha's songs.

Yes, we will play them for you.

This is a song for troubled young people.

The Hidden Road.

Damn! Stupid machine!

Don't hit it like that.

Shall I get a hammer?

Uncle! Didn't I ask to get this repaired?

Do you think your uncle's a repairman?

Just look at the fuss you make.

Hey.. I found this lying by the door.

So..

I thought I'd bring it home for you.

What is it?

Food?

Walkman?

Uncle!

You are my greatest uncle.

Get off me!

You're always like this with presents.

It's for when you go to college.

Yeon-hee..

What?

This..

I have to see that man again?

With a face like mine..

I'd get stopped at checkpoints.

But you won't be.

Just look at you.

You almost got kicked out of the union.

You're so resilient.

I said it wasn't a union.

Yeon-hee..

This is a good thing.

Do you think an uncle would tell his niece to do anything?

Like this?

You're a civil servant but act like a prisoner?

If you don't like it, it's alright!

You said it was a gift.

Doo-bong got into college.

- Who's Doo-bong? - My section head's son.

It's the last time.

Of course.

Last time.

It can record too.

And plays the reverse side as well.

Seriously?

Quickly.

Okay.

Hey! Hey!

Keep your mind on your job.

Crazy!

See what you are - losers.

Excuse me.

Of course.

What's happened?

Pastor Han. Catholic priests' association for justice.

Kim Jeong-nam. Pro-democracy movement leader, currently being wanted.

I want the truth about Bak Jong-cheol's death.

They'll make their statements.

Tomorrow.

We must identify the police officers involved..

and punish those who tortured the boy.

If you recklessly pursue the wrong enemy,

you might awaken a sleeping lion.

Then it'll be difficult to find the truth.

Even the prison's head of security was threatened.

How can that be allowed to happen?

It's a can of worms.

The real torturers..

their departments, ranks and names.

Those who helped this cover-up..

I'll look into all of them thoroughly.

Pastor.

The last weapon we have..

is the truth.

And that truth..

will bring down this regime.

Sir!

Yeon-hee.

My uncle apologises for not bringing you the news himself.

That's alright.

You don't look like a Buddhist monk.

Ah, you're a priest?

She's Han Byeong-yong's niece.

Look within and find the light of truth.

Sir!

Ahn Gye-jang. Head of security. Yeongdeung-po prison.

- Husband! - Jin-gyoo!

Jin-gyoo!

Husband!

Jin-gyoo!

- Jin-gyoo! - Mother!

Feb 20,1987. 04:30 pm.

Are you well?

What's happened?

Mother, this is not a serious matter.

You don't have to worry.

You've killed someone. Of course it's serious.

What were you thinking!

Did I raise you like this..

to take someones life?

Father..

I.. have been wrongly accused.

Honestly, I've been wrongly accused, Father.

Wrongly accused?

Accused of what?

I was only holding his legs.

It was another person who killed him.

I wasn't even part of the team.

- I wasn't doing anything.. - Enough!

- Enough. Liar! - What do you want?

- Husband! - Jin-gyoo!

- Enough! - Jin-gyoo!

- Jin-gyoo! - Get your hands off me!

Husband!

Jin-gyoo!

Please observe the visitation rules.

Jin-gyoo! Jin-gyoo!

If you write anything like this again..

I'll blow up your prison.

Visitation Notes

Ahn Gye-jang here.

This is Han Byeong-yong.

Prisoner 4879 requests a meeting.

I'm on my way.

Good evening.

Ahn Gye-jang.

You asked to meet me?

Are you feeling uncomfortable?

I've heard that to avoid addressing police torture your hours have been reduced.

This topic has nothing to do with prison administration.

What's making you feel uncomfortable?

He said..

There was another officer involved in the torture.

If there's nothing else, and this meeting is ended.

Take some rest before returning to your cell.

Do you want to be their accomplice?

Civil servant cannot leak information.

Truth must not be locked up in prison!

My responsibility..

is just to detain and imprison.

Alm district, Seoul. Bak Jong-cheol Remembrance. March 3, 1987. 02:00 pm.

What are you looking at?

Jeong-mi.

Hey, Your house is close..

Why are you all dressed up?

You're mad!

I only washed my face.

How's my skin?

You should clean the lipstick off your teeth.

Overthrow the regime.

Expose the torture and death by military dictators.

- Overthrow the regime! - Overthrow the regime!

- All patriotic citizens.. - Let's go.

Hey, hey, hey, wait!

He's handsome!

Please read.

We will begin a national confrontation.

Join us! Unite!

- Long live Bak Jong-cheol! - Long live Bak Jong-cheol!

Please read this. It's important.

Bak Jong-cheol. National Remembrance Ceremony.

Come on, let's go.

Yeon-hee!

Let me go! Let me go!

I said let me go!

Bastard!

Stop!

Stop!

Come here!

Stop.. you bitch!

Stop, bastard!

In here! in here!

Quickly!

We're closed.

Closed today.

Open the door!

I just said we're closed, Idiot!

- Open this door! - We're closed!

Stop!

My eyes sting.

It's really hot.

Don't rub your eyes. It'll make it worse.

Wash your face first.

Excuse me.. Your shoes.

It's nothing.

I've still got socks on.

You go out like that, you'll be arrested.

Is this what you're wearing?

They cost 8,000 won, but for you, just 5,000 won.

Sorry, I have no money.

Let me pay.

No need. It's nothing.

This..

is for saving me.

Er.. wait, wait!

Employees' Timesheet

You idiot!

I told you not to take notes.

Your statements.. are always inconsistent.

I want to confirm something.

You handcuffed the victim's hands behind his back,

as stated here.

But the victim's wrists..

don't show any marks from handcuffs.

This is a negligent death. What difference does it make?

It's more or less the same.

The negligence you displayed..

Your crime was torturing to death.

Interrogation with torture.

The charges haven't been changed?

What are you talking about? Don't try anything with me!

If you still don't realise it, the punishment is 15 years!

Confess everything.

Bastard!

What? Bastard?

I didn't kill him.

What?

Are you deaf?

The killer was someone else!

You can't just..

What's going on?

You've already been warned not to try this again.

What do you want?

What do you want?

Barbarians!

You're all the same.

Remind Park Cheo-won to keep his promise!

Who do you think you are you?

What are you trying to pull?

They're the guilty ones.

Hey, Jo Han-gyeong!

What are you saying?

You're the real killers.

No?

Grab the bastard!

Don't even move!

Your lives depend on what I say today.

Think about it carefully.

Visiting hours are over.

Do you want that kind of money?

Anyone there?

There is still a public relations section.

Give me special reporting policy!

Those protects were due to calling for direct election.

Under such chaos, this country will be destroyed in front of us.

Focus your report on this aspect!

- Right, understood. - And, also..

Home Affairs Minister.

I want a register of all political institutions within every university.

You're on 24 hour standby. Do not let anything happen!

Right.

Why should I still need to worry about this?

Apparently there was a riot in the prison.

The prosecutor change the charge to Wrongful Death.

Thankfully we're able to put out this fire.

Do you want to fan the flames again?

Bak Jong-cheol supporters gathering.

If this becomes a loose end we're done.

I can extend the trial without a deadline.

It's up to you. Make your own decision.

Park Cheo-won..

The honourable president is very worried.

Kang Jin-gyoo. Seoul Trust Bank.

Millions, tens of millions. Hundreds.

Is this compensation for 10 years of my life?

Get me out by end of the month.

When the president hands the office to his successor..

there will be amnesty.

I have to wait until next year?

Don't you think I've been lied to before?

Life is just a gamble.

It's better to clear the conscience and get a lighter sentence.

This is an important stage in your life.

At least show your patriotism.

Patriotism, patriotism.. Fuck patriotism!

I can't sleep peacefully in here.

These hands..

The screams and cries of those I've beaten with these hands..

are always in my head.

We..

We are patriots?

You bastard!

Don't fuck with me!

Do you want your head burst?

Just shoot.

Do it!

I don't need to..

No.

Your wife..

and your children..

will be thrown into the Imjin River.

That's how we clear the country of northern defectors..

You've done it before, you should know.

At that moment your heart will be torn apart

I'll enjoy watching it.

Cheo-won.

Make your choice!

A patriot or a traitor!

I accept.

I will accept.. I will accept.

Cheo-won!

Please obey the prison rules.

In accordance with the rules, this..

cannot happen.

Physical contact with other parties..

You're so committed to your job.

Have a meal with the guards!

Stand over there!

Hurry up!

Don't you have a student ID?

State your student ID number!

8711023.

Shit, usually I'm never stopped.

Do I look like a student activist?

Today for some reason..

You do look like one.

You've dressed like that white knight who saved you.

Ah, that young man.

I told you he's not a student activist.

Young man?

Don't fool yourself!

Even if you see him again, he won't remember you.

But he'll remember your cute made-up face.

Shall I wipe it off?

- Here. - Don't!

Here it is!

Hey, that's why..

You should be like me and carry these.

This guarantees you won't be stopped.

Looks so innocent, right?

Kim Hee-ae.

I'm the actress Kim Hee-ae.

Why is everyone hugging a book to their chest?

Even if you're flat chested,

you have to be confident.

Come on!

Hey!

You hurt my pride.

That's him?

Oh.. oh my..

Even if he is a spy, he should still be engaged.

He's coming over!

He remembers.

Smile.

Are you a new student?

Yes.

Don't feel uncomfortable.

I'm sure..

we've met before.

Yes?

Our organization is showing a video later.

Will you come?

Pardon?

There'll also be a comic-sharing event.

We'll.. be there.

Oh my!

Your shoes are so cool.

They look expensive.

They were cheap.

Alright. See you later.

See, he didn't recognize you.

He didn't even remember you.

He said cheapy cheapy.

Did you really buy him cheap shoes?

Get off!

He didn't remember you at all.

I said I don't want to go!

- Come, come, come. - Wait, wait!

Just a moment.

What is it?

Do you want to freshen up first?

Entrance is that way.

- Stop fussing. - Welcome.

Please sit over here.

Just sit over there.

Is everyone ready?

Shall we begin?

Curtains.

The comic appreciation club will now show you an important video.

What's the film?

It's actually a documentary.

It was made overseas.

You all know.. about the situation in Gwangju.

Here..

are the facts.

What's this? Let's go.

Initially, I couldn't watch it until the end.

The reality is.. too horrific.

Then why do you show these things to people?

What do you want us to do?

Do you want us to fight the army?

How are we going to fight?

If more lives are sacrificed,

who'll take responsibility?

There are 22 agents working on information from the guidance department,

but no one knows where Kim Jeong-nam is hiding.

Do you fear more trouble because of the lack of results?

I'm very sorry,

but the present situation isn't like before.

Stop everything!

Director for Counter-Communism.

Switch on the TV now!

The speech is about to start.

Acknowledged.

The honourable president..

is awaiting the arrest of Kim Jeong-nam.

Kim Dae-joong and Kim Yeong-sam are manipulating the Bak Jong-cheol incident.

We have to survive this.

You know this is our last chance.

Let him go!

Cheo-won.

Respectfully, you must remember your position.

When I was in the North, I once kept a male dog.

The dog liked to disappear from time to time.

Do you know how I used to find him?

I lured him back by using a bitch in heat.

So all the male dogs would come around..

drooling and start fighting each other.

I now feel that such a thing is impossible in my tenure.

April 9,1987. 09:00 am. Declaration of Constitution.

In accordance with the current constitution,

on the 25th Feb in the next year,

my tenure as President will end.

It's time to end this.

Lure him out with all the bitches.

Do it well.

We're ready!

- Follow me! - Ready!

Hey, bring them with you.

We need to be prepared.. and motivated against..

It means there will be a direct election, right?

Shit, the direct election system is for himself.

Editor, Is he extending his dictatorship?

How can we move forward?

How else can he maintain power?

Hey!

Political Section! Social Affairs!

What are you waiting for?

What does it mean?

What does that mean?

It means that he alone will select the next president.

Shit.. Madam. A bottle of soju.

In a moment.

No. No need.

Mr. Prosecutor, we have an hour before we convene.

I'm not going.

Just listen to the bastard!

He wants another seven years.

Not seven years. The fake election,

will ensure the world of these people won't end.

What do you mean by the fake election?

You really don't know anything.

You must be a spy.

Are you really from Yonsei?

Listen to him!

You're just a student.

This is a game that's been rigged by them.

What are you doing?

I have to do something.

Hey. Let's organize.

Sang-ho, get the printer.

I'm going out for a while, Brother.

It's too dangerous for you out there.

What is this?

What is a direct election system?

All voters have received bribes to vote.

True.

The country's social standard is still too low.

Why aren't you changing shifts?

This is a revolutionary turning point.

I believe passionately and strongly in this.

I promise..

you have my full support.

You have nothing to worry about.

The communists intent on entering the Presidential Palace..

must all be eliminated!

I'll send men to keep an eye on those around Kim Jeong-nam.

Prisoner 4879.

Meeting.

In here.

- Dad, I've been wrongly accused. - Wrongly accused of what?

The rest is written based on what I remembered.

All I can do..

is this.

You must be finished before the morning.

Stop!

You called me?

I never thought I'd be stopped.

I'm an officer from the Ministry of Justice.

It's.. it's only a magazine.

A warden?

You look really.. ugly.

Yes, like a crook. A crook.

I've been told twice today.

You'll have to blame my parents.

What's this?

Just something to pass the time. What are you checking for?

Go on.

Yes, yes. Sorry to have troubled you.

An appropriate magazine for a lonely Sunday.

Ahn's family just came out of the temple.

Isn't Kim Jeong-nam a Catholic?

Something's going on.

Check inside, quickly!

Hey, guard the back door!

It's best to report in first. If only the two of us act..

Do you want to let others get the credit?

We'll split the credit on this one.

Target acquired!

Target acquired. Request support.

Round the back.

Quick!

Where's he gone?

Up there.

Sorry.

Bloody bastard!

Hello.

Report the shadow's position. Report the shadow's position.

Target gone. He's not here.

We've lost him. Not here, not here.

Look for him you bastards!

I'm sorry, Sir.

Cheo-won.

Has Kim Jeong-nam moved to a safe place?

Yes, he managed to get away.

That's fortunate.

He's at the Hyangrim Church.

I know where it is. I can go..

Don't, don't.

I'm back.

It's not safe for you anymore.

Where's Mum?

You know the declaration he's planning to make.

Without the pigeons, everything will be in vain.

- He must get that message. - Hold on.

Too many of our people have been exposed.

Leave it with me. I'll think of another way.

Yeon-hee..

Yeon-hee..

You surprised me!

What?

Not again.

I promise.. this is the last time.

This is important. It must be exposed.

If it is exposed, what then? You'll get hurt.

How can I see someone die without doing anything?

It's not just me, there are others who will help.

Don't forget how my father died.

By demanding his wage arrears..

we all suffered in the end.

Your father only did what was right.

The one to blame is his damned boss who refused to pay.

Why blame an innocent person?

My father drank because of his boss?

At first he hardly ever drank.

He only took to drinking because people let him down.

Yeon-hee..

It was just an ordinary traffic accident.

Do not blame others. Who else!

If someone had stopped to help him..

My father wouldn't have died.

I don't need this.

250 won, you have 50 won less.

Enjoy and live life well.

Be careful not to fall!

Where's your uncle?

I don't know!

Byeong-yong! Byeong-yong!

Bring those items inside. Looks like it's going to rain.

Did you two quarrel?

Quarrel?

You're too much.

How often have I told you. Treat your uncle as your father.

You're too stubborn to listen to common sense.

What happened?

Byeong-yong!

Get back!

You bastard!

Byeong-yong!

- Bastard! - No! No!

No! Please forgive her.

- Uncle! - Byeong-yong!

Bastards!

Why are you arresting me? What have I done?

Shut up!

Hey, keep her away!

No!

- Take him away! - Uncle!

Byeong-yong! Byeong-yong!

Don't worry! I'm alright.

Uncle! Byeong-yong!

- Yeon-hee! - Uncle!

- What are you looking at? - What's going on?

Have you met many of our V.I.P. prisoners?

I've met them a few times.

Are you..

familiar with Kim Jeong-nam?

I don't know him.

Kim Jeong-nam?

He said he received funding from Kim Il Sung.

And distributed it to opposition party members.

Is that true?

I don't know. I don't know this person.

The Kim Jeong-nam Organization.

Pro-democracy Organization.

Undermine the government.

Why do you look so shocked by this?

Take him!

Shall we give him the full works?

Let him know how truly dedicated we are.

Hey!

Hey!

Warden!

This is your new room.

Confess quickly so I can go home.

Before you die horribly here.

Hey!

Papers.

Your home is quite hard to find.

Why are you here?

To recruit you, of course.

Join our club.

Jeong-mi has already joined.

This is one of club publications.

National appeal to overthrow the dictatorial regime

Will you join the demonstration?

Do you think you can change the world?

How noble of you all.

Don't you consider your family's feelings?

Today's Song

That day will never arrive.

Stop daydreaming and wake up!

I wanted to..

but I can't.

My heart is too heavy.

Just go.

I'll go home first.

Yeon-hee.

Contact me if you change your mind.

A solidarity battle waiting for you. Contact: 754-6512.. My home.

Yeon-hee. This is very important. Hyangrim Church. Kim Jeong-nam. 362-2664.

Hello?

Yeon-hee..

Hello? Mum?

Mum, what's wrong? What happened?

Byeong-yong.. has been taken by special agents.

They're going to kill him.

This one is very stubborn.

He's still resisting?

It's been seven days, but he's not talking.

He's a tough one.

Show me his personnel file.

What's happening out there?

Move back, you bastards!

We know they're inside.

Han Byeong-yong!

Your sister is here!

What do want with them?

Stop them!

Dong Saeng-ku!

Mum! Mum!

Mum, are you alright?

What gives you the right to beat up women?

Thugs! You're nothing but thugs!

What right do you have to behave like this?

Mum, please calm down!

What right do you have to beat people up?

Mum! Yeon-hee!

Get in there! Up! Sit down and shut up!

Help!

Mum!

Don't move! Don't move! Shut up. Bloody woman!

Everybody move back!

Defines the rally as an illegal meeting.

To prevent any further illegal gatherings, the opposition..

Don't move!

Two, three, four..

five, six, seven.

One, two, three..

Yeah.. Uncle.. so brave..

The young man standing next to my mother..

is called is Dong-hee.

When he was small, he almost died..

but my mother managed to save him.

The boy was never really right in the head.

My father treated him as family and helped with his career.

I considered Dong-hee to be my older brother.

However..

after Kim Il Sung came to power,

he began.. to participate in the democracy movement..

He even wore a red armband.

Then the People's Army were brought home and you know what he did?

Enemy of the people!

Cruel landlords!

Send all opponents of this revolution to Hell!

Dong-hee said that he couldn't waste any bullets.

So he thrust a bamboo spear..

into my father's chest.

Bastard, you die there!

I was afraid and hid in a cupboard..

and witnessed everything.

But then..

If I'd crawled out at that moment, could I have saved my mother?

Dong-hee, curse you!

Mother! I should have tried to save my sister's life.

Because she died in my place.

Do you know..

what Hell really is?

My family died one by one..

but I couldn't even lift a finger to help.

And you still refuse to talk.

Think about that Hell.

It's your choice.

I'm sorry.

My uncle..

doesn't deserve to be tortured.

Thank you..

for trusting me.

Pastor..

This morning his pigeon flew here.

Hyangrim Church

Quick!

Shut the door! This way!

Block the door quickly!

Quick! Quick!

Just run!

Pastor..

Run quickly!

This is a place of worship!

How dare you enter!

What do you want?

Where is Kim Jeong-nam?

Search everywhere!

Kim Jeong-Nam!

Come down!

Quickly!

Try to open that.

May 18. Gwangju memorial mass.

Today we gather in fellowship..

To honour the Seventh Anniversary of May 18.

May 18, 1987. 11:30.

Within the house of Almighty God.

To hear a very important statement.

Pastor Kim Seung-hoon. Leader of the Catholic priests' association for justice.

Facts surrounding the torture and death of Bak Jong-cheol..

were manipulated.. and covered up.

Bak Jong-cheol's interrogators and torturers are members of..

the Anti-Communist Investigation Bureau.

Team 2 and team 5.

Team 2-1: Detective Jo Han-gyeong.

Team 2-1: Police Constable Lee Jeong-ho.

Team 2-1: Detective Hwang Jeong-woong.

Team 2-1: Sergeant Ban Geum-gon.

Team 5-2: Sergeant Kang Jin-gyoo.

Dammit!

Get up!

Jong-cheol..

This is Namyeong-dong.

Your soul is worth nothing at all here.

Where is Jong-woon?

I don't know.

I really don't know.

We can continue this for a long time.

Lies are lies.

- This bastard's still not talking? - No!

No!

I'm sorry.

- I don't know! - Stand up!

I'm sorry.

Bastard!

- Start talking quickly! - I don't know!

Bastard!

Mother..

Mother..

Whether or not our country is heading towards democracy..

the key lies in revealing the truth of this case.

The 18th of May 1987.

The Catholic Priests Association for Justice..

- Spread the news quickly! - Now!

Telephone quickly!

Those responsible for Bak Jong-cheol's death are..

Police Constable Lee Jeong-ho,

Police Detective Hwang..

There's no one.

Come on!

Cheo-won!

Cheo-won!

Please reply! Please reply!

Find Cheo-won now!

Emergency situation! Emergency situation!

Why weren't any countermeasures taken?

Understood.

Burn it!

All of it.

Quickly! Quickly! Hurry up!

Burn it!

Hey!

There you are.

Detective, why are you here?

It's been a while..

Arrest them!

Commissioner Cheo-won!

Did you know that there were five people involved in the torture?

We didn't know.

How can you possibly not know?

He was tortured systematically, wasn't he?

There was no such thing.

Orders from higher-ups?

Shut your mouth, you bastard!

Answer the question!

You gave 100 million won to the police officer.

His family has already testified.

Where did the money come from?

Killing by torture, concealment, forgery and bribery.

The day has come.

Guilty Verdict

Topic: Director of anti-communist team. His mistakes cannot be forgiven.

Signed: President Chun doo-hwan

May 30, 1987. 03:00 pm.

You need some rat poison in the reception room.

The rats are as big as cats.

It's nice to see you again.

Here!

If you need a lawyer, please contact me.

May you have good fortune.

Excuse me.

Move!

Eyes front. Let's go!

Do it..

Dump all the adverts!

- Editor! - What?

This country has turned into a battlefield.

We can't cover everything.

Then focus on the universities and main regions.

Yes Sir!

Attention! Attention!

Today at 6 p.m.

all temples and churches will ring their bells.

Vehicles will sound their horns.

Everyone be ready to get interviews. Understand?

- Yes. - Okay!

Get back! Tear gas! Tear gas!

Bastards!

Hello?

Sister!

Why are you crying?

Are you alright?

How is Yeon-hee?

Newspapers.

Yonsei University bombed by tear gas

A student was struck in the head by a tear gas cannister

Lee Han-yeol supported by a friend. He was taken..

to Yonsei University in critical condition.

Protect the constitution and overthrow the dictator!

June 9, 1987. 05:00 pm.

Take aim!

Fire!

Chool-yeol!

Chool-yeol!

No!

Yeol, are you ok?

Bastards!

Overthrow the military dictatorship that has tortured and brutally killed many!

Forty million people unite!

Overthrow the military dictatorship that has tortured and brutally killed many!

Forty million people unite!

Overthrow the military dictatorship that has tortured and brutally killed many!

Long live Bak Jong-cheol

Tortured to death!

A regime of crooks!

Return Bak Jong-cheol to us!

Tortured to death!

What are you waiting for! Fire!

Return Bak Jong-cheol to us!

Return him to us!

Han-yeol! Han-yeol!

Protect the constitution and overthrow the dictator!

Another student has become a victim.

Let's all go to City Hall!

Come on, let's unite!

Overthrow the dictator!

This has gone too far!

Overthrow the dictator!

Overthrow! Overthrow!

Forty million people unite!

Overthrow the dictator!

Overthrow! Overthrow!

Overthrow the dictator!

When the eastern sea runs dry and mountains collapse,

Drink, drink.

May God take care of our country..

- for ten thousand years. - We must all rise up!

Hibiscus flower and three thousand miles..

Lee Han-yeol is fighting for his life!

Everyone! Forward together!

Protect the constitution and overthrow the dictator!

On June 29, 1987. The Republic of Korea had issued

An agreement for direct presidential election, June 29 Declaration.

Lee Han-yeol died in hospital on May 7.

1.6 million people attended his national funeral on July 9.

♪ It won't be a mere night's dream

♪ When our long suffering ends

♪ My brother's eyes will stream

♪ Tears that flow

♪ Into a long river

♪ Made with laborious sweat

♪ A dream of waves of justice

♪ Breaking in the vast ocean of peace

Daejeon

Daegu

Gwangju

Chuncheon

Busan

♪ When the day comes

♪ When the day comes

June 9, 1987

♪ My lost brothers' faces

♪ all the painful memories

♪ and my short-lived youth

♪ won't be a lost cause

♪ When the day comes

♪ When the day comes

♪ When the day comes

Lee Han-yeol Memorial

♪ When the day comes

♪ My lost brothers' faces

♪ All the painful memories

♪ And the agonizing wait

♪ Won't be a lost cause

♪ When the day comes

♪ When the day comes

♪ Inside the vague and faint fog

♪ The path is ahead

♪ A path like a rainbow far away

♪ That feels close as if I can catch it

♪ I wonder if it's waiting ♪ For me somewhere

♪ I look around but I can't find it

♪ My dear, please be my strength

♪ So I can find this path

♪ That is given to me

♪ My dear, make a path for me

♪ My path is veiled

A Jang Joon-hwan Film