Original subtitles

If my car gets scratched, are you gonna pay for it?

Hey!

Hello? Where are you from?

ARD Germany. My name is Peter.

I'm Choi, a local reporter. How did you get here?

I heard all the roads to Gwang-ju are blocked.

I came by taxi.

Live and die together, hoorah hoorah!

We'd rather die standing than live on our knees!

We fight for justice!

Afternoon of May 20, 1980 Geumnam Street, Gwang-ju

Citizens of Gwang-ju, unite!

Citizens of Gwang-ju, citizens of Gwang-ju,

Citizens of Gwang-ju, unite!

Can you hold this?

Yeah, okay, sure.

What a jerk.

Wow, Jeolla Province really does have the best food.

Looks simple, but tastes great.

The seasoning is perfect!

Be very careful.

The Korean press is not allowed here, and foreign press is not welcome.

If they find you are here, the government will hunt you down.

And the people helping you.

What, you want one?

Have a bite. Nothing's happening there.

No, thank you.

Why so serious all of a sudden?

It's nothing.

I have to join them.

Don't get involved, stay here.

How can I just watch?

What difference will it make?

Okay. Let's get down there.

Where? There?

No, no, no, here stay. There danger.

Here safe.

You stay, we go down.

That guy's just shooting from up here, too.

Where are you going?

What's going on?

Drive out Chun Doo-hwan!

Danger, danger.

If you're gonna shoot, do it from there.

It's too dangerous here.

Let's go, will you?

Are you okay?

Sorry, sorry!

What the hell is wrong with you?

That's why I said, it's too dangerous here!

- Let's go. - Don't touch!

Mister, the soldiers have gone crazy.

Hurry up and run!

Damned commie needs to be taught a lesson!

Get rid of him!

Hey, who's that?

Get him.

Do you have a death wish? We need to go!

Mister, this way! This way!

Over here!

Hurry!

Huh? Isn't she...?

Mister!

Mister, hurry up!

That's why I kept saying danger!

Is that thing expensive?

I've never seen one before. Should I ask him?

No, don't ask.

What? It wasn't my fault.

But why were those soldiers acting that way?

Beating and chasing people who weren't doing anything.

I don't know either. We just don't know why.

Oh god, look at the time.

Hey! Let's go Seoul.

Yeah, okay. Let's go back to Seoul.

Okay, okay.

Then, what about you? We're going to Seoul.

Yes, of course. Then let me off up there.

- Okay. - Thanks.

Please promise me.

You have to show our news.

Once this footage airs, the entire world will be watching.

You are not alone.

Thank you so much.

Sir, have a safe trip back.

Wait, kid!

What's your name?

Jae-sik. Gu Jae-sik.

Gu Jae-sik... Practice hard, okay?

I'll watch your song contest on TV.

Okay.

Have a safe trip.

Come on, not again.

Did it break down?

What happened?

Isn't that...?

I told you it was him! The Seoul driver.

You were right.

Car's broken?

That's bad.

Man, the repair shop's closed.

- Sure is. - Yeah.

I'm sure they'll fix it soon.

Wow!

Is this your daughter?

Whoa, she's so cute!

You've got hidden talents! And your wife is pretty too.

What a relief she took after her mother instead of...

His daughter, huh? Pretty, isn't it?

Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...

No touch!

You ready?

- Yeah, just a sec. - Okay.

Ready. Try starting it!

Give it a go.

This car already ran over 600,000 km!

How'd you drive all the way here?

- The transmission is too old. - Need to change the starter?

That's a bummer.

I heard the repair shop's all out of parts.

What about parts from another car? He can have mine.

I changed my starter recently, so better switch with mine.

Then, leave it here for now.

I'll find a way to make it run a short distance.

How long will it take?

I need to be in Seoul before the curfew.

- It'll take at least 2 hours. - Yeah.

Better leave for Seoul tomorrow.

Curfew here is 9 o'clock.

You don't want to be out past curfew.

- Is there a phone somewhere? - What for?

Those bastards have cut all the phone lines.

What?

Isn't there any way? I need to call home.

What're you so worried about?

If a man's out working, he can stay out a night or two.

My daughter's home alone. And she's only 11.

Then where's her mom?

What?

Oh, that poor thing.

Too young to be alone...

Oh my.

Mr. Kim, if it's about money, let me pay for the repairs.

You bastard, did I ask you for money?

You knew everything, right?

Danger, you knew it!

Why are you yelling at me?

It's not my fault your car broke down.

And you knew exactly that it would be dangerous here!

What's this prick saying?

Mister, calm down! He says you knew the danger.

Bullshit! Like hell I did!

And why do you keep taking this foreigner's side, huh?

What?

Just take the money.

Take the money. Take the money, here.

Get that away from me!

Get it away!

Oh my.

Just stop it!

Just calm down, stop it!

My, oh my...

His young daughter at home alone.

But he can't go back to Seoul. He cannot call.

Jürgen Hinzpeter, Asia Correspondent for Germany's public broadcaster.

He came in from Japan.

What are those assholes in the security service doing?

He entered without registering as a reporter, so they missed him.

He declared himself a missionary.

He seems to have planned the whole thing.

He's using a Seoul taxi, so we'll find him soon.

So that's where you live... the corner house?

Yes, next to it.

We're almost here.

Come on, hurry.

Honey? I'm home!

Dad!

Goodness, why are you back so late?

There was a lot going on.

Did you stay up waiting for Daddy?

Who are they?

It's a long story. Can you make us dinner?

- Yes, but not much to eat. - Fine with just kimchi.

Come on, let's go in. Please...

It's okay if we have kimchi...

Get in!

Oh, my!

Is this all we've got for such important guests?

Don't worry. Your neighbor will look after your daughter.

You can call her on the way tomorrow morning.

Yes.

Dad, I'm hungry.

Oh, go ahead and eat. You're hungry?

Try this first. My wife made it.

It's crisp, slightly bitter, but with a real kick...

Not sure if it's your style, but please try.

Give it a try.

That's hot!

This is spicy, hot.

Oh, not a problem. I can handle spicy.

Wow, he eats well.

Oh my god. This is a shock.

Wasser!

- What? - Water!

Too spicy for him!

Hot!

No wonder. He ate it too easy.

What are you laughing for?

You come to a foreign country, break a camera, eat kimchi.

You've been through a lot, too.

Why'd you come here?

Why you come here?

Reporter.

Was that English?

Seoul drivers speak English?

I'm a reporter.

Reporters go wherever there is news.

Then try translating what he just said.

I'm a reporter here for the news something like that...

Is that right?

Yes.

You're amazing. I never would've guessed!

Ah...

Why you become a reporter?

What's that, a poker card? I used to play, too...

Not that, money. He means money.

He means he did it because of the money?

Yes.

Where do you spend your money?

A hole in your sock.

He acts like such a big shot, but I guess he's not.

How can you be worse off than a widower like me?

Martial Law Soldiers Massacre Civilians in Gwang-ju

Now that's a real newspaper!

There's no turning back after this. So if anyone...

Are you the only reporter here?

We've all made up our minds.

Open the door!

Are you trying to close us down?

But Chief! We're reporters, aren't we?

Shouldn't we at least try to tell the people

what's happening here and why?

What will happen then?

They will shut us down, and drag us all off!

Come on, get them out!

Let go! Chief! Chief!

Will this stop bullets?

Of course not. It's to cover the lights.

Right.

It's time for evening news.

Why bother watching useless crap?

Who knows, maybe they'll say something today.

I doubt it...

- The disturbance in Gwang-ju... - It's on.

is not yet contained...

- Have some fruit. - Hey, quiet!

...with student radicals and gangsters gathering in Gwang-ju

and spreading groundless rumors.

To date, 1 civilian has been killed, and 5 members of the military...

Those fuckers!

Honey!

How can they say that? So many people died today!

Is the news just allowed to lie like that?

Why did we have to watch that crap?

God that sets me off!

That's not true.

As soon as I get back to Japan, my footage will hit the news.

The whole world will see.

Mr. Kim will take me back to the airport, and...

Anyhow without him, I would have never made it to Gwang-ju.

He can broadcast it when he gets to Japan, with Mr. Kim's help.

And Mr. Kim also helped him get pass the soldiers blocking the roads.

You're amazing. Both of you.

Well, a driver has to go where the customer says.

Don't worry, don't worry.

I'll take you right to the airport tomorrow.

Airport, okay?

By the sound of it, I should plead to both of you...

Please make this work.

I'd beg you on my knees, really!

No, I'm really good at that.

On my knees!

Forget that.

Sing us a song instead. He's entering a song contest.

We'll judge if you deserve a prize, so sing!

- Oh, no way! - Please.

I do guitar, not vocals.

What's the difference?

Give him a hand!

What should I do?

Wow, looking good!

♪ What can I do if you ♪ ♪ leave me like this? ♪

♪ What can I do to go on ♪ ♪ living without you? ♪

What? Why ring the gong?

Students may protest against you, to stop you from singing.

I told you, I play guitar! But I'm not that bad!

I shouldn't have asked him to sing.

Is that a new song?

I guess I'm no good.

You're really not a singer.

But there's something striking about him.

See, I told you!

Oh, my. He looks just like your brother.

- That's right! - Yes, they're similar!

- You mean Sang-chul? - Yeah.

Who?

Right, why didn't I see it before?

I have a younger brother.

You look just like him.

What do you think? Same-same?

- What do you mean? - He looks like my husband.

Same, same.

I look like Peter, right?

Oh no!

What's that?

What's this sound?

That's by the TV station.

Yeah, I think so.

Bro! People are gathering over by the TV station!

The taxi drivers are all heading there, too.

- Really? - I'll see you there.

Night of May 20, 1980 Near Gwang-ju MBC TV Station

The foreign reporter! Get the radio!

Jae-sik!

Mister, look out!

They're plainclothes soldiers!

What? Plainclothes?

Damned commies!

Go hide up there. I'll bring it up.

Hurry!

Where is he?

He didn't come this way.

Hello!

I know you're up there.

Mister.

If you give me the camera and film,

you two,

no...

the three of you including this kid...

can go free.

What is he saying?

I'll count to ten.

And I'll let you decide

what the wise choice is.

He wants this.

Then we can live, and Jae-sik too.

Give safe.

Let's give it to him.

One,

two,

three,

four,

five,

- What are you doing? - six,

seven,

eight,

nine...

Wait a minute!

The foreign reporter might be close by.

Let me speak in English to him.

I'll beg him to save me.

Can you hear me?

I can't hold this soldier much longer.

So please,

go now and show the world what's happening in here.

- Where are you going? - So please...

We need to give him this.

They're coming up!

Hey!

Damn!

Give me the bag!

Get away!

I'm okay!

Over there!

Get him!

There!

Where's the damn reporter?

Where are you running, commie?

Spare me, I'm not a commie!

You prick! Damn commie!

I'm really not a commie!

I'm not even from Gwang-ju. I'm from Seoul.

#10-8, Hwayang-dong 384, Sungdong-gu, Seoul.

Yeah.

I know.

The Seoul taxi.

You're that commie who brought in the German reporter.

The shit bastard who sold his country for money!

And yet you say, "I'm not a commie!"

"I'm not a commie!"

"I'm not a commie!"

"I'm not a commie!"

How dare you...

We have to get out of here.

My god, I was so worried!

I'm glad you made it back. But where's Jae-sik?

Wasn't he with you?

Huh?

You know...

I earned some money in Saudi Arabia.

But my wife got sick and I spent it all on hospital bills.

At the end, my wife insisted that I buy that taxi.

And the doctor said so too,

so I should look after our daughter.

We could have tried more meds,

but I didn't argue. That's the kind of guy I am.

The rest have to go on living, right?

Because after my wife died, I got drunk every day.

One day I woke up,

she was crying holding onto her mom's old clothes.

She must have missed her so much.

I quit drinking that day.

I'm the only one she has left.

What are you doing?

The paratroopers are searching for a Seoul taxi!

Should've said you're going. You don't even know the roads!

Here, take this and...

These are hidden roads out of Gwang-ju.

And the reporter asked me to give you this.

How can I accept that?

What?

If a driver took a passenger, he should accept the fare!

Just take it.

I can't take that money.

Just the repairs will cost you a lot.

Don't argue. Just take it!

On your way, now.

Your daughter must have waited all night. Hurry.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Why are you sorry?

Bastards out there should be.

It's damn fine weather.

Come visit with your daughter someday.

We'll take my son and go on a picnic.

Take care of yourself.

You take care.

It'll take an hour to fix it.

Don't stay cramped in here.

There's a Buddha's day celebration or something like that over there.

Go take a walk around.

Can I use the phone?

Hello?

Dong-su, is my daughter there?

Where have you been?

Is she with you?

She just fell asleep. Wake her up?

No, let her sleep.

Is she okay?

If you're so worried, why did you stay out?

Did you really get that money?

Give me the phone.

Mr. Kim! Where are you?

I'm...

I'm in the countryside and my car broke down.

I left 2,000 won in my drawer. Please give it to Eunjung...

She's been up all night waiting, so why make promises!

Hey, give me the phone!

You'll be back soon? Let's talk then. Stop it!

Hello!

How old is your daughter?

Eleven.

Then how about these?

These are sturdy and nice. Moms love them.

They're really popular!

If she's 11, she'll need size 200...

Give me size 210.

Size 200 is getting small for her.

What a thoughtful father. You know her shoe size!

Those are a bit expensive...

A bowl of noodles, please.

Huh? I thought you went bill collecting?

Ended up wasting my time.

Ma'am, another bottle of soju!

Sure.

What, people wouldn't pay?

I couldn't even get into Gwang-ju.

I heard people were killed in Gwang-ju, I guess it's true!

People were killed?

Yeah, soldiers raided the city, and all hell broke loose.

What are you talking about?

I don't know for sure,

but I heard many people were killed, and a whole bunch arrested.

That's not it.

A few innocent soldiers were killed in violent college student protests.

No, someone really saw people getting killed there.

It was in the news.

Not just students, but hardcore Communists.

They even brought gangsters from Seoul!

Really? It was in the news?

Yeah!

It's in the newspaper too, a full-page story.

If they want to protest, why not just do it in Seoul?

Protests in Gwang-ju Keeping me from doing my job.

Rogue Groups and Rioters...

You must've been really hungry. Have this, too.

It's delicious... Delicious.

Taxi, taxi!

So pretty.

Always bought her sneakers, never a nice pair of shoes...

Eun-jung will love these.

♪ The river water flows ♪

♪ Under the 3rd Han River Bridge ♪

♪ Like a bird, like wind, like water ♪

♪ It continues to flow ♪

♪ Yesterday I met you again ♪

♪ And we struck a solemn vow ♪

♪ That in the morning we'd ♪ ♪ take the first train ♪

♪ And leave together... ♪

Eun-jung, what should I do?

What do I do?

One more phone call, please.

Eun-jung, are you awake?

Daddy, are we going on a picnic?

Sorry, there's something I need to do.

Let's go another time.

When?

I left a customer behind.

Someone who really needs to take my taxi.

I'll come home right after.

So, be nice and don't fight with Sang-gu.

Until Mt. Baekdu is worn away and the East Sea's waters run dry,

God protect and preserve our country.

Where has he gone?

To the hospital.

The hospital?

Why are you back?

The paratroopers dragged him off,

and he died on the way.

So they just threw him in a rice field.

There aren't enough coffins in Gwang-ju.

So some students went to get more...

Why are you sitting there?

You need to record all this.

You promised, to tell people.

It needs to be broadcast so people will know.

You're a reporter, shoot this.

Jae-sik, and this too.

Here.

Open your eyes!

How can you leave me

and our unborn baby!

Make way!

Over here, Doctor! Please help over here.

He's been shot.

Bro, what do we do?

They're really trying to wipe us all out!

People were singing the national anthem,

when the paratroopers just started shooting.

God, so many people have been shot!

We need to get there.

You two go to Seoul, quickly.

I'm coming with you!

Mr. Kim, you go back to Seoul. I need to keep filming.

Hey, hey.

You paid me the fare.

We go together.

I taxi driver,

you taxi customer.

Okay?

Okay! Together.

Dear citizens of Gwang-ju.

One, stay at home. Two, don't believe rumors.

He needs hospital, now!

Get ahold of yourself!

Why are they shooting us?

Don't go out.

My god, look at that.

What's going on here?

Over there! She's shot!

Get a hold of yourself!

How can they just shoot people?

How can they do this to us?

How many times has it been?

They really plan to kill us all!

We can't leave injured people like that!

That's it. Let's drive our taxis in.

Wait...

Here.

I can drive well. Let's go together.

Look! The taxi drivers!

Thank you.

Young-pyo!

- Young-pyo! - Are you okay?

Hey, duck down.

Let's help them!

Let's save the wounded! Come on!

- Don't lose focus. - Come here.

Are you okay?

Please help me!

Bro, get in here!

Gently!

Here, over here!

Hold on a sec.

You need to go now.

They're getting closer.

You have to go now. Or it will be impossible.

Let us take care of this.

Go back, and please, prove all their lies wrong!

We cannot do it, but you can. Please, for us.

Go quickly! Things are getting bad here.

Mr. Kim, we must go now.

Block all checkpoints.

Can you get us out?

Don't worry.

I'll get you to the airport no matter what.

Good afternoon.

Where are you going?

I'm taking a customer to Seoul.

Is it a Seoul taxi?

No, a Gwang-ju taxi.

Where's your home?

Why?

Answer, you bastard!

And why don't you have a Gwang-ju accent?

I moved here not long ago.

What's going on? Why are you stopping us?

Hey, college boy! What's this bastard saying?

Where are you going?

I'm here on business.

But it's so dangerous in Gwang-ju, you know all these riots?

So we go back to Seoul.

He came on business but leaving to escape the riots.

Both of you, out of the car.

I don't understand. What's the problem?

Get out now.

Being a foreigner won't save you. Get out.

Open the trunk.

These are his souvenirs.

From Buddha's Birthday.

Let them through.

Sergeant, we have to stop all foreigners.

He's not a reporter, and it's not a Seoul taxi.

Let them through.

I said, let them through.

Yes, sir.

They said to stop taxis with foreigners!

Hey, close it!

A-34, A-34. Car with foreigner on the run.

Plate number 0310.

A-34, A-34. Car with foreigner on the run.

Plate number 0310.

This is awesome.

Run them over.

Bastards!

Shoot them all!

Damn it!

Bro, go faster!

Don't worry about me!

Come on bastards, let's go at it!

What's going on back there?

I'm sorry...

Take care of yourself!

Don't worry about us!

Step on it.

Step on it!

Yes, we're searching everywhere. Don't worry, sir.

He called the airport just now and reserved a flight.

Commander, we found him!

He booked the 10am plane to Japan tomorrow.

Yes, sir!

Hi.

Mr. Hinzpeter?

Yes.

Our system shows that you have a flight booked for tomorrow at 10am?

Yes, but I'm somehow here today,

so I'd like to get onto the first flight out to Japan and make it first class.

For your daughter.

This is for me?

Thank you.

Please give me your phone number.

What?

Your taxi. I'd like to pay for all the damage.

I'll get the news broadcast, then come right back to Korea.

I'll call you when I return.

Ah, I forgot to buy cigarettes.

Please.

Sa-Bok Cigarettes

Here you are.

Hey, stop that!

You're a good man.

You did a good job.

You... you good job too.

Learn Korean, before you come next time.

Come back, speak Korean, okay?

Okay.

Go on.

The curfew starts soon.

Did your dad run off? Cause he's so poor?

Sang-gu! Stop bothering your friend!

But she hit me first!

How'd you end up that way?

Eun-jung, come have some fruit. Get in!

Daddy!

Eun-jung.

I'm sorry.

You waited so long...

Daddy, why are you crying?

Daddy...

There's still no end in sight to the democratic uprising

in the Korean city of Gwang-ju.

From looking at the wounded,

we can witness the violence done to protesters in the last two days.

The army has blockaded the city and cut off all telephone and telex.

According to military sources, as of Wednesday,

there have been 9 deaths and about 60 people were injured.

However, students and protesters mention much higher figures,

Are you sure you searched everywhere?

Yes, but there's no taxi driver with this name.

Kim Sa-bok

So even the number is wrong.

Kim Sa-bok may not be his real name.

It might be better not to look for him.

Dec-03

It is a great honor for me to receive this award here in Korea.

I still remember the faces of the citizens I met in Gwang-ju,

that spring of 1980.

And I will never forget.

But there is one face in particular that I miss dearly.

My brave friend, Kim Sa-bok.

He is a taxi driver.

Hey.

Hey, young man!

Sorry, sir. I only have 10,000 won.

That's fine. Go on.

Thank you!

Watch your step.

Hey, wait!

Without him, news of the Gwang-ju Uprising

would have never reached the world.

Oh my.

I'm afraid my words fail to express my gratitude,

but you're always in my thoughts.

Mr. Kim, my dear friend.

Thank you.

I've missed you.

I'll keep waiting.

I hope to see you again soon.

He said if not for Kim Sa-bok's help he could never have made the report,

and he wishes to see him again.

I'm more grateful to you.

Thank you, thank you.

I wanted to see you again, too.

At least I see you like this.

You've grown old too.

Hello, where to?

To Gwanghwamun, please.

Gwanghwamun, okay.

It would be truly wonderful if I could meet you again.

Oh... really, I'd be happy beyond words.

If I could find you through this footage,

and then meet you once again,

I would just be so happy.

I'd rush over to Seoul in an instant,

ride with you in your taxi, and see the new Korea.