Good News (2025) | Transcript

Good News (2025)
Director: Byun Sung-hyun
Writers: Byun Sung-hyun, Lee Jin-seong
Stars: Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, Ryoo Seung-bum
Release dates: September 5, 2025 (TIFF), October 17, 2025 (Netflix)

Plot: In 1970, soon after leaving Tokyo’s Haneda Airport for Itazuke, a passenger plane is hijacked by members of the Red Army Faction, armed with guns and knives, demanding to be flown to Pyongyang. Since Japan and North Korea have no arrangements for such a landing, the hijackers’ plan quickly begins running into problems. In Seoul, a shadowy figure known only as ‘Nobody’, famous for his unseen but impactful work, is brought in to help with a secret rescue effort. Intelligence and military teams from Japan, South Korea, and the United States try wild tactics, from blocking the runway during refuelling to hijacking radio signals.

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Good News (2025) | Transcript

[soft instrumental music playing]

INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS BUT ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS PORTRAYED ARE FICTIONAL
WHAT IS THE TRUTH THEN?

[man 1] “The truth can sometimes exist on the far side of the moon, but that doesn’t mean the near side is a lie.”

Truman Shady.

Come on!

Don’t tell me you don’t recognize that?

[man 2] Of course I recognize that.

Regardless of whatever might be going on, we trust what we see, and once we trust it, it’s no longer a lie, just like that news story.

[man 1] What are you raving about?

Whether near side or far side, the moon is still the moon.

[man 2] Come on. You know that’s all poetic nonsense, don’t you?

What are you trying to say, huh?

[man 3] She’s here.

Oh! Ah!

Oh my goodness. Thank you for gracing us with your presence at this late hour.

You’re more beautiful in person…

[man 2]

There are two key news stories here.

The first…

[reporter 1] No doubt you remember the incident from 66 days ago, when a domestic passenger plane was hijacked and 51 of our citizens were taken to North Korea.

Today, 66 days later, 39 of those passengers have been released from North Korea and have returned to the sweet land of freedom.

However, 12 hostages still remain in North Korea and have not yet returned home.

They separated us, kept us in the dark alone, and subjected us to brutal torture with electric shocks.

There was one man who started going insane. I’m sorry… [sniffles] [man 2] And the second news story.

MARCH 15, 1970 TOKYO, JAPAN

[reporter 2] Today in Tokyo, the leader of the violent terrorist group the Red Army Faction, Tadashi Yamamoto, was arrested.

The Red Army Faction is notorious for its part in the University of Tokyo protests.

They are considered the most aggressive of antigovernment communist groups, famous for arming themselves with weapons and homemade explosives, emerging as a prime terrorist organization.

[tense, dramatic music playing]

Revolution!

[man 2] You might think these news stories have nothing in common, and you would be correct.

[man 1] That is, until just recently.

Reality’s completely relative.

It can appear and disappear just as quickly.

All you really need is a bit of creativity.

And for people to join in. That’s it.

GOOD NEWS

This was found amongst your belongings.

You didn’t even try to hide it.

Tell us what it means.

[Tadashi scoffs, laughs]

Honestly, my eyes are having a hard time focusing on anything.

[Tadashi] What does it say?

[narrator, man 1] Right here is where the third news story begins.

[quiet, ominous music]

MARCH 31, 1970 HANEDA AIRPORT, JAPAN

[music continues]

Don’t worry. We are all Ashita no Joe.

“We are all Ashita no Joe.”

[narrator, man 2] Metal detectors and baggage inspections did not exist yet, but from this day onward, all that became compulsory.

[narrator 1] So, these nine lunatics actually helped advance Japan’s aviation security.

[agent] Go ahead.

[cabin crew] Ladies and gentlemen, this is Japanese Ride Flight 351 to Itazuke Airport.

Please fasten your seat belts, as we will be departing shortly.

[grunting]

Lift up the top of the buckle, and then pull on the belt.

It’s an honor to be here with you, Captain.

[captain exhales] Something wrong?

You should be smiling on a day like today.

Huh?

You’re about to hit 10,000 hours in the air.

So how does it feel?

Sore.

What?

My ass has been trapped in this tiny seat for 10,000 hours.

I’ve got hemorrhoids.

Are they bad?

A ring of fire.

If it were cancer, it’d be terminal.

I’d be a goner.

Ow. That’s unfortunate.

They’re in such an intimate place, so it’s hard to show them off.

Why would anyone show off their hemorrhoids?

Those aren’t just any hemorrhoids.

They’re a badge of honor.

I’m sure your ass wants its time in the limelight after it’s gone through all that.

“I am the result of 10,000 brutal hours in this seat!”

[captain exhales]

[copilot cheers] Preflight checklist. Go.

Preflight checklist. Go.

[quiet, tense music playing]

Excuse me, Miss.

I’d be happy to stow away your luggage for you.

Look, lady.

Does the company pay you more for that pathetic fake smile?

[hesitates] So sorry, ma’am.

[music intensifies]

[man snoring]

[chuckles]

Ah, yes, that’s it.

[chuckles]

HJ stands for…

[yells] …hijack!

CHAPTER 1 HIJACKING

[tense music playing]

[music continues, muffled]

[muffled screaming]

[sound becomes clear]

[woman] Keep your heads down!

[passengers screaming]

[man gasps] Shut up!

[screaming] Or I’ll kill you all!

[man over PA] Passengers.

[taps microphone] Passengers.

There has been a slight change in operations for this flight.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Allow me to formally introduce everyone.

We are the Communist League, the Red Army Faction.

Hello. I’m Shinichi Ishida, the Deputy Minister of Transport.

We are here because Japan has reached the stage of advanced capitalism that Marx warned of.

The upcoming World Exposition will be a chance for us to showcase our nation’s impressive economic growth to the entire world.

I therefore must declare that in order to crush the bourgeois autocrats who think they own us all, we must engage in armed revolution.

You will be part of that revolution.

You have made an incredibly difficult decision.

Does that mean you will be attending the opening ceremony?

Of course, I will be attending, and…

[door opens]

[man] Hey, you!

[Ishida hesitates]

[man] Wait! Stop!

[interviewer] Deputy Minister?

Yes, I will be there.

Our Ministry of Transport…

Deputy Minister!

[whispers]

[laughs awkwardly]

Well…

This is certainly a part of the appeal of a live news broadcast, wouldn’t you say?

We will return shortly…

[Ishida] Fuck!

[Ishida] Who are those bastards?!

[interviewer hesitates]

I apologize. Uh…

[Ishida] Where are they headed?

Pyongyang?

As in, Pyongyang, North Korea?

What, do we look like we’re going on vacation in Hawaii or something?

[sighs] Just look at us.

We’re not going there to dance the hula!

We’re gonna create an army there.

Do you have any idea what kind of place North Korea is?

Yes, we do.

[captain] Yet you still want to take all these people there?

You have no idea what will happen to them.

[hijacker 1] Unfortunately, sacrifices are inevitable in a revolution.

We are all prepared to die for the cause.

[passengers whimpering]

[hijacker 2] And if anyone gets in our way, anyone…

We are prepared to kill them too.

[passenger grunting]

[hijacker 2]

If it means we get to Pyongyang…

Huh?

[hijacker 2] …we are willing to do whatever it takes.

[tense music building]

[music fades]

[relieved sigh] A little to the left. Ah.

[captain] I don’t know how to get to Pyongyang.

No aircraft, no Japanese civilian aircraft, has ever entered North Korean airspace.

Oh, yeah. Maeda.

You’ve been to North Korea, right?

Uh, when you were younger?

What?

I’ve been a Japanese citizen for over ten years now.

And my family’s from South Korea, not North Korea.

Oh.

Then… I don’t know how we get there.

Can you just follow the radar?

We get our directions from the control towers.

They tell us where.

Do you know the frequency for Pyongyang’s control tower?

So you’re saying you guys don’t know it?

I can’t know the frequency of a country we don’t have diplomatic relations with.

The next time you hijack a plane, maybe do some research first.

[screaming] Hey!

Stop! Stop it!

[screaming continues] Stop it! That’s enough!

You wanna get to Pyongyang or not?

Beating up a pilot isn’t the way!

[whimpers] I sincerely apologize.

Until we get to Pyongyang, let’s be considerate and stay calm.

This flight was meant to be domestic.

We don’t have the fuel to get there.

We can refuel at Itazuke as planned, and once…

Quiet, you old bastard!

You think we’re idiots?

Seems like we really only need one pilot to get us there.

But you’d still need more fuel.

[tense music playing]

[narrator 2] It only came out later that they actually had plenty of fuel.

However…

[narrator 1] What could they do?

These hijackers, who had done no research, had no clue which dial was the fuel gauge.

The pilots used this to their advantage.

FUEL GAUGE STILL FULL

[tense music continues]

[captain] This is Japanese Ride 351.

We will be landing briefly at Itazuke as originally planned to refuel.

They’ll be arriving in 20 minutes!

Is the riot squad on its way?

[siren blaring]

[captain] Our demands are as follows.

While our plane is refueling, under no circumstances are the police or JSDF to approach.

As soon as refueling is complete, we will be leaving for Pyongyang.

We request a map and compass.

The hijackers have liquid explosives on them.

They say if their demands are not met, they will blow themselves up.

[tense music playing]

[airplane approaching]

Damn it! I knew this would happen!

It’s the riot squad! Grab your gun!

[passengers screaming] Bring the hostages! All of ’em!

[hijacker] Don’t move!

Please don’t hurt us!

[passenger screams] Everyone, quiet!

[birds squawking]

[passengers screaming]

[hijacker] Bring them!

If you so much as take a single step closer, they are all dead!

[officer yawns]

[birds squawking overhead]

If they open fire, we will retaliate immediately!

I refuse to lose to those capitalist traitors!

[silence]

[man 1] Here’s the plan.

First of all, group A will drill a hole in the wheel.

Then, the second they lower the ladder at the rear of the aircraft…

[man 2] Is this the rear? Not the front?

Huh?

Is this the front?

Front. Rear.

Front…

[man 2 groans]

[men murmuring]

Oh! My God, who drew this?

This looks like a sausage with a couple of wings stuck on it.

[men coughing, grunting]

Which asshole drew this?

Which asshole drew this?

Speak up!

[man 1] Never mind that.

What are the estimated casualties?

Let’s see.

Experts say they estimate somewhere between five and one hundred.

That’s far too wide a range.

[man 3] Gentlemen…

What’s, uh, with those armed riot police officers out on the runway?

This airline cannot allow even a single victim.

Chairman.

I admire your noble spirit that prioritizes human life above all, but in order to eliminate those antigovernment commies, we must accept a degree of sacrifice.

“A degree of sacrifice”?

You.

[woman] Yes, sir?

What is our company’s slogan, hmm?

It is, “Safe as a home in the sky,” sir.

Uh, well, people die in their homes all the time.

[chairman banging]

[chairman] Why, you little…

[chairman groans] Uh…

Then that house’s value would drop, wouldn’t it?

If our sales fall, will the Self-Defense Forces bail us out?

Or is the Japanese government going to step in?

I understand.

We demand your forces retreat and start refueling.

Otherwise we will detonate the bomb and blow this whole plane up!

[man] This airport is under American control, so there is a protocol for refueling.

If you could just release the passengers first, we will speak to the American forces.

[hijacker 1] I will give you one hour.

We, the Red Army Faction, have no problem with sacrifice for the sake of revolution! We are all…

Ashita no Joe, got it?

[radio clicks off]

Ashita no Joe?

What the hell is that?

Wait, isn’t that a manga?

Yes. It was first published in 1968.

Created by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba.

There’s a boxer in it called Joe Yabuki.

It has a famous line, “It may only be for a moment, but I will burn so red and bright, it will be blinding.”

“And then, eventually, all that will remain is white ash.”

[chuckles softly]

Just how old are these terrorists?

[baby whimpering]

[passengers muttering quietly]

[hijacker] Quiet. Head down.

[baby whimpering]

[door slams open]

First of all, I apologize.

Now, if this bomb does go off, it won’t be our choice.

[passengers gasping]

It will go down as a tragedy that was caused by your evil government.

[passengers gasping, crying]

I am truly sorry.

Hang on.

That plane is headed our way.

[tense, dramatic music playing]

What is going on?

They gotta have a plan, right?

The Defense Forces have a strategy?

[Ishida] What the hell?

Whose fighter jet is that?

[men muttering] Radio it, now! Do it!

Radio!

[tense music continues]

Which one of you ordered this?

Oh… It wasn’t me, sir.

[man] Oh!

Sir, I gave the command.

What?

As an officer representing my nation, I will not just stand by and watch!

And what will you do if people are killed because of this?

I guarantee that will not happen. Hmm?

Who is that?

[quiet, tense music playing]

[canopy whooshing, clicking]

[dramatic music playing]

What is this guy doing?

It looks like he’s just disembarking.

[pilot grunts]

Did he…

Just leave his jet on the runway?

[man grunts]

[narrator 1]

Everyone knows the frustration of someone double-parking next to you when you’re in a rush.

If you don’t move that fighter jet this instant, I’ll blow a hostage’s head off every ten seconds!

[narrator 1] Try not to think of what they did as pathetic.

We weren’t all that different back then.

KOREAN CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

No. Unless commanded by His Excellency…

CHIEF OF STAFF, ROK AIR FORCE

…we will treat this threat according to standard operations.

[man 1] Wait, hold on. General Choi!

General Choi! Wait!

Why is he behaving like this?

[man 2] I heard the Air Force sided with the Blue House chief of staff.

Guess it’s true.

[knocking at door]

Oh, wow. [laughs] Now, what huge national crisis are you all gathered here today to figure out? [laughs]

[man 1] Who are you?

Oh, I’m no one important.

Just call me… Nobody.

My dear Nobody.

Oh! How have you been?

Okay, thanks to you.

So, you’ve gotten the general rundown, right?

What do you think?

Isn’t it just a few Japs wanting to skip off to North Korea?

Why not just say “sayonara”?

Don’t say “Japs”!

Where do you think you are?

Oh, gee, my old sailor mouth.

You see, during the Japanese occupation, my grandfather lived two houses down from an independence activist.

Hey, wait, wait, back up.

The same grandfather who readily gave them up to the Japanese police?

Ah, that’s a… sensitive subject.

Anyway, whether it’s Japan or North Korea, how is it our concern? [laughs] National borders don’t matter when lives are at stake.

We’re dealing with human rights.

Rights at the KCIA?

Well, that’s new. [inhales] Oh, uh, have we gotten the necessary authorizations?

His Excellency has some important matters to deal with today.

I’ll bring him up to speed later as a surprise gift.

Some CIA intel has come in from America.

[chairman yelling]

[soldier] The situation doesn’t look good here, sir.

If Japan fucks up, it is possible that the aircraft will pass through South Korean airspace.

Requesting immediate notification up the chain, sir.

I can see what the US is saying.

It’s easier to keep an eye on the Soviet Union if Japan is working alongside us.

But the question is, what’s Japan doing?

[reporter] Right now, as we speak, the fighter jet that had been blocking the aircraft is retreating!

Since fighter jets do not have the ability to reverse, it is being moved out of the way by the tow truck.

[Nobody hesitates]

So what you’re saying is we’ll fix this mess, show off to the Japs, and then maybe kiss a little bit of Yankee ass?

[laughs] [man bangs table] Who the hell is this guy?

[Nobody] Huh?

[phone ringing] Hello? Yes, go ahead.

Good Lord.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Those men need to be commies!

Ah? Evidence? Huh?

Yeah, I’ll have it for you in two weeks.

All right.

Jesus.

So what you’re saying is, if the plane makes it to North Korea with the passengers in tow, they’ll be used as leverage for those communists to negotiate with Japan, right?

[bangs desk] Hear me out.

Just suppose the thing they ask for is financial aid.

If that happens, just think about North Korea’s GDP.

Then it could surpass our own, couldn’t it?

[men murmuring] Yeah.

Just hearing that makes my blood sugar drop.

What would happen… [grunts] … if we take this thing by the reins and solve the problem ourselves?

If we succeed, then Japan would be immensely grateful and in our debt.

And our beloved nation would then be internationally renowned!

[men laughing] Right? Yeah! [laughs]

[men laughing, applauding]

Wow! That would certainly please His Excellency.

And it would give the Blue House’s chief an ulcer!

[men laughing]

All right, all right. Let’s recap.

[Nobody clears throat]

Let’s say that Japan fails, just as we expect.

That would mean those lunatics, armed with a bomb and carrying 130 hostages, would then be off to North Korea.

We need to peacefully redirect them, and we have to do it while they’re in the air.

Mmhmm. Mmhmm.

How the hell do we do that?

We negotiate.

[men murmur approvingly]

Thank you for that valuable insight.

The problem, though, is that it’s not realistic.

Uh, we need a moment in private.

So, buddy…

Is it actually impossible?

Because if I say I wanna walk on water, your job is to freeze it solid.

Well…

I’m not a miracle worker.

You’ve got tricks up your sleeve, eh?

I could even make that dream of yours come true, the one you’ve always wanted?

Hmm?

Go on, pull a dove out of this hat of yours.

Flap, flap, flap, flap, flap!

I think, uh… it might make you angry.

What? My friend.

I am not capable of anger. [chuckles] Buddy, just say it.

[man chuckles softly]

[man yells] You lunatic!

Are you trying to get everyone killed?!

[Nobody yelps] What the hell are you thinking?

You… you psycho! Get out!

[objects smashing]

[crying]

[hijacker shouts] Shut up!

Quiet!

Put that gun away!

She’s crying because you’re scaring her!

[baby continues crying]

[woman] Sir! Are you all right?

Shut up!

[hijacker 2] Everyone be quiet!

Stewardess!

We need help now!

What is it? What?

I have… [whimpers] I have a heart condition.

You should’ve told us that before we took you hostage!

Huh?

[pained groaning] You have to untie this man right now!

Okay.

Is there a doctor on board?

Is anyone a doctor?

Is there a doctor?

[cabin crew] We need a doctor!

[muffled] I’m… a doctor!

[Maeda] One of the passengers is gravely ill.

We need the refueling to begin right away.

[man] We are still in discussions with the US Armed Forces.

Please, be patient.

[sighs heavily] Hurry.

If anyone on this plane dies, their death, however it happens, is on your heads!

[radio crackles] You there?

[commotion in cabin]

Shit!

Hello?

Hello?!

Offer to release the sick and the elderly if they begin refueling.

I’m sure you don’t want a passenger to die in vain.

[hijacker in cabin] Everyone, quiet!

We will not negotiate with those traitors.

If even one of my passengers is hurt in any way, it gives those traitors you hate so much an ideal excuse to charge in here and shoot everyone.

[doctor panting]

[man] I vote yes.

We’d still have plenty of hostages, even if we release the sick and old ones.

That’s five yeses.

If we’re going to release anyone…

Well, I vote no.

Give them an inch, they’ll take over.

Yeah.

[baby crying]

Four to four now.

[crying continues]

I’m…

Changing to no.

Hey!

We cannot grow weak before we land in Pyongyang!

That’s right! Five to three!

No releasing anyone!

[hijacker 1] No.

According to our party’s tenets, we must be a united front.

We can’t decide just by counting yeses versus noes.

Uh… Wait, boss.

Why did you suggest a vote?

Quiet!

We obey our leader always!

Isn’t that right?

That’s right.

Communism always leads to dictators.

[reporter] Japanese Ride Flight 351 has finally started refueling after a four-hour standoff.

Thanks to the efforts of our government authorities, 23 passengers consisting of the elderly, women, children, and a man with a heart condition, have been released.

Please! They still have my son!

We, the Self-Defense Forces, prioritized the lives and safety of the passengers above all else.

Our focus is entirely to ensure that all passengers are successfully retrieved.

Hey! Come back!

[reporter] 106 passengers still remain on the plane, which will soon be leaving Itazuke Airport.

[Maeda] Is this a joke?

I’m supposed to get there with this?

[Kubo] Uh…

What’s the problem?

The flight maps we use have detailed charts of flight routes and airports.

This is just a map torn out from a middle-school textbook.

All right, then. Go team! You got this!

Wait. Hey, hold on.

Hey! Hey, hey, hey!

Hey!

[yells] Hey!

[Maeda sighs]

You still think our government has a plan in place?

[sighs] Why the hell would they…

They can’t officially help us get to North Korea, and they can’t stop us.

They’re leaving us to find the way there ourselves.

Well, in spite of the situation, we have done our very best.

[men] Mm.

“Our very best”?

What the hell have we even done?

We just double-parked a jet and pissed them off more!

Whoa!

[grunting] We just sat around with our thumbs in our asses!

Why aren’t any of you as pissed off as I am?!

My apologies!

CHAPTER 2 DOUBLE HIJACKING

[Nobody] Since the ceasefire, four US fighter planes were shot down after entering North Korean airspace.

Dozens of fatalities.

Last year, one team returned safely after being attacked by a North Korean MiG.

The American pilot was awarded a medal for his valor.

Why do you think…

Only the pilot gets a medal?

I don’t know.

Ask the person who gives out the medals.

[Nobody] Okay, smartass!

Tone down the sass, why don’t ya?

You were the only Korean on that mission, weren’t you?

As an assistant controller?

[Nobody chuckles]

Protocol says the lead air-traffic controller at RAPCON has to be an American.

Ah. Speaking of…

I’ve been told those who’ve passed the RAPCON exam could be counted on just one hand.

That right?

[soldier scoffs]

I’m willing to bet the first finger on that hand is me.

Ooh. [chuckles] Impressive.

So what is RAPCON, anyway?

[soldier] RAPCON.

Stands for Radar Approach Control.

A top-of-the-line monitoring system that the US has used since 1968.

Controlled by the 2146 Signal Battalion, covering up to 40 miles at 30,000 feet…

Enough.

I’m bored.

In any case, you’re just an assistant.

So… who are you, anyway?

Oh, me? I’m a nobody, really.

So you can just call me Nobody.

[soldier]

Am I understanding this correctly?

Some punk kids have hijacked an aircraft, so we’re going to hijack their communications?

I know. Isn’t it genius?

I think so as well.

You have no idea how this works, do you?

The air traffic controller cannot actually call the aircraft first.

So you have to make it so they can call first.

Since you know so well how this works.

Let’s say we’re able to establish a connection.

How do we even convince them?

We negotiate.

[Nobody laughs]

[soldier scoffs]

[Nobody coughs] Wow, yeah, genius.

Don’t be a pessimist. [coughs] I didn’t have a ton of time, you know.

“By failing to prepare, “you are preparing to fail.” Right?

Benjamin Franklin.

So you’re also one of those assholes who likes shitty quotes.

When history remembers your name and your words, there’s a reason.

KIMPO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

[curious music playing]

You speak Japanese, too, right?

If all goes according to plan, I’ll make your wish come true.

[soldier scoffs]

Are you a genie or something?

[Nobody laughs] Why don’t you tell me what my wish is?

Notoriety.

[Nobody laughs]

[soldier scoffs] You think I’m a fame-hungry materialist or something?

Aha! “Go” as in “high” and “Myung” as in “name”.

Even your name is a deadass giveaway.

Hey, my father’s the one who named me.

Your father…

Is a Korean War veteran. Am I right?

[man] Bang! Grenades were exploding all over White Horse Hill.

Have you ever seen the limbs of communists fly through the air?

I watched the spectacle, mesmerized…

[scoffs] …before realizing my legs had flown up into the air as well.

[inhales sharply]

The man…

Who threw that grenade was my own lieutenant colonel.

And for that, he was given a medal of honor.

Your dad, on the other hand, for sacrificing these two legs…

[laughs bitterly]

…I received this presidential watch. Look.

Nice, right?

[watch ticking]

If I manage to pull this off…

[soldier] …will the country give me a medal for my service?

Absolutely, man!

You’ll have finally lived up to your name.

Lieutenant Seo, who are these people?

Just wait a sec.

I’m about to walk them through the procedure.

RAPCON is under US jurisdiction.

No one can enter, even high-ranking officials.

But if you give me your IDs, I can begin the approval process.

Oh, just tell them that I really need to urinate.

Come on, do you think this is a coffee shop or something?

Just say it.

This guy has to pee badly and wants to use our restroom.

What the fuck was that?

That’s the code?!

Uh, I know you’re employed by the government.

But what exactly do you do?

[bell dings] I told you, I’m nobody.

That doesn’t make any sense.

This is something that should be all over the news.

[Seo sighs]

The work I do is often on the news.

But not me.

So no need for you to know.

Come on, we have more important things to deal with.

[enigmatic music playing]

[indistinct chattering nearby]

[music stops]

[men] Welcome, Sir!

[Nobody] All right, looks good.

The board is all set up, so let’s go!

Let’s do it!

[tense music playing]

You aren’t serious, are you?

[hesitates] You want me to be the… the local controller?

All we can do…

Okay.

How does it feel to singlehandedly control all of our airspace, ah? [laughs] Are you…

Are you saying the US has handed complete control over to us?

Do you honestly think that makes sense?

Come on.

These guys were the ones who recommended you.

[Nobody chuckles]

[equipment thrumming]

[Seo] It’s certainly an immense privilege.

The promotion and medal surely aren’t empty promises either.

This could really be my chance to make a name for myself.

But why? Why would they choose me?

Oh, shut up!

You’re thinking too loud.

Just be quiet and take a seat.

Everybody’s going insane over this mission.

They say it departed from Itazuke 35 minutes ago.

NORTH KOREA AIR FORCE HQ

They’ll fly straight over South Korea and be here in no time. [laughs] They’ve got balls, that’s for sure!

[Maeda sighs]

[Kubo sighs]

They just need to make it over the Demarcation Line.

Then we’ll have an American-made aircraft without lifting a finger. [laughs] As well as 100 people to use as leverage.

Our Soviet comrades will regard us highly for this.

[men laughing]

Bring me the most skilled air traffic controller in our nation!

This is the one who will carry out the operation.

I see.

[neck cracking]

[controller sighs]

[exhales deeply]

[Seo] The range of RAPCON covers a radius of up to 40 miles.

They’ll need to reach out at least by Kyonggi for us to make contact.

We can’t intercept any communications transmitted to Pyongyang.

Hey!

Forty miles? Really?

Control, Range.

[man 1] Go ahead, Range.

Permission to change the controlling range.

The control license number is…

My license?

You’re fucking out of your mind.

Extending control beyond 40 miles is against international law.

Are you telling me to commit an international crime?

[man 1] Go ahead, Range.

Give us the control license.

Oh, shit.

So this is why I’m sitting here?

[man 2] Major Hall.

We, the United States of America…

[“The StarSpangled Banner” playing]

…as the defenders of liberal democracy around the world, firmly declare that we can never allow for the displacement of innocent civilians to a communist dictatorship.

[music ends] I agree, sir.

So we command this operation?

Major Hall.

[music resumes]

We, the United States of America, as the guardians of the rule of law, firmly declare that we can never violate any international aviation law.

[music falters, ends]

What the f…

I can’t do this. No, I absolutely refuse.

[soldier] Whoa.

[agent] Sit back down.

[Nobody] License number 82907 14.

[man 1] Copy that.

We’ll extend the controlling range to maximum 200 miles.

Okay, you’ve gotta help us.

How do we find the right one?

[Seo scoffs]

Seriously. What the hell do you think you’re doing?

You guys all saw that, right? Huh?

I didn’t say it. This guy did it!

Don’t you want your medal?

Lieutenant Gomyung?

Not even if you erected a statue of me, so call off the order!

[sighs] But over 100 civilians are headed toward North Korea this very second.

As an air traffic controller and a soldier, don’t you wanna save those poor souls?

[quietly] Shit.

Sit back down, you bastard.

Shoot me!

[Seo breathing heavily]

I am a Korean soldier.

I have not received official orders.

All of you, you’re all soldiers just like me, aren’t you?

This son of a bitch is pointing a gun at a soldier!

[tense music playing]

[music stops]

[Nobody] Have you had lunch?

Nah, I’ve been busy working.

I haven’t eaten yet. [laughs] I’m starving. Yeah.

Well, we got him in front of the radar, but…

Apparently there’s some aviation-law issue.

It’s giving me a headache.

Yes, sir.

Yes, all right.

It’s for you.

[sighs] Fuck’s sake.

Who is it?

Hello!

I’m Director Park Sanghyeon, head of the KCIA.

And with whom do I have the pleasure?

Hello.

[breathing shakily]

This is Lieutenant Gomyung, 9th Airway Security Unit.

Please proceed, Director Park.

KCIA, Korean Central Intelligence Agency.

As soon as I heard that name, two thoughts came to mind.

The moment I refuse…

[electrical zapping]

[water whooshing]

[horn blaring]

[muffled yelling]

[children]

♪ Cripple’s got one leg… ♪

[Seo] …I would be branded a commie and live out the rest of my days as a forsaken cripple…

Brats!

[rapid gunshots]

…or I would be counted as a soldier who died in some training accident.

Listen, I don’t know about aviation law or anything like that.

Just, you know, do whatever it takes to, uh, get that plane to land safely and smoothly.

Sir, did you actually say, “Do whatever it takes”?

[Park] Yeah, yeah.

Do whatever it takes.

[suspenseful music playing]

[Seo breathing shakily]

Then…

Then, would it be okay…

To… to claim that this is North Korea?

[Nobody laughs]

[Park] What the hell?

You dare call yourself a soldier of the ROK Forces, you idiot?

I could have you executed for what you just said.

[Park gasps]

[inspiring music]

Uh, put Nobody back on the phone.

[chuckles] See?

I told you this was the only way to do it. [chuckles] Yes.

Oh, yes, yes, yes.

Oh, yes, yes, yes.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yes.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

So that means… we have official KCIA approval, right?

[replaces handset]

[scoffs] All right, kid. Come on.

Don’t just stand there with a stick up your ass.

Shouldn’t you be gettin’ to work?

Are you…

Are you sure… this is a good idea?

[Nobody chuckles]

Who the hell knows?

But if things go wrong, we’ll all look like a bunch of idiots, won’t we?

[chuckles]

What are you guys all waiting for?

Come with me.

[tense, dramatic music playing]

[Seo] Let’s go! We’re running out of time!

[soldiers] Yes, sir!

My God.

Where the hell are you?

[hijacker 1]

Thank you for your patience thus far.

We will soon be making our descent into Pyongyang.

[graceful music playing]

[hijacker 1]As soon as we land in Pyongyang, we will request that North Korea return you all home safely.

[passengers muttering]

If anyone needs to use the restroom, please do so now.

[cabin crew] Here you go.

After you finish your meals, we will be collecting all cigarettes.

We will then share the cigarettes equally amongst us.

Hang on.

I had three packs of Marlboros, and that guy only gave half a pack of HiLites.

How is it fair to split them equally?

You’re the exact reason why we’re trying to start a revolution.

[Kubo] You keep talking about revolution.

May I ask what the goal of this revolution is?

LONG LIVE LENINISM

[hijacker 1]

“Capitalism that only strives for success will eventually lead to class warfare, fostering a culture of tyranny and control with the wealthy dominating.”

We will destroy the current status quo and rid the world of its classist toxicity.

[Maeda] I heard them calling you the leader.

I think I’d call that “class warfare,” wouldn’t you?

Huh?

[Kubo] It’s deeper than that.

You hijack a plane with a hundred hostages, all in the name of peace?

The path towards peace doesn’t have to be peaceful itself.

Oh, I see. [chuckles] What a way of thinking.

I was almost convinced just now.

[rumbling]

[man] Friendly 511, 095.

We found it!

[Seo laughs]

Where was it before?

[man] Friendly 510 was at 105, 108 miles…

Okay. If it was here just before and it’s here now, the only thing that can travel at that speed is a fighter jet, which means that the Unknown 472 in front us has to be the plane that we’re looking for!

Oh! I see. So… What?

Huh?

What?

An unidentified aircraft has invaded our airspace, so, according to protocol, we scramble our fighter jets, and we…

But we can’t go according to protocol.

Does our Air Force even know about this operation?

Mr. Kim…

CHIEF OF STAFF, ROK AIR FORCE FROM EARLIER

Two fighter jets have been scrambled, according to protocol.

They’ve probably almost caught up to it by now!

[man] Well done.

Very well done. Good job.

RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT’S CHIEF OF STAFF

Having the head of the ROK Air Force acting on my behalf like this… [laughs] Well, I feel like the richest man on the planet!

[chief laughs] I will do whatever I can to support you.

[girl] “Splitting move.”

Ah, shit.

Something the matter?

Did I do something to offend you, sir?

No, no, nothing like that.

Just make sure to put the screws to those bastards’ testicles.

And get them to land on one of our runways nearby.

[girl sighs]

[chief] Uh, and if they refuse to comply?

Hmm, what do you think we should do?

Um…

We crush them to dust!

“Crush them…”

Are you saying to bring the whole plane down?

[jet whooshes]

[Kubo] What is that?

[Maeda] Whoa!

Hey, what is that?

[rumbling]

[screaming] It’s a South Korean fighter jet.

Huh?

South Korea?

We must have veered off course.

Switch to the emergency frequency!

[“L’inverno” (Winter)” by Vivaldi playing]

[frantic string music playing]

[man] This is the Korean Air Force.

You have made an intrusion in Korean airspace.

State your call sign and destination.

[Kubo] Japanese Ride 351.

We are an unarmed Japanese civilian aircraft.

This is not our destination here.

We are heading to Pyongyang Airport.

[man] You have been intercepted by the Korean Air Force.

Descend and maintain 9,000.

What are they talking about?

[man] Follow me.

I say again, you have been intercepted by the Korean Air Force.

You are not permitted to go to Pyongyang.

You are not permitted to go to Pyongyang.

I say again, we will not permit you to go to Pyongyang. Follow me.

[radio crackles] What are you doing?

They could shoot us down!

If we can’t get to North Korea, then dying in the sky doesn’t sound so awful.

[man 2] They’re falling back! But wait…

That’s an attack position!

Connect to Osan Air now!

Yes, sir!

No, no, no. Hey, idiot.

Me?

Sit back down.

Uh, but…

What exactly are you doing?

This operation is classified.

Who cares if it’s classified?!

What if there are casualties?

Aren’t we supposed to save their lives?

[“L’inverno” (Winter)” continues]

[scoffs]

[music intensifies]

Everyone, sit your asses down and shut up!

It’s time for plan B.

[passengers murmuring]

[“L’inverno” (Winter)” continues]

[panicked muttering]

[music stops abruptly] [grunting]

[grunting continues]

Get off!

[grunting] What’s going on?

[muttering] [hijacker] Look…

What was that?

Uh, I think that’s a flock of birds there.

[Kubo sighs]

[Nobody] Lieutenant Gomyung.

Take it easy.

Attacking a Japanese civilian aircraft would be a declaration of war.

What kind of idiot would do that?

[Kim] What did you say?

They didn’t respond?

Good Lord, these commies are all so rude, no matter where they come from.

If the plane won’t land before they cross the border, then just turn it around.

Make or break move!

[whooshing]

[hijacker breathing heavily]

[gasps] Yes!

They retreated!

[cheering]

[cheering continues in cabin]

[Maeda chuckles]

[all laughing]

[laughing falters, stops]

[Maeda chuckles awkwardly]

[Maeda groans, sighs]

[Maeda sighs slowly]

Hang on.

If the South Korean fighter jets turned back…

[controller] They crossed the Demarcation Line and are in our airspace.

[man] All right, comrades!

Our international warriors are flying into the sweet embrace of our Republic.

Emergency frequency.

[Nobody] Now what?

I thought we couldn’t initiate communication…

[softly] That’s why Lieutenant Seo switched to the emergency frequency.

When a transmission comes in via the emergency line, that’s when we’ll intercept communications.

But I mean, what if they…

[Nobody clears throat]

What if they’re communicating already with Pyongyang?

The plane’s flying straight there.

I doubt they know the North Korean communication channel.

How the hell do you know, punk?

[Seo] Because if they were already in touch with Pyongyang, they wouldn’t be flying straight over South Korea.

They will definitely use the emergency frequency.

The problem is that the emergency frequency 121.5 is used globally, so anyone can listen in, including North Korea.

[man] So you’re saying they won’t contact us directly but through this emergency frequency?

Does that mean those sons of bitches in South Korea can listen in as well?

What, your damn tongue been cut out?

Answer me!

If you don’t stop pestering me, I swear I’ll hit you.

So be quiet.

Why, you little…

[Kubo] Without air traffic control, we could get swept off course or crash.

[hijacker] You said anyone could listen in on the transmission.

What if South Korea tracks us?

So we keep blindly wandering around the skies?

[tense music playing]

This showdown between the air traffic controllers of North and South Korea…

It’s a lot simpler than you think.

No.

No, it’s not.

[Seo] This duel requires intense concentration and lightning-fast reflexes.

First, we have to locate the Haru flight’s transmission among countless others on the emergency frequency.

Then we have to press this red button 0.0000000001 seconds faster than them.

[Nobody] So, to put it very simply, whoever has the faster fingers wins the duel.

To give you a comparison…

[Seo] It’s like Clint Eastwood in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

[cinematic western music playing]

[music continues]

[wind whistling]

[harmonica playing]

[tense, pulsing beat]

[tense music]

[radio crackles]

[Seo exhales] [radio hissing] Are we on?

Listening. Go ahead.

[fragments of speech dropping in and out over radio]

[radio hissing]

[fragments of speech continue]

…wild… ca… go… wi…

[man] Wildfire successfully contained.

Returning to base camp.

[soldiers sighing, groaning]

From now on, all firefighting vehicles, wildfire reports, refrain from using the emergency frequency.

[man] What? Come on, man.

We always use this line.

You can’t just kick us off.

The emergency frequency is reserved for real emergencies!

Wildfires fall under everyday operations!

You think counts as a national emergency?

[chuckles]

Moron.

He’s just arguing with a firefighter pilot.

That’s typical. South Korean dumbasses.

[laughs] Typical behavior from an American imperialist pawn, no?

[men laughing]

It’s taking a while to get in touch, isn’t it?

[tense music playing]

[Kubo] Any station.

This is Japanese Ride 351.

This is Japanese Ride 351.

We are looking for Pyongyang approach control.

[gunshot]

Japanese Ride 351.

Japanese Ride 351.

This is…

…Pyongyang… approach control.

South Korea might listen to this.

Your radio is very weak and garbled, this frequency.

Go to…

Change frequency to…

…134.1.

…129.7.

And follow my instructions.

[tense music playing]

[plane whooshing]

[Kubo] This is Japanese Ride 351.

Frequency…

134.1.

[radio crackles]

[Kubo] Frequency 134.1.

[controller groans]

[Kubo] Over.

[gasps]

[cinematic western music playing]

[Kubo] This is Japanese Ride 351.

Now on your frequency, 134.1.

[soldiers murmuring excitedly]

Japanese Ride 351.

Radar contact.

Proceed heading 290 and maintain 9,000 ft.

Fire a surface-to-air missile towards them on my command!

Do not shoot them down!

This is just a signal. Understood?

Fire!

[distant explosion]

What the hell?

What is that?

[passengers whimpering]

[passengers gasping]

[explosions continue]

[woman] Are those bombs?

[man] I don’t know. What’s going on?

Explosive noise and light detected on our route.

[explosions continue over radio]

This is for you guys, comrades.

Welcome to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

[Nobody gasps]

[explosions continue]

Oh, wow.

They’re giving us a cannon salute?

[rockets whistling, exploding]

[“On the Hills of Manchuria” by Hvorostovsky playing]

[triumphant orchestral waltz playing]

Leader.

In North Korea, even their welcomes are revolutionary.

[chuckles softly] Yes.

[rockets whistling, exploding]

Congratulations to you too, Captain.

That’s 10,000 hours of flight time.

[sighs]

Unfortunately, I think my hemorrhoids have gotten worse.

[music stops]

[cheering]

Oh.

[soldiers whistling]

[Hall chuckles]

Lieutenant Seo!

The world’s greatest hijacker!

To double hijack a plane without setting foot on it?

Now that’s damn good, right?

[soldiers] Yeah!

You saved a lot of lives, man.

Yup. Thank you, sir.

And you can get some fucking cheeseburgers with the price of their lives.

[Hall exhales awkwardly]

All right. Uh, Captain, stand by.

[soldier] Yes, sir.

[Nobody laughs]

Hey, so, uh, try to stall for as long as you can get away with.

You know, we succeeded, so maybe you want to congratulate me?

“Success is not final.”

Ever heard of that one?

Winston Churchill.

I see. Good work.

Where do you keep running off to?

[Nobody] What’s it to you?

If you can’t see me, it means I’m working.

[Nobody whistling a tune]

CHAPTER 3 SANDCASTLE

What about all these American planes there?

Yeah, I don’t think we can get ’em all in the air, so we’re gonna hide them from their view.

What? You’re gonna hide that many airplanes? Good Lord.

Hey, pick up the pace!

You’re never gonna get it done at that rate. Come on!

We’re not talking about parking cars!

Hey! You there!

Careful! You’re gonna tangle the lines if you handle it like that.

Is the North Korean flag here yet?

How did you get a hold of that blasphemous thing?

[men yelling] Charge!

Cut, cut! Cut! Cut!

Hey! You seriously call that acting?

Where are the stakes? Where’s the urgency?

You wouldn’t just charge…

Director! Director!

There’s someone here to see you.

Who the hell bosses the director around on his own set?

Hey!

[door opens]

[woman] Coming through.

[gasps] That’s right!

[powerful music playing]

Wow! Now that’s a shot!

They actually look like authentic Korean soldiers!

That’s because they are authentic Korean soldiers.

[quirky music playing]

Wow. Wow.

Oh, Mr. Movie Director!

Thank you for doing this.

Oh, you’re the producer?

Yes.

It’s such an honor to be given this opportunity…

PYONGYANG SUNAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

…to serve my country like this! [laughs] Okay, let me tell you what I’ll need.

Where’s my trailer?

[Park laughing]

[men] Hooray for Director Park!

Hooray for the Republic of Korea!

Hooray for Director Park!

Hooray for the Republic of Korea!

[laughing]

[laughing stops]

Oh, my back.

[Park] Oh my! Look who it is!

The defeated troops have arrived.

[Park laughs]

[Kim] Ah.

Well done, my dear Sanghyeon.

[Park] Yes.

His Excellency will be very pleased.

[Park] Ha!

[Park chuckles]

But is it really all right for us to claim that this is North Korea?

Oh, human lives are far more important than ideology, are they not?

[Park laughs]

[Park] Seo Gomyung.

Now, that’s a name!

Golly, it’s so nice to see such a dignified young man.

Such a breath of fresh air!

[men laughing]

Oh, I heard your father is a Korean War veteran?

That’s correct!

Wow.

[men murmur approvingly]

His two legs were completely blown to smithereens by a North Korean grenade, weren’t they?

Not exactly, sir.

It was one of our own grenades.

[Park inhales sharply, exhales]

A tragedy of war.

Sacrifices are inevitable.

But he still holds his head up high!

That’s right!

And his head will be higher still!

His son here is going to be given our nation’s medal of honor.

Resume your duties.

Yes, sir!

[quietly] Hey, listen, uh…

We should just put that guy out front and center, don’t you think?

Can’t you just picture it?

A national hero, following in his father’s noble footsteps!

[man] All right, everyone focus!

You have 30 seconds to get changed and gather outside!

These women are a little overdressed, don’t you think?

Oh, no way!

Look, the whole thing has to be realistic.

You know what they say.

“Get your men from the South and your women from the North.” Gorgeous!

Is that so?

Uh-huh.

[Nobody] Why are you wearing a North Korean uniform?

Mm. [director clears throat] Before I was a director, I was an actor!

If I can’t capture this historical moment on film, at the very least, I wanna participate in it!

Look, the only way this works is if it’s totally believable.

Do you really think you’re passable as a soldier?

Oh, I see.

It’s ’cause I’m fat, isn’t it?

Assistant Director.

Sir.

Is that not body discrimination?

Oh, yeah. That could really get you in big trouble these days.

No, no, no. I’m just thinking…

You gotta look like a soldier.

Forget it. Whatever.

Ah, I see.

‘Cause no soldier could ever be too fat to see his own dick, huh?

Can we be serious here?

You know I didn’t say that.

My backstory is that I am an officer from a wealthy family who valued a good meal!

Kim Il Sung from North Korea isn’t exactly svelte, is he?

All right…

You know how many anticommunist films I’ve made?

Eight films!

[Nobody] Do whatever you want!

[arguing continues]

[quiet, suspenseful music playing]

Fine. Fuck it.

What the hell do I care?

[Seo] Japanese Ride 351.

Your position, 80 miles west of airport.

Descend and maintain 4,000, and maintain present heading.

This is Japanese Ride 351.

Maintain 4,000 and approaching.

[Seo] Japanese Ride 351, roger.

Continue descent to 2,500.

Cleared ILS runway one-four approach.

Contact tower 129.1.

Expected to enter via runway 14. Standby.

[cheering]

[laughing, cheering]

Well done!

I trust you to handle things until the hostages have been released, right, my dear Lieutenant Seo?

Sir?

[Seo] Director Park, RAPCON’s under US military command, but landing is handled by our control tower.

The landing controller is on standby at the tower.

I’m not sure I should be the one…

What are you trying to say?

Look, if you want your arc as a hero to be complete, Lieutenant Seo, you need to take full control the second the hostages set foot on Kimpo soil.

Once everyone has disembarked, we’ll all take a big group photo.

Do a few interviews too.

And you get your medal.

What an amazing opportunity.

[“Pomp and Circumstance, March No.1” by Elgar playing]

[cameras clicking]

[applause]

[triumphant orchestral music continues]

[reporter 1] As we speak, Lieutenant Seo Gomyung, Korea’s national hero, is entering Seoul to a cheering crowd.

[reporter 2] You are a hero who saved the lives of 106 Japanese passengers.

How does that make you feel?

Oh, I could never claim to be a hero.

The truth is, I’m a mere air traffic controller and a member of the ROK Air Force.

I simply did my duty, for God and my countrymen.

[toilet flushes]

[music fades]

[water running]

[Nobody humming]

[water stops]

[Seo groans]

I’ve got a stomachache.

Oh, man.

Lieutenant Seo, the Republic of Korea’s very own hero!

You wash your hands before you take a dump? [chuckles]

[Nobody laughs]

The Director wants to speak with you.

Yes, my beloved Mr. Park.

Everything’s fabulous.

Good. Well done.

All right, now go out there and greet our guests.

Me?

Since when does the organizer do the actual greeting?

Well, who here knows more about North Korea than you, right?

[agent grunts]

[Nobody] Fuck out of my way.

Guess that rumor is actually true.

Fuck me.

What rumor is that?

[agent 1] Well, apparently no one can find that guy’s resident registration number.

There’s a rumor that he was a North Korean solider during the war.

Remember, Director Park’s father was a general at the time.

There were stories about one particularly clever commie bastard among the other North Korean soldiers that they captured.

A real genius.

[agent 2] That was Nobody?

[agent 1] That’s right.

Apparently, they erased his identity and are using him to work for them.

First for the dad, now for the son.

[agent 2] Are you serious?

So we’ve been hunting down commies with a commie of our own?

Why don’t they just give him an identity card?

[agent 1] Then Park wouldn’t be able to keep him on a leash.

[bangs table]

[agent 1] See?

Look how easy it is to boss him around, make him do all the dirty work.

[sighs heavily]

[apprehensive music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

[Nobody mutters]

[director chuckles]

So you’ve made it out here after all to witness our incredible moment, huh?

Gosh, I’m so nervous, I’m sweating!

[hesitates] It’s gonna go fine, right?

Well, we’ve created a reasonable facade.

Let’s hope it doesn’t fall apart.

[man breathing heavily]

[sighs]

[Maeda] When I woke up this morning, I never thought I’d be flying to North Korea.

You’ll be heading back to Japan soon.

Thank god we didn’t go with Plan B.

That was close.

Plan B?

[assistant director] I see the plane!

All right, welcome party, let’s see some energy!

Wave those flowers! More, more!

Roll cameras!

North Korean soldiers, get in line!

Everyone at the ready!

And… action!

[band playing North Korean national anthem]

[cheering and applause]

[Seo] Japanese Ride 351.

Welcome to Pyongyang.

You may open the door and get off.

[cheering]

[band continues playing]

[band playing outside]

[cheering]

So where the hell are they?

[band stops playing] [cheering stops]

[cameras clicking]

[cheering] [band resumes] Shut up!

[band falters]

[cheering ends]

[cymbal crash]

We welcome you, our new comrades of the Revolution!

When you are ready, please join us in celebration.

Japanese Ride 351, are you having a problem?

Are we really in Pyongyang?

Where else could you have possibly landed?

Because my comrade here says she saw an American aircraft on the runway.

[hijacker 2] It definitely said “Northwest” on the tail.

Why does the land of revolution have a capitalist plane just sitting on the tarmac?

[whispers] What do I say?

[sighs] Oh my God.

That’s a decoy aircraft.

We’re going to fly revolutionary soldiers just like you to the United States of America.

You’re going…

To attack America?

North Korea’s something else, man.

Oh yeah?

Leader.

Look… look at that over there!

[quiet, suspenseful music playing]

[hijacker 1 breathing heavily]

Wait…

A Black man?

He’s looking right at us.

A Black man eating a hamburger…

[Seo sighs anxiously]

Oh, that son of a bitch. Damn it.

He’s a Soviet who’s been stationed in Pyongyang.

Hm? There’s Blacks…

In the Soviet Union?

I’ve never heard of the Soviet Union having Black people.

Well, I haven’t heard of them not having any.

[puffs] I imagine they’d have a few.

It’s a pretty big country, you know?

[hijacker 1] I suppose.

Hey. Look around here.

We’re obviously in Pyongyang.

Hey.

Let me give you some advice, okay?

No matter the circumstances, never, ever trust what you see.

I thought my parents loved each other, but I was wrong!

Hey, go see if maybe you can locate a radio.

[Kubo] Oh!

Alexander Pushkin was also Black.

Huh? Who’s that?

The founder of modern Russian literature.

You must know that, since you love the Soviet Union.

[sighs slowly]

Interesting…

[cheering]

[band resumes]

Sh!

[cheering]

[band continues]

Sh!

[band stops]

[cheering fades]

[hijacker 1 clears throat]

Uh, hello.

I’d like to ask a question that should be common knowledge to all of you here.

I understand that this country is working on a five-year national economic agenda.

What year are you on?

[nervous muttering]

I think you’ve heard incorrectly.

Our five-year economic agenda raced forward like a speeding horse over ten years ago.

Okay.

What day is our Great Leader’s birthday?

Our adored leader Kim Il Sung was…

[hijacker 1] No!

Not you again.

[tense music playing]

You!

That’s right! You, fatty!

[nervous muttering]

Stop looking around!

Do you see anybody else that’s fat?

Answer me!

When is our Fearsome Leader’s birthday?

Comrade! [breathing shakily] I’m sorry…

I can’t hear you.

This is, uh…

This is Pyongyang?

Yes or no?

[director hesitates]

[tense music playing]

[quietly] Yes.

This is Pyongyang? Yes or no?

[director hesitates]

Leader! I have a radio…

[hijacker 1] This is Pyongyang? Yes or no?

[scrolling through stations]

[voice on radio] I don’t want to.

[radio hisses]

[hijacker 1] Yes or no?

Yes or no?

This is Pyongyang? Yes or no?

[passenger] “Yes or no?”

Yes!

[hijacker 1] Yes or no?

[all whisper] Yes!

[hijacker 1 shouts] Yes or no?

[on radio]

♪ Give your heart and soul to me… ♪

Louis Armstrong.

This is a foul American song!

[song continues playing on radio]

[song playing clearly]

Yes or no?

What the hell is he saying?

Rock, paper, scissors?

[hijacker 1] Yes or no? Yes or no?

Yes or no?

[director breathing heavily]

[hesitates] No.

[song peaks]

[disappointed groaning]

[song ends]

CHAPTER 4 BAD NEWS

[reporter] The Japanese plane that was hijacked by Reds and was on its way to North Korea has made an emergency landing at Kimpo Airport.

Life is hard enough because of that damn North Korea.

Why did those Red Japanese sons of ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪ have to come here?

[speech bleeped]

Make them all go back to their land!

It’s not like any of the passengers are Korean.

So, you know, why should our own soldiers get sacrificed in the process?

[Kim laughs] I knew this would happen.

[Park winces] Why would you do something so unbelievably stupid?

The President is busy with important affairs, but he has been debriefed.

He is aware of the severity of the current situation.

He has made it absolutely clear that not a single casualty within the Republic of Korea will be allowed.

[Kim] Don’t you understand what His Excellency wants?

They’re not our citizens.

So get that plane back into the air and send them off to the damn North!

Oh, please!

His Excellency wouldn’t be that heartless and inhumane.

Obviously, we need to negotiate and get them back onto Kimpo soil.

[Seo sighs] I feel like we’re losing.

Which one is right?

What he wants is for us to figure this out without having to get involved.

[Kim] Ah, in that case, let’s decide what His Excellency’s real intentions are the democratic way!

We’ll take a vote.

[Nobody scoffs]

Can they really decide something like that by a show of hands?

The Japanese Minister Sugimoto and Deputy Minister Ishida of the Department of Transport have been dispatched to South Korea.

They have requested close cooperation with our government.

[Sugimoto]

This is your first time in South Korea?

Just 25 years ago, everything belonged to us, including this airport.

That’s why it’s mandatory for the bureaucrats here to speak the same language.

So there’s no need for an interpreter. [laughs] How did that aircraft even end up here?

Remember, the operation was a failure!

Are you all going to take responsibility if we end up with casualties?

[men murmuring]

His Excellency must be grappling with this right now.

[Choi] That’s right.

He will take issue with the process too.

The Japanese will be here soon.

If they find out we masqueraded our beloved Republic as a red state, they would be too mortified to even gaze upon our flag.

[man clears throat]

[Park scoffs, chuckles]

[Seo] Mm?

Ah. Our very own Lieutenant Seo Gomyung.

[Seo yelps]

[Seo sighs]

Well?

[Seo grunts]

What were you thinking, turning our beloved Republic of Korea into a red state?

Sir, I… I…

Earlier… you had told me…

[Park, mockingly] Oh…

The thing about excuses is that they’re simply a crutch for those who have failed. Right?

Everyone.

We can’t blame the rock just because our own two clumsy feet tripped over it, can we?

Oh, put those hands down.

What are we, children? A vote? [chuckles] Oh, yes, majority rule is great, but isn’t respecting the minority opinion an important part of democracy too?

His Excellency himself once said that America is our big brother, and Korea and Japan are the younger two.

But do you really want to be treated like the younger brother?

Do you really?

[Kim clears throat]

But just imagine if we took the bull by the horns and solved this ourselves! [chuckles] These idiots would all bow before us going, “Arigato, a rig a to.” Wouldn’t they?

And that’s how we’d move up to being the second biggest brother in the entire world!

Come on, damn it! Think!

[man 1] He’s right! Brilliant, yes!

[man 2] Hear, hear!

[scattered applause]

Doesn’t it just… just make your heart swell with pride?

We must never, ever forget our nation’s admirable history!

Every time I think about it, it just makes my blood boil and my jaw clench!

Remember the Imjin War!

The Japanese occupation!

Those sons of bitches just swarmed in and…

Ah, that is, I’m sure they had their own issues to deal with as well.

Well, well. Chief Kim.

Minister.

[both chuckle]

It’s been quite a while.

Yes.

Well, uh, please, Minister, have a seat.

Our government received no warning that our civilian aircraft would be landing here.

Was this an official operation by South Korea?

If it were official, uh, of course we would have alerted you beforehand.

What?

What? If it’s not official, then…

[coughs] Forgive me, but, uh…

It seems someone here this evening took it upon himself to disguise this place as Pyongyang.

By himself?

Who was it?

[tense, dramatic music playing]

[Seo breathing anxiously]

[music builds]

[music ends]

It was me.

I did it.

[men sighing, tutting]

Thank you.

It was a remarkably brave maneuver.

[Nobody] Lieutenant Gomyung?

Yes.

But I was…

Simply following the orders of Director Park Sanghyeon, right over there.

[Sugimoto] I see.

[sighs] On behalf of the Japanese government, we sincerely thank you.

Please, there’s no need for such formality among brothers!

[Sugimoto grunts] Lieutenant Seo. You’re the best.

[Park laughs] How’s the situation currently?

[Park sighs] The plane has lost power.

I’m sure they’ll reach out to us shortly.

[Sugimoto] Yes.

Plan B, right?

You said you were a doctor, right?

What the hell could they be planning for us now?

[Kubo] I don’t know.

[door opens]

Hey, listen.

Offer a few hostages in exchange for them turning the power back on.

[Kubo grunts]

[thunder rumbling]

[hijacker] I want to speak to the person who landed us here.

Yes, go ahead.

[hijacker] Your voice is different.

Well, I’m the one in charge.

So… you were the one who tricked us?

We were only looking to save innocent lives, but…

Release the passengers first, and then we can discuss…

[hijacker] No. We talk in person.

If you’re really the one who landed us here, then you will come onboard the plane.

Onto the plane?

You must come alone and unarmed.

If you’re not here in half an hour, then every ten minutes, we’ll behead a hostage and throw the head out the window.

Over and out.

Will you be okay on your own?

Unfortunately, they insist on speaking with the officer who landed them here.

These are real sharp guys.

Who knew they would recognize our voices?

[Nobody] By tomorrow, the Blue House will decide what to do.

Until then, you have to buy us time.

Why the hell do I have to be the one thrown into this goddamn mess?

My job was getting that plane to land safely in Kimpo. That’s it!

I did my job!

Okay, fine.

I’m the one who failed. Happy?

Don’t touch me.

Failure is contagious.

[groans theatrically]

Go ahead, call me a failure. Gomyung!

[Seo grunts]

[man] Careful! Paint’s still fresh over there, it’s slippery!

[Nobody sighs]

[poignant music playing]

[sighs]

[door opens]

[music continues]

[man] Come in.

[hijacker 1]

So you’re the boy who cried wolf.

[Seo breathing heavily]

Can you please lower the light?

The engine shut off because you made us land here.

They’re fixing it.

It’ll be back on soon.

I knew they’d send someone like you.

It was so predictable.

I wouldn’t expect any less from classist bureaucrats.

You know someone like me doesn’t have any power.

So why’d you bring me here?

[passengers whimpering]

[passengers crying softly]

Because…

I want you to look them all in the eye.

Look at every one of them, boy who cried wolf.

Look at the people who will die because of your lies.

If you don’t wanna become a murderer, send this plane on to Pyongyang immediately.

[passengers crying]

But…

It’s raining and dark…

[hijacker 2] Shut up!

[sighs] You’ve deceived us once before.

Turn back around and ask the pilot, then!

What’s more, if you cross the Demarcation Line now, what will you do about the North Korean antiaircraft guns deployed over the Korean Demilitarized Zone?

If you get shot down, not even your corpses will be recovered.

[somber music playing]

I’m afraid we’ve done all we can.

Let’s do as Chief Kim suggested, and just send them off to North Korea.

[Park grunts]

[Park chuckles]

Let me tell you a secret.

Even in a car, I never, ever reverse. Why?

‘Cause it feels like I took the wrong turn, and that just pisses me off!

If I choose to go a specific way, it’s because it’s the correct way, and according to inertia, it needs to stay that way.

And that, my friend, is your job.

It’s just that if a bomb were to go off…

You might be the one who gets blamed for it.

[tense music playing]

One word from me, and he’ll detonate it.

No, I know you won’t do that.

There’s nothing for you to gain from doing that.

That’s our plan B, got it?

Burning to white ash.

The world will remember our revolutionary will.

And then, after that, a second and a third Ashita no Joe will appear.

Ashita no Joe?

[music fades]

The manga?

You’ve read Ashita no Joe?

Of course I have.

It’s a masterpiece.

Right? [chuckles] That last chapter?

[gasps] Yeah, yeah!

I know, right?

[both laughing]

You know, the ending…

Yes? Yeah?

I don’t think Joe was actually killed in the end.

What?

[hijacker 2] No.

He was killed.

[ominous music playing]

[panting]

[grunting]

[hijacker 1 straining]

[muffled scream]

[passengers screaming]

[Park] You think it’s that easy to give up your life?

Let’s get one thing straight.

They’re never gonna set off that bomb, but even if they do, it won’t be my fault.

I’m the one praying it doesn’t explode!

[hijacker 1] My life…

[doctor breathing heavily]

…now functions as your deadline.

If we don’t get to North Korea, I’ll die anyway.

[hijacker 2] How is he?

He’s in bad shape.

But you missed his vital organs, like I taught you.

If we can stop the bleeding, he might make it another day.

Leader, you heard that, right?

I did it just right!

[laughing softly]

You’re all…

You are all fucking nuts.

[breathing heavily]

[hijacker 2 crying] You have until noon.

If you’re one second late… [grunts] …then the bomb will detonate.

And the same goes if he dies before then too.

[doctor] Please.

I’m begging you, please, just let us go to North Korea.

At the very least, we would still be alive!

[hijacker 1] You damn capitalists put a price tag on everything, including human lives.

[passengers whimpering]

[hijacker 1] I’m curious.

How much are the lives of these passengers worth to you?

[Seo grunts]

[man] I told you that spot was slippery, man!

[yells] Oh, for fuck’s sake!

Then why didn’t you sprinkle dirt over it, you son of a bitch?!

Well done, Lieutenant Seo, hmm?

Noon tomorrow gives us plenty of time.

They said they will not negotiate before then.

Also…

[Kim] I told you.

We need to send them up north as soon as possible.

North Korea stated they’d welcome them with open arms, so what’s the issue?

Is this fatty tuna?

It is.

Did North Korea really put out a statement?

No, that’s medium-fatty tuna.

This one’s fatty tuna.

This one?

Try it, it’s delicious.

You were inside.

What was it like in there?

[tense music playing]

[Ishida] Tell me about the hijackers.

Did they seem unhinged enough to go through with a suicide bombing?

[tense music playing]

[loud chewing]

[Park chewing loudly]

No.

[music fades]

They were just naive, reckless kids.

Hold on, now!

Are you going to take responsibility if something goes awry?

Ah, give me a break! He saw it firsthand!

If we swear in the name of His Excellency that we’ll let them fly to North Korea as long as they release the passengers, that will fix everything.

Then why don’t we contact the President right now?

Uh, right this second?

He’d, uh, still be sleeping.

What?

It’s true.

He always goes to bed early.

What? So we just wait it out?

Ah, very healthy of him.

Here?

Let’s have a smoke.

Wait…

[Sugimoto] It’s all right. Take a breath.

If things go sideways, those idiotic Josenjing will take the blame anyway.

Don’t kick the hornet’s nest for nothing.

But if everything does go according to plan, that means Korea will have done what we weren’t capable of.

They’ll definitely demand something major from us.

[men eating noisily]

[Nobody] I told you.

If you can’t see me, it means I’m working.

[taps window]

Wait. One of the hostages is Korean?

Really?

That’s news to me.

It’s ’cause of the name.

Still just a theory.

We don’t know for sure.

I’ve marked it on there.

[man] Yuuno Baku?

That’s not Korean.

It’s written the English way, switched around.

Baku Yuuno. Baku Yuno.

Baku Yuno. Baku Yunho.

Park Yunho.

Are you serious? Be real!

That’s absolutely ridiculous!

No, look…

Give me that!

For heaven’s sake. Get out!

Just blowing hot air.

[Nobody chuckles] [man] Think the news is a joke?

You think the news is some kind of kids’ game for you to mess around with?

I’m a respected journalist!

Director!

What? What? What now? What is it?

You’ve heard what I am most known for, right?

Hunting down communists.

No.

Turning a regular guy into a communist.

Okay, okay. You’ve made your point.

Relax. Let’s not be hasty.

I’m also very aware that the news has a duty to never lie.

[chuckles] That’s why it’s a theory.

A theory.

We have received word that one of the hostages of the hijacked aircraft might be a Korean citizen.

The passenger name is Park Yunho, believed to be a Korean resident in Japan.

Oh, one more thing.

Let’s gently sneak in this tiny little extra bit of news from three months ago.

[reporter sighs]

This incident recalls the horrific nightmare of the YS11 flight that was hijacked by North Korean agents just barely three months ago.

They kept us in the dark alone, and subjected us to brutal torture with electric shocks.

[Nobody] Pretty good, huh?

Feel that tug on your heartstrings?

[woman on TV] He couldn’t even speak.

He was frothing at the mouth.

So…

He just collapsed.

There’s not actually a Korean hostage?

Who the hell knows?

Wow, look at the moon tonight. [chuckles] You know, there’s no way of knowing if the far side of the moon is as beautiful.

We’ll never actually be able to see it.

Because the moon’s orbit matches its rotation.

For Pete’s sake, I was being philosophic, not scientific.

“The truth can sometimes exist on the far side of the moon, but that doesn’t mean the near side is a lie.”

Truman Shady.

Come on, don’t tell me you don’t recognize that?

Of course I recognize that!

Regardless of whatever might be going on, we trust what we can see.

Once we trust it, it’s no longer a lie.

Just like that news story.

What are you raving about?

Near side or far side, the moon is still the moon.

[scoffs] Come on!

That’s all poetic nonsense.

What are you trying to say, huh?

[agent] She’s here.

[Nobody] Oh, my goodness.

Thank you for gracing us with your presence at this late hour.

My gosh. You’re even more beautiful in person than on screen.

What can I… what can I do for you?

Oh, all you need to do is tell the truth.

[chuckles softly]

And the others?

They’re on their way.

We definitely want to use that electrocuted guy.

[Seo] We are trying to save lives here, right?

[Nobody] Escort her there, please.

This way, ma’am.

Thank you.

All this will work once the President gives the order.

And if he doesn’t?

What if we never get the order?

You said it yourself. They’re just kids.

Or did you say that because you’re trying to save them as well?

[quiet, tense music playing]

[breathing shakily]

[music continues]

[woman] The 66 days I was captive in North Korea, I was subjected to subhuman living conditions…

[Seo] Sometimes, even the truth can be a lie.

I felt…

That it would be better to just be dead.

[Nobody] And a lie can contain the truth.

The Korean Broadcasting Service has identified 13 Korean people living in Japan who go by the name of Park Yunho, with the help of the Japanese Embassy.

I was repeatedly tortured…

[cameras clicking] …with electric cattle prods.

Right now, I’m being treated by a psychiatric hospital.

I know…

That Mr. Park Yunho…

[sniffles] …will endure the same horrible fate.

[man sobs]

Take what happened and add a little creativity and a desire for truth.

If these three things come together…

Those sonofabitch North Korean assholes!

[crowd exclaiming angrily]

[tense music playing]

[crowd yelling, jeering]

[reporter] AntiCommunist protests have broken out in front of Kimpo Airport.

The protestors are crying out for the swift rescue of Mr. Park Yunho and the other passengers abducted by the North Korean terrorists.

What a sight to behold.

Isn’t that beautiful?

My God, look how much love and enthusiasm we Koreans have!

It’s fantastic! [laughs] We’ve just received word that the Blue House is on their way here.

[laughs] I’m sure His Excellency is thinking about next year’s election!

This right here is a prime example of the greatness of democracy!

[tuts] I guess we better get ready…

[brisk music playing]

[man] No.

Due to extenuating circumstances, His Excellency cannot come himself.

He’s sending the First Lady in his place.

[cameras clicking]

Could you photograph the left side?

[music stops] The left is my better side.

[cameras clicking]

[music resumes]

[music ends]

His Excellency is not in good health at the moment.

Oh! Is His Excellency ill?

Please don’t concern yourselves.

Madam, we’re talking about, uh…

About our beloved Excellency.

We’re talking about a potential tragedy, aren’t we, gentlemen?

His Excellency… is severely hungover.

[Park] Huh?

Last night, he indulged in a few too many drinks.

We must send someone immediately to bring him a healing tonic from the Taebaek Mountain.

His Excellency…

Isn’t concerned about his hangover.

He is more focused on this crisis.

When compared to the average adult male, he metabolizes alcohol at a far superior rate.

[“Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2” by Chopin playing]

[romantic piano music playing]

[men muttering]

[muttering continues]

You must be the controller.

This Republic will never forget your service.

[Seo inhales shakily]

Thank you, Madam.

[First Lady inhales deeply]

Those poor hostages.

I cannot fathom how scared they all must be.

I must say, I did hear…

That someone here suggested we abandon them to the North.

Uh…

His Excellency insisted there be no casualties…

Do you have any idea of what horrors await them in North Korea?

[Seo] She pointed to the east, not the north, but no one said a word.

Anyone here who thinks we should send those poor, innocent people to the North, you do not deserve to be here.

[Kim hesitates]

Madam, it’s not that…

[yells] Leave this instant!

[music stops abruptly]

[grunts] That fucking insane bitch!

God, after all that, I hope it does blow up!

Yeah, let it all blow up!

[men muttering]

[Ishida] Madam.

North Korea has already guaranteed the safety of our citizens.

Deputy Minister, do you really believe them?

Do you really?

No, ma’am!

No, ma’am!

Twenty years ago…

On the peaceful Sunday morning of June 25th, 1950, their Red Army stormed in from the North, staining our land red with blood, taking countless lives along the way.

I will never forget that day.

And neither should you.

Do not trust those satanic communists.

Our anticommunist hero, young Lee Seungbok, was viciously slaughtered on the field.

His last words before being killed were…

[together] “I hate communist North Korea!”

[crying softly]

[stirring, emotional music playing]

So I command you in the name of the Republic of Korea, as soon as the passengers are freed, get those bastards back up north!

Thank you all.

[cheering]

[applause grows louder]

[cheering]

[Nobody] And then, at long last…

[Seo] …the wheels are turning again.

[“Ode to Joy” playing]

[Seo] I have good news!

This document states that as long as you release the passengers safely, you’ll be allowed to fly to North Korea.

This has been officially approved by the South Korean government!

[hijacker] You idiot!

You think we’re stupid?

You expect us to believe you?

You’re going to charge onto the plane the second we let the hostages go!

This time, it’s for real.

Just let all the passengers go, and we’ll let you leave, we swear!

[Nobody] There was one thing we overlooked.

No one believed the boy who cried wolf anymore.

We won’t release any of the hostages until we’ve landed safely in North Korea, or the plane will explode exactly at noon!

[tense music playing]

[clock ticking]

Goddammit.

Leader!

[groans weakly]

If you die before 12 o’clock, I will kill you myself!

[Seo] I lied.

Those bastards are insane.

[hijacker 1 grunting]

[hijacker 2 wailing]

If that bomb goes off, their blood will all be on my hands.

Giving yourself a lot of credit, aren’t you?

You and I were just following orders.

Does rationalizing it like that make you sleep better at night?

[Nobody scoffs]

Gomyung, we have to rationalize.

Otherwise, how could we possibly go on living?

Given the circumstances, shouldn’t we be trying to do something?

I am.

Can’t you see that I’m praying?

You’re praying?

[man sighs] Call a meeting.

Call a meeting now!

A meeting?

We cannot go against the direct orders of the President!

So you’re just going to pray instead?

You’re praying? Huh?

Is praying going to fix the situation?

Is praying going to save them?

Is praying going to change His Excellency’s mind?!

[Ishida and Park continue arguing] Hey, what are you gonna do?

I’m gonna tell them it’s not too late to send everyone north.

Forget it.

You’re just an air traffic controller.

[Park] I can’t go against His Excellency’s orders!

At least I’m not a nobody.

[Ishida] What? Hey, listen! Listen!

If you won’t let me be heard, your leader is no better than a dictator!

A dictator?

A dictator?!

At least our citizens don’t serve a king, like you crazy bastards!

Don’t you record this!

We don’t have a king in this country!

Just a minute here.

What you’ve just said is a grave offense.

[gasps] Did you see that?

Did you just hit me?

Wow. Oh, did you see that?

You saw that?

[Ishida sighs] Uh…

That’s violence! You saw it.

He… He almost broke my arm!

[man murmurs indecisively]

[Park groans theatrically]

Did you see what he did to me?

Did you see how he attacked me?

[Nobody] I did!

I saw it, clear as day, with my own eyes.

Yes, you saw it?

[Nobody] Yes, sir!

This isn’t just an offense, this is military provocation!

And from now on, everyone speaks Korean.

This is goddamn South Korea!

Director Park!

Lieutenant Seo.

You agree, yes? This is a game of chicken.

They will never set it off, so don’t bother contacting them.

Hear me, little shit?

You weasel.

All right, answer me, Lieutenant Seo…

[tense music playing]

[objects crashing]

[screaming]

[Ishida screams, grunts]

Whoa! Whoa!

[Ishida grunts angrily]

Oh!

[grunting, panting heavily]

[yells] Prayer?

Praying isn’t gonna do a damn thing!

These idiots!

[Ishida yelling] Unbelievable morons!

Use your goddamn heads!

They must be braindead!

Whether the bomb goes off or not, the ending is already decided.

So you better get out of here fast.

You don’t think these sons of bitches are gonna set that thing off? Huh?

Not really, right?

No.

[laughs]

[Park laughs]

But on the off chance this blows up in our faces, they’ll point the finger at whoever’s in charge.

Ah, yeah, that’s right.

The field commander must take responsibility for this atrocious…

[gasps] Hang on.

Isn’t that me?

[Nobody laughs nervously]

No, of course not.

You’re the one who appoints the guy in charge.

[mutters] We’ve been away from our desks for too long.

There are so many other issues to address!

Everyone return to your offices!

Let’s get back to serving our country!

With honor!

[Ishida screaming]

[yells, grunts]

[sighs heavily]

What goddamn use is praying?!

[crying softly]

[breathing rapidly]

[breathing slows]

[quiet, majestic music playing]

[exhales slowly]

[gasps]

[music fades]

God, Buddha, Vishnu, Jesus Christ, whoever is up there, please save us.

Please, please…

[Nobody] Ah, religion…

[door opens]

[Ishida sighs]

It’s the only thing that’ll never go out of business, will it?

All desperate people end up turning to God…

Don’t you dare lecture me, asshole!

None of you know what you’re doing!

[breathing raggedly]

Is it any different in your country?

[exhales sadly]

I don’t know what to do.

[quiet, somber music playing]

[crying softly]

What do we do?

[Ishida] Are we just going to sit by and watch?

I feel so helpless.

[somber music continues]

[clock ticking]

[ticking intensifies]

[mournful music playing]

[repeated clicking]

[mournful music intensifies]

[cameras clicking]

[people shouting, jeering]

[man 1] Do you have anything to say to the victims’ families?

[woman] Lieutenant Seo Gomyung, please, give us a statement.

[man 2] For his role in the murder of 106 innocent civilians, I hereby sentence the defendant, Seo Gomyung, to death.

[gavel bangs repeatedly]

[glass smashes]

[Nobody] Why are you vandalizing government property?

I thought you were gonna talk to them?

Didn’t you hear…

What the director said?

He said not to make contact with them!

Well, Director Park is gone.

What?

[man] That goddamn motherfucker!

What does he expect me to do?

He dumps all of this on me now?

What can I possibly do all on my own? [grunts] All of a sudden, I’m the one in charge?

You! It was you, wasn’t it?

You made them dump this shit show on me?

Ah, ah, Minister!

You are 100 percent right, it is a shit show.

But the real question is who started this shit show?

Why does the guy in charge have to take the blame?

The person who ignored commands from on high, who made this shit show, is right there.

[Seo sighs]

Wait, I…

That’s right, punk!

So what exactly is your plan?

[laughs]

[sighs heavily]

[clocks ticking]

[Seo] Japanese Ride 351.

Japanese Ride 351.

This is Kimpo Control Tower.

The military is withdrawing.

Is this your answer?

[Seo] I will not lie to you anymore.

The situation still has not changed.

As I told you earlier, if you release the passengers immediately, you can all live.

There’s no use in playing games.

My Leader…

He won’t last much longer.

[Seo] Are you seriously going to give up this easily?

Ashita no Joe never gave up.

He fought until the very end.

[labored breathing]

Yes.

That’s right, boy who cried wolf.

Ashita no Joe burned so bright until all that was left was ash.

And after he died, there were no half-burnt scraps left behind.

[somber music playing]

Only white ashes.

Even though he didn’t win in the end, his death was still worthwhile.

[Seo] Ashita no Joe didn’t die!

The artist never finished coloring it in!

He didn’t finish it!

Believe me!

It only looks like he’s white and dead!

I swear to you!

Don’t do this, okay?

Don’t, for the love of God!

I’ll come back! We can talk!

Oh, goddammit!

We have done… all we can now.

[tense, somber music playing]

Some things… can only end with sacrifice.

FOUR MINUTES BEFORE DETONATION

[Seo] I don’t know if I wanted to save their lives or if I just didn’t want their blood on my hands.

I was dragged here out of the blue.

Shoot me!

Made some ridiculous plan.

Then, would it be okay to claim this is North Korea?

I hijacked a communication system and turned Kimpo into Pyongyang.

[music intensifies]

I may never be a hero, but I certainly didn’t want to become a murderer.

[music continues]

Don’t do it! Don’t do it! Don’t…

[grunts, groans]

[groans]

[sobbing softly]

[crying]

[breathing heavily]

[clock ticking]

FOUR MINUTES AGO

[Nobody] Some things can only end with sacrifice.

Did you say “sacrifice”?

Which could also be called… finally taking responsibility.

Just like the young man who just ran out of here.

He didn’t pray.

He took action.

[radio crackles]

[Ishida] Can you hear me?

I am Shinichi Ishida, the Deputy Minister of Transport of Japan.

I request a hostage exchange.

I will go with you to Pyongyang.

As the Minister of Transport, I should be enough to get you to Pyongyang.

[Seo shouts] Don’t do it!

Don’t do it!

[Seo grunts, groans]

Oh, that hurt.

[weakly] You’ve done well, boy who cried wolf.

[“La Vie en rose” by Louis Armstrong playing] [Seo] These communists, who swore to bring down capitalism and classism, ultimately valued the lives of over 100 citizens to that of one Japanese Deputy Minister.

[relaxed jazz music continues]

[reporter] Thanks to the tireless efforts of our government, over 50 Japanese hostages have been freed from the brutal Red Army Faction, emerging from their ordeal in relatively good health.

Think of it like a quick vacation.

To North Korea?

How is that a vacation?

[Sugimoto chuckles awkwardly]

[reporter] In exchange, Shinichi Ishida, the Japanese Deputy Minister of Transport, offered himself as a replacement to be taken as a hostage to North Korea.

As Deputy Minister Ishida boarded the plane, the remaining passengers reunited with their families.

[equipment clicking, whirring]

[“La Vie en Rose” continues]

♪ Hold me close and hold me tight ♪

♪ The magic spell you cast ♪

♪ This is la vie en rose ♪

♪ When you… ♪

[phone ringing]

[Park] Your Excellency!

How’s your hangover?

[music stops]

CHAPTER 5 GOOD NEWS

[Seo] We intercepted their communication system.

While the communist terrorists were hijacking a physical fuselage, we hijacked the invisible communication airwaves.

[people gasping, chuckling]

[woman] When you say “we,” who else are you referring to, Lieutenant Seo?

[sighs softly]

With a thing like this…

There are always those who work tirelessly and anonymously behind the scenes.

I’ll leave it at that.

[man] So what you’re saying is the plane didn’t land here by mistake but our government intentionally lured it here?

Do you think it might cause North Korea to retaliate?

The Republic of Korea continues our strong alliance with the United States of America.

We are not a nation that succumbs to threats from North Korea.

[people applauding]

[man] You are a national hero who saved 106 lives.

What are your plans moving forward?

Well, right now, all I want to do is finish up my shift.

But then, after that…

I’ll go back to base and watch myself on the nine o’clock news.

[people laughing]

[toilet flushes]

[Nobody] Oh, man.

[elevator bell dings] Ooh, that was urgent.

Do you live in the bathroom, old man?

Hey, hang on, hold the door!

I was just a pawn to get the Deputy Minister to act, wasn’t I?

[Nobody scoffs]

I wasn’t exactly sure if it would work.

Out of everyone, the two of you were the most sincere.

[Seo chuckles]

There’s no way you don’t have a bathroom of your own at home.

[Nobody] Good news, bad news.

What do you want first?

Oh God, what is it now?

Better hit me with the bad news.

[Nobody] All right. Then bad news first.

[suspenseful music playing]

[Nobody] They all arrived safely in Pyongyang yesterday.

They’ve agreed to return the Japanese Deputy Minister and pilots.

[Seo] That’s great.

How is that bad news?

[Nobody] We got some intel from our spies up north last night.

All their guns and bombs…

Were fake.

[Seo] What?

Huh? That makes no sense.

We never really had any intention of killing anyone.

If we didn’t make it to Pyongyang, we made a pact to take our lives with the Japanese sword.

[soldiers laughing]

That was our real plan B.

[Seo] So we ended up saving their lives?

What’s the good news?

It’s about the president’s hangover.

It seems he had a drink with the US ambassador.

And what came of that is the US will begin talks with the Soviet Union.

A good thing.

Might even lead to us finally reunifying with North Korea. [chuckles] Good news, right?

So any conflict we have with North Korea would upset the US?

Is that it?

Wow, kid. You really do catch on quick.

[Nobody laughs]

Officially, our government was never involved.

[Seo scoffs, laughs bitterly]

You’re joking.

Like the North is going to believe that, after everything.

They’ll play along because the Soviet Union wants this too.

[scoffs]

[sighs]

Yeah, but…

And my promotion?

The medal?

Is none of that happening either?

[sighs] Neither is the interview you gave.

[Seo] Goddammit.

Fuck.

For fuck’s sake!

How the hell is this good news?

[Nobody sighs]

It’s over now, and nobody died.

Including you.

Right.

So I’m being threatened to keep quiet, is that it?

What if I refuse?

[Nobody sighs]

You know what.

[Seo sighs]

Is this how you felt?

I told you.

The moon is still the moon.

It doesn’t need a name to exist, Gomyung.

It doesn’t need acknowledgment to be significant.

What you did…

That in itself was worthwhile.

[Nobody sniffles]

[inhales shakily]

[chuckles softly]

[laughs]

[laughs]

[people cheering]

[reporter] The heroes who saved the lives of over 100 passengers have returned.

Shinichi Ishida, the Deputy Minister of Transport, volunteered himself in exchange for the hostages at Kimpo in Korea, saving 106 lives.

Captain Takahiro Kubo and First Officer Seigo Maeda are also national heroes who made an emergency landing at Itazuke, saving 23 lives.

No, I’m no hero.

I was just doing my duty as Japan’s Deputy Minister of Transport.

After completing 10,000 flight hours, I now have hemorrhoids.

[crowd laughing]

[man] Incredible!

But in this moment, I am proud of my hemorrhoids.

It was an honor to serve alongside my captain’s hemorrhoids!

[cheering]

[Nobody] “The truth can sometimes exist on the far side of the moon, but that doesn’t mean the near side is a lie.”

Truman Shady.

[Seo] That’s right.

The moon…

I have a confession to make.

“The moon is still the moon.”

I actually didn’t know that quote by Truman Shady.

[Nobody] Not surprising.

The moon is still the moon.

[Nobody] That guy never said anything like that.

Tada.

[Park] Hey, by the way, why did you choose that name, of all names?

RESIDENT REGISTRATION CARD CHOI GOMYUNG

[Nobody tuts, scoffs]

[chuckles] No reason.

[Nobody] So who is Truman Shady?

[sighs]

[Nobody] Does it really matter?

He’s just…

A nobody.

[Nobody laughs]

[“Blue Moon” by Frank Sinatra playing]

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ You saw me standing alone ♪

♪ Without a dream in my heart ♪

♪ Without a love of my own ♪

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ You knew just what I was there for ♪

♪ You heard me saying a prayer for ♪

♪ Someone I really could care for ♪

♪ And then there suddenly

Appeared before me ♪

♪ The only one my arms will hold ♪

♪ I heard somebody whisper,

“Please adore me” ♪

♪ And when I looked

The moon had turned to gold ♪

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ Now I’m no longer alone ♪

♪ Without a dream in my heart ♪

♪ Without a love of my own ♪

♪ And then there suddenly

Appeared before me ♪

♪ The only one my arms will ever hold ♪

♪ I heard somebody whisper,

“Please adore me” ♪

♪ And when I looked

The moon had turned to gold ♪

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ Now I’m no longer alone ♪

♪ Without a dream in my heart ♪

♪ Without a love of my own ♪

♪ Blue moon ♪

♪ Now I’m no longer alone ♪

♪ Without a dream in my heart ♪

♪ Without a love of my own ♪

[song ends]

[dramatic orchestral and choral music playing]

THIS FILM IS A WORK OF FICTION INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS ANY RESEMBLANCE TO REAL PERSONS, EVENTS, OR LOCATIONS IS COINCIDENTAL