Original subtitles

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

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

NAM BU GUN North Korean Partisan in South Korea

Korea was liberated on 15 August 1945

Soviet Army occupied North Korea on 20 August 1945

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

Democratic National Front formed on 15 February 1946

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

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

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

Jeju incident on 3 April 1948

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

Revolt in Yosu, Sunchon on 20 October 1948

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

The Korean war broke out on 25 June 1950

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

Naktong river battle on 2 September 1950

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

Produced and directed by Jeong Ji-young

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

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

I was a HAPTONG News Agency correspondent during this period.

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

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

Jeonju City in September 1950

Communications are severed and everything is in chaos!

Hasn't the U. S. Army landed?

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

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

in Okinawa or Kakinawa.

Don't you think so, boss?

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

What?

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

Yes, Hurry up!

We'll really be in trouble!

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

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

What?

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

Really?

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

That's right. You are...

Glad to meet you!

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

We only knew about partisans from past rumors.

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

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

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

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

Comrade reporter, come this way

Good bye, Comrade Sung.

Good bye.

You follow me.

I was reporter, not a technician,

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

Take care of yourself!

You now belong to 4th Company.

We will organize our platoons.

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

All right.

You, what extra work did you do in school?

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

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

Do you any military experience?

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

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

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

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

You are a petit-intellectual.

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

Yes.

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

This company is going to be the intellectuals unit.

You go to the 2nd platoon.

Yes.

They said partisans should be courageous.

Aren't you scared?

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

Let's get some sleep.

You mean... everywhere?

Who are you? I didn't say anything.

Put your shoes on!

Hurry up!

You'd better be careful from now on.

You weren't paying attention during the training.

Didn't you hear that partisans must keep their shoes

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

What's the matter with you?

... My spoon.

What? You lost your party member's certificate?

Oh... Here it is!

Yah, who is that Comrade woman?

She is the girl I came with from my hometown.

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

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

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

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

Comrades, we have not touched any food all day.

We should eat something in that village...

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

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

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

The first platoon should block all roads to outside.

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

and as soon as you finish eating,

you should bring back some leftovers

for the other comrades in the 1st platoon.

I'm sorry, auntie.

Thank you, auntie, for the delicious food.

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

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

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

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

Damn, We've been spotted!

Comrades! Go to that direction!

You, women, hide Yourself in the rear!

Hurry up! Things are getting twisted.

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

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

Platoon leader! I left my rifle behind.

My rifle's jammed!

This rifle's out of order.

You all run to dead angle across the hill!

Comrade Kim, take care of Jeon!

2nd platoon, don't retreat!

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

Machine gun unit, this way!

Did you get hurt?

Are you alright?

Give me towel, please.

What? Comrade Jeon deserted giving up his rifle.

He should be disciplined!

- What was your situation? - Situation?

Does any one abandon his rifle under a comfortable conditions?

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

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

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

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

Let's stop arguing perplexing matters.

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

but we also need men to handle them.

Look! Comrade company commander there...

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

We receive an order from Headquarters to reorganize our unit.

Headquarters was moving to Mt. Hoemun

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

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

and we made a foothold at Mt. Baekryon.

Cho Young-ja, Bae Bong-suk!

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

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

Chief...

What is it?

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

Anything wrong with her?

... No

Am I allowed to see you?

Oh, Comrade Pak.

Are you sick?

Oh, no.

I'm happy to be here.

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

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

Thank you.

The piercing bullet wound is worse!

How could you leave a wound like this...

Yeah, it certainly swelled up badly.

Hold it firmly!

How do you feel? Does it still hurt you?

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

You!

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

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

Please help me!

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

Comrade Shin!

They raided when all left for Chonggung.

Fire!

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

2nd squad! Go close to the well!

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

Just keep running to that mountain corner!

When you get there, throw a hand grenade!

When the grenade explodes, we'll run

Run!

Chief...

You mean, we burn the whole village?

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

as a supply point for the rascals.

Chief...

Why doesn't the hand grenade explode?

Comrade Lee, listen!

We can't run with you.

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

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

Comrade Min-ja!

Follow me!

Hurry up!

They said we'll just withdraw.

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

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

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

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

Corporal Kim!

Auntie!

Yes?

Haven't you seen two soldiers around here?

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

They are gone

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

Auntie...

Yes? What can I do for you?

I picked this up over there.

What's that?

lt's a spoon carried by red guerrillas.

Yeah, red, red guerrillas?

Who are you?

Thank you, indeed, auntie.

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

Come!

You think we came for a picnic?

The sound of your reed may invite the enemy.

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

I feel refreshed after a good sleep.

Why, you...

You ran desperately up to here. Then you collapsed.

You didn't fall asleep you fainted.

Really?

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

My hometown is a flowery mountain village...

Who taught you to play the reed?

My brother.

We lost our parents when we were children.

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

I followed my brother,

and worked as an office girl at a construction site

at Unam Dam before the war.

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

Later, I heard he was killed in battle.

I returned to Taejon again

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

So, I became a nurse.

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

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

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

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

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

lt's getting cold.

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

Please hold me in your arms!

Get up!

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

She is a nurse.

- Is that true? - Yes!

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

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

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

You should leave at once.

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

Can you go to Hwiyotteo by yourself?

Yes.

Well, then you should go now. Hurry up!

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

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

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

Will she if I ask?

Well...

Who is this?

Oh, Seyong.

Chief!

very Hot

If the war ends,

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

What will I be doing then?

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

Can we meet again, really?

If we don't die...

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

What sound I give you?

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

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

You and I do not share the same destiny.

I shall repress my surging passion

but may peace take reside in your heart.

Sending off Min-ja at Sumjin riverside

on a snowy day. Tae

I don't like the phrase

we do not share the same destiny...

That's a phrase from Byron's poem.

Be careful! Watch in all directions!

Look out!

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

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

So I froze.

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

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

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

without being given any medicine.

Chief!

Yeah?

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

Sure, we will.

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

Why to Seoul?

I want to attend a good school, like you

Alright, I certainly will.

Trench mortar... you are my class comrade.

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

Machine gun! You are always my headache...

whenever I see you.

Comrade Mah, you have no headache

as you always run away from battlefield...

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

Reflect on your conduct!

I said I have a headache because I was enraged

whenever I must pour liquor into a machine gun

as a substitute for antifreeze solution.

Kah... You want a drink?

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

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

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

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

lt's now the time for mobilization!

Intelligence reports say that the enemy is coming into Galdam.

2nd platoon! Take charge of Sagusil!

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

Keep away! Yellow dogs are coming!

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

My puppy...

My puppy...

Stop firing!

Stop firing!

Hey kid Come here

lt's dangerous

Hey Kid

Kid come this way. Come here to soldier uncles

Kid! Come here

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

Kid! Come here! They are yellow dogs!

My boy!

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

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

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

Don't you want to go home?

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

You stopped firing for the child

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

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

and yellow dogs are all offspring of Father Dangun?

You, rascals! You pretend you know something.

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

must be expedited!

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

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

How many guys do you think there are?

Well, shall we sing a song, too?

Twice as many as we are...

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

Really?

Hey, you yellow dogs! We know only 30

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

You, wild pigs! How many men are there

to make a show of power?

The rascals have disappeared!

Comrade Kim!

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

Who is this? Code! "Sumjin river!"

Mountain Parektu!

The situation in Kagok is unfavorable.

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

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

- Let's go! - 1st squad!

Comrade Jeon! You stay here and if anything happens,

send a message to us in Kagok.

Alright.

Seems that the rascals have retreated.

How about we go to the 1st squad?

Wait! It's just a momentary lull.

Yes.

Are you composing a poem?

Oh, no.

Is it a sin that men are afraid of death?

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

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

in front of all platoon members.

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

That's a way of thinking for a poet.

Such humanistic fear is considered a sin

because we are in a state of war.

Huh... It's cold...

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

No, you shouldn't!

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

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

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

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

What are you doing now?

I'm drinking a liquor. Anything wrong?

You'll be scolded.

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

Hey, Comrade Kang! Come here come here quick!

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

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

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

I'll be glad to offer my life.

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

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

Such mental complications will only reduce the will to fight.

You have had enough!

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

You like it, don't you?

Well... I bottomed up.

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

I know you'll not tolerate being discarded

as a worthless existence.

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

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

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

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

Who said so?

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

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

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

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

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

You mean Comrade Cho Young-ja?

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

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

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

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

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

I had a good time yes good time indeed

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

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

Who is this?

What's the pass word!

Sumjin river!"

Who is damn "Sumjin river"?

This must be from the Sagisil direction.

Yes. It looks like it.

Comrade Jeon! You!

Hey, you, Comrade Jeon!

Chief! I have got a blow!

Everything is over. Thank you, chief!

Rascals drank all the liquor!

lt's a reactionary's house.

This is the liberated area.

You were the only one who informed

the yellow dogs after we moved out.

Confess!

You informed them, didn't you?

Platoon leader! Take this reactionary girl to the village yard

and gather all villagers.

Yes. Let's all get out!

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

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

Your husband died some time ago... why?

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

That's what made you act as a spy.

To avenge the death of my husband

Go away!

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

Raise your head!

Long live the People's Republic!

Clap your hands!

Applaud the death of Comrade Hwang who committed a disgraceful act

on the national liberation front of our courageous partisans!

Clap your hands!

All are leaving.

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

I only received medical care as a patient...

You are all cowards!

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

That's a phrase from Byron's poem.

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

He is not a Bolshevik, but...

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

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

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

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

No.

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

Pack up! You've been summoned by Headquarters.

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

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

A liaison man is already here from Mt' Hoemun.

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

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

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

I understand.

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

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

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

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

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

You mean, to the Headquarters?

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

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

except a letter.

Oh, no. How about the hospital unit?

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

Well, I want to have one more...

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

Your way must be painstaking...

I like you to meet our new Comrade Min.

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

What are you doing here?

We called in comrade section chief precisely for this.

This is a complete code!

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

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

How could you decode this so easily?

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

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

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

Headquarters was in a peaceful atmosphere.

A news bulletin informing of war situation was published.

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

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

nor could I go to female company to convey

the letter asked by Comrade Kim Young.

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

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

March 1951

lt's a retreat!

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

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

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

and the other to the Byonsan peninsula.

How about us?

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

Comrade branch chief! Branch chief!

Which way is the hospital unit do you know?

Hospital unit? It'll be divided into two

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

Say, is this the hospital unit?

Is this the hospital unit?

Do you know a nurse named Pak Min-ja?

Comrade Pak, Is heading for Byonsan.

Which side is she on now?

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

Which way is the hospital unit?

Over there in the back.

Is this...

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

Is this the hospital unit?

Hospital unit? No.

I was not able to meet Pak Min-ja.

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

following the North Cholla party unit with some 400 members.

On the front lines, the United Forces were

also advancing toward the 38th parallel.

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

Dark clouds were drawing near.

A fearful infectious disease called "relapsing fever"

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

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

Since we had no medical means to deal with disease,

we had to suffer a number of victims.

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

Yes, they say so.

Comrade Kim Young!

Platoon leader!

Oh, the letter.

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

that I couldn't even touch it,

and lost it at last.

Didn't you have any news?

No, not at all.

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

while others say she went to the west...

all my fault.

Do you have a pencil?

No, I don't.

What's that fountain pen?

Oh this? I couldn't get any ink.

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

No, that's impossible.

Comrade Song, what made you come here?

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

I just returned from the west.

Knowing that I am a liaison man from Headquarters,

she came to see me and inquired about you.

So?

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

asking me to give it to you.

Isn't it Aspirin? I envy you.

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

I will send her

Well, good bye!

Say, Comrade!

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

She is small and slim...

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

Her nickname was "white lily".

If you have any chance to go to Byonsan,

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

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

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

You, Comrades! The chairman is coming!

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

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

I want you to follow the order of those comrades.

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

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

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

we'll haver better and more sufficient food,

although we had not completely recovered.

Mt. Dokyu, June 1951

I know you came a long, tough way.

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

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

your previous positions and career in the Chonbuk unit.

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

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

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

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

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

Cadre members! You take the lead of each unit.

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

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

Go get the supply of weapons and clothes!

Platoon leader, how shabby are you!

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

a heroic man

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

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

Yet, you should not look as shabby as this!

Aren't you from Jeonju?

I remember you!

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

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

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

Assemble!

Assemble!

lt's accidental firing! Accidental firing!

You stupid!

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

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

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

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

and constantly moved to another place.

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

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

The soldiers' fighting spirit was also high.

Look! That's is village.

We'll soon be arriving in Mt. Chiri.

Start! Our leader used to tell us

about Mt. Chiri as a stronghold

for the South Korean revolution.

We may be able to see commander Lee Hyun-Sang

if all the Nambugun units assemble.

That's a dream!

Let's get started!

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

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

What a spectacle!

Leader!

Leader!

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

the legendary commander of South Korea's partisan forces.

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

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

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

he was a nationalist,

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

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

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

we decided to smash, joining forces with Kyongnam units,

the police garrison in Doksan, Sinchon and Simjang

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

Let's launch a attack when it gets dark!

Enemy!

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

Seems that they are more than we can handle.

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

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

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

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

This affects the morale of all.

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

from the garrison area?

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

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

Flare bomb! Flare bomb!

Comrade Choe and I will take care of this garrison!

Comrades! You carry out your own mission!

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

Comrade Choe, keep firing!

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

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

Comrade Choe!

Come quickly!

Get this!

Come out! Hurry up!

- Ready fire! - Yes.

Fire!

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

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

I was also suffering from beriberi, and accompanied them

as an attendant to take care of the patients.

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

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

You, damn, son of bitch!

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

Yet I smell a luscious scent from you.

Your ideological outlook is corrupt!

Ideological outlook?

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

a genuine working-class man retaining the basic outlook?

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

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

No man dislikes liquor and woman.

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

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

What are you talking about, Comrade Joo?

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

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

Be ready to return to your unit.

Yes.

Well, something serious could have happened!

I sympathize with you, Comrade Lee.

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

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

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

That boy is always playing a "Cherry"

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

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

Then, do you know about love?

Have I had any time to make love?

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

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

Feeling indignation against them. I came into this mountain

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

But I was a little impatient.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop that silly talk!

lt's true

The political member said so.

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

Comrade Lee!

How about working in the political section when you return?

How can I dare you?

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

lowest fighter.

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

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

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

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

Comrade Kim Hui-suk was promoted to battalion commander.

A great festival was held that night.

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

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

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

Welcome!

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

I'm glad to meet you.

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

Nice to meet you!

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

Glad to meet you.

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

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

Victorious Road of Mt. Chiri and our war history.

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

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

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

As the winter approached, Nambugun settled in Hakdong Valley.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds like a dream...

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

That's unreasonable.

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

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

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

and people's liberation.

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

I was frozen during patrol.

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

by the South Korean army and so forth.

According to progress made in the Armistice talks,

both sides will wage a desperate struggle to secure

even an inch more of lands along the Armistice line,

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

by dragging the enemy troops into Mt. Chiri

from the main front line to the maximum extent.

In other words, we carry out the role of division

by talking hold of the troops of one enemy division

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

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

nearby major strongholds in cooperation with 57th Kyongnam Division

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

Comrade, you write a manifesto to read for all troops

before they set out for assault.

I hope you will write an impressive and inspiring manifesto.

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

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

In other words, we are waging and advantageous

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

How is the time for us offer

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

Damn! Our secret leaked out!

All to combat position!

Rascals are indeed desperate with bombardment!

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

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

How about a temporary retreat?

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

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

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

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

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

Damn! How can we retreat in this situation!

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

Let's hurry up!

strategic retreat

Comrade Choe!

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

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

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

and compress the encircling net.

We are completely encircled!

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

What's the status of damages?

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

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

Blazes fade in that cliff.

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

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

and Southwest district combat command under the Capital Division.

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

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

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

Pluck up courage!

Comrade Hui-suk, take courage!

Hui-suk! Keep up your nerve!

I'm hopeless!

Blood sheds in your face...

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

You should survive and meet your mother!

Mama...

Hui-suk!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Pass word 'turn around!'!

Get Up! The "yellow dogs" have withdrawn!

Get up!

- Get up! - Get up!

Hurry up!

Comrade Kim Young!

Oh, you are alive!

Is this the Jeonju unit?

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

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

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

We'll have rice secretly stored there.

We'll have hot, steaming rice food.

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

Furthermore, most of soldiers are frostbitten and cannot walk.

Unless some measures are taken by the North...

Hey, you!

You are an indoctrination guide.

How can you make such reckless defeatist remarks?

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

We waged the struggle even in the worst condition

and are totally exhausted amid coldness and hunger.

During Bolshevik revolution

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

imperialist rule, the anti-Japanese partisans in Manchuria struggled

while engaging in farming and cultivating fields.

Now, what is our situation?

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

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

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

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

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

We'll win the final victory!

Sure.

The neither side will be victorious.

Our tragedy begin with the fact that we failed to

repel the Japanese imperialist aggressors by our own strength

and that the nation was liberated by outside forces.

Both the South Korean people's tenacious resistance struggle

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

caused by such a fact.

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

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

You, Comrade!

If you say that again...

Let's calm down!

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

Let's work out some plans to boost

the morale of exhausted fighters.

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

I was listening to arguments in the political section.

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

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

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

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

coming into the mountain with me

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

I thought I could seek such significance when I am confronted

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

Look at those comrades!

Our enemy at this point is

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

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

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

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

and "white lily" that I wanted to seek.

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

The enemy's airplanes!

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

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

and we were all as exhausted as we could be.

How come you look so shabby?

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

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

The ranks were severed in the middle.

Some fellows lost their own ranks while dozing.

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

I see.

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

I'll go with you.

Taesong Valley in Mt. Chiri

Platoon leader!

Comrade guide!

I was taking care of an exhausted nurse...

Where are the other members?

The other members?

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

We came to link the line.

Comrade! Comrade nurse!

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

Take courage!

They are comrades!

Comrades! Have I really survived?

Where are the men? Where is the emergency line?

The site where weapons are concealed...

You mean, the storage house of weapons?

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

You mean, we have to cross the main ridgeline?

My feet are frostbitten and getting rotten.

lt'll take two full days.

Let's go!

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

But we must link the ranks!

Otherwise, we'll all die in vain!

How about going there detouring Yonso rock and Imgol hill?

That's right. That's less arduous.

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

We can get there to night.

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

Seems that they would not kill me...

Nothing is here, either.

We can't find even a rotten potato.

The "yellow dogs" must have ordered brand-tillers

not to leave a grain of rice.

Let's get going!

Comrade Ha is hopeless!

His leg is decaying up to the knee.

He fainted at seeing his leg

as I pulled up his trousers.

He should not know this...

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

He will die soon if we leave him alone.

No! My leg! Where is my leg!

My leg! My leg!

My leg!

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

I'll be back soon.

Comrade Kim! Where is my leg?

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

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

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

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

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

I want to go with you.

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

No, I won't!

Platoon leader and nurse went down last night.

So, they ran away!

I won't do so.

You are different. You are only forced to surrender.

Comrades!

Please take me with you, please!

Please!

Comrade Kim!

Please!

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

go down or...

Comrade!

Comrade Kim!

Comrade guide! Comrade Kim!

I hope not he will blow himself up.

Let's go.

Don't move!

Platoon leader must have told them on us!

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

Let's get out!

Don't come!

Don't come any closer!

Dangerous!

Don't come any closer!

Put back the safety pin!

You'll survive if you surrender with the certificate!

Hurry up!

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

Search the house!

No one is there!

Platoon leader!

Chief!

I'm hopeless!

Chief!

Stop firing!

No more footprints...

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

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

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

16 month later, the Armistice Agreement was signed.

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

as well as discovery and delivery of the war dead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This film is dedicated to their souls.