Eyes Of Dawn
- September 22, 1948 - Law Punishing Crimes Against the Korean Nation Enacted
Breaking news! Breaking news!
- Episode 31 - Originally Aired on 01/22/1992
What is this about?
A law punishing crimes against the nation?
- Gyeongseong Detention Center -
Number 237.
I see you haven't signed the pledge against communism yet?!
Are you going to keep quiet again?
Do you know what I had to go through for this one visit?
It's no easy feat for a political prisoner like you to see a lawyer.
Is Daewoon still staying with Jang Seonsaeng?
Right, and you know in what kind of trouble that is putting him?
As if he didn't have enough on his shoulders, being investigated...
by the intelligence department and all.
- And yet you... - Go tell him.
To leave Daewoon to whatever orphanage he can find, and stop worrying about...
Look, Miss Yoon.
I can't stand to see a Yankee yes-man like him raise my kid.
Make it clear that there is nothing he can do to change my mind.
- US Military Government -
- See you. - Bye, Bob.
I'm sure I needn't tell you, but I work for the intelligence department.
They teach us how to get rid of people on our trail.
You little...
Go tell Choi Duil.
He better stop trying to play with fire.
So what I was saying is that meeting like this is dangerous for the both of us.
Choi Duil and all his cronies are in a frenzy trying to catch you red-handed.
Is that all she told you to tell me?
Who, Yoon Yeook?
- Didn't she mention anything else? - Look, Captain Jang.
The only reason why I'm still a lawyer despite my past as a political prisoner...
is because I have documents proving I was ousted from the north for being right-wing.
- It's the only reason I'm still here. - Can't I meet her?
You still don't get it, do you?
Do you know why I'm not even asking you to pay me?
Because providing legal counsel for a commie would brand me right away!
And what would that make of me? A commie lawyer.
Don't mind me. And you just laugh it off?!
Even sitting here with you makes me worried.
- Can't see my glass is empty? - Ahh... Yes.
- Let me ask you something. - Go ahead.
Are you sure Yoon Yeook is not a commie?
I might be a third-rate lawyer who is a little too fond of the bottle,
but I do have my beliefs.
I'd rather quit drinking than offer legal counsel to commies.
Have I ever told you this before?
Yes, more than once.
Then, let me ask one more time.
Is Yoon Yeook a commie or not?
She's not.
But you know, every time she refers to you,
she calls you a crony of the Yankee imperialists?!
Despite all that, you're sure she's not?
She would never be capable of that.
Anyhow, I shouldn't have let you handle this from the start.
She just reminded me of my daughter.
You had one?
She died at a comfort station.
And the missus was killed by commies.
Wouldn't that make a drunkard out of most men?
Our Daewoon's a good boy, isn't he?
- How old are you? - Five.
Ohh... Is that so?
- Does Daddy ever come home? - No.
I see...
Ajeosshi.
Seems like he's fond of you.
I dropped by on my way back.
Turns out one of my men got a little word of warning from you, so I thought I'd come say hi.
And since I was here, I could check how Yoon Yeook's kid was doing.
- So you like this ajeosshi, don't you? - Yes.
- How much? - This... much! Like the sky.
He's cute, isn't he?
See you again, then.
Who is it, Number 1562? Get her out!
Shut your mouth!
Come out!
During the colonial days, I used to be infamous as a crime division detective.
But I now added more titles to that.
The infamously reactionary detective.
And this is the infamously reactionary prosecutor.
So what I'm saying is this infamous detective made him a promise.
That he would save Yoon Yeook's life.
We should think of poor little Daewoon, he's still a child...
If he ends up on the street, he wouldn't even know how to beg.
Don't you feel wronged?
You'd be the only one to be executed.
While Jang Harim enjoys riches and fame.
You were naive enough to fall into his trap.
So just confess what he made you do.
What could you possibly know about the communist party?!
You were even awarded a medal by the US Army.
Just say you followed his orders, that you're completely innocent.
Just that one word from you and you'll be released on probation.
Look at all this blood!
She's dead! She's dead.
Hello, who's speaking?
Hello?
Ahh... Attorney Kim.
Ajeosshi, who is it?
- Gyeongseong Prosecutor's Office -
He went to meet her.
He went there firsthand.
He was the first to say it.
That he was ready to meet her in the presence of detectives.
Looks like we might settle this case much sooner than we expected?!
After all, wouldn't that imply he's turning himself in?
We were all in a frenzy looking for evidence everywhere... But look at this.
You woke up?
There is nothing to fear.
I was only able to see you thanks to him.
I promised them I'd confess everything if they let me meet you.
Stop acting like this.
Don't worry.
Just act as if we were the only ones here.
Can you do that?
Why are you here?
Why did you do that?
Was it because of me?
Should I believe that?
I didn't know what else to do.
Because I kept thinking I wanted to live.
But then I worried what could happen to Daewoon or you if I did...
So I couldn't handle it.
You no longer need to waste your time doing that now.
- This is why I'm here. - But...
No. Believe me.
Nothing will happen to me because of you.
I'm not that much of a pushover.
So stop saying things you don't even believe in.
Just be yourself and do whatever you wish.
That is what can help me.
You believe me?
See what happens if the missus finds out I've been in a woman's ward all day.
I was dispatched elsewhere when my wife gave birth.
But good things come to those who wait.
A communist knocks at my door, eager to confess because of the woman he loves...
Romantic, isn't it?
Shall we head down to the station? Or else you could meet the prosecutor.
I'll be honest all the way.
Back in the day, I had no faith in legislation or any government intervention.
I just thought they were ploys by those in power.
But now I've changed my mind,
so I wish to face the issue head on.
Look.
I'll help Yeook stand trial, and even testify if necessary.
But for that to happen, I'll first have to get rid of all...
the puppets you pro-Japanese collaborators have filled the government with.
Say what?
I'm actually thinking of giving national fervor another chance.
Wait!
If you wish to arrest me, come to the US Military Government with a warrant.
- January 8, 1949 - Treason Law Committee Begins First Round of Arrests
- January 13, 1949 - Kim Taeseok (Chief of Investigation Division During Colonial Rule) Arrested
- January 18, 1949 - Lee Seonggeun (Senior Police Chief of North Pyeongan Prov. During Colonial Rule) Arrested
Mister Jang!
Yes?
I need to talk you for a minute.
Thank you. Yes, it's me.
Noh Deoksul should be home in Gujong-Dong.
Four police officers have been sent out already.
That's right.
Yes.
They ended up catching Noh Deoksul as well.
What is it, pro-Japanese police against the Treason Law Committee?
It's only the beginning,
because they'll start by arresting key police officers.
For instance, Choi Woonha of the Metropolitan Police's Inspection Department,
Jo Woongseon of the Jong-Ro Police's Inspection Department,
and Chief of Gyeongju Police Seo Youngchul.
And Choi Duil.
Yes.
Is it true you're actively trying to expose all pro-Japanese collaborators within the police?
I began investigating them at the US Military Government.
It's actually the reason why I went back there after the liberation.
To find a way to get rid of them once and for all.
So, what, you're going to keep fighting until Choi Duil is behind bars?
He'll be arrested in a matter of days.
You really think you have good chances of succeeding?
"Let's show our national spirit and repel all collaborators!"
Think it'll make any impact?
That declaring war on people like Choi Duil will be as easy as you think?
What would you do if put in their shoes, get on all fours and tell people to go ahead?
"Here's my arm. I'm a pro-Japanese collaborator, so go ahead and cut if off."
"Wait... Want my leg as well?! Here!"
Right as violent and rebellious individuals oppress our people on the street...
and secretly conspire behind closed doors,
Anti-National Activities Committee
there is a clear need to offer the police all the support and understanding we can muster.
Which is why I hereby solicit the government for an act of dignity...
- February 2, 1949 - President Lee Seungman's Official Speech
and generosity in discreetly investigating these occurrences.
- Jong-Ro Police Station -
It has to be an isolated case.
In other words, someone who wouldn't easily be identified.
You know, professional terrorists and all. Choose among them.
But remember this.
Even if they're exposed, this must end as an isolated case of terrorism.
Meaning that we can't allow them to embroil the police in all this.
But it will take quite the sum.
Of course it will.
Let me introduce him, here's Chairman Park.
I'm Baek Insoo.
Have a seat.
He's been active in Beijing with the underground movement.
He's quite accomplished.
He's currently working as an intelligence agent for our police station.
So an independence fighter works as a spy for pro-Japanese policemen?
Chairman.
I learned quite a precious lesson from you.
To be faithful to the Japanese empire when they dominate,
and become loyal to the Americans once they gain power.
Because that's how you'll earn fame and fortune.
Chief Choi, what do you think?
Isn't he talking a little too much?
- North Pyeongan, Cheolsan Mines -
Quick, get off.
Get moving.
Lee Jongwon, No. 288. Area 6, mine duty.
Choi Daechi, No. 289. Area 7, your duty...
- Have him be Sakiyama's assistant. - What?! But he's got no experience.
Can you manage? You'll be working deep inside the mine.
Someone died here a few days ago.
He kept puking blood, and seems it was some lung disease.
He died right here.
I'm No. 145, Lee Juhwan.
It's been around three months since I first came here.
Eighty-seven days, to be specific.
Hey... You.
You!
Come down here.
289, that's your name from now on.
I'm Area 7's foreman.
This place is not called Human Reeducation Center for nothing.
- Hey... 145. - Sir!
- Tell him. - Yes!
We are here to foster a positive spirit of unity in our hearts,
and turn any negative instincts into positive ones,
by all taking part in honorable work for the sake of our socialist society!
Right.
And that's the great meaning behind this reeducation center.
Depending on my evaluation, your stay here could last a year,
or even the rest of your days.
Is that clear?
Answer me. Is that clear?
You little...
Is that clear?
Is it?
In other words, what subversive and anti-national elements would do!
Someone taking part in our revolution goes AWOL and crosses the border...
just for the sake of a woman? This is inadmissible!
The party decided to give you another chance.
But what did you do with it down south?
You personally orchestrated the labor strikes in Yongsan.
You know how much trouble the Southern Labor Party went through because of you?
And the same goes for Jeju!
How are we supposed to react when faced with such extreme behavior?
Not to mention that you abandoned comrades in combat to escape alone?
While forcing a precious comrade like Seo Gangcheon to sacrifice his life.
This is the testimony we received from Comrade Kim in Jeju.
Have any comments on that?
You will stand trial.
I suggest you reflect on your mistakes and prepare yourself.
You must meticulously and honestly confess everything that happened.
- Get up! - Wake the hell up!
Get moving!
Want to stay here all day?
Hey... 289.
Go fetch some water.
Let's go.
Insolent prick.
Go...
I'm going up north.
We'll stay here.
We might never get to meet again.
I don't want to become a burden to you.
I didn't wait for you all this time for that.
Listen, you know why you're stuck working at the end of the line?
So you won't waste time thinking.
Because in there, lose your concentration and you'll be gone in a second.
As for me, I don't know the first thing about socialism or communism.
All I know is how to dig mines.
When you're down here, everyone is one and the same.
Everyone eats, sleeps and takes a shit.
And then they all die, don't they?
So stop trying to look back while you're still alive.
So, what will you do?
You have two options.
You either go for the people's court,
or change quarters.
What would you rather do?
Foreman. Foreman.
- Spring 1949, Seoul -
I had a dream.
I was in Saipan, by the sea.
It might have been a dream, but the sea looked so blue.
I never really realized it when I was there.
But go figure, in my dream it was all blue...
Daewoon's all right, isn't he?
Sure. He can even read now.
My brother's wife had been teaching him.
He can read?
He can even write our country's name.
I see...
The first hearing is tomorrow, have you ever been to a trial?
No.
Will you be all right?
What really matters is that you must never give up hope.
You'll hang in there, won't you?
You waited for me all night, back at the beach in Jeju?
You were there?
- I didn't think... - Forget it.
So you came...
I thought all sorts of things that night.
For instance,
how lonely you can feel when you love someone else.
You know...
Wait.
Can I borrow a light?
- Thank you. - Yes.
I wonder why there are so few reporters around.
They're all at the courthouse.
It's all because of the anti-national activities trial.
That's too bad, I'm stuck with the one in the third courthouse.
What, about the mole discovered in the US Military Government?
That's what the police believe, being always pro-Japanese and all.
Did I just hear "pro-Japanese police"?
Yes... The trial should start any minute.
Name.
Yoon Yeook.
Who found you that job at the US Military Government?
A senior US officer called Hialty.
Did he actually ask you to work there?
I suppose someone connected you to him?
- Yes. - Who was that?
- A Korean man working there. - What was his name?
Captain Jang Harim, right?
You worked under him as a secretary, didn't you?
- No, what I did was... - By that,
you mean you never worked under Jang Harim?
You did, right?
Yes.
Records say you openly denied any ties to the communist party,
is that so?
Yes.
So if you weren't even a party member, why would you do something so dangerous?
Were you forced to by someone?
- Nobody forced it on me. - So it must have been voluntary.
You weren't a party member, and yet you engaged in espionage for them, right?
Why did you attempt suicide on the night of the 21st?
I couldn't bear to go on any longer.
Go on with what, the police's torture?
Objection.
He doesn't have any evidence that such torture even took place,
and yet he's using it to distract Your Honor.
Objection sustained.
All right.
You once were imprisoned during the colonial era, weren't you?
I don't see what that might have to do with this trial.
- What were your charges? - Objection!
So, what, want to point out it's not a relevant question?
This trial is about espionage in the US Military Government, yet...
The prosecutor is disrespecting me.
I've been a lawyer for over two decades.
Are you suggesting I'm wasting His Honor's time with irrelevant nonsense?
Your Honor.
Go ahead.
What were you imprisoned for, back then?
For the Bumin Hall incident.
By Bumin Hall, you must mean the attack on key Great Cause Front figures?
- Yes. - What did you do?
I was carrying explosives.
Who was the detective in charge?
- Your Honor! - Let's hear it.
His Japanese name was Suzuki.
He's Detective Choi Duil of the main station.
Choi Duil?! Isn't he in charge of this case as well?
Yes.
Your Honor, I ask you to make him stop with these kind of questions.
So you falsely confessed because you feared he would torture you again?
The defense is slandering our country's prosecutor's office with his claims.
I'll come to a conclusion, if I may.
No evidence of espionage was found.
If anything, the wrongful testimony which framed her might come...
from the real spy within the US military government.
But even that is questionable.
And that's because she was accused by someone infamous for his questioning practices.
- Defendant... - I was merely...
trying to bring to your attention whom we're dealing with.
That is all.
Yes.
Thank you for the call.
Baek speaking.
You've got a deal.