Legend of the Patriots
Episode 17
How far have we gotten?
Won't take long.
We're entering the frontline right now.
We'll find Private Park, won't we?
Of course.
We can't leave without him.
Comrade, you're from the 17th Regiment?!
Yes.
Then, what is the 2nd Battalion's current position?
We are 2nd Battalion.
The men behind me are the sole survivors.
We suffered several casualties.
But... Where were you headed?
We were bringing reinforcements straight from army command.
Then, just turn around.
We're the last ones,
and the enemy has already gained control of that hill.
Fine, then. We'll just...
go tend to the injured and go back to base.
- That'll be all. - Yes.
Look at every single one of them.
If you see Private Park,
get him on board and say we have direct orders from army command.
Juyong!
I can't see him... He's not with them.
We reached the end of the line now.
Sergeant... How do we proceed?
Follow me.
Sergeant.
Sergeant!
Comrade!
What are you doing there? Turn around!
Let's go.
Comrade, what is the matter?
They're deserters.
Sons of bitches...
Did you look for any stranded soldiers?
We found two injured.
Over there.
- Let's move. - Yes.
Juyong.
Here... Let's get ready.
We'll soon be leaving enemy lines.
Get the flag up.
The flag!
Put the white flags up!
Quick... Hurry up!
Quick!
Don't shoot!
We're ROK forces!
- Don't shoot! - We're not the enemy!
A sniper!
- Snipers on the cliff! - Snipers!
Which way?
That way!
Beomwoo!
Taeksu!
Private Jeong!
We're not the enemy!
Don't shoot! Hold it! We're ROK soldiers!
Boys...
Are you all right?
- What happened to you? - Are you boys all right?
Sergeant Park!
Taeksu...
Taeksu! Hey!
Sergeant Park!
- Taeksu. - Taeksu...
Freeze!
Hands up!
Please, don't shoot. We're ROK soldiers.
Sergeant First Class Lee Hyeonjoong, we have two injured.
They were shot!
Hands up! On your knees!
Kneel down!
Really?
Yes.
6th Division just called to confirm their identities.
Great... Did they all make it back safely?
Two injured and one got stranded.
One of them suffered serious injuries,
so he'll be transferred to our army hospital.
Still, no less than seven made it back safely.
Finally they're back. Finally...
Yes... It's like a miracle.
Right.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Let's have a little more, shall we?
My... When was the last time we had a chance to sit down for tea?
Feels like a dream.
Tell me about it...
Finally starting to realize we've actually made it back alive.
Sergeant.
Let's all have a toast.
Uh? Sure... Let's do that.
Sounds nice.
I'm proud of you all.
- To us. - To us!
- We've made it. - See you around.
Sergeant.
So when will we be sent back to division HQ?
We'll be going back first thing in the morning.
Really?
Ajeosshi, there must be a stack of letters waiting for you.
Better get ready for all-nighters!
Enough with that.
But without two of us, it feels like something is missing.
Right.
How's the arm?
Just fine.
But... Will Private Jeong be all right?
They said those injuries won't threaten his life,
so we'll just have to wait and see.
Anyhow, he at least managed to survive.
Who knows...
whether he'll consider this surviving or not.
He'll eventually adjust one way or another.
- Jeong Taeksu - Private First Class, 13th Division
Aged 22, Blood Type A - Requires Toileting Assistance -
Good job.
- Let's take a breather. - Yes.
Comrade Sugyeong!
Are you back from a mission?
We offered support to the 17th Regiment.
I see...
Are they all that's left of your company, comrade?
Yes.
We suffered heavy casualties last night.
They had the misfortune of meeting a wretched leader like me,
so many of our young comrades had to die.
No need to waste time blaming yourself.
Ex...Excuse me?
Needlessly blame yourself, and that'll ruin your next battle as well.
You will get the chance to avenge all those deaths.
Continue bolstering our men's morale.
Yes!
She seems to have become much more cold-hearted.
Don't even joke about that.
She must be struggling hard to endure all this as it is.
Everyone, on your feet.
Wake up, come on.
Are you sending us back?
No, I just received orders to transfer you somewhere else.
What is that supposed to mean?
I can't tell you with certainty myself,
but I think there might be some kind of problem.
Everyone, step out.
Everyone, follow me inside. Move.
Hurry up and come in.
The hell is this place...
Isn't this where they question captured commies?
Loyalty!
Ahh... Look at these twats...
The hell do you think you are, staring like that?
Hands up. Hands over your head, you pricks!
Do it!
On your knees.
Kneel down, you fools!
Who is Lee Hyeonjoong?
Yes...
- It's me. - Commie son of a bitch!
Take these fools inside!
- Yes. - Get up!
- Quick. - Let's go.
Loyalty!
- Get moving! - Please...
Spare me...
- Don't kill me... - Move!
I said keep quiet!
Enough with the excuses and wrap it up by the end of the day!
Yes, Sir.
- Get in. - Get going, you prick!
The hell are you looking at?
Write down everything you've done all these years.
What?
All of it?
You little...
N...No... I will.
Write about your last assignment in detail,
and you!
Better not forget about going AWOL along the way.
Division of tasks, operational progress...
I want it all down to the finest details.
Yes...
Write down who you met at the concentration camp,
what you talked about, and what you did while there.
Why are you doing this to us?
We merely followed our orders and reported back to base.
What? You sorry ass...
- 3rd POW Camp, the Cradle of Defectors -
This just came in from Intelligence.
*lit. Labor Daily, mouthpiece of North Korea's Worker's Party
It was published in the Rodong Sinmun* two days ago,
you lying commie scumbag.
"...staunchly criticized the American imperialists and the Lee Seungman dictatorship,"
"winning accolades with his essay on our leading ideology."
Guess your prose must be worth some praise, indeed.
"Sergeant Park Ilkwon informed camp direction of an escape plot..."
"devised by a group of prisoners, and by volunteering to lead the autonomous squad,"
"he set the example, by punishing the perpetrators firsthand."
This was a report from State Security agent Yoon Jeongim.
So, shall we get things started?
"No" what... Who are you trying to fool?
You gave up one of your injured men to the enemy,
walked into the concentration camp on your own,
and even rang that bell and defected!
And you still want to deny it?
I had no other choice.
If I hadn't done things that way,
I would have never been able to rescue my men.
You bastard, keep it up... Listen.
Cut the crap and start speaking.
I already dug into police records from your hometown and the US Army.
You know that wench, Lee Sugyeong, right?
The same woman who defected to the north after her propaganda activities.
You were seeing each other, right?
Am I right or not, you prick?
You are.
Did you know she was going to defect or not?
I knew.
So why not report it?
You plotted this together, didn't you?
You planned for her to cross the border,
after which you'd join the army and sabotage our operations from within, right?
No... Each went his separate way.
Separate!
And you still managed to make contact with her on two occasions,
despite being in the middle of a conflict?
That high-ranking officer leading the Chinese PLA 81st Division...
was none other than Lee Sugyeong.
Not to mention being captain of Special Ops from 7th Brigade,
put in charge of guarding that supply base.
Why, thought we wouldn't keep track of enemy personnel movements?
There was another friend of yours at that camp, wasn't it?
Yoon Jeongim of State Security!
You've been in contact with her even before our liberation.
You were disciplined for insubordination back in Shanghai,
when you took matters into your own hands and worked with her.
And you still have the guts to deny it?
Lee Hyeonjoong.
You're done.
I mean it... I really have no idea how to write.
I just sat there while he wrote it all on his own.
Hey!
Will you continue with this bullshit?
It's the truth!
Why do you think I was fooled into joining the army?
I went to the market to buy a ring for my wife,
and seeing this long line of people, I thought they were distributing sugar.
It was only after I sealed those documents that I realized it was a volunteer draft.
Still, I never regretted what I did that day.
With all those young kids risking their lives out there...
When would a fool like me get the chance to fight for his country again?
Words don't seem to work with you.
What?
It's your last chance.
Write down everything that happened.
Stop pretending you can't write!
I'll give you half an hour.
Guard!
Aigoo...
Confess!
You betrayed them, didn't you?
You ratted on them to save your ass, and then killed all the others, right?
And what for?
You worked under that woman from State Security, right?
Isn't that what got you out of that camp?
Stop insulting me.
Say what, you prick?
Hurry up and confess.
Enough with all that nonsense about a mole from State Security!
I've got enough in my hands to send you rotting in jail.
You assaulted prisoners, conspired with the enemy,
and even used violence against your direct superior.
That alone would be enough to make you a scumbag!
You little twat, are you kidding me?
No... It's all true...
Please, believe me. I beg you.
Look at you...
It's the truth, I have no idea what you're talking about.
- Say what? - I swear I had nothing to do with that!
You prick, are you going to deny it to the very end?
I'm telling you the truth...
That's not true.
I hate those commie bastards more than anything in the world.
I see...
You're right.
You lying scumbag!
I beg you to believe me. We're ROK soldiers!
We're on the same damned side!
You prick!
Any confession?
They're all in cahoots.
They likely plotted what to say beforehand.
They might have been instigated by Lee Hyeonjoong at the camp,
and after staging an escape, they all crossed enemy lines.
Any evidence?
For starters, of all the people who allegedly escaped from the camp,
they're the only ones who safely crossed the border.
Not to mention it's quite unlikely they would have gone unnoticed by NKPA forces.
And that can only mean that there was no escape at all.
They probably just transported them to the frontline, and that was it.
Might have all been plotted by Yoon Jeongim of State Security.
Good, so let's sort this out.
But bear in mind that if we don't deal with them,
we'll be dealing with another rebellion like what happened to 14th Regiment.
Is that clear?
Yes, Sir.
1st Squad...
Talk to me!
1st Squad!
Yes, Sir...
Yes!
Yes, Sir!
Hang in there.
We'll be out soon.
No... I guarantee you!
Is that clear?
Sergeant Park, is everything all right?
Sergeant Park!
Sergeant Park, brave it out...
You must never give up.
Hang in there... Give it your all!
Don't let it put you down.
You'll soon forget all this.
It's just a brief misunderstanding.
Nothing more... Got it?
Uh?!
Are we set?
Give it here.
So you used violence against your squad,
and beat your superior to a pulp?
I was forced to.
I had no other choice.
You keep repeating that,
but I wouldn't have acted that way.
I would have just refused to comply,
and let the NKPA kill me on the spot.
Isn't that what being a soldier is about?
Then...
Are you telling me...
that getting out alive is a crime?
Ask it to yourself and see what your conscience suggests.
If you still have one, that is.
I took a look at your records,
and it turns out you were the lone survivor of a recon mission at Nakdong River?!
Another betrayal, I bet?
You let them get slaughtered just to save yourself, didn't you?
You pathetic traitor. And you call yourself a soldier?
What...
will it take to convince you?
No matter what you say, you'll never convince me.
You're nothing but a scumbag.
Open it.
I apologize...
Let me write again... I'll start from scratch!
- Just kill me and get it over with! - I'll write it again!
What... What do you want me to say?
I'll start from scratch!
Why are you doing this to me?
I swear!
I'm not a commie!
I beg you... Stop... Stop!
Lee Hyeonjoong.
They all just followed your orders.
Don't you even feel sorry for those poor fools?
They're all innocent.
Same goes for Sergeant Park.
They were being exploited.
Isn't that the reason I want you to confess?
You're behind all this.
If you have a shred of conscience left, stop what they're doing to them.
Keep this up, and you'll all be executed.
I don't want to have to witness such naive fools getting shot.
You fooled them into doing all this.
You wicked son of a bitch.
All right, then.
You'll get your confession.
I am a commie.
I've always been fascinated by that ideology,
and my defection was sincere.
I expected to be commended by our division commander,
if I made such a triumphant return.
That would be...
the perfect opportunity to kill him, and fulfill my mission.
The boys didn't know a thing.
All they did was following the orders I gave them.
So allow them all to report back to their posts.
If your confession is confirmed,
you'll be executed.
Are you prepared to go that far?
Yes.
Good.
Since you've at least shown a shred of dignity,
I'll try what I can to help your squad.
Here... Write it down.
From what aroused your interest in socialism to everything that happened to this day.
Write it all.
Loyalty!
What's with all this ruckus?
Loyalty!
Where are my boys?
"I'm a soldier."
General!
Sergeant Park.
Sergeant Park...
Let's go...
It's all over.
Here...
Loyalty!
An official dispatch from army command.
It states that the division commander will not hold anyone of these men...
responsible for what happened throughout this mission.
Whatever repercussions might arise,
I'll put my career on the line and take responsibility.
Need anything more?
You can't just walk away in this manner.
You never know what could happen if you let them back in without any question.
I was captured as well, and got to meet the same Lee Sugyeong.
And the people who came to my rescue...
were those boys over there.
Here... Cuff me.
I'm on the same boat.
You'd have all the reasons to be suspicious of my conduct.
Go ahead.
Take them with you.
We'll just pray we were wrong about them.
Have faith in them.
If you can trust me,
do the same for my boys.
You can't do this, Sir. It could get you into trouble.
Giving up on your men is not what soldiers do.
Don't you worry about me.
Those people are soldiers just like us.
Loyalty!
Master Sergeant, Lee Hyeonjoong.
Sergeant First Class, Park Ilkwon.
Sergeant First Class, Baek Seungjin.
Sergeant First Class, Kim Joonbeom.
Staff Sergeant, Yeom Hajin.
Staff Sergeant, Yang Sanggil.
Private First Class, Kim Beomwoo.
Congratulations on your promotion.
I've also requested an Order of Military Merit for you all.
You'll soon hear the good news.
Thank you, Sir.
Don't thank me.
You more than deserved it.
You did us proud.
The situation at the front is as frantic as when you left it.
So forget the past, and get ready for a new fight tomorrow.
When the sound of gunfire stops filling the air,
you'll have all the time to reminisce on the wounds of this war.
Sergeant Lee... No...
Master Sergeant.
Sir!
You'll have even greater responsibility now.
I'm aware that you fell behind trying to rescue a deserting squad member.
My apologies, Sir.
I have no intention of blaming you.
It's only when you're willing to give up your life even for a single man...
that you legitimize your authority.
But at times, the situation requires you to look at the bigger picture.
It's the heaviest burden those ranks can put on you,
as when that badge pierces your chest,
you must be prepared to bear suffering your men couldn't ever cope with.
Never forget that.
Yes, Sir.
- Sit. - Focus!
- Up. - Discipline!
- Sit. - Focus!
- Up. - Discipline!
- Sit. - Focus!
- Up. - Discipline!
Is that all you can do?
- Sit. - Focus!
- Up. - Discipline!
Wow... They sure are pushing them.
Ahh... Really... You people will make me tear up.
Who ever thought getting back here would be so hellish.
- Sit... - Focus!
This can't be a dream, can it?
Want me to pinch you and find out?
You're hurting me!
You noisy staff sergeants...
Isn't that right?
Sergeant First Class!
...Sir.
I mean, we're the same rank,
so I was starting to get confused.
Lieutenant.
Loyalty.
Wow... You really are immortal, aren't you?
I didn't...
It's not true...
I'm sorry...
I didn't...
I'm sure it was that female soldier.
The one you tried to rescue in the caves.
She was the sniper who shot Private Jeong.
Are you all right?
Aren't you sleeping?
Woke up just like you.
Guess it's all starting again tomorrow.
Right.
When will this war ever end?
Why?
It's just...
I think... I'm starting to get tired of it.
On your feet!
It's an emergency. Get up!
Quick!
Move your ass, you pricks!
Move!
Quick!
The enemy's entire 2nd Division is joining the front from Hwacheon.
They must be stopped before they reach the Bukhan River tributaries.
I want a defense perimeter set up at every crossing point...
from Gail-Ri to Wira-Ri.
Yes, Sir.
Where are we headed?
Bidan Bridge. That's where we'll set up our defense line.
Bidan (silk)... That's quite a name.
Bidan Bridge...
Bidan Bridge must be ours by 1300 hours,
after which we'll advance towards the nearest village before sunset.
I will be leading the vanguard.
Yes.
Here... Proceed!
Proceed!
Hurry up and bring the rest of the ammo!
Hey... More barrels here!
Let's get moving, dammit!
Is that all you can do?
Let's wake the hell up, shall we? Are you here on vacation?
Let's get moving!
Hurry up!
You little pricks, came out for a picnic?
Sounds just like the creek my wife went to for the laundry.
Is he at least alive?
He doesn't even know how to write.
Did I ever apologize to you?
I'm sorry... I mean it.
Enough with that. Just forget it.
Here they are. Quick!
Everyone seems to end up dead in a matter of days with me,
unless they're immortal like you, that is.
Major Choi?!
Sergeant Park... Sergeant Park!!
You're a soldier.
You can never lose a fight against anything or anyone.
Your younger brother was killed in battle.
He was the last to survive after everyone else died!
Don't kill me, I beg you!