Road Number One
Episode 11
This program has received production support from Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
This drama spans the first year of the Korean War,
which broke out on June 25, 1950 and raged for three years.
Most of the events of the Korean War have been dramatically recreated
and do not reflect any actual individuals or troops.
[In order to spearhead the historical entry into Pyeongyang,]
[the Korean and U.N. soldiers march north through day and night.]
[The division at the helm, 2nd Company,] [finds the Daedong River just under their nose.]
Commander?
Honestly, I'm confused.
Commander, you were someone I hated enough to kill,
but I feel I'm starting to accept you.
Commander.
Su Yeon ...
are you forgiving her?
We squeeze out every ounce of strength we have and survive.
And we don't give up to the end, even with stark naked hope alone.
That's what I'm going to do.
Because the person I love
is probably thinking the same thing
and enduring the same way.
I've ...
come home,
Su Yeon.
[Episode 11]
Currently, 3 of our units and the American Cavalry unit are advancing on Pyeongyang.
The opposition is not as tough as we had thought.
They must have been scared by the bombing by the American troops.
There's been a report that the enemy front line has retreated back to Amnok (Yalu) River.
It's similar to when we were pushed back to the Nakdong River.
Until we enter Pyeongyang, we can't slow down our advance.
I understand.
It's not enough to understand.
We must absolutely get in there first.
At times like these, we need a hero that enters first.
A hero to represent the entire allied forces.
A hero?
Although Seoul was recaptured by the American troops and the Marines,
Pyeongyang, the heart of the enemy, must be captured by our division.
The soldier who hangs a Korean flag in Pyeongyang first will become that hero.
Other troops will probably have their eyes ablaze and try for it as well.
You're not confident?
Right now, 2nd Company looks like the strongest candidate.
We will do everything in our power.
Doesn't your chest tremble just thinking about it?
Reclaiming Pyeongyang.
Just over the pass, a soldier's immortal honor awaits.
[Pyeongyang Women's Alliance]
What made you come all the way here?
We've searched every pharmacy we could.
There's no other place we could turn to but here.
The Women's Alliance's situation isn't good either.
We are low on our emergency drug supply.
It's a young child so treatment is urgent.
Couldn't we even get any antiseptic?
Fine. We'll share what little we have.
-Thank you. Thank you so much. -Thank you.
Name and affiliation please.
I'm Jo In Suk of Pyeongyang People's Hospital.
Comrade Kim Su Yeon, what are you doing?
I'm Kim Su Yeon of South Korean Labor Party.
Here, please sign.
[South Korean Labor Party - Antiseptic, Bandages - Kim Su Yeon.]
Whose flag is that?
It's the first time I've seen such a flag.
If we were the fastest, then it's probably not from our side.
Let's connect with the Commander.
2 kilometers ahead, an unidentified military force is on the move.
The enemy would have been busy retreating long ago.
1st Platoon, approach from the left.
3rd Platoon, join the recon party and move with them.
2nd Platoon, you approach with me head on.
Positions!
1st Platoon!
3rd Platoon!
What do you mean unidentified group? What kind of report is that?
It's a flag we've never seen before.
We've looked and can't identify it as one of the U.N. flags.
Are you kidding me?
If it's a star on a red background, don't you know it's the North?
Trench mortar. Attack positions!
Are you going to attack?
We don't have time to chit chat with those guys.
When we need to get to Pyeongyang on the double!
Are the trench mortars ready?!
Yes!
Launch!
I said launch the trench mortars, you punks!
Launch, launch!
Why aren't you launching?!
Launch, launch, launch!
You have to call out the coordinates.
Coordinates?
Map!
But, where is our location now?
Here. Good.
Where is the enemy?
There? Okay.
Okay!
Coordinates Yankee Delta 3888 2385. Launch!
-Yankee Delta 3888 2385. Ready! -Ready!
Launch!
-Launch. -Launch!
Radio!
3rd platoon! Cease fire!
They're American troops! Cease fire!
Cease fire! Cease fire!
Platoon leader, they are American troops!
What?
American troops!
Hey! Raise the flag!
Wave it so they can see!
What the ...?
They really are Americans.
What do we do, Sergeant?
Hey! Are you the commander?!
What?
Goddamit, did you attack us?!
Hey, be careful of what you say.
Don't U.S. soldiers have any respect for their superiors?
Well this crazy commander just attacked his own allies!
What?
You are the ones who are guilty of this incident.
Is that the American flag?
You should have hung the flag that had been agreed upon.
That's a Cavalry flag!
It's been our unit flag for over a century!
Shut up!
How are we supposed to know that's an American Unit's flag?
No, you guys know we're going to capture Pyeongyang first.
So you sons of bitches purposefully attacked us!
Say what?
Hey, everyone needs to calm down.
Relax.
You all need to put down your guns too.
Put down your guns and then we'll talk.
Put down your guns!
1st Platoon Leader, you need to calm down as well.
Do you have any casualties?
He's asking if there are any casualties.
Morons. How can there be any injuries?
They missed every damn target.
Thankfully, the mortar missed. There are no casualties or wounded.
Thank you.
Whatever the reason, it was our mistake in attacking our allies.
Please relay that we're sorry.
You don't need to apologize.
Please relay.
This man is apologizing politely.
You should also apologize to our commander.
For not hanging the flag according to the rules.
Why don't you apologize as well, 2nd Lieutenant.
Our mission here is to protect this country, not to make apologies.
This punk is really ...
Since we both made mistakes, let's let it go here.
You speak Korean well.
I speak a little.
In 1945, I came to Korea with the Military Government Office.
I'm Harris Burton of the U.S. Army Communications Division
1st Battalion, 2nd Company Commander, Lee Jang Woo.
Everybody's in a frenzy to reach Pyeongyang first.
I'm going to take pictures for the records.
But, I didn't know there were Korean troops that had moved this fast.
I'm sorry, but we'll be entering Pyeongyang first.
I wish you luck.
Let's go.
Who called the coordinates?
3rd Platoon's trench mortars can't even hit a target within its range?!
Well, I called the correct coordinates, but these punks ...
What if they'd really been the enemy?
You fired at them like that and no wounded?
Does that make any sense?!
Once we enter Pyeongyang, redo basic training.
Move out!
Noona.
Are you awake?
You're thirsty, aren't you?
I'll get you some water.
Where are you going?
Noona, you're not going to abandon me and go, are you?
Don't worry.
I'm not going anywhere.
While I'm sleeping, you can't go away, okay?
Even if my eyes are closed, I'll be able to see everything in my dreams.
Noona's sorry.
I won't ever leave you alone again.
Are the drugs we got helping some?
We really need an antibiotic.
We could barely get any antiseptic.
Where are we going to find antibiotics?
My baby, even though it's hard for us,
let's endure it a little longer.
When the army comes, we'll be able to meet him.
Your father, who will love you more than anyone in the world.
Your color looks extremely unwell.
Could you be sick?
No.
It must be because I'm a little tired.
Please eat this.
Thanks.
Have you finished with your platoon inspection?
We're leaving in 10 minutes.
Hey, are you going to act like my mother-in-law too?
I'm already pissed off as it is.
I have a reputation too,
but he gives me that sort of treatment in front of all the boys.
If I just do this one right,
I'm going to leave this Company.
What are you talking about?
You'll know in time how far up the man Han Young Min will go.
Let's move out soon.
The Americans are moving by truck, and we're going on foot ...
Here, going over Hill 356 is a shorter way.
The problem is Daedong River
Jo In Je, I hear your hometown is Pyeongyang.
When the Battalion Commander was speaking, you didn't seem all that interested.
So did you change your mind?
About what?
Being a war hero.
Being first to hang the flag and becoming a war hero.
Why, do you want to be treated like a hero?
Well, not that exactly.
It makes no difference to me who hangs the flag.
I just want to get to Pyeongyang as quickly as possible.
Doesn't everyone feel that way?
Lieutenant Shin probably feels that way too.
If we just get up that hill, we'll be able to see Pyeongyang!
Pyeongyang? Where, where? I want to be the first to see!
Aigoo. Aigoo!
Is that Pyeongyang?
The American fly boys have demolished it.
But where have all the Pyeongyang geisha girls gone? Huh?
What?
Su Yeon, you're here, right?
I can feel your breath.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
I'm surprised.
I expected to see the American troops moving by vehicles,
but to see the Korean troops on foot ...
I see that the American troops raced through the night as well.
The Daedong bridge is out so the American troops are waiting for the Engineering Corp.
Since we have no boat, we have to go by bridge.
What are the Korean troops thinking of doing?
I'm not sure.
I suppose the Commander will decide on something.
Are we the very first?
I'm not sure.
There are a lot of troops approaching from different directions.
However, on my camera, your unit is the first.
So, for me, this is the first unit.
What are you saying?
To me, only what's on this camera is the truth.
Anyhow, I plan to follow this unit, so I'm counting on your guidance.
We don't have time.
Hurry and get ready to cross the river!
Yes.
The Commander really has his eyes set on getting military honors.
I understand.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a soldier.
You're wrong.
The Commander merely has someone in Pyeongyang that he must meet.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Company are moving.
Make absolutely sure your personal weapons don't get wet.
The heavy weapons will be tied and transported separately.
I understand.
Geez. With the width of the river so narrow, the current is going to be super strong.
Kid, do you know how to swim?
I did swim for my school.
You don't need to swim.
You have to see that as your lifeline and hang on.
Aigoo. Jo In Je is nearing his hometown and he's flying.
The enemies may have snipers,
so we need to make sure there's cover in case of an emergency.
Relay to each platoon to make certain of this as they move.
Yes, sir.
Last night the Americans poured on the bombing,
and now we don't see hide nor hair of the enemy.
I don't think we'll run into any problems even if we approached the city center directly.
2nd Company will detour around, avoiding the main road.
Tell each of the platoons.
Yes, sir.
Magpie. This is Black Kite. We're detouring, avoiding the main road.
Repeat, all platoons detour, avoid the main road.
Got it. Over.
It figures. In the decisive moment, he makes the timid move.
Geez!
Hey, Jo In Je!
You know a shortcut to the city center, don't you?
- I do know one, but ... - Lead the way.
We're going separately alone?
The guy who goes and hangs this first is a legend.
The rest of the platoon will cover Jo In Je and follow!
What are you doing? Lead the way!
Isn't that 3rd Platoon?
They seem to be going directly along the main road.
Tell them to stop and join the rest of the Company along the sides.
Yes, sir.
Owl, Owl, this is Black Kite. Come in, Owl.
Lieutenant, the Commander keeps calling.
I told you not to answer! How many times do I have to tell you?!
Just hurry up and follow.
Owl, Owl, this is Black Kite. Come in, Owl!
This is Black Kite. Come in.
1st Platoon, no incidents.
No incidents.
What is it?
3rd Platoon is making a straight beeline advance.
What?
Shit!
Hurry, take over the buildings.
We don't know if there are any rats around, so wait just a bit.
We are the first! Hurry up and follow!
Ah, shit.
Run away!
This is Black Kite. Come in!
What about 3rd Platoon?
They don't answer.
Where is it?
It seems to be coming from the city center.
Hurry move towards where the shot came from!
What the hell is this right in front of the goal post? We're almost all the way there!
I knew that feeble punk was going to get us into trouble.
Kid! Are you all right?
Hey Kwon Jin Chul, where do you think you're going?!
Have you found the sniper?
I don't see him.
Ay!
I'm coming, so don't you move a muscle!
That's right, Pyeongyang, I'm here.
Hero Lieutenant Han Young Min is here.
Long live the Republic of Korea! Hooray!
Hooray!
Long live the Republic of Korea! Hooray!
Are you all right?
Yes.
He got hit in the thigh.
Commander, I've hung the flag!
Han Young Min, you've disobeyed a direct order.
You were so focused on military distinction, you even got your men wounded.
Are you jealous?
What?
Are you that upset that I hung the flag first?
You act on your own like that one more time,
and I'll have you locked up.
Answer me.
I understand.
Get Heo Chan Sik treated.
Hey Medic!
Lieutenant Han, you do it yourself!
Congratulations. The film of you hanging the flag came out very nicely.
Your position right now looks really impressive as well.
The look of a platoon leader helping out his injured man.
It's fitting for a hero.
Hey Medic!
Where's the medic?! Hey Byung Gu!
Keep your senses. You have to keep your senses clear!
Medic!
Byung Gu!
Extra, extra! The Korean Army has entered!
[Heroes of Pyeongyang!] [Comrades! We're here in Pyeongyang!]
Soldiers leading the way on captured enemy tanks are entering Pyeongyang's city center.
All of Pyeongyang's citizens are waving flags in their hands and raising their voices in welcome.
What? Are you looking for your family?
Only my little sibling is living in Pyeongyang.
Little sibling? Is it a little sister?
That's right.
Introduce me to her.
It's the South men that are handsome and North women that are beautiful after all.
How old is she?
Isn't Jeollado the South too?
We gotta take rank under consideration.
If anyone gets introduced, I should be first!
Oh my, Private Jo In Je has so many potential brother-in-laws! Must be nice!
Commander, are you looking for someone too?
Unni.
I've looked everywhere for you.
Have you met someone from your hometown?
No. But, what about your brother?
They're all wearing the same uniform, so it's hard to see who's who.
Let's go back for now.
If we're out too long, it's dangerous.
In Suk ... In Suk!
In Suk!
Jo In Je!
I found my little sister!
She's over there.
In Suk!
Don't break from the procession!
Yes, sir.
In Suk!
Captain Lee Jang Woo!
You've done a tough job.
This rank was given to you by Road No. 1.
I made a particular effort and made a report to the superiors.
You will also receive military recognition for entering Pyeongyang first.
Shin Tae Ho.
First Lieutenant Shin Tae Ho!
You've worked hard.
Han Young Min.
First Lieutenant Han Young Min!
Is Chan Sik okay?
According to the quack, he may limp a little, but he'll be okay.
We gotta send him to the medical corps, before his scars get bigger.
Congratulations.
The rank of Captain suits you better.
You too, Master Sergeant Kim.
Me, well ... when is Master Sergeant Oh going to be here?
He'll rejoin us in a day or two.
It seems his recovery has been speedy.
Without him around, it seems a bit empty.
Ay!!
I guess you'll have to pull his weight till he gets back.
Yes, sir.
Everyone get some rest. I have somewhere to go for a moment.
- Goodbye! - Goodbye!
He's a cool guy, really cool, huh? Yeah.
Yes!
[Pyeongyang Young Patriots' Office]
These are all of the lists of names we've seized.
The Youth Alliance, The Women's Alliance,
we'll destroy all the groups operating under the Communist Party here in Pyeongyang.
Are there members of the South Korean Labor Party as well?
You can take a look.
[Dododang Youth Alliance, South Korean Labor Party]
Mommy.
Mommy, Mommy.
It's boiling. Will this do?
We have to get some antibiotics.
If his fever gets any higher, there won't be anything we can do.
But there's nowhere else we can go.
Since the soldiers have come now, there's got to be a way.
You should rest for now.
You'll collapse yourself if you keep going like this.
We don't have time.
I'll be back as soon as I can.
Please look after Myung Ho.
There are soldiers hovering around the Young Patriots' group. Where do you think you're going?
You snuck out earlier today too, didn't you?
Why? Did you go to look for Jang Woo?
Listen to me!
The child is in critical danger!
Is that kid you picked up off the street more important than your life?!
Is there anything more important than a person's life?!
That's right.
Sometimes for the greater good, smaller things sometimes need to be sacrificed.
What kind of sacrifice?
You mean like you,
who offered up your loyalty and was tossed aside like an old shoe? That kind of sacrifice?
Don't fool yourself.
This isn't a sacrifice or a fight! Oppa, you've just been used and abandoned!
Shut up!
Just wait and see ...
how this Kim Su Hyeok will accomplish revolutionary work.
I'll prove it to the world.
So, keep your eyes open and watch carefully ...
Why have you become like this?
What made you into this?
I become more and more afraid of you.
More than this horrific war,
I've become more afraid of you.
Comrade Jo In Suk.
Please get me some antacids.
Next in line.
Where does it hurt?
It's not me; it's my little brother.
Then, you need to bring the patient.
He's in such bad condition; I can't move him.
I'd like to just get some medicine.
To get a prescription, a medic has to actually see the patient.
It's an 8 year old boy.
He has extremely high fever and is showing symptoms of dehydration.
He's lost a lot of blood, and his immune functions have severely decreased.
If you can just prescribe an antibiotic, I can administer it.
Are you a doctor?
We absolutely need the drugs.
Ah, do we have any penicillin and antipirin?
Just a second.
Excuse me!
What's that all about?
She said the patient's in pain, but she just goes.
Little Agassi.
Hey!
I've looked through lists and records.
It would be a lot faster if I could at least find the young master.
What's the use of finding him?
Even if you run into him, pretend you don't know him.
Little Agassi ...
Why do you think Unni ended up like that?
He's worse than a stranger.
Don't even look for him.
That's right. I enjoyed the canned food you acquired.
It was tasty.
Canned food?
What?
I gave it to him to eat by himself.
He shared it with you?
I took it from him.
In the military, rank is everything.
Whoa, you're a Captain now.
Lieutenant Shin is now also a First Lieutenant.
You better not bother Lieutenant, no First Lieutenant Shin.
Well, if he just follows orders well, there's no reason to bother him.
I'm joking, I'm joking.
There's no Platoon Leader as good as Shin Tae Ho.
If you see Unni, please let me know.
And make sure you let First Lieutenant Shin know that I'm here too.
Don't worry.
Unni!
Our Myung Ho.
I have to get those drugs.
Our baby ...
No ... no ...
Unni!
Unni, wake up! Unni!
Please help us.
Jang Woo!
Come here!
Jang Woo, come here!
Su Yeon,
our baby has departed.
Our baby has died.
No!
That's not possible.
Our baby, our baby!
Baby!
No! No! No!
The hemorrhaging has stopped, and we've cleared one critical juncture,
so don't worry too much.
She was pregnant?
What about the baby?
Han Young Min, I understand you were the first to hang the flag in Pyeongyang.
You should say it right.
Although there are many people who claim that they were the first to fix the national flag,
isn't Second Lieutenant Han Young Min the one to be photographed by a photo journalist?
The Americans are asserting they were the first.
We heard you fought with the power of one platoon to capture the city.
Please tell us about the battle.
Well, that ...
So ...
Now, now, now ...
Let's talk about that slowly in due time, shall we?
Why don't you report it to the Battalion Commander?
What?
What do you mean what?
That Han Young Min disobeyed orders and acted on his own accord.
Just leave him alone.
He's happy.
The capture of Pyeongyang was the achievement of the entire 2nd Company.
When they see the guy who disobeyed your order getting that kind of applause,
the Company will become a real mess.
And there's even a wounded.
In any case, it is the truth that he was the one that took over the building.
Captain.
There's no talk of 2nd Company at all.
Is he trying to say he did it all on his own?!
Ay, that picture sure did come out good.
He was going on and on about becoming a hero and it looks like he got his wish.
Oh, Sergeant Oh!
Have you just been discharged from the infirmary?
Yeah.
Were you hoping I'd dropped dead?
Aigoo, oh my. How could you talk like that?
We're just happy to see you?
Aigoo. If our Sergeant Oh was here, it would have been you in this picture.
Ahh, really.
I ate infirmary food for a couple days and now I've got indigestion.
I guess my constitution is really made for the battle field.
Stand up straight, you punk!
The truth?
The truth is just that Han Young Min is a hero.
Han Young Min disobeyed orders,
and he even got one of his men wounded.
Look here, Shin Tae Ho, don't you know what the mood is like right now?
Not just the Americans versus the Koreans,
all the platoons are asserting they entered Pyeongyang first.
In any case, the one who was photographed by the American journalist was Han Young Min.
And everyone's interest has been captured because of that.
That bit of fault can be overlooked.
Help that fellow get some good shots.
Those pictures will be published in the U.N. publicity materials, so they need to be good shots.
Your pictures are false.
Do you really think this guy is a hero?
There's even a Commander that defeated the enemy in real battles.
I've been a war correspondent since World War II.
I saw a lot of battle heroes there too.
There were real heroes and false heroes as well.
People see only what they want to see.
It's who that is important.
Real or false, qualified or not, that's are not important.
That doesn't sound like something a war correspondent should say.
True, I don't write about war exactly as it happens.
At times, there are things I don't show people.
And things I can't show people.
[Traitor Investigation Committee]
[Women's Alliance] [Emergency Medical Inventory]
[Provisions Distribution Agency]
This picture.
Do you know where you took this?
You are suddenly interested in my pictures?
It's a woman I met randomly yesterday.
She was so beautiful, I took it without realizing it.
[Kim Su Yeon - South Korea Labor Party - Antiseptic, Bandages - Kim Su Yeon]
You're alive, Su Yeon.
I was hoping it was a dream.
I guess it wasn't.
Why did you keep overdoing it when you were carrying a baby?
Both childbirth and a miscarriage require the same postpartum care.
Please eat this at least.
I really needed to include at least one piece of seaweed, but ...
This pathetic doctor can't even protect her own child.
That's probably why so many of my patients died.
You didn't do it intentionally.
Who the hell did I think I was going to save like this?
Whose child was it?
Jang Woo?
Ay!
Drink this.
It's precious; it's milk.
What?
Are you planning to just die like this?!
Noona ... Noona ...
What'd I tell you?!
I told you he'd be a burden and not to bring him!
How could we throw away a living life?
Life?
Go out in the streets.
It's filled with kids like this.
Even if you save this one, anyhow another one dies.
The streets are filled with lives dying in whatever way!
The war that you wanted, wasn't this it?
Ay!
We have intelligence that there are many guerilla soldiers hiding among the civilians
and the soldiers in Pyeongyang.
Therefore, the Company has to search out and roundup the guerillas.
Kim Duk Shil, you organize the shifts.
I will lead the patrol support myself.
But ...
One more thing.
First Lieutenant Han Young Min needs to lead some public service duties.
What did you say we needed to do?
Yes.
Because they need a photo for a news release,
we just need to have some pictures as they ask.
But, I'm not sure I'll have the time to manage the troops.
Since there are so many places that are asking me to come out.
The photo shoots will be managed by 1st Platoon leader.
Me?
First Lieutenant Han says he's busy.
The public service duties will be quite extensive as well,
so you help him out.
That is all.
Everybody, look good.
And when they take the picture,
maybe put some powder on your mugs.
Hey hick, got it?
I've never had my photo taken.
Then, we're going to be like actors now. Don't you know?
They want us to dress up real nice, and then act just like actors.
Together with Lieutenant Han.
A-a-act?
Act, my foot.
Geez, they ask us to do all sorts of crap.
Ay!
Aigoo.
Searching out the guerillas, was that an order?
Or did you volunteer?
What do you mean by that?
You stick me with that pathetic joke,
and you plan to look for Kim Su Yeon on your own, isn't that it?
Right. I'm going to find Su Yeon and take off with her.
You know very well why I came to Pyeongyang.
My decision has and will always be the same.
And after you run away?
Then, can you take responsibility for her?
What?
Kim Su Yeon has been branded a leftist menace.
Wherever she lives from now on, she'll carry that with her.
Are you prepared to handle that?
So then, are you saying you know a way to handle it?
I don't know yet.
But, I suppose I'll have to find her first.
And if you find her?
I haven't thought about it yet.
Forgive...
Su Yeon now.
Have you forgotten?
The person who tore up my transfer request was you.
I am still looking for an opportunity to forgive Kim Su Yeon.
Have you seen your sister since you came to Pyeongyang?
When was this picture taken?
Your sister will absolutely come here again.
What are you going to do if you see my sister again.
Just a moment!
Have you seen this woman?
Her name is Kim Su Yeon, and she is from the South.
A soldier came earlier looking for you.
Soldier?
Let's make a promise.
If one of us finds Su Yeon, we let the other know.
After we find her, I don't know if it will work out the way either one of us hopes.
I'm saying what we're promising now has no meaning.
Lee Jang Woo.
Young Master.
Su Yeon is here, isn't she?
Kim Su Yeon.