Even though Gwangju Democratization Movement was violently suppressed by
the JEON dictatorship in May 1980, it did not stop the democratization
movement by Korean citizen Along the way, the military dictatorship
chose torture as the means of the reign of terror. This film delivers the accounts
of what happened during the period at the torture chamber located in NamYoung-Dong
Nam Young-dong, 1985
'September 4th 1985'
Okay, we're here.
Why are you doing this? Where am I?
Please have a seat here. We are just going to ask you some questions.
Until you tell me where and why you brought me
I refuse to answer anything.
You want this, Bastard?
What the hell are you doing?
Your clothes are all ruined, right? Take them off.
You want us to take them off?
Pants, too.
Hey, hey, hey!
Take your underwear off, too.
Kidnapping, illegal detention, and physical abuse were not enough,
now you do this kind of shit too?
I'll report this and sue you for violation of human rights.
Report? How scary, huh?
Sue us? Oh my God, I am so scared of you.
Have you lost your mind?
You son of a bitch!
If you're stubborn, you'll suffer more.
Please sit down
Please write down every detail about your life until now.
There'll be plenty of time.
I need to ask you one thing. Are we in Namyoung-Dong?
Write down every little detail.
You'll get out of here free only when you finish writing
Listen! No sleep, no food
until you finish, Okay got it?
KIM Jong-tae was born in Pucheon,
Gyeong-gi province on December 19th, 1947
Hey, why did you turn it off?
It's noisy. Mr. KIM is doing homework.
I thought you were sleeping.
I was listening to everything.
I heard you snoring.
Then, what inning, and who's the pitcher?
It's the bottom of the twelfth inning CHOI from Lotte
got one out and KIM just hit a double,
Dude!
What a lucky little aristocrat. I'm jealous.
Listening to the game on the radio,
sleeping, and earning overtime at the same time.
You got everything, don't you?
Damn! We lost because of you! Son of a bitch.
I'll check on another channel and see if they won...
You're gonna call those hookers again, right?
'September 5th 1985, 2nd day'
That bitch is from Jeolla Provinces.
So what?
She doesn't like me because I'm from Gyeongsang Province
The biggest victim of regional conflict is me, not KIM Dae-joong.
Hey, but I heard she's madly in love with you.
Yes, she is. But her dad wants her to get married so she's had 5 blind dates already.
But you know, she rejected them all.
I can't understand why she can't just move in.
She's so naive. She can't make up her mind
Hey, break up with her and date my sister.
She's better than her anyway.
What's the point of a pretty face? Anyway, your sister is an activist.
You idiot! She's just not mature yet.
And have you seen any unintelligent activist before?
She's just too much for me.
Hey, his nose is bleeding. Bring some tissues.
Don't be so sensitive. Nose bleeds are nothing, right?
You got blood on the paper. Write it again.
'September 7th 1985, 4th day'
Hey! Just leave him alone.
The whole three days he hasn't dozed off once.
What a stubborn asshole.
I know you've had a tough time, but it all ends with you resigning
as the commissioner of the Youth Federation for Democracy (YFD) No more?
Yes, after that not much happened.
You know LIM Hyung-sik, the Korean History major at your school.
Yes, I do.
I heard you met him last month.
By coincidence.
You told him you wanted to think about some idea during your break?
Yes, I did.
That idea!
That's the thing I want to know!
Your resignation as the commissioner was just a political show.
I've never said that.
This asshole is not cooperating. Get ready to move him.
Got it.
This is the VIP room
where difficult fuckheads get the special VIP treatment.
Dunk him in.
Tell me what you were thinking.
Well...
Bastard! Dunk him in more!
Yes, sir.
Hey, BAEK. You should lose some weight.
Look, he's sweating so much.
You know last time at the company dinner,
he finished almost 8 plates of BBQ all by himself.
We gotta eat some Korean beef for local farmers.
They're having a hard time because of imported U.S. beef.
You are saying you are opposed to the importation of U.S. beef?
Hey! I'm not opposed to the government policy,
but the farmers are suffering from the unstable prices.
They can go wild and I'm just worried about my country.
He said in his statement that he's worried about the country, too.
- You want to go through this, too? - No, sir.
Lift him up.
What did you try to do? What was your plan?
There was no plan.
Dunk him again.
What the hell are you guys doing?
He's a little bit hard to handle, sir
Dress him.
My boys were a bit hard on you.
Nice to meet you. I'm from KyungGi high school, too.
You must've been a baby when I was there, though.
Having alumni from prominent politicians to powerful activists...
Such a great school, isn't that so?
I heard KIM Young-sam, the out-party chair wanted you to
join the National Assembly. Why didn't you accept?
To participate in the democratization movement as an activist suits me better.
The democratization movement... So you are proud enough of
the anti-government movement to refuse the gold badge?
Yes, it does.
The Gwangju Revolt, the rioting at the U.S. Culture Center.
Are these all part of the democratization movement?
Yes.
So you're saying that North Korea has always been behind this?
Can I speak frankly?
I came here to talk with my junior alumni.
No reason to beat around the bush.
Please feel free to talk openly.
The democratization Movement is not connected to North Korea,
but it is a movement against the military dictatorships of
Presidents PARK Chung-hee and JEON Doo-hwan.
You see?
It's exactly the same theory as North Korea's political philosophy.
The effectiveness of the government is crucial to grow the country's economy.
This is even more the case when we are being confronted by North Korea.
There are some inconveniences but we have to put up with them.
Thanks to our great President, PARK Chung-hee,
our economy is now 10 times larger than North Korea's.
You agree with that, right?
Now, paranoid KIM Il-sung in the North is instigating
the subversion of our government
through intelligent but naive individuals like yourself, isn't that so?
Yes, we've heard this story so many times.
The government insisted that North Korea
was behind the People's uprising on May 18th
But 5 years after, everyone knows it was not the truth.
Rather, the fact that the U.S. tacitly supported
the military government became well known
That is why the occupation of
the U.S. Cultural Center occurred
How are communists
and North Korea related to this?
So you're saying it was a main role of
the YFD to spread these opinions widely?
Yes, that's right.
Then why did you quit?
You must have had special reason when
you'd resign from that important position.
I just wanted to take a rest while I thought about things.
I'm asking you to talk about these thoughts.
Please cooperate with us. If you cooperate well, we promise your
safety here, also you won't be harassed when you are released.
'September 8th 1985, 5th day'
Shit. Is this bitch trying to test me?
- What's this? - Read this.
This could have been done on the phone instead of mail.
A love letter, eh?
Look, you married for love right? I need advice.
That guy is never helpful.
He's in his forties and all the women he met were prostitutes.
You bastard.
My girl met a guy because she wanted to get married,
and then she asked me about whether she should meet him or not.
What the fuck was she thinking about?
Are you going to plead the fifth?
Sorry, but I don't have those experiences.
Bullshit.
Hey, this is saying that she likes that guy she met.
It means she's comparing you to him, you idiot.
If she wants to go to him, shit I'm not gonna hold her back
See?
When you finish your statement and behave well, you get your meal.
Bullshit.
Ah, this bastard's doing it again
Shit, what are you saying?
The violence of the military government that impeded democratization Movement
in 80s is the main reason for the misfortunes today.
If we can build up a democratic government,
almost every problem we have today will be solved.
Hey, Mister! Are you trying to educate us with this?
You asked me to write what I was thinking after quitting the YFD
Hey asshole. I simply told you to write your thoughts
not an entire political speech, you dick.
You know that statements from torture aren't legally valid,
why are doing this?
Torture? Legal validity?
You asshole.
I'll make you confess that you're a damn commie today.
So, that is Chilsung-Pan
Come here, come.
Wait... What is...
What the hell are you doing?
None of you will get away with this when people find out what happened here!
It'll be a huge political scandal!
Cut the bullshit!
Admit that you were preparing for a violent revolution.
You're a damn commie, you son of bitch.
Who is behind this? Who's supporting you, huh?
I admit that I fought for democratization as the commissioner of the YFD
but I've never planned any violent revolution.
Cover his head.
I am a violent revolutionist!
I am a commie and someone is controlling me!
I am a violent revolutionist!
I am a commie and someone is controlling me!
I am a violent revolutionist! I'm...
I am a violent revolutionist!
Sir, the boss called The Undertaker.
'September 9th 1985, 6th day'
All the commies I've seen have tiny dicks.
It must have shrunk because it's cold.
Did you stomp on his knees?
Yeah, just a little.
Don't ever do that again. It leaves marks.
It's not just the stomping on my knees
They never let me sleep, they assaulted me and water tortured me.
Son of a bitch.
Let's begin.
- Wait! - Stay still!
No! Don't... Please Wait... wait...
No! No!
Hold him!
Wait! Hold on! Please
Wrap him.
Wait... Wait... Please No...
hold on, just a sec...
Wait... No, wait...
hold on... wait... wai...
Wait, no! Wait... don't!
Well, let's get it started.
Stronger.
This is the highest pressure.
Turn it off.
Now turn on again.
I usually don't rush.
Let's take it slow.
If you have something to tell us move your toes, okay?
His toes are moving.
I told you No rush take it slow
His toes are going crazy.
Isn't this dangerous?
Sir, his toes are not moving at all.
Hey, KIM Jong-tae.
Just leave him.
Would it be alright?
Let's take a break.
No I quit smoking. Please bring me a cup of cold water.
Hey, bring him some water.
Your skill level has really improved
Is that so? There was also a special order from the boss
After having GyeongGi Provence in your charge, your job is much easier, right?
I have no time to be in the office.
Yeah,
we go home maybe once a week or less.
KANG! You haven't gone been home for over ten days, right?
Well, none is waiting for me there.
I'd love to at least some money after not seeing them for so long.
But we get nothing for beating up these commies.
Well, at least you can get promoted quickly here.
All my colleagues in other divisions have already bought apartments
Though you get promoted here, it doesn't help you in any way.
You know Young-sik in the Gangdong office, right?
He already opened a cafe for his wife.
You don't know anything.
Life is hard. My wife runs a small hair salon.
Sir, please don't misunderstand me. I didn't mean to talk about you.
We all know how hard you...
We need to sacrifice many things for bigger issue.
Thanks to whom do you think South Korea now exists?
You're alive, huh?
Gentlemen,
it's your patriotism that is basically sustaining the country
Ah shit... This is
Did you feed him?
Uh, yes.
What do you really want from me?
Restrain him, and don't let him move
Damn this guy is tough.
Don't stop.
Come on.
Sir, there's a call for you.
Tell them I am working.
Ah shit.
You shouldn't give him any food when we use water on him
That call was from the boss
Wrap it up
Shit
Hey hey, move his hands away.
Yes, Sir. Understood.
I'm going on a business trip to Incheon for about 3 to 4days
Thanks for your effort...
Damn, you son of bitch. Give it to me
Mr. KIM, see you soon.
Feed him first and then get a statement
He will be cooperative now.
- Thank you for your work - Thank you
That motherfucker. Such a snob.
Sir, I might have to go home this weekend...
What? You said no one greets you at home
Well, I promised my son. To see baseball game...
You made a good excuse, huh?
No, I mean it! I really promised him!
Thirty five, thirty seven, thirty nine, forty two,
forty five, forty seven, forty nine, fifty two, fifty three,
fifty four, Fifty five! Fifty... Whoa! Fifty five seconds
You broke the record!
That's a lie.
I'll set a new record when I go to the beach tomorrow
It's September and you want to go into the sea?
Come on We were supposed to go to the beach this summer! You're a liar.
OK, I'll jump into water with you, my son.
I'm sorry.
We're here
Daddy
Did you wait long?
What took so long bathing?
A breath holding contest again, huh?
I'm starving. I want noodles. Noodles.
Noodles? Sure. Let's go.
Detective Lee? You came here to bathe too?
Wait, do you live in this neighborhood as well?
I'm sorry but
You need to come with us again.
What's wrong this time?
whenever something happens,
the top branch never leaves...
Okay, let's go
I'll be back soon so enjoy the noodles with mom.
You can eat my share.
- See you later - Okay
- Daddy, we're going to the beach tomorrow! - Sure
Daddy, come back soon.
- You know it well.. - Yeah I know
Nothing bad's gonna happen. It's pretty obvious.
Mr. KIM Jong-tae?
Who the hell are you guys?
Eat when you are given food
Whenever there's torture involved, there'll be no food.
Boss. Mr. BAEK!
Yes! What is it?
I'll be back after a phone call.
Don't pass out when you're alone.
Who says I'll pass out?
Hey, Mr. KIM. Let's make a gentlemen's agreement.
It'll take a while for him to call his girls.
Let's take a nap for 30 minutes.
I can just leave you but...
why don't we just take a 30 minute nap each?
Thank you.
I'll trust you
It must have been tough
What on earth do they want from me?
They want you to lie.
The communist dreaming about violent revolution?
The mastermind who never existed?
That's right, LIM Hyung-sik, that damn kid dragged me in
Don't blame him. It was just your turn.
My turn? Then what should I do?
There's nothing you can do. Just don't resist too much.
'September 13th 1985, 10th day'
Your oldest brother defected to the North during the Korean War
after drawing a lot of portraits of the head of North Korea
and your second oldest brother is a teacher in North Korea now
Then, your third brother defected as well,
now spies on South Korea.
When the whole family are all commies, how can we believe that you're not one?
Didn't I write down everything in my confession?
I know my brothers went to North Korea but I was too young
I don't know why they defected or what they're doing now
Mr. KIM, let's be rational here
Their youngest brother became a powerful figure in South Korea,
and don't you think they wanted to see their proud younger brother?
During the incident you met your third bother, right?
You wiretapped my home and office,
and followed me around.
Why are you doing this when you already know everything?
Okay. I knew you weren't gonna get the hint.
Wait, wait! Hold on a second.
What if I lie and tell you that I met him? Then I don't have to go on that table?
What? If it's a lie? You, take him over there
Wait, Hold on a second! Wait...
You gotta wrap him
Mind your own business
No... don't... Please... please wait...
Sir, you will be up there?
Just hold on a second
I met him, I met him!
Where did you guys meet?
Well... Um... Please
Cover him!
I asked where you met him.
I, um. That is... Please.
You cannot remember? If you do, move your toes.
They are moving.
Home, at home
How can you meet him at home, you asshole?
It must be somewhere else around your house.
You're right. I met him near my house
So where exactly near your house?
They're moving.
Think back slowly.
At the mineral spring near the apartment
Good. That makes sense. So when?
Just do as you wish.
Shit, speak with your own mouth, your damn OWN MOUTH!
Think back carefully, okay?
I think you met him once during your student movement days
Right, you accepted some money too. That's true
You must have gone to North Korea as well to organize the YFD under KIM Il-sung
Otherwise, how could you dedicate your life
to organizing the anti-government movement
Sir, sir! Look at his toes moving.
Yes I got some money and I've been to North Korea too
Who, when, where What, why, how!
Tell us every little detail, you fuck!
Sir, Sir! I think this asshole passed out again.
Hey, hey, asshole! Hey.
He'll wake up again soon. What an idiot.
It'll be much easier if he just tell us as we want.
Will he be alright?
Well, the Undertaker said he'll be alright
Hey, is he still unconscious?
Isn't this a bit too much?
What? Too much? KANG.
What made you so weak? You don't want the promotion?
You idiot Did you see that announcement from the K-CIA or not?
They uncovered this huge plot,
accusing Korean students in U.S. of being North Korean spies.
What the hell are we doing here without results for days?
Sir, he's still not moving
Shall I call the army surgeon?
It's the policy here, so please understand, okay?
Yes, thank you.
Sir.
Thank you for your assistance.
We ask again for your discretion.
I will come here again tomorrow morning.
'September 14th 1985, 1 1th day'
Following is the reason why I resigned from being the commissioner of the YFD.
I was afraid that the security agency would find out about my secret meetings
with the North Korean spy KIM Jong-Hwan to receive operational funds from him.
So, I decided to resign in order to keep the YFD from collapsing
under the increased investigations.
Well written! Good job
This is what we've been asking
By the way, where was the place I got the thousand dollars?
Was it in Suyu-Ri? Or at the mineral spring in Yeokgok-Dong?
Why are you asking him what you did, you bastard?
So I think it was a mineral spring, that's right.
Wait, I thought we were going to change
the place where he took the ship to defect
Sir, is it Samcheonpo again?
Are you sure that this dickhead came out of the best school in Korea?
How can he keep forgetting what he's said with his own mouth?
I can't remember well because I made them up when I was in a daze
You made them up? I guess you haven't had enough yet.
You! Prepare him
Wait! No, I just remembered
Well, um, it was in Busan not Samcheonpo, correct?
You're the one who took that ship so then why are you asking me?
Shit, you said Busan earlier today.
You're right, Busan. That's right, Busan is right
Thank you.
Thanks to you, all of us will be on the list for special promotions
You always count your chickens before they hatch
Bullshit, dude
Maybe only executives will get a promotion, but not us.
They don't even think about us.
Then the confession would have been gotten without us?
We were the ones who really worked for it! We worked hard for it.
Why are you yelling at me?
If only the two of them get promoted, then shit, I'm not going to just stand by
If that happens, don't just stand by
Looks like that snobby Undertaker
is going to learn something from you, Boss
Shut up, idiot
Shit, I don't know yet. Maybe we were a bit over the top.
The Undertaker will be here soon.
I heard you treated him a bit harsh
Can we talk for a moment Mr. PARK?
Your work seemed a little overambitious.
There are so many parts we need to modify
This says he met his brother in 1974
but at that time, KIM was on the wanted list
for violating the emergency decrees
Also, KIM met his brother near his house
when our agents were staking it out 24/7?
This lack of detail will dishonor our agents Mr. PARK
Well, usually we can...
Okay, well anyway, lets move on
It also states that Kim went to North Korea on May 1977 from Busan
But at that time, Kim had work status in Incheon.
Records of his punch cards are still available and his colleagues will
testify for him There are tons more contradictions in this statement
It will take more than a month to iron out all these inconsistencies
You bastards should've been more thorough Hey, KANG, What the hell did you do?
I thought you were closely checking this... huh?
Why are you busting my balls?
You heard everything, too, asshole!
Where the hell were you guys when we were interrogating him, huh?
I told you to check carefully if the story matched with his records!
Well I went to a funeral for my cousin's grandmother
- Where were you guys? - Ah you bastard
Ah look, he just woke up
Well Mr. KIM, you are awake How do you feel, your condition?
I'm okay. Could you please turn off the drip?
You were very cooperative
Actually, we all know that you didn't go to North Korea.
And also, we know that you've never met your brother
That really never happened.
I know, I know.
Honestly, I admit that we were a bit harsh.
You can be as harsh as you want.
I stopped by to see the boss and the army surgeon was present
To my wife, IN Jae-eun. Here NamYoung-Dong. I'm being tortured
Damn son of a bitch
Hey, bullshit!
You try to ruin our lives?
Don't hit his face.
Kill him.
You fucking little dick Damn you son of a bitch
Hey, Take it easy Don't go overboard
Damn that son of a bitch almost ruined my promotion and my life
Wait, if the boss already knows everything are we all gonna get fucked?
Shit! The salaries gonna get cut?
We be able to go home for about a week now
Mr. PARK will take care of the rest
'September 15th 1985, 12th day'
Excuse me, are you going to give me any food?
If there's torture involved, no food. If there's no torture we can feed you.
How do I know about it, you son of bitch
Hey, any plans to work on him today?
I don't know, shit Maybe they're taking it easy because we hit him a bit yesterday
What the hell, then I'm leaving.
Stop dreaming,
You didn't hear we can't leave for a week?
Who said that?
Who do you think? Are you fucking deaf?
Even this guy knows, you idiot
I'll cooperate
Of course you will Take this out!
I'll do everything you say I'll do everything you tell me to
No, please don't!
Hold his head
Here!
How's this? Why, you don't have any appetite?
Maybe you don't like spicy food?
Look at you, you're holding your breathe now?
It is no use holding your breathe.
The chili powder will go into the lungs anyway.
Open his mouth!
This bastard like you must die from emphysema Hey you, bastard
Do you really believe the world will change
if you let the outside know that you're here?
He's sweating enough.
Well, let's change the tool.
Please stop. Please.
Hush, be quite. Open your mouth.
Those prints must have arrived
Hey!
Wrap him.
Look carefully at his perineal region because it might be ruptured
Okay, got it
The towel is dried up.
Let's take a break.
Excuse me, sir. Can I turn on the radio?
A really important baseball game is going on right now
It's Haetae against Samsung with the pitcher from Samsung, KIM Si-jin.
Turn it on. I'm a big Samsung fan
Mr. KANG, how can you be so ignorant of time and hierarchy?
Hey BACK,
isn't your sister listed as one of those activists?
You dick, are you serious or just joking?
You, stupid. Why don't you ever shut your mouth? You asshole
What? You son of a bitch
Man, are you losing your mind because you didn't see your chick for awhile?
You damn bastard Ah, fuck it
What the hell are you guys doing?
Did we classify the Incheon Labor Rights Association
as a part of the Democracy Promotion Committee earlier?
Yeah I think so.
I see.
Ah seriously, you assholes. Shut up!
I'm listening to the radio. What the hell, you idiots!
Our bosses are discussing serious national issues
Release him.
Shit, that.. part! You know, the peri.. what was it?
It seems like it has been ruptured
It's not ruptured it's just discharging blood. Sometimes it happens.
Take this if you don't want to die.
Stand him up.
Mr. KIM. Start memorizing this organization chart carefully.
Most of them are individuals you've met before You've met most of them before.
and over half of them appeared on your statement, too.
Memorize and learn this carefully.
- We're wrapping up the work for today - Good job, everyone.
Now time to play Jeopardy.
Shall we?
First, the Labor Rights Association?
The Commissioner, MOON Jong-geun Anti-legal Struggle Committee, SEO Min-hee
Local Department, CHO Pil-sang Local Publicity Committee, LEE Min-soo
Okay, how about the Publicity Committee?
The Commissioner, KIM Sang-min External Handout Manager, CHOI Pil-sung
Cultural Publicity, CHUNG Kwang-jae Press Consultant, KANG...
Sir
What?
I can't take it anymore
What?
Because I feel nervous
So what's making you so nervous?
Ah you mean Miss LEE.
So what do you want?
I'll come back before the sunrise.
You idiot... are you crazy?
You think you can get through the main gate?
Mr. CHEON is on duty tonight
He owes me money.
You idiot. Okay, then. Go to the night-duty room and
send either BAEK or KIM before you go.
BAEK will never wake up
And KIM...
- I'll leave him in your hands - God damn you asshole
Please do me a favor I'm going out
Have a good time you idiot, okay?
The commissioner in charge of liaison, PARK Dong-geun
Mastermind of the students movement, KIM Jin-young
You memorized it all already?
Wow, graduates from top schools really are different
Man, I'm fucking tired.
Stay alone here a little bit?
I'll send KIM right away
Be careful. Don't go too far Come here
You idiot!
What? You stupid.
Mom, he pushed me again.
You liar. You fell down by yourself.
Look
Where is Mr. KANG?
Excuse me?
Fuck, I asked where KANG is
He said he'll go sleep.
Look, come here. Let's have a drink together.
Fuck, are you ignoring me
I told you to come here.
Sit down here.
- Drink. - I'm not a good drinker
I feel shitty right now.
So drink it if I tell you to Damn, my arm is aching.
You must be so cold.
If you drink just three shots
you won't feel cold or pain anymore
Drink
I'll feel better soon
Hey, KIM. My chick dumped me today
You know, I'm quite straight-forward After I yelled at her
"Why did you meet that guy, you bitch"
and then my hand... I should cut my hands off
Well, one more drink
The bitch chose a college professor.
She says he's more gentle than I am.
Bullshit!
Well, last shot.
Is there anyone who doesn't want to be decent like that?
I happened to get this fucking position so beating people up is my job
Don't you agree, KIM?
Then, why don't you change your occupation?
Well, you don't seem to like what you are doing
You son of a bitch! Are you trying to piss me off?
I would have changed if I could've, you asshole.
It might be easier for fucking geeks like you.
you can change jobs any time you like, you fuck.
But who will hire Someone like me?
Yeah, Shit! I like my job
No one dares to say a word,
even I beat them up like a dog.
At which other jobs could you have this much fun, right?
Okay, if you are that great, bring it on
You guys are all fucked! You bitch.
Damn, you little bastard
Sons of bitches!
You bitch
What the hell is this? What happened?
What? Fuck!
Hey, hey
Let me go.
What have you done,
I'm not afraid of anything right now!
Leave me alone.
Did something happen with Miss LEE?
Fuck! I told you to let go of me!
Hey Go sleep in the night-duty room?
Damn Mr. KIM
Shit this is such a headache
'September 16th 1985, 13th day'
What's this? Did you let him sleep here?
He said he's fucking cold. Well, he does seems to be getting worse.
You're becoming kind, huh?
Wait, what happened? Did someone beat him?
Well, no.
He hit his head on the desk while dozing off
- Is that true? - Yes.
He memorized the entire organization chart.
We shouldn't leave any marks on him like this.
It was totally okay in President PARK's old regime, but now things are different.
I've got a meeting right now. Then, keep up the good work.
See you soon, sir
Excuse me, I memorized everything.
Then, fill in all the blanks here...
The puppeteer, you need to fill this out, too.
That never existed
That's why I'm telling you to fill it in.
How on earth can I fill a blank that never existed?
You still didn't catch what I'm saying.
Please let me know who it should be.
It's you who filled all the blanks here, right?
Yes.
So then fill it out.
Your comrade LIM Hyung-sik was also in this room and told us everything.
I have nothing to do with them.
They're a student-based organization and my group the YFD is...
Get him up there.
Wait, wait a second Okay.
I'll fill out the blank. I'll write it!
Puppeteer KIM Jong-tae
This is fine. Now tell me who was behind you.
I'm almost in my 40s. Who could possibly have control over me?
That's exactly the same as what your comrade told us at first.
But after a few times he confessed that you were controlling everything
So, let's start!
Please, please!
I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything.
My older comrades in the democratization movement are all de facto powers
You shithead, tell us their exact names.
Today, we'll use electricity right away
Let's listen to a game.
Well, there's no match today.
Sir, there's YOO Myung-woo's boxing match on.
I like that better.
What, what's this?
Scrub him.
Wait, wait.
You didn't have time to sweat today?
We are just sprinkling some salt for you to enjoy the delicious electricity.
Please please... I'll do anything as you command...
Yes. Like that! Jab jab!
Tell us who backed you.
Okay, well, um
BAEK... BAEK... BAEK Ki-wan
MOON Ik-hwan, KIM Dae-joong, KIM Young-sam, CHANG Jun-ha, HAM Seok-hun
CHANG Jun-ha, CHANG Jun-ha.
What about KIM Il-sung, LEE Sun-shin, Jesus, or Buddha?
HAN Wan-sang, HAM Se-woong, LEE Moon-young, RHEE Young-hee, KWON Ho...
You don't have to name everyone. Just name the two people
Veins are popping out of his balls
HAM Se-woong, KWON Ho-kyung
Okay, let's work with those two guys
His body is completely dry. Spray some water on him.
It..It's not over yet?
What comes next is more important
The motive of establishment?
The contradiction between the Korean public and the military dictatorship,
the monopolizing market conglomerates and...
Principles and plans?
Laborers, and students as main leaders.
The plans for the National Democratic Revolution?
to unite with the farmers and
the urban poor to bring down the current regime
The funding source?
During February, 1985, at a restaurant in Jongno-Gu.
The direction of the movement?
I explained the methodology of social revolution...
Any related organizations?
The rioting at the U.S. Culture Center on May 23rd
under the advice of KWON Ho-kyong and HAM Se-woong
Tactical strategies?
As the mastermind, I oversaw the burning of
the southern office of the Labor department as
as well as mobilizing all related organizations
to join the YFD rally
Well, let's go get a drink.
'September 22nd 1985, 19th day'
Psychological convenience and the efficient handling of the incident...
What the fuck are you looking at?
Are you trying to say I'm undereducated?
No.
D-Day 10 of our promotion examination. One more stripe
to my rank, this time.
If you are laid back about your achievement,
you'll stay in the same rank?
Shit, are you pretending to be nice? Damn
Eat.
No one could have withstood that
I gave up their names
Father HAM and Pastor KWON
I, who hated LIM Hyung-sik for squealing
They will be dragged here and end up like me.
I'll never, be able to forgive myself
These people won't be able to harm these two men
They are men of God after all
Are they really going to be ok?
'September 24th 1985, 2 1st day'
You suffered a lot in your time here
A lot of the youth who opposed Presidents PARK and JEON
have changed their political stances
Once you get out of here, don't ever participate in
any anti-government movements again. You should love the Republic of Korea
I truly love the Republic of Korea
So how can someone who loves Korea
organize a revolution against it?
I've never planned any revolu...
Wait, were all revolutions against the Republic of Korea?
The Student Revolution of April 19th was also against Korea?
You may continue.
What I was against was the military dictatorship,
Because I love Korea, I disagreed with
Dictator PARK's military coup d'etat
and the new army of JEON
who massacred the citizens in Gwangju on May 18th.
Sir...!
You are consistent in your stance.
During the regime of President PARK, you started on the wrong foot and
basically ended up as a head of an anti-national organization, didn't you?
No, I am stating clearly again.
I just participated in anti-government and democratization a activities.
All my comrades at the YFD and other organization had the same beliefs.
The real ones who were against Korea is the military dictatorship!
Committing horrible torture! Forcing false confessions!
Get that fucking commie's clothes off!
Get everything off!!
You fucking son of a bitch. How dare you You already confessed everything to me,
and now you are denying it in front of all these people?
Hold him down so can't move
We need to wipe out all fucking commies like you.
Tie him up tight!
I told you to tie him up tight, asshole!
This fucker!
Sir
Sir?
You son of a bitch.
Make that asshole kneel down.
Crawl here to my feet from where you are.
I told you to crawl!
Crawl.
Just kill me instead.
You know what?
I am number 1 on North Korean assassination list
But I'm not going to die before
I wipe out all the commies in this land
You want me to kill you?
You know LEE Jae-moon
died 6 months after he left here?
How about you? Do you want to die a year later?
If not, 3 months later?
I can choose
the exact day and time.
I saw a food tray earlier in front of another room.
- Bring it in. - Yes, sir.
Or should I kill you right now?
This way, do you think your death will capture a headline saying,
'KIM Jong-tae, died from torture?'
No. We will throw your body with
a few bullets in it near the border,
and news will say you were gunned down on the way to see KIM Il-sung,
I'll mix this up well okay?
Eat!
Fucking eat!
I told you to eat, you asshole.
How's that feel?
You feel like a fucking dog, right?
That's how I felt before!
Bark! Woof woof! Bark! You shithead.
He can't even bark because he's so weak and hungry!
Eat, you fuck!
Mr. LEE, the boss is looking for you
- You! Come and sit here - Yes sir!
Sit still and don't move
Until I come back lick it all up and don't even leave a grain of rice.
You fucking asshole. Just do as he says.
Please... If he says crawl, crawl. And if he says lick, then lick. You fuck!
Hey hey.
If you keep going like this you'll die here. You need to get out of here alive
you need to see your children.
What are you doing?
You guys, bring that rack.
So you're saying that everything you confessed were
all lies? So you lied to me?
Shit, then you played with me.
You should've told us what you really thought.
Mr. KIM, so what should we do now?
Torture you and let you write on the desk like a human being?
Do you wanna write on the floor like a fucking dog?
Answer me right away! No?
Okay. Let's start all over it again. Put him up on the rack!
There's nothing you can do.
Just don't resist too much.
What the fuck are you doing? Get him up there quick!
It's true, it's true!
Everything written here is all true.
I planned the violent revolution.
I'm a commie puppet controlled by a mastermind
I'm a commie! I'm a commie! I... admit
That's right. I'm a commie
I admit it! Everything is true...
I declare that all the above statements are accurate
24th, September...
September 24th, 1985 KIM Jong-tae
You suffered a lot, Mr. KIM. Ultimately, you get out of here alive.
It'll be useless to change your statements
in front of the prosecutors or judges Patriots never go easy on commies.
I know it will never happen but, if Korea becomes a democratic
before your execution, then you can take
and torture me, alright?
Take good care of yourself
The prosecution has arrested 26 members
concerned Committee of Promoting Democracy,
including main culprit KIM Jong-tae...
On the way to Gwanghwamun
there's a confrontation with police...
The ongoing agitation widespread the country
Demanding the amendment of an election system...
KIM Jong-tae was finally released
today after 2 years and 10 months.
Police are searching for LEE Doo-han who suddenly disappeared
Former policemen were sentenced separately
to 2 years and 1 year and hal f...
KIM Jong-tae with activist background is elected to the 15th Congress...
The Torture Inspector LEE Doo-han turned himself in prosecution...
The Supreme Court sentenced the torture expert
LEE Doo-han to spend 7 years in prison.
The congressman KIM Jong-tae finally accepted
the Minister of Health and Welfare
September, 2004
It is a National Security Law issue. How does the party feel about it?
There's a lot of different opinions.
Is it?
Yes this is true. Some support abolition.
Others support amending the law.
According to today's poll results, 14% agree with abolishment,
and 66% are overwhelmingly for amendment.
Sure, the public opinion is a lot changed.
Everyone in Korea has your message, Mr. President
"Let's put this sword called National Security Law
into a sheath and just keep it in the museum "
Let's just move on since this matter is not on our formal agenda today.
However, I would love to hear your thoughts, Minister KIM.
You were the victim of this National Security Law, aren't you?
Of course it should be abolished.
I think we can address these contentious issues.
Your views are more moderate on this issue than mine
I'm on the total abolition side of this law.
Anyway, let's see what the public has to say
The president is really firm on this issue.
No, he's just being very clear Isn't he, Minister KIM? He's amazing.
I heard from a journalist that
LEE Doo-han studies the Bible in prison.
He hopes to be a pastor
What do you think? Would you like to see him?
He must have heard know that you've become a minister.
Why does he want to meet?
No one knows. Maybe he wants to ask
for forgiveness after studying the Bible.
What do you think?
I have no interest in seeing him.
Transformed from a torture expert to a priest
Do you want me to go in with you?
I want to see him alone.
Okay, I understand.
Special Visiting Room
So much time has passed.
Please forgive me.
I'm truly sorry.
Please... forgive me.
Forgive me.
Mr. KIM Jong-tae passed away on December 20 1 1 after suffering
from Parkinson's disease
caused by the trauma of torture. LEE Doo-han became a radical priest
after his release from prison on November 2006. But he lost his priesthood after he attempted to
justify his past wrong doings during his ministry and currently his whereabouts is unknown.
it is a totally intolerable pain to hear
his screams from the room on
the other side...
People without power, are the ones who suffer most
I was so dejected
these people accused the innocents
and executed them on April 9th, 1975.
they refused to return the bodies to their families
since they were worried that someone would find traces of torture.
Those people see me as a dog or a pig,
Nobody should feel nostalgic for that time.
Families cried out loudly
and it was such a...
They held me upside down and hit my sole like this
Whenever they hit, my whole body echoed with the pain
Of course those torturers should be punished.
But I especially wanted to kill the dictator so badly.
I imagine all the possible cruel ways to do that
one day, I realized that I became an evil person.
To tell the truth, I forgave him to not be an evil person
Give up being a human, and be a dog.
And then we are destroyed together with those who torture us.
I don't know at all what will happen to me...
For almost 20 years, I have been traumatized by electricity,
not even able to get close to fluorescent lights...
They said, they would bring my almost due wife,
and my children to show them my suffering under torture...
There was a female senior.
They told her to take a bath and all those policemen watched her from outside
But the situation where you can do nothing. That feeling of helplessness...
"Brother, never get caught. Torture feels much worse than death."
They never stopped torturing me until I slashed my artery
Brother, it's better to die than get caught by them
"Hey, since you are innocent,
if the judge says something, then just say 'l was bad'
you'll be released after 1 week or 3 days.
After that, let's drink together",
and then he waved his hand
a better life together But she said she could
forgive a murderer but not a spy from North Korea
I still have my cousin in Seoul but I rarely visit him
Who the hell knows how this world will be changed?
I have a son, and students in school bullied him,
saying he's the son of a spy
I was afraid of physical violence...
I hated myself being weak and afraid.
So I cried in shame every night in the prison
The image of a pig right before it's slaughtered
pops into my head the most, that humiliating thing...
I was lucky to be found innocent,
and be able to talk to anyone without any shame.
But among us, there still are people
who just shut their mouth from fear.
I'm sure there are more people like that than people like me
We'll be closer to the democratic country,
only when we resolve these past problems
made by the dictatorship.
This movie is based on the essay
by the late KIM Geun-tae and interviews with real victims of torture.
However, characters and events in the film are cinematically recreated.
Dedicated to all the torture victims around the world