EVERY MASCULINE GENDER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA SHALL
FAITHFULLY PERFORM MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE,
AS PRESCRIBED BY THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND THIS ACT
ARTICLE 3 OF THE MILITARY SERVICE ACT
ARMED FORCES SEOUL HOSPITAL
This is great. Pass it here.
Raccoon.
Raccoon, where are you?
Let's find that raccoon.
-Long time no see. -You startled us.
We thought you were the nurse officer.
That won't make the smell go away.
You'll get sent back to your unit if you get caught.
Hey, Mr. Marine Corps. Can I get a washcloth?
Stop acting like you don't smoke.
Thank you.
From what I heard, the medical officer
is going to check for people who smoke.
Take a look at my basket.
Ooh…
How does this sound?
Each spray will cost you 2,000 won worth of food at the PX.
What do you say? Deal?
Deal! Deal! Deal!
-Spray me! -Hurry up!
The military police knows what we need.
Come on, spray me.
Spray me next.
What would we have done without him?
Officer Han.
Me?
Pack your things. The medical officer wants you out.
Already?
He says you're fine and wants you back at your unit.
Gosh.
Why can't he see how hurt I am inside?
Let's all leave together.
They've all been smoking.
EPISODE 2: DAYDREAM
Look at that punk.
596 DAYS UNTIL DISCHARGE
Halt.
What is your business here?
I'm Captain Lim Ji-seop, the new aide. Open the gate.
Salute. Got it, sir.
Hey.
Yes, sir?
"Yes, sir"?
Aren't you a military police?
Come here.
How can you be sure if I'm an aide or a spy?
Aren't you going to check?
Sorry, sir.
I want you to report to the squad leader and return your leave days.
I'm sorry, sir!
Aren't you going to let me in?
One, two, three, four…
What is it?
Ah.
Isn't that him?
I heard there's a new aide coming from the CID.
The CID?
The Central Investigation Department.
I'm asking you what that is, you punk.
You're here.
Salute.
Sergeant Park, what took you so long?
This is Captain Lim Ji-seop, the new aide.
He's Sergeant First Class Park Beom-gu who's in charge of D.P. Say hello.
Yes.
I look forward to working with you.
Yes. Likewise.
I look forward to your support.
Sergeant Park, you're the big shot here,
so try your best to help him out.
Right.
How are things going getting our soldiers into the special forces?
We're doing our best to prepare, sir.
One of the soldiers fainted during training.
-So we'll take it step by step. -Good. Don't overwork them.
But let's add mountain running to the training.
Okay?
Yes, sir.
Good.
-Salute. -Yes.
Sir, you have a tennis match with the section leader.
Gosh, it's time already?
Okay.
You guys are probably better off talking without me.
Have everything settled.
Salute.
Does the general also like playing tennis?
Hmm.
Have a seat.
Sit down. Have a seat.
Goodness.
Is this everyone in the investigation division?
-Yes, that's right. -I see. What about the soldiers?
The administrative soldier is in the office,
and one of the D.P. soldiers is in his barrack.
Mm.
Does that mean the other soldier isn't in his barrack?
Well, the thing is…
Officer.
Yes, sir?
When a superior asks you a question,
you should organize your thoughts and give a well-structured answer.
I heard something happened recently.
One of them is behind bars for hitting a senior soldier.
You left out why.
I heard you beat Park Sung-woo to a pulp.
Good job.
I hated how he showed off for being a D.P. soldier.
But even so, he's your senior, you ungrateful jerk.
Hey, Nerd.
Salute. You must be tired, sir.
No, you're the one who's probably tired.
You're pretty sturdy.
Did you use to play sports?
I did judo in middle school, sir.
Oh, judo?
Yes, sir.
-Did you get to squeeze some boobs? -No, sir.
-Kimochi. -No, sir.
Don't get all fucking serious.
-Lose some weight, okay? -Yes, sir.
Salute.
My gosh.
I heard you haven't been eating.
Hurry up and take it.
Thank you.
CHOCO PIE
CHEER UP!
So that D.P. soldier went to drink at a karaoke bar
instead of catching the deserter.
Meanwhile, the deserter died,
and a junior beat his senior soldier?
That's right, sir.
Then have him dismissed.
Yes, sir. I'll do it once he gets out of military prison…
No.
His senior, not him.
But the thing is, he's…
What?
Does he have connections?
Park Sung-woo's dad, the district head, will be stepping down next month.
Let's keep it quiet.
And try to focus on improving your performance.
The evaluation period is coming up.
Yes, sir.
Okay, good.
Oh, and from now on, you can report directly to me.
Yes, sir.
What should I do with An Jun-ho?
Who?
It's not the end of the world.
I'm sorry.
What?
I'm sorry.
What are you sorry for?
You asked me to bring him back…
but I failed.
So what?
Pardon?
So what about that?
What are you going to do about that?
You can keep working as a D.P.
But about Shin Woo-suk…
He never would've deserted his post
if he didn't join the army in the first place.
Does that even matter?
Get him out of there.
I can't believe this shit.
How did he even get out?
Jun-ho, be honest with me.
Did you give Beom-gu a blowjob?
You did, right?
Or did you let him fuck you?
Look at his face.
Fucking bastard. What's wrong with the military these days?
What do you mean?
Everything is just fine.
What's going on?
Am I invisible?
Corporal Han, you're back.
Aren't you going to salute him?
He's Corporal Han. He's the one in charge of D.P.
Salute.
Nice to see you guys.
Corporal Han, are you better now?
I'm going to die.
They say I'm terminally ill.
I heard Sung-woo was dismissed.
Because of that, I have to take his place now.
I guess I'll have to do what I'm told.
Are you going to slack off just like you did at the hospital?
Yes, sir. I think I was born to slack off.
I also love shrimp snacks.
Sergeant Hwang. Aren't you being discharged soon?
Why do you keep acting like you're the big shot here?
Listen, Mr. Civilian.
Do you have no respect for your senior?
Didn't you know?
When you're close to getting discharged, you're no different from a civilian.
You two D.P. assholes are pissing me off.
One more word, and I'll rip your mouth open.
"One more word."
You asshole.
It's 8:30 p.m.
Are you having a rap battle or something?
I'm going to watch a TV show, so shut the fuck up and sit down.
Yes, sir.
Good.
Hey, you must be An Jun-ho, my junior.
Mm.
The hot water melts the grease from the noodles,
and that grease melts the package, which creates endocrine disruptors.
It's really bad for you.
But it's delicious.
It's so good that I can't stop eating.
Maybe it tastes so good thanks to all the endocrine disruptors.
What do you think?
I don't know, sir.
I heard you beat up Sung-woo.
Mm.
Good job.
You did good.
I was sick, you see.
I had problems breathing, so I went to the medical corps,
but they couldn't find the cause.
The armed forces hospital couldn't either.
But they wouldn't let me go to a hospital outside.
Meanwhile, Sung-woo was put in charge.
And he loves to drink and party.
Of course, everything's a mess.
You're right, sir.
Anyway, I'm different from him. I do things in a new way.
From now on, you just need to do as I say, okay?
Yes, sir.
And don't get involved with those guys in the barracks.
They've got nothing to do with us.
We just need to focus on our job.
Catching deserted soldiers.
Yes, sir.
I mean, how peaceful is this place? No one's here to bully you.
D.P.
Private An Jun-ho, sir.
Corporal Han Ho-yeol.
If you're done eating, it's time to get to work.
Yes, sir.
His name is Choi Jun-mok. He's been gone for two months.
I think he was abused in his unit, but we're not sure how.
He was last spotted at a platform in Incheon Station.
He tried to commit suicide there.
Hey!
Are you okay?
INCHEON PLATFORM 1 CAR 4-2
Got it?
If it's been two months.
We won't even have his access log.
Did your mommy say you need that to catch deserters?
No, my aunt, sir.
Gi-yeong.
-Private First Class Heo Gi-yeong, sir. -Get him the warrant.
Go get it.
Yes, sir.
Second cabinet, third line.
Thank you.
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
You can thank me with a Big Mac.
I'm sorry, sir?
If you want to thank me, come back with a Big Mac.
I want it with bacon, okay?
Private First Class Heo here is always hungry.
Let's go.
See you.
We'll be off now, sir.
An Jun-ho.
Private An Jun-ho, sir.
You'd better not take this for granted.
You're not going on a picnic.
Yes, sir.
Don't get anyone killed.
And don't get killed either.
Salute.
STOP
What are you doing?
Do you want me to go alone?
No, sir.
-Stay. Just stay. -No, sir.
I'm fine alone. Go have some shrimp snacks.
-No, sir. I'm fine, sir. -Go have some snacks.
I can do it alone. Go on back inside.
Shouldn't we go to the subway station first?
If he tries to kill himself…
It's not easy to try again when you stop while taking a shit.
I'm sorry, sir?
He'll need time to get ready again.
Meanwhile, we're going to stick to the basics.
Step…
by step.
One at a time.
Good. Step by step.
Hello, sir.
DEFENSE SECURITY COMMAND REQUEST FOR DATA PROVISION
What do you think that interception warrant is for?
I'm not sure, sir.
Normally…
you use it to check the access log of online games or search engines.
Deserters tend to be hooked on video games
or hopeless romantics who have to send emails to their girlfriends.
But in order to do that, we need to visit each firm,
fill in an application, and wait for days.
And even if we get permission, we need to access this site
and pay for each and every information.
Money makes the world go round.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Yes, sir.
You don't need to understand.
I'm sorry, sir?
Listen to me, Private An.
What kind of a fool would use his own ID
after having deserted from the army?
They create new IDs using other people's information.
Then what do you think we need to do to find the deserter?
Three, two, one.
-Well-- -Nope. Too late.
We need to meet his acquaintances.
Family, girlfriend, friends, and alumni. It doesn't matter who.
Anyone will do.
"He's been out of touch. We're not close. I don't talk to him."
None of that matters. Just question everyone.
Why do you think we should?
To predict what the deserter might have done?
No. Wrong answer.
Deserters don't do the things they normally do
or things that are predictable.
They intuitively know that it's dangerous.
Jun-ho, you must not like fish cakes.
Then is it the opposite?
To avoid being predictable?
Wrong again.
I thought you were smart. What college do you go to?
I don't go to college.
What a coincidence. Me neither.
YONGDAM BUS TERMINAL
Can you let go, sir?
What we should do is, we should think in their shoes.
Find out what they'd want to eat, who they'd want to see,
and what may be on their minds.
It's what Hollywood actors do.
It's called method acting. Becoming one with the character.
Doesn't that just mean we're starting from scratch?
Well, yes.
Then what do you think is important for us to do well?
Stay persistent?
Not be disappointed.
Why aren't you sleeping?
I told you it's important to get enough sleep.
I just had something on my mind.
But where are we going?
Well…
To meet the woman in his journal.
I already explained everything to the last person who came.
Mm-mmm.
That's not why we're here today.
Let me make myself clear.
There was nothing between us.
We only dated for a month.
But Jun-mok thought of you as his first love.
What?
Jun-ho, give me the journal.
I don't have it, sir.
You don't?
I guess he forgot to bring it.
In the army, you're asked to write a journal.
It's like a diary.
And?
Your name…
was found in his journal, Ji-hye.
What?
Who?
Then…
I told you her name is Hye-jeong.
Oh, right. Hye-jeong. That's right.
He wrote tons of stuff about you in his diary, Hye-jeong.
Right?
What did it say?
I didn't read it in detail.
But he wrote about how he fell for you when you guys first met.
He wrote that he can never forget that moment.
You had jajangmyeon with him at the orientation party, right?
And what else?
Oh, right. And…
And he wrote that every moment he spent with you
was very special to him.
Yes, that's right.
-He wrote that about me? -Yes.
Really?
I can't believe he wrote all that.
So you want me to contact you if Jun-mok ever calls, right?
Yes, please call us.
Okay. Bye.
Bye.
You're an amazing liar, sir.
Who says I lied?
I had it.
JOURNAL REPUBLIC OF KOREA ARMY
Ma'am, but Jun-mok…
I don't remember!
He just came here to eat chicken once after he quit working here.
Oh, you mean Acorn Jelly?
Yes, Choi Jun-mok.
I haven't seen him in months.
Maybe he's started to lose faith.
Get out of my way!
Who are they talking about?
He went to the army?
Yes.
I hope he returns soon.
-You saw him a few days ago? -Where?
Where was it again?
It was at a convenience store at a subway station.
Hey, Jun-mok.
Jong-min.
Are you out on leave?
What?
Yes, I am.
Did he seem a bit dark?
I'm not sure.
I don't think so.
My youngest son is very soft-hearted.
Where in the world could he be?
He can't even sleep in strange places because he's so sensitive.
What if he gets so scared
and ends up doing something bad to himself?
No, ma'am. That will never happen.
We'll bring him back before anything like that happens.
Hold on.
Wait a minute.
This isn't much.
You remind me of Jun-mok.
No, it's okay. The military already gave us money.
Sure, ma'am.
We'll put this money to good use. We promise we'll find Jun-mok.
Please take good care of him.
NO PLATFORM SCREEN DOORS AT PREVIOUS TWO STATIONS
Do you think Choi Jun-mok is okay?
Jun-ho, do you smell yogurt?
It's coming from your jacket.
-I guess it's nicely fermented. -It's probably rotten.
How long have we been out?
It's been 12 days.
Is there anyone we haven't met yet?
We met all his high school friends.
Don't worry. Jun-mok isn't dead.
How are you so sure?
He hasn't called yet.
Nine out of ten suicidal deserters call their mothers before they die.
Ah.
"Hi, I'm Choi Jun-mok.
I'm 177cm tall. I weigh 70 kilograms.
My vision is 1.2, but due to astigmatism I wear glasses from time to time.
My GPA is 2.7,
and I got lucky and went to college even though my grades were bad.
I sometimes go to church with my friends to play table tennis,
and I joined the army after I broke up with my first love in college.
My dream is to become a public servant, and my nickname is Acorn Jelly."
Why "Acorn Jelly"?
Because of his name
and because he has no personality.
"That's right. I have no personality. Please find me."
You're getting a call.
SERGEANT DOG
Communications Security, Corporal Han Ho-yeol, sir.
Did you find anything?
We're working on it, sir.
That's your job, punk. I'm asking if you made progress.
Well, we're gathering information, sir.
Are you kidding me?
I want updates!
Gosh, why is he yelling?
What did you say, you punk?
Ah.
Nothing, sir. We'll find him.
I received details on how Choi Jun-mok was abused back in his unit.
Jun-mok snores pretty loudly when he sleeps.
They made him wear a gas mask and didn't let him sleep.
What a bunch of lunatics.
Anything else, sir?
Yes, he used his military debit card to pay for a bowl of black bean noodles.
A restaurant called Ilpoomhyang in Ilsan, at 11:30 p.m.
Don't bother to write it down.
If you're not getting anywhere, just come back.
Yes, sir. Salute.
Is he asking us to return?
It means he'll kill us if we go back empty-handed.
How much money do we have left?
We received 200,000 won, and used it on food and transportation.
So now…
We have 7,800 won left.
I'll use my secret weapon.
24 HOUR SAUNA
Sir, we're traveling the country on foot.
And for some reason,
the ATM machine is broken, so we can't withdraw any money.
If you let us in now,
we'll withdraw money and pay you as soon as the sun rises tomorrow.
Where did you come from?
Pardon?
Where did you come from? You said you're traveling on foot.
We just moved to the city from Yeongwol, so we're not familiar with the names…
Where in Yeongwol?
-I'm from Yeongwol. -A place called Deokpo…
I'm from Deokpo. Where in Deokpo?
It's near the Donggang River.
-What? -Once you walk past the army unit there…
Oh, you mean the huge potato field next to where people go rafting?
I'm the youngest son of that family.
Oh, really?
I'm telling you this because we're all past this now.
All the potatoes were ruined because of that storm,
so we couldn't sell them.
My dad had a really tough time…
due to Typhoon Maemi.
What?
The typhoon from two years ago was Bolaven.
My little brother…
injured his head when Typhoon Bolaven hit our town.
Sir.
We're traveling the country on foot,
and for some reason, the ATM machine is broken…
If you could let us in, we'll withdraw money and…
AN JUN-HO
Sleep later. If you sleep now, you won't be able to sleep past midnight.
I'll sleep when I want to.
Okay, fine.
You were so good earlier.
You should become an actor.
I should get your autograph.
Gosh, will you stop it already?
There you go!
What will you do if I don't stop?
What will you do?
-My gosh. -I don't want to stop.
Damn it.
There you go!
There! There you go!
-Isn't it weird? -What is?
Why did he go all the way to Incheon Station to attempt suicide?
Because there are no screen doors there.
The two previous stations don't have screen doors either.
Take a look at this.
Choi Jun-mok's friend saw him at the store in Sangildong Station.
SANGILDONG STATION
And the Chinese restaurant he went to…
This stop is the last stop.
It's right in front of Daehwa Station.
The two stations…
They're both the very last stations.
He's a gourmet.
He must enjoy searching for good food.
Would you go searching for good food in the middle of your suicide attempt?
Why would you even say that?
Here's another thing that's weird.
Choi Jun-mok was always spotted late at night.
Incheon Station. 11:50 p.m.
Sangildong Station. 12:15 a.m.
Daehwa Station. 11:30 p.m.
He's only active at nighttime.
He's a vampire.
Gosh.
Then why don't you at least try to…
Come here.
I checked all the websites he signed up on before and after he joined the army.
Didn't you say this cost money?
Yes, Jun-mok's mother gave us money.
Anyway, I noticed that he mostly used this as his ID.
It's "Black" without a "C."
Choi Jun-mok's birthday is September 14.
Yes.
But this ID had no login records.
So I just looked up "blakmagic."
And look. I got 470 results.
I checked every single ID
and compared all the personal information.
Look.
Doesn't this number look familiar?
Four, eight,
five, nine…
So you want me to contact you if Jun-mok ever calls, right?
-Hye-jeong? -Bingo.
So you're saying he just typed in 111 for no reason and used…
the number of that girl he liked for the last four digits?
I'm not so sure about that.
This is a better than guessing he went to eat in the middle of his suicide attempt.
Do you think so?
SLACKER
Seriously?
Communications Security, Corporal Han Ho-yeol, sir!
Have you lost it, you punk?
No, sir.
-What is it? -Oh, well…
We need another interception warrant.
An Jun-ho took it with him.
No, not that one. It's for someone else.
So you're saying Choi Jun-mok created an ID
using his ex-girlfriend's phone number?
I mean, you think he might have?
That's right, sir.
-Do you have evidence? -It's based on confidence, sir.
According to Jun-ho, at least.
It sounds like you're talking out of your ass.
If this goes south, I'll get fired, and you'll both be dead.
Yes, sir. We'll just get dismissed with you, sir!
You asshole!
Private Heo Gi-yeong, sir.
Salute.
Oh, hey.
Sir.
We need an interception warrant for a civilian.
Hmm. Sure.
Go ahead.
Oh, okay.
Thank you, sir.
Okay.
REQUEST FOR DATA PROVISION WARRANT
What's wrong? Did I say "okay" too easily?
No, sir.
I'm sure you're asking for it because you're sure of something.
Hey, issue a warrant for Sergeant Park right away.
Okay.
Do you need anything else?
No. Thank you, sir. Salute.
Salute.
That fucking bastard…
Hey.
Send the location to the D.P. soldiers
and tell them I wasn't kidding earlier.
They're dead if they don't catch him.
Everything will be fine. Don't worry.
Okay? Don't be nervous.
Got it, sir.
Did you memorize the Miranda rights? Don't get nervous and make a mistake.
Okay, sir.
Are you nervous, sir?
Of course, you punk.
I'll still be nervous even after a hundred arrests.
Hello, are you a member here?
No, we're not. We're the military police.
Is there a back entrance here?
No, there isn't.
I'm sorry.
What do you want?
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Did you enjoy this? Let me clean it up for you.
Hey, you two!
Stop fooling around and leave or I'll report you for obstruction of business.
Damn it.
My gosh.
What do you want?
Who are you people?
-Ah. Uh… -I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. You look just like my friend, Jun-mok.
-I thought you were Jun-mok… -My gosh.
I'm sorry. Sorry for troubling you.
I'll push your seat back in.
You can go back to sleep.
Let's not be disappointed. There's no need to be disappointed.
Vampire…
Back to ground zero. We can do this.
Where is he?
I think I know where Choi Jun-mok is.
What?
Hey, wake that buddy fucker up.
He is a vampire.
Choi Jun-mok was always found at the last stop late at night
when the subway closes.
So instead of trying to do anything at his destination,
he just fell asleep and found himself there?
Then what about his suicide attempt?
Hey!
Did you sleep well?
Where am I?
The last stop.
The last stop of subway line two.
I see.
I guess this is the end of the line.
I'm sorry.
What's on your mind?
Just…
That it's so comfortable here.
What are you doing here?
We're planting trees.
What?
It's not even Arbor Day.
The general asked us to plant them.
He thinks the barracks look too deserted.
Where did you get that tree?
Well…
we dug it out from over there.
Yes, sir.
You're a special forces soldier. Why can't you do this properly?
I want you to dig a hole, not caress the damn soil.
-How is this so hard? -How fucking absurd.
How did it go?
-We arrested Choi Jun-mok. -Really?
Where?
We found him on the street.
You prick.
Anyway, good work. Hurry up and return.
Yes, sir. Salute.
McDonald's.
This is for Private Heo Gi-yeong.
I know.
Baked eggs?
Do you want one?
I guess you don't like eggs.
It's gone bad. My gosh.
Oh, hello.
Yes.
Okay, just a moment.
Your girlfriend.
My girlfriend?
Hye-jeong.
Mom.
I'm sorry, Mom.
I'm sorry.
CELL 5
I'm sorry, but can I borrow your lighter?
Are you doing okay?
Well…
I'm not sure.
No.
I'm asking if you're okay
that you've killed someone.
GUEST APPEARANCE BY LEE JOONG-OK