The Orphan Master's Son

The citizens of North Korea are addressed, in a short radio broadcast, by the official voice of the government. The broadcast praises the accomplishments of the Dear Leader, Kim Jong Il and reminds the people to be thrifty. Citizens are reminded not to listen to the dangerous propaganda coming from hostile nations, which have recently insinuated that Commander Ga and Sun Moon, a decorated hero and the national actress, are no longer in love. The announcer asks, “What are you going to believe, citizens? Rumors and lies, or your very own eyes?” (4). 

As the son of an orphan master, Jun Do grows up in an orphanage, where the worst tasks and punishments are reserved for him, as proof that he is not receiving special treatment at the hands of his father. After the floods of “Juche 85,” the country is hit by famine. Jun Do and the remaining orphans are forced to join the army. Jun Do never sees his father again.

Eight years later, Officer So finds Jun Do patrolling the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in the disputed area between North and South Korea. Jun Do has been chosen for his ability to fight in the dark tunnels of the DMZ, and he now finds himself part of a small team sent across the sea to Japan, where they will be kidnapping civilians.