The Kite Fighters

In 1473 Seoul, Lee Young-sup watches as his older brother, Lee Kee-sup, struggles to fly the new kite he received for the New Year celebration. After Young-sup enviously awaits his turn, Kee-sup finally shares his kite. Young-sup flies the kite more successfully, with much more control over the line. He tries to explain his understanding of the wind to his brother, claiming that “the kite [talks] to [him]” (7). Kee-sup jokes that there must be a tok-gabi, a mischievous spirit, speaking to Young-sup, and admits he has not learned “whatever language kites speak” (7).

Kite flying is a winter sport, so the brothers put the kite away when spring comes. By the fall, they are ready to fly again. Because Kee-sup’s kite is worn from use, the brothers decide to each craft their own kite. Young-sup hastily constructs his, while Kee-sup makes his painstakingly precise and meticulously decorates it as a striking tiger. Young-sup’s kite barely flies because his frame is crooked and unstable. Young-sup hones his flying skills using Kee-sup’s kite, and eventually asks his brother to make him an identical one. Kee-sup agrees to teach him how to make his own, and though the process is frustrating for Young-sup, he eventually understands how important good craftsmanship is for kite-flying.