The Kite Fighters

Now that Young-sup has his own reel, the brothers can now fly their kites simultaneously, which brings them immense joy. Their frolicking is interrupted by the King’s entourage, commanding them to kneel. The young King explains that he has been admiring their kites in the sky from the palace and wanted to investigate. Young-sup offers his reel to the king and sees “the look of delight on his face” (39) as he experiences the magic of kite-flying.

The King ends his time with the brothers by commanding them to make him a kite, which they accept. The boys’ father is impressed by this request, but Kee-sup is distraught over the pressure of crafting a worthy kite. When Kee-sup struggles to choose a design, his father recommends he paint the kite like a dragon. Young-sup becomes impatient with Kee-sup’s inability to finish the kite, and their father reminds Young-sup to not disrespect his capped elder brother. Despite his frustration, Young-sup decides to be more respectful, at least in front of their father, understanding that he cannot change the fact of their birth order. The boys’ father surprises Kee-sup with some gold leaf paint as the final addition for the kite.