When My Name Was Keoko

Sun-hee still hasn’t spoken to her friend, Jung-shin, after learning she is “chin-il-pa.” Jung-shin has seemed distressed and distant. But one day Sun-hee sees her walking in town and begins to joke with her. Jung-shin lights up, and they rekindle their friendship. Sun-hee is glad she is regaining some semblance of normal life. But later, at dinner, Tae-yul asks to speak privately with Abuji. The women leave to wash the dishes, but they can hear the argument. When they finally return, Tae-yul announces that he has enlisted in the Japanese Imperial Army, distressing, saddening, and angering his family. Tae-yul tries to explain himself, saying that if he joins, the army will provide better supplies for the family and they will benefit from his sacrifice. Omoni disagrees and worries about his death. Sun-hee feels overwhelmed by the cruel effects of the Japanese occupation and runs out. Tae-yul goes after her and tells her he has a secret: Uncle is alive and working for the resistance.

One day after enlisting, Tae-yul goes to the police station to talk to an officer. He is nervous, and when he arrives, they interrogate him about his