The Night Before the Strike (1990) - full transcript

There are 200 miserably impoverished people working in the Dongseong Metalworks Factory. JU Wan-ik is introduced to the forging team as a new member of the team and they all go drinking together to welcome him.

Fall, 1987

Fellow workers of Dongsung Metal Works!

I'm Kim Jungmin, a worker
in the cutting team

Is this supposed to be foods
for us, the basis of Korea's industrial power?

Are we slaves? Or are we machines?

We spend every single day with
extra shifts, night shifts, and irregular shifts!

It is because our products sell that well

But the company says

we're short on money, on import
and how much do they

even pay us!

Fellow workers of Dongsung Metal Works
Do not let this be anymore!



We're humans, too!

What is this!

What the hell are you doing?

Get the fuck out!

Don't let this be anymore!

The masters of this world are us!

The masters of this world are...

Hey, just continue eating

The Night Before The Strike
Song: As if Nothing Happened by Ahn Chi Hwan

As if nothing happened
Subs by Montagna

As if days just pass by

Shrouded in times passed by

scars also fade away

But I shall not forget



those friends who died before us

Quivering echoes of shouts

still longing in my heart

like a glowing red molten iron

like a river rolling through

rushes into my veins

It's flowing hot with ire

Speak, brothers

Winter, 1988
Speak with passion

Today the cutting team
will do a lot of loads

So let's strike harder than usual

And uh...

Right, don't smoke while working!

Yesterday Chief Choi told me
some of you got caught smoking

For fuck's sake break time
isn't there for nothing

So smoke during it
Hey, cut smoking!

I'm the team's head
And I'm talking

'Kay, I'm cuttin'

Sorry Sir

Bastard, do you know
what time is it?

You shit don't even work properly

If you're gonna
keep it that way

Just quit it scum

He probably slept more cuz he was tired
So stop it

If you keep doing like that
It won't be funny, got it?

It's fine, fine
And you, Jaeman, should apologize

I won't be late hereafter

And where's Yu Wongi?

What is this now?
He hasn't worked here for long even

I'm here~

Hey where have you been!

Look it's a cold day so

I was getting some hot water
as you can see

You could do that after the briefing, man

Quit it, we're still briefing

I'll put it out after few puffs
I've just lighten up this one

And we've got a newcomer today

Come here

Greet them

I'm Joo Wanik
Nice to meet you all

Hey let's get to work
Get in there, get

-You, come here
-Take care

That machine, you take care of

600 rolls from Dongshin Steel Co.
are planned to arrive in 2 days, right?

Um it's that they also have
some problems with workers

so there will be only about 400 rolls

For the rest of them, we're now contacting
Myungsung and Samdo

Yeah, anyway in order to
not to affect the production

You, Mr. Song
take care of it thoroughly

Yes, sir

And things like payments

are matters to be consulted
with the 1st factory

But the labor management...
This is 80's

The best way for it is
to take preventative measures

Develop some innovative ideas

Hey shithead! Don't yawn while working!

Do it properly

That bastard! Jeez you scums
slack like god damn sloths

What is this, Yu Wongi
What the hell are you doing!

I'm cleaning up
It's time

I gotta clean up hahah

Look at the watch

It's already time?

Come, let's clean up!

I'm gonna fuck that bastard up for once

Ruthless scum

Hey Sukgu, we've gotta celebrate
the newcomer today, how 'bout that?

Ah of course!
Let's go to the Junju pub

Taking a good care of my parents

I'll live and die by the soil

The Machikoba you've been

is that factory at the lottery, right?

Yes

20, it's a good time for ya, man

Hey!

I was a jarhead, so
do ya have a sister?

No I don't

I 'no you do!

No I really don't

Hey take a shot
Out of all the places

you've come to this shitty Dongsung?

Anyway let's work our asses off
For health!

Have as much as you like!

Wow auntie!(non-literal)
You are the best!

Hold your mouth, fool!

Brother Dongup!
Come, sing a song for us

Heh I ain't gonna do that

The newcomer sang a song for us
And you've gotta sing one on behalf of us!

Applause!

Hold for a moment
let me introduce him

for he's gonna sing

On the blue corner is the one
who's been working from the start

for 17 years, day and night, faithfully
and..

Consistently!

I know that too!
anyway consistently,

The old timer of Dongsung Metal Works
whose income is 27,5000\ a year(4000$ now. nonsense)

His specialty is to eat
Nyquil during the nightshift

His favorite is "Dreaming singer of Baekma river"
Jang-Dong-Up!

In a moonlit night over Baekma river
Chirps a waterfowl~

Hey, let's take a shot y'all

Oh man! Hey newcomer
sing another one for us!

Yeah let us listen to your voice

Oh my dear hometown, my parents
Worker's way by Ahn Chi Hwan(a labor movement song)

How much time has passed
since I left

I, who has lived through all those times

am a worker

But do not quail!

do not feel lonely!

Shake off all the sorrow!

Worker's way, the way of the new world

Don't we know that way?

Even though it's a tough time
I've gotta deposit into the installment savings

After three years of torments
I'll be with a fortune!

At first we start as a tiny shop

By then I'll have a raise

Then we make another installment
account and expand our shop

So we could run a gift shop

But it could be delayed a bit

Why?

I gotta pay for my brother's tuition
in university

Ah, I see

And also we need
a room to live

Hansu, it's fine

Why? Are you leaving already?

They scolded me being late
last time, too

I've gotta put up with this
until I leave the dormitory

...ordered a vicious crackdown on
actions causing disorders in law and order

Recent disorders in law and order

not only threaten the democracy itself

Don't do this! I'm late

It's obvious if you just look at
how many loads they give

Our conditions cannot be same
in the morning and in the night, can they?

But those bastards calculate
regardless of it and give us

the most a trained worker
can do in an hour

Do you think they consider us
as human beings?

We're disposable

We're cheaper than any kind of
machines, aren't we?

Hey bro, bro, let's go together

Please come home sober

You drink everyday even though
you get paid so little!

Stop drinking, you fool!

Jeez it was once in a while

She's right bro
take care of your body

Don't you worry about me
And just study hard, butt!

Uh I'm starving

You went to the bar yesterday
Here's our rich boy huh

Woah those bitches...
Give me a ciggy!

Quit it! You don't have
capacity to afford it

What the hell are you doing
everyday like that, butt

You worked your ass off
for that money

Quit my ass
Jeez what a cheapskate

Fuck it, I don't care

'sup~ By the way are you
making out well with Mija?

Did you bang her?

You bastard! Do you think Mija is
like those bunches that you play along?

'Kay, butt. So how did it go?
Did you hit it?

I'm gonna kill you if you
let your tongue slip!

'Kay, man. So how did it go?
Did you bang her?

I didn't! Cocksucker

What a yellow!

Hey, Hansu, we're going to do
the night shift today

Yeah? Night shift out of no where!
God fucking damn it!

Hansu, it's unusual of you

backing off from a night shift?

-Damn it!
-That's what I'm saying

The whole factory just went crazy eh

This gal would do wonder in bed!

Hey. look at her

Yeah...but it just didn't
work out as intended

If I were by myself
I could do something but...

-Uh? What the..
-Ouch!

Hey don't you even
talk to me

You were begging me
to introduce her and now

What did you say to Misuk?

What? I said if we share a room

it would save us
money and incovenience

So are you gonna marry her?

Eh? That's a different story
ahahahah

Why you little...!

If you say something like that again
I'm gonna kill you!

Aww... Jaepil

Hahaha! That's a funny gal

That girl looks fine

She's Kim Sukhui of the packaging team

She went to a night school for half a year
and she's got that fiery tongue

Yeah? Hm..

Ah I'm so tired
Why am I this much tired?

Hey! let's play foot volley!

What are you doing at the lunch break?
Like a bunch of elderlies!

Hey, move your asses

Jeez please let me be

You've got to work out

Man, let us rest in peace
just during this break

You need a strength to work out!

Alright! Chunsup!
Let us bet for some sodas!

OB vs YB
Hey Jaeman what do you think?

It's fine!

Let's do it! For some sodas
Get up people, get up!

Hey Mija, I'm Hansu

I've got a sudden night shift
so I can't make it tonight

Yeah I gotta get back in hurry

I'll call you later
Yep, bye

Let's go eat!

Hey Sukgu, aren't you coming to eat?

Hey! Yu Wongi!

Me?

Where are you going now?

What? I'm off to eat
I gotta eat after a shower

Get back to your station

What?

Get back to your station
you cocksucker!

Hey! Forging team! Don't you guys eat?

Stop it and let's go to eat

What's up with you?
Are you not gonna eat?

Mr. Yu, go to eat

Yu Wongi! aren't you gonna eat?

Won't you go to eat?

Touch my machine again
and I'll crush your skull!

Hahaha Wongi! That was great

The supervisor got terrified!

Let's sleep, brother

Bro, are you awake?

Yes

Back then it was very liberating

He is not doing it in his own will

His superiors order him to do it...

But it's too much

Do you know how much did I get my ass kicked
when I was a newcomer here?

I've got beaten up pretty
when I was an apparentice

You've been in this shithole
quite a long time, too, eh?

Well, maybe over a decade..

Did you make some money?

What kind of money?

So how about you? Did you make some?

No way
it just doesn't work out as I want

Every time it was close
things that cost fortune happened

If I were by myself, I could do something...

It's a damned world

Let's sleep now
We've got works to do tomorrow

Yep

LET'S ACCOMPLISH 0% DEFECTS AT ALL COST

Jesus...

Man! It just heats me up good

Now this is some "rest"!

Damn...

Well ya, ain't ya gonna take a shot?

You drink straight up
from this early

That's enough

Man it's way too bitter!

Soju is the best for steel dust
(pun)

We're not a gundam or something

By the way this motherfucking boss
always harasses us from this early!

But that man has no match
in diligence, ya know

Look at that boy of his
so-called executive director

I ain't know what he got in the US

He's far behind from his father
in diligence!

Jeez, brother

Don't look at me like that, kid

So when the boss arrives
clap as hard as you can! Got it?

Hey, grinding team
Stand in a straight line!

Back a bit, yeah just like that

You can't even stand
in a straight line? Boys!

Boss's arriving!

Got it! Clap the best out of you!
And give me some smile, smile!

Good morning, sir

-Mh How is it going?
-Come this way, sir

The inside is all sorted out, sir

Alright, alright

This machine right here
always has been a trouble

Wait, isn't this my Dongup, is he?

Hey Dongup, how's it going?

This is an honor, sir!

Hah! You butt has been around
for quite a time, ain't you?

Yeah, it's been like 15 years or so, sir

You smell of alcohol!
Stop drinking that much, you drunkard!

Hey, does that drunkard work hard?

I'll give you a report after finding it out

Damn the report! Don't!

For what do you keep an old buffer?
If he's not good enough, just fire him

Yes, sir

Mr. Song
Commence briefing

Yes, sir

If we look at here...

Hey cut it! That's the part for
the factory no.1, so move on

What was it? Ah yes talk about
the thing about union or something

You've got any plan for it?

Ah yes I'll brief you on that matter

There's already a joint labor management council
with the heads of the teams and managers as leaders

We're now recruiting men from each team
that can be used as strike breakers

in the time of emergency

Do it thoroughly
This place always has been a pain in the ass

-Mr. Song!
-Yes, sir

If you fuck this up this time
you will face some consequences

Understood, sir

I've always said this but
I can't ever allow a union!

We've been in a middle of heyday
and what the fuck is this?

After we've got some shit called
democratization by some puny students protesting

And now oiled up blues rebel up
For fuck's sake!

Anyway in no way
can I allow unions!

If we get unions, I'll sell this place up
and buy some stocks or lands

You are great!

How come you've got that yee-yee ass
vigor being a young man?

Fucking I can't even get hard
after a night shift

When I was at your age, nig
Even though I did night shift everyday

My boy was reckless!
You are pathetic, boy

For what use? Haha
hah! you slick

Wait for me!

You motherfucker...

Dude, you already know
that it's good for all of us!

Yeah but I don't feel attached
to them as much as to you bro

I've been in factories after
graduating junior high all along

It's hard to care about
others, isn't it?

What we need is a small unity...

Then the chief can't beat or call you names

Also we can get a raise

Only if it were that easy as you say..

It's all because we couldn't go to college

You fool, do you even watch TV?

People protesting in the screen

are people who couldn't go there
just like us!

The motherfucking boss says:

I'm paying you with my money
Why do you complain so much? Ungrateful bastards

Let's do the same to him!
If he doesn't pay us much

we won't work as much! Who's gonna
blame us for that? Ain't I right?

Good morning, sir

Yeah, come in, please sit

So how's your mother doing?

She's doing good

I've gotta pay her a visit
for the sake of your late father...

Even though I know that
you're working in this company

I'm not in the position to
get you some treats

So I've found a good opportunity
by chance these days

I recommended you for it
After all, you've been working hard

What is it?

Yeah? Nothing special. Dept. Chief's
making a small society

A mutual aid society or something like that

The director donated 3 million won for it
(8000$ today)

So we had to choose one from
each team to recommend

Eh? I don't deserve it...

No, no this looks like
something irrelevant for now

In reality it's a way to elect
executive candidates

Hey, sign your name here

And with this get your mother
some fine meal

No, I can't take it!

No no this isn't something big
But please take it

It's just a small expression of
my gratitude, take it!

Anyway we've got to do something

Our company is known for treating workers
like shit even in the 5th industrial complex

You've got any idea?

No.. it's bugging me

We can't do something
when we don't know a shit!

Our factory doesn't even get some
undercover students! (in 8-90's, many Korean students

worked in factories under fake identity to make unions)
So Sukgu, in fact

I've been thinking this till now

Let us make a labor union!

A labor union?

Well, seems like someone was
already acting before me

I was thinking of becoming a chairman
by talking off people

Let's get some people!

We gather up and study altogether

Whatchu doing?

Well I was thinking
who would participate in it

Hansu won't do this...

Why do you hate Hansu so much?

I don't hate him
But he's a dick!

It's not like he's the only
poor man here

He acts like a drama king
being a young poke!

Don't be so harsh on him

How about that lady Sukhui
from the packaging team?

She goes to a night school, too

Well...

Get it off I know that
you like her

What's up with everybody, jeez

Why are you guys trying to
set me up with her?

Brother Dongup and all

For real I haven't even talked to her

Then now's your chance

For god's sake...
Just eat ramyeon

It's mine!

It's out! Out!
That's 1 for us!

It's out!
It's a tie with 8:8, got it?

Hold on! It's payday, right?
Let's take a bet for some booze!

That's mighty fine!

Wait, we've got an extra shift today!

Fucking hell it's always like this

Let us just skip that shit!

What company makes you
work extra even on payday?

Alright! Losers gonna
take the risk, how 'bout that?

Hey Wanik What do you think?

It's good!

Yeah, let's get it on tonight!

Hm what about you, Hansu?

Hansu also gotta come with us!

Yeah let's skip the shift!

Alright! Play ball!

Are we really going to do it?

Is it gonna be okay doe?

Don't worry, butt

We're doing it

What the hell are you trynna do?
Yu Wongi

It's time to wrap it up, isn't it?

Today's payday, I gotta
go home with my money!

What are you talking about?
We've got an extra shift to do!

Hey, what are you doing!

Where do you think you're going?

What in the world are you doing now!

Today's payday!

You've always done an extra shift
on payday!

It's not a special occasion!
You all know that!

It's a time for some party
After all it's payday!

What?

What's all of this nonsense!

Don't ignore me, you maggots!

Hey, where the hell are you going!

Don't you see we're wrapping it up
and going to change outfits?

Wha.. hey!

What is this now?

Change to your coveralls at once!

We never told you
we're doing that shift

We've never signed up for that

What kind of jive are you talking?

Which company makes workers
do extra shifts even on payday, huh?

Only ours does that shit
in this complex! Fucking bullshit!

Even that lil' shit dares to...

Calm down, pal

It's only once in a while
so go easy on them

It is you who's so easy on them
that corrupts them like this!

Shut it and get us the paycheck!
Jesus fucking Christ

Why you little...!

What's wrong with you?

You maggots don't want
to work here?

Alright, let's get it done tonight!

We don't wanna talk to you

So just get us our paycheck!

What the fuck?
Am I your servant or something?

"What the fuck"?
You lil' motherfucker!

Fellas, let's go down and
finish the work first

And then we talk this over

I'll buy you all a drink

We ain't gonna work again
after changing like this and all

Yeah we're all clean'd up

It's payday so

We've made a promise to have
a party altogether for once

We can't break that up now

Hey, let's finish the job first
We've got loads stacked up

I'll make sure this to be handled
in the next labor management meeting

Yeah, let's talk about this
after the job is done

Um.. Gentlemen, you are free to go
home for today

I'm going to get you
your paychecks, too

However, if this kind of thing
happens again henceforth,

I'll handle it by the company's rules

I can't believe that just
happened to us! Man!

Have you seen that frowned face
of the supervisor? Hah!

Anyway let this be a tradition.
No extra shift on paydays

Y'all think it would be a tradition
by just us saying so?

We can do that!

Stay together in line just like today
that's it!

I'd love to see that happen

But even though we've done
more than 200 hours of extra shifts

We get paid only a little more than
200,000\(2,000$ today)

And if we skip the extra shifts...

But in reality the extra payments
are of no use!

If you've got more work
you've got to hire more people

Then they've gotta pay
the real deal of whole paychecks

So they make us do extra and night shifts
to save that money

You lil' bastard do know something!

For what use?

If you skip the extra
shifts, what then?

Are you gonna just
sit there and starve?

If they don't give us a raise
we've got to make them do

When did a boss give
us a raise by his own will?

In order to do that
we need a labor union

We can't even dream of it
in this shithole

Even Samjin made a union!

Why can't we do
what all others can do?

Hey pal, I know union
is good for us

But it doesn't work out
as we intend to

It only ends up hurting
the leaders of it

Fuck, we're done for that!

If we're gonna do that

I'll do it until my
head gets crushed!

If someone's gonna get hurt
we can be hurt altogether!

If we're fucked up all
The company is also screwed

What are you scare of?

Everyone let us drink to that!

Hey love, drink up to the bottom

Anyway what's up with forging team
these days?

Making a hustle trynna
skip the extra shifts

Chief Kim! You used to
be better in the old days!

What, do you want to quit or something?

Fine! Even if I get to
pay it with my pocket

let's do some background check
of these...

Jesus love, what's up with you?

I'll get it done, sir

Director Song, will you keep
doing that to my love?

Yeah yeah I can't win you
Sweet Miss Park

Hey let's have some fun tonight

Let us toast!

Of course of course, to health!

Brother, help us please!

Like I said earlier

I do know union
is good for us

But I won't take the lead

Think about it!

I'm 3 fingers short now

Who's gonna hire me
if I get fired here?

Brother, that's why
we need you more!

I wish your success

But I wouldn't be much of a help

Good luck. Don't fail like
the pals in last year

I'm sorry

I've got to go now then

Brother!

Dude quit that and
take the shot now already

You can't even hit it

Fucking scrooge, play with one
who matches your level!

You aren't a 100-er
You're a fucking national player

It has been only 2 months
since I got to this level

Boy, it's called le "skill"

Fine, let's bet on this one

I'm tired, just get us off to home

You're a youngster, man

There's a spectacular one
among the girls at Madonna

She's probably there today, too
Let's go there together

Fucking clueless womanizer...

I think Chunsup's off the list

No! We can't just give up on him
after only one talk!

We need him at all cost

And let's continue bonding with

the cutting team with stuffs like

sports match and whatnut

Yeah, and about Wanik
Don't you think he's got some potential?

Yeah let's talk to him tomorrow

-Well then, good night
-'Night

You're coming now
you're tired, aren't you?

It's freezing out here
Why are you here?

It's nothing, bro!
So, your study's going well?

Yeah, but brother

Should I just quit the school
and earn some bread?

You idiot

If you don't finish the school
they don't treat you as a human being!

Whatever happens, you

you must wear a white collar
do you understand?

Hey, take a puff

No, I'm fine, thank you

It's alright, take one

By the way, who started to
talk about the union?

It's already a depression now
and these factory boys going wild

made executives pale

They say if it keeps up like this
we're about to shut down

Is it that bad?

On top of that, the real shitshow
is when students sneak in

Even though they're fucking red inside
no one knows from the outside

They're very tricky

You too saw that shit last year
didn't you?

Because of the fuckers
making a hustle in the cafeteria

you only received half the pay

Yes

So in fact I recommended you

as a supervisor candidate

at the 3rd factory built in Banwol

Well I...
My experience is short and my ability...

You're a bit short as
you're from a job academy

So that's why I talked
to the director in person

I garanttee this boy
Look at his accomplishments

Then he said that's not the problem

The thing is that a supervisor
has to have leadership

Le-dar-ship?

We female workers only get paid
140,000\(1500$ today) a month

after working all day

Also the boss calls women,

in particular in her 3-40's
as has-beens

and exploits them with low wages

Even the girls in Sechang
right in front of our factory

get paid 6,000\ a day!

And us ladies ourselves
are problematic

as we accept such
a horrible condition

without resistance considering this job
as some extra income

I think this kind of problems
must be sorted out

Ah wait, I'm not over yet

This kind of problems cannot
be solved with proposals

but only with labor unions

Um it's my turn but my mind is suddenly..

Ah, the meal is a total mess

Side is always the same pickled radish

and they say the meal costs 900\

Hey, just read the script ahaha

Ay, don't laugh at me!

Anyway the meal is
pretty bad

Also, the press mold is problematic

Originally you have to
put in your finger about only 3cm

With this shit you have to
put in 10cm

How could we do this?

For thousands times a day, even!

It's because the designers of that machine

didn't even consider
the plight of us, workers

Ah stop laughing!
I'm smart, too!

Anyway, to continue
they care more about machines

than people getting hurt

When Chunsup got his finger cut

they just cast doctor's fee away to him
as if he were some kind of a dog

They harassed him up like
he was not focusing on the work or some shit

And when 2 days ago
a machine part was broken

How did they kick up
a ruckus!

For god's sake they think of us workers

as some kind of pushovers!

Brother, come out!
Jaeman's here

Jaeman?
For what business in this late night?

I was just stopping by
on my way home

Come out here
for a moment

Why don't you come in?
It's cold out here

In fact...

We have decided to

go to the sports park tomorrow

Won't you join us?

What for?

Well there will be
many people and...

it'll be fun out there

Is it something like a rally?

Eh? Ah no it's not a rally
it's rather... uh

I've got an appointment with Mija

That's good!
You two can come together

And it saves money, too

I've been watching
things around

Jaeman, you're just going to
get yourself hurt with that

What do people like us have
to be hurt more than now?

If we're doing it
we're doing it till the end

Hey you seem to think of yourself
as some kind of a hero

Pull yourself together!

We cannot be heroes! We're just lowlings

Hey, it's not like that!

Enough!
If you wanna go, you go alone!

Despite of raging, wild winds
Comrade by Whitlow grass(꽃다지)

Despite of crushing, harsh oppression

We've come altogether firmly

facing each other

In a night of biting cold
In a night of suffering

We've confronted them

Under an icy frost of dawn

Love, love, an eternal love

You won't change, comrade!

Man, when that guy in his 40's
was talking

it was just like my story

I was really touched

You were about to leave
being angry back then!

When was I?

It was just me being ignorant!

Wasn't that girl great?

I felt like a load's
been taken off my chest

What am I short of
than Jaeman?

Am I small? Am I stupid?

But I get paid 8$ less per a day

Hey, you're short of "something"!

Jeez you simp!

Anyway they want to
cut our wages

no matter what excuses they use

Yeah, like that man said before

Making a union can't simply

mean making some more pennies

or not doing some extra shifts

Eh, then what is it for?

It's for building a world
where we workers are masters

For that we should know

how the politics of this country
are like.

Are you gonna be mad like that?

It's once a year

Dude like me shouldn't even make
my love happy on her birthday?

Even though we don't wear
or eat such a luxury, we're happy now

We're not some celebrities, are we?

We deserve that too!

And soon I'll be a supervisor
A supervisor!

For real? Are you kidding me now?

You're short on experience

I'm serious!

What do you think of me, Hansu?

Since I work so well

They gave it to me by their will

Hansu, so it's for real!

It seems like the chief took
a special care of me as we're from the same town

He told me that I take
a good look of the team

considering myself as a supervisor already

Your chief wants you to look for what?

Isn't it ratting on the team?

No! It's called leadership

That's the duty of a supervisor, no?

It's the same, for god's sake!

It's their dirty tricks!

My company does that spying stuff

to break unions, too!

Hansu, don't do such thing

That ain't spying nor ratting on!

You tell me to stop

I'm already 25

It could be my only call!

It's fine. I'm fine even if
you are not a supervisor

We know about all of that
since we've got a union, you fool!

I learned it!

Learn what?
So that's what you were studying...

Hansu, please don't do that

You can be a supervisor anytime later

Will you promise me on it?

You slick...

Nowadays the labor movement

is sweeping this country
like a fever

When I was in college

I used to ponder a lot about
the problems of employees

so much that I even went to
the memorial of Jeon Tae Il

But people!

If you're thinking

as if the labor movement would
solve all of your problems

I'd like to tell you that
you're stuck in 19th century

Look at the case of the US

where workers had built unions
through the famous Mayday struggle

Are there unions now in the US?

They refused unions by themselves

What a wise decision of American people
just as they are

What solves the problem

is not violent and surd fight

but time and efforts

Everyone, we're already
witnessing such examples

in developed countries like the US

Keeping trying to build unions
despite of that is

of no doubts,

a voice of communists

and their means is
only the violence

Everyone, please hang on for 1 year

let's endure this together

Educated men is indeed clever
isn't they?

They talk of politics every time
saying union is for the welfare of workers

It's their excuses

That's the proof that they is suspicious

Hey bro!

Think about it y'all
before it's too late

I've been loathing commies
ever since I was a jarhead

Bro, don't just think like that
all the way!

We've been taught

since childhood that someone says
something suspicious is all commies

And all commies are like wolves

And that's what everyone
including TV and newspaper say

We're simple factory boys
working our asses off day and night

What do you even "think"?

You've been saying
we were right

And suddenly someone says
that's commie

And you're saying now that
our thoughts and deeds

are all wrong all of sudden

Fine, fine!

Go the executive's office
and win over him

Then you'll be my guru

Jeez

Fuck it

Hey, if you're not sure
just quit it!

Tomorrow we've got
an extraordinary shift

Look who's talking!
You lot quit it!

Us? We're gonna be there
even if the world ends tomorrow

Looks like you're scared already
why don't you withdraw?

We're not some pussies!

Tomorrow we'll be there
for sake of our honor

So git gud!

I'm a bit worried about this

That supervisor will make a fuss
out of this again, fuck

Let's make it sure
You all gonna be there tomorrow, right?

I swore to the cutting team boys

that if we're not there
we're gonna serve them as masters

Won't this thing put our meeting here

in danger for nothing?

No. We've gotta fight
what we must fight

We've made that appointment
a week ago

They just told us today to do
extraordinary shifts

saying shipping amount is on short
or whatever

The match is one thing but

We've gotta make sure
about this sort of things

They didn't even tell us
a word before notifying us

Let's show that no viper so little
but has its venom!

I'm sorry but I'll have to
go to the work

I'd love to join
you guys but

If they lose trust on me at this age...

These fuckers look down on me?
Motherfuckers!

Is it the forging team again?

Yes, this time along
with the cutting team, too

Check that once again

And push that project faster

There should be no problems
with shipping dates

Yes, and I'll consult with
Mr. Lee on this

Who's Mr. Lee?

The intel. division chief of the police
has introduced him to me

He's a veteran in
taking care of leftist unions

He's called
James Lee (This guy exists)

Attention! Let's have
a singer from the forging team!

Park Sukgu! Park Sukgu!

Park Sukgu! Park Sukgu! Park Sukgu!

Brother Dongup is originally
the best singer in our team

But since he's absent

I'll take the turn instead

I learned this song
from Wanik sitting there

Then, ehm

Oh my dear hometown, my parents
Worker's way by Ahn Chi Hwan

How much time has passed
since I left

I, who has lived through all those times

Isn't that brother Dongup?

Yes he is!

Brother Dongup!

Brother, come and sit

What happened?
Did you work today?

The job couldn't even begin!

We were slacking till noon
and they said to go home so I'm here

What about Hansu?
Didn't you come together?

Well, the chief called him
and seemed to go out together

What about the administrators?

I dunno they were
here and there

Chief says the director was furious
saying he's gonna fire all of us

Then, I know it's not possible but

what we do if we receive disadvantages
like fire or punishments?

So I want to propose you

that we make a labor union
using this as an opportunity

Let us talk about this matter!

So, you haven't been able to
even notice about that? Huh

You've got my reputation ruined
enough now

It's unfortunate for you but

you've got to take some time
to be a supervisor

Please wait, sir

What, you've got
anything to say?

Let me think for a bit

You think what?
Hurry and speak it

I'm a busy man!

Mh Well

I've been having eyes on
my team members

Have you?

So?

Come here you bastard!

Joo Wanik, undercover student
A defiant, rebellious element?

So Wanik was...
[a commie?]

You're men! Don't let yourselves
sag on a triple!

Shut your mouth, gal!

What's wrong?

I can't believe that kid
was actually a student...

Why are you acting funny?
It's not a funeral or something

Wongi! This doesn't matter
anymore at this point!

Labor union or some shit

We've been deceived by
a commie kid

What are you talking about?

Don't you know, pal?

Do you still not know Joo Wanik
was an undercover student?

Yeah! He's a student!
So what?

What's wrong with working
in a factory after graduating college?

Are you saying that it's commie
wanting to live as a human being?

If he graduated that college

he could live affluently
having a good job

Don't you get why he
came here instead!

He's right. You don't
have to judge him

just because he's a student

As Wanik said We are
the masters of this world, aren't we?

That fucking "masters"!

So we, factory boys, are fucking

masters of the world?

Jesus fucking Christ!

Hansu!

You waited for along time
right? I'm sorry

What made you this late?

Well I couldn't sneak out cuz
there was an important meeting

You must be starving
Let's go and grab some dinner

A meeting?

Yes, it looks like that we're
about to go on a strike

A strike?

Moreover, they think of us
female workers as their toys!

They talk in a rude way
and touch our bottoms

Anyway it's us to blame
since we didn't fight back...

Motherfuckers! And do they
know about the strike?

They'd know for sure
But what could they do?

The boss himself signed
on the agreement

and he's trying to break union
before the ink isn't even dry!

Well, he won't succeed!

Even if everyone goes wild
you stay behind

If you get fired for this

you can't get a job anywhere

Today they've had one fired

Why?

He was an undercover student

So?

So what? They probably
have rounded him up

What business do puny students
have with factory?

Even using a fake name

It's not they wanted to use one

It's because they don't
let them in

No one asked them to!
Freak'n lunatics

Why would college kids
come to factory

unless they're commies

I'm sure he was caught
because someone ratted on him

Bastards!

Well I ain't know a shit!

If I hear from this one
this seems right

If I hear from that one
that seems also right

What's up with you, pal?

Well I don't know well since
I didn't get education too

But there's nothing wrong
with the words of

Wanik and Wongi, isn't it?

What's rebellious with the idea

we also have rights to live with dignity?

The sky is full of stars

Are you trynna change
the subject now haha

Let's get inside, it's freezing

Jaepil, let's do this right and tight!

I swear!

I swear!

1. We, Dongsung volunteers,
hereby swear that we set an example

by doing our best in establishment
of a healthy labor-management relations!

2. We, Donsung Volunteers,
hereby swear that we will work

having in mind that the employee lives
only if the company lives

3. We, Donsung volunteers, hereby swear
that we will work in any occasions

with the virtue of communication
compromise, and concession

4. We, Dongsung volunteers,
hereby swear that we will take a part

in protecting liberal democracy
with the virtue of concession

Fucking bullshit!

"Dongsung Volunteers"?
Is it a group of vomits or what?

Hansu that shit probably has
ratted on Wanik

Laughable!

Studying 5 years in the US seems to
make your mind like that shit

Fools, "American democracy company" my ass

The fight has already begun!

Do you want one?

Hey, butt, what's wrong with you?

Fuck off!

Be rich alone in the strike breakers!
You're on your own now

What's wrong with y'all?
That's not a way to treat a team member!

Come in, quick!

You've come all the way
to this place! Come in!

Jaepil!

-Get him inside
-Yes

What ya doing? Come in!

Is it Jaepil?

I didn't know you were
a shy person, bro!

-It's not like you!
-Man! hahaha

-I'm so freak'n sorry
-Get in, bro

Here comes Jaepil!

It should be somewhere
around here...

Execuse me, where's the
union office?

Union? It's up on 2nd floor

-It's on the second floor
-Yeah

I went to the bookstore nervous as hell
Forehead: Unite and Fight

I couldn't dare to say to the shopkeep
that there is a book about unions

When we saw that there should be
at least 30 signatures of initiates

to establish a labor union
on that book we bought

We cried cuddling each other

Why so?

It was such a hard job
to even gather 5 people here

We hid in one house
to another

When we passed through gate

carrying pamphlets in our chests
for the announcement of establishing union

you wouldn't know
how nervous we were

And then when managers tried to
take them away

ironically we became powerful
getting desperate

Let us too get this done
Even these gals...

No no
Even our women here do this

We ain't got balls
if we don't do it

Hey, c'mon!

What! Y'all didn't mind that, did y'all?

Then I declare it's settled

10am, Sunday, at the terminal

That day is our first step
in making our democratic union

So I expect you to

be on time without being absent

It would be hard if we get a leak
So stay shut, okay?

Yes, it's an important matter

Be especially careful
on the security

From now, we will check
who could be there together

...honor

and name and all
March for the beloved

A scorching vow

For we shall advance
together whole life

Comrades are all perished

Only the banner flatters

Until the new day comes

Shall we not waver
Hansu!

Even though the time flows
Come this way!

The nature knows

Do you even eat properly?

Yeah, we raised a fund
Don't worry about me

We advance first
Isn't it marvelous?

You will never know this feeling
unless you do this yourself

Do you know that song?
Isn't it great?

We advance first

Who are those people?

People from Dongwon Chemical
came in solidarity

Last night we defeated strike breakers
in a ferocious fight

altogether with Dongwon folks

Managers came here
being drunk!

What?! Didn't you get hurt?

I'm alright
I bit them off, too

Cosmos Co.also will go on
a strike tomorrow

My boss shut down this place on paper
and handed over our loads there

Are you not scared?

Here!

We've done it!!

We live a humble life like
Worker's Way by Ahn Chi Hwan

a duckweed floating here
and there on a lake

But we are proud workers

who build all the creations in this world

But do not sag

Now we shall have an election for
the chairman after reading the manifesto

Please, recommend the candidates

Move, move!

What's up with them today?

Is there an accident happening?

Sukgu! Did you hear that?

What are you talking about?

Looks like we've got a leak

Chief asked me about it just before

They were making a fuss
saying they're making their union

What? Is that true?

Yeah

Sukgu, where's the paper?

In my place

Let's go and submit it
today, quick!

Executive sir, it's the phone no. 3

Yes, sir

Who's the chairman?

Good work, sir

Thank you, I'll pay you a visit

Is it the ministry of labor branch?

Yes, they say they've declined
the paper that the forging team submitted

These motherfuckers...

There's no need for rage

Turn the volunteers into the union

Who the hell is the guy named
Yu Wongi?

He's on the blacklist, from Masan, sir

Despite he graduated only the high school

he was fired for making union from
Changwon factory of Samjung Co.

Fire the key members

-It won't interfere the production, will it?
-It won't, sir

Fellow workers of Dongsung Metal Works

I'm Yu Wongi from the forging team

Few days ago, we've established
a democratic union in Dongsung!

But the ministry of labor
does not recognize us

and issue certificate

It's due to the deceptive
sabotage of the company

Everyone! Thus we're here

to announce the establishment of
a democratic union

and the election of the chairman
and the executives by your hands

-Everyone!
-What the hell are you doing?

Pull yourselves together!
Ah, the civilization is failing

Union? what kind of gibberish is that?

Fuckers who try to live in comfort
without working

always argue union! union!

Why are they even poor?

Tighten your belt
and save more

How are you gonna save money
when you drink and smoke?

Anyway if you cannot stop this union
shitshow, it will be all-or-nothing!

Tomorrow you come to work
with your resignation letters

Hey, Mr. Song!
Say if you've got something to say

No, sir, for later, sir

Yeah? Then I should go now

You youngsters aren't comfortable
with an old punk around!

I know it! You're thinking
when that olddie gonna get out, aren't you?

No, sir, nevermind

No no sit down and
drink as much as you want

sing some songs

I expect you have listened
to him carefully

Starting from tomorrow the volunteers
will be guarding the front gate, so make sure!

Especially you supervisors
must do the job right

We've decided to recognize
the guard duty as extra shifts

Anyway I'll take full responsibility
of you supervisors

So let's do it alright!

Notification of Temporal Closure

Hey, get in the line

Continue Normal Operation!

Withdraw False Closure
Continue Normal Operation!

You're a walking alcohol!
What happened?

Let's go

-Why? To where? All of sudden?

Let's go! I said
What's all of this?

Do you think this will
change something?

Mija

You hate strike breakers, don't you?

Don't you wanna kill them?

I'm... one of them!

A fucking strike breaker

in front of my friends
Jaeman, Chunsup, Wongi

with a baton in my hand!

Why did I end up like this?

I just did what I told to!

I only tried to live
well and diligent!

Is it true? Hansu

Wh, Why did you do that?

Please stop it
It's not too late

Tomorrow say to them
that you can never do this

It's too late

Why?

I just can't anymore

No one treats me as a human being

I gotta leave as soon as
there's a seat in the 3rd factory

Stop this nonsense at once!

Do you think they're really
going to send you there?

And if they do
do you believe this

kind of thing won't
happen there?

If you don't stop now
you'll forever be their dog

Do you know why we are poor?

It's not that our parents
were incompetent

It's not that we couldn't
learn enough

It's because we're exploited

In this fight, I realized

what really matters
is not money

I canceled the installment
savings

You did what?

I donated it all for
the strike funds

All of it?

Yeah all of it

Are you crazy?

You know how much you
worked for it

And I'm doing this shit
because of that damn money!

So I'm telling you stop
doing that shit!

I won't
You are really crazy

For real you won't?

Nope, I'll make money! Money!

Do you think we really
can make that much?

I'm going back in
The assembly starts soon

I love you
but if you don't stop

that doggie-ass shit

I will never see you again

Crush it with Tenacity!

Deceptive Busting Sabotage!
Crush it with Tenacity!

Crush it! Crush it!

Fellow workers of Dongsung Metal Works!

We've worked for them
12 hours a day

And they pay us with discharges!

Is it a crime building
a labor union?

Creating a labor union is
a righteous right of

us, workers, which is also
written in the law!

Why does the boss not recognize
our union?

It is to conceal the exploitation
of our labor

It is to dismiss our
righteous demand

This is why he fired us who
built a labor union!

Fellow workers of Dongsung Metal Works!

Let us unite altogether
and crush their primitive stratagem!

Disband Paper Union
Defend Democratic Union!

Disband Paper Union
Defend Democratic Union!

Defend it! Defend it!

Deceptive Busting Sabotage!
Crush it with Tenacity!

Crush it! Crush it!

Hey ladies
Leave us for a moment, will you?

Why~

It's just for a moment

Mr. Song, speak

As the police intel. dept. chief
said before

It would be better off
to scatter them

with additional 1 million won
for their retirement pay (12,000$ today)

Then more than half
will be gone

And let the cops handle the rest, eh

No, we cannot leave
such an example

You've got to do a fundamental
treatment

Set a clear example now

so that there never will be
talks of unions

Please elaborate on
setting an example

First, the strike breakers at
this moment are not enough

We need professionals

And we need to separate

the key figure, Yu Wongi
from others

Which means, to eliminate him

Comrades, they're violating

our lawful rights as of this moment!

We're not machines!
We're not slaves!

-Please join us!
-Let go of this thing!

-Give us a hand!
-I'm sorry

Come on! Let's fight together!

Let's see at that pub
after the work

And we shall crush their
deceptive stratagem

with our united struggle!

-Comrades, until the day of the worker's liberation
-Men, c'mon, push them off!

Let go of me, let off!
Y'all sons of bitches!

Let go of me!

Hey Hansu, will ya take
a look on this?

No thanks

Recognize democratic union
Kim Chilbok motherfucker

What? Are you quitting it now?

And gonna work?!

You bastard

I tried to treat you well
as you're from the same town with me

I know, I know, Hansu

But there's no other way!

The boss says
on the day union takes place

he'll shut down this factory
What can we do about this?

And if you were to return
to the work quitting this

Do you believe they would
let you do that?

All of this will be sorted out
in few days

And then you're gonna be
a supervisor at the 3rd factory

So, let's hang on for
just few days, will ya?

You'll stay here tonight, right?

I've got a schedule today

A schedule? With whom?

I saw you talking with
Yu Wongi this morning

Is that it?

Yes

Fine. I'll keep it a secret
only for this time

Instead, you'll do your best
after today, understood?

Answer my question!

Yes, sir

Alright, now you may leave

Call the executive director

People never cared about me
when I was starving

I hate being poor

I couldn't even graduate junior high
because I couldn't afford the tuition

When I look at people of my age
who go to the college

it drives me crazy

I don't want to leave
like brother Dongup

I swear to me every time
I go to work

Hansu, you leave all of your prides
here, at home

Just endure till the end
whatever the supervisor rants

So you make a fortune
like CEO Kim Chilbok

Let's sign up for the extraordinary
shift for this Sunday as usual

Why living like that is a bad thing?

Why do I have to be called names?

Don't cry, friend

Take a shot!

Hansu, the reason that
we're poor

that you couldn't afford school

is because we were deprived
of what's originally ours

I would act just like the supervisor
if I were one

And the managers wouldn't let
me do things other way around

What matters is not the money

What matters is that
we live as human beings

For that to happen
we must unite

I used to be a strike breaker like you

I was actually more of a fanatic

Because I thought they were commies

But the friend who led the strike
cried in front of me

saying I'm pitiful
and he pities me

so much that he sheds
tears for me

Why does everyone say the
exact same thing?

Why is that so!

Drive!

Hello, brother

Yeah, how've you been?

It's been a long time

I'm so sorry
for I can't be much of a help

So, how's Wongi?

He's in surgery

What brings you here?
To my place

I want to have a word
with ya

Why?

"Why"? Ya fucking son of bitch!

Get up, ya maggot!

Dregs like ya must die off
ya piece of shit!

Wasn't ratting on Wanik enough?

So you tried to kill Wongi, too?

What's with Wongi?

What?

Head to the fucking hospital
ya rat!

And see what's with Wongi!

Hey, Hansu, come!
Sit by the fire!

It's damn boring
When does this thing over?

What are we even doing
out here, away from home?

Where are the chief
and the supervisors?

Obviously they'd be wasting themselves
at the restaurant "Chungbuk"

Motherfuckers, damn!

Fuck! In this freezing weather
we are fucking our asses here and they...

This is fucking mean
I just wanna...

Piss off!
Let go of me!

Go and lick that boss's ass!

You pathetic fool!
We'll fight till the end!

Why don't you realize?

Even if you may get paid
few pennies more for now

You're really pathetic!

You make me cry, dumbfuck!

I'm an idiot

I don't want to face them
again tomorrow at the gate

no matter how good is getting a raise
and promoted to a supervisor

What? They said they gonna
make you a supervisor, too?

What the fuck? They also
promised me the same!

Mr. Lee at 3rd factory said

they didn't even pay for extras
not to mention being a supervisor

Then freezing out here now

doesn't even count as
extra works?

-Correct
-Then what are we?

For what have we...

Don't turn on the light

What was that? Careful!

What? A black list?

What the... Take a look at this!

What's that?

Bastards!

Fucking cocksuckers!

Good morning, sir

Hello, sir

Have you secured the load?

Yes, sir

Disband Paper Union
Defend Democratic Union!

Disband Paper Union
Defend Democratic Union!

Defend it! Defend it!

It has been 30 years of blossoms and snowflakes
An old worker's song by Whitlow grass

after I became a worker in
this land where I was born

What have I achieved?

What do I want?

Dying and buried in this land
is enough for me

Oh my youth that will never come back

My beautiful youth gone with coveralls

Those people...

They're doing a good thing

Deceptive Busting Sabotage!
Crush it with Tenacity!

You're all those left?
Where are the rest?

Get there and take them down!

What are you waiting for?
Mr. Kim!

You had a job to do!

All of you! Get up there
and take them down!

Go! Quick!
Get up! Faster!

-Mr.Song
-Sir

Make a call to those fellas

Yes, sir

You fucking bastards!

Don't you just stand there!

Get in! come!
Back to work! At the double!

-Where're they?
-Get out! Quick!

-Thugs are coming!
-What! Block the gate, hurry!

Get this thing up! Quick!

You commie bastards!

They are being
dragged down!

What the fuck are you doing?

You little shit!

Let's go! Let's go!

Workers of Iron by Ahn Chi Hwan
철의 노동자 by 안치환

Come rally under the
banner of the union

Reclaim our deprived wealth and labor
through a struggle

Come rally to defend
the steel will of the liberation

Feel that you're alive with
all your hearts in the struggle

Unity is the only way to survive

The workers's way to survive

Even if I only live for one day
I want to live as a human being

Alas, democratic union, our cherished

Our love made through struggles

United struggle is our weapon

You and I, you and I
we, workers of iron