A Taxi Driver

In 1980, we meet Kim Man-seob, portrayed by Kang-ho Song, a stoic widower struggling to support himself while navigating the chaotic streets of Seoul. His life is one of hardship and resilience, yet he remains committed to making ends meet as a taxi driver.

While driving his taxi, Man-seob overhears another cab driver discussing a lucrative fare to Gwangju, a city destined for turmoil. Little does he know, this chance encounter will alter the course of his life forever.

Seizing the opportunity, Man-seob picks up his passenger, Jürgen 'Peter' Hinzpeter, a determined German journalist intent on documenting the escalating civil unrest in Gwangju. This encounter marks the beginning of a profound journey for both men.

As they travel toward Gwangju, the taxi is halted by soldiers. However, thanks to Peter's clever disguise as a businessman, they are granted entry into the city, setting the stage for the chaos that lies ahead.

Upon arriving in Gwangju, Man-seob and Peter encounter a group of college students who show solidarity and offer assistance. They provide Peter with a ride, fueling his determination to document the unrest while Man-seob feels increasingly uneasy.

Feeling overwhelmed by the escalating situation, Man-seob contemplates leaving Peter. However, a chance meeting with an elderly woman whose son is missing compels Peter to persuade Man-seob to search for him in a local hospital.

Amid rising tensions, Peter confronts Man-seob for considering abandonment and offers to share the fare. However, local college students and taxi drivers insist on completing their mission without payment, pressing Man-seob to continue.

They arrive at the Provincial Office, where generous protesters offer them food and gifts amidst the increasing violence. Peter films the events, contending with the ever-looming threat from government officers trying to capture him.

As night falls, their taxi encounters mechanical failures, leading them to Tae-soo's repair shop. Here, they hear alarming news of a bombing at a television station, prompting them to document the ensuing chaos.

After being spotted by the DSC officers, Peter is pursued as chaos erupts. In the resulting fracas, Man-seob sustains serious injuries while Jae-sik is captured, pleading with Peter to ensure his footage reaches the world.

Driven by love for his daughter and guilt over the violence, Man-seob undertakes a dangerous journey back from Suncheon. Tension grips the city as rumors swirl about North Korean infiltrators, reflecting the panic of the times.

Arriving at the hospital, Man-seob discovers Peter in shock and Tae-soo devastated by Jae-sik's death. Peter implores them to leave Gwangju for the safety of Man-seob's daughter, yet Man-seob chooses to stand by his friend.

During the violence, Man-seob joins local taxi drivers to transform their vehicles into makeshift ambulances. They risk their lives to transport the injured, navigating treacherous mountain routes amidst armed obstacles.

As soldiers fire upon their taxi, Man-seob must execute a daring escape. Local taxi drivers rally to provide cover, ensuring their safe passage through the chaotic streets, solidifying their commitment to each other.

Fast forward to 2003, Peter receives an award for his reporting on the Gwangju uprising and expresses gratitude towards 'Kim Sa-bok' during his acceptance speech. Meanwhile, Man-seob reads about Peter's achievements, feeling a mixture of pride and longing for their connection.