Hijack 1971

In December 1969, a North Korean agent hijacks an airliner, taking control of the flight. South Korean fighter pilot Tae-in is ordered to intercept the hijacked plane and make a critical decision regarding his response.

Tae-in identifies the pilot of the hijacked airplane as his friend and mentor, Young-sook. In a moment of moral conflict, he decides not to fire on the plane, prioritizing the safety of the passengers over following orders.

After the hijacked plane reaches North Korean airspace, Tae-in faces severe repercussions for his actions. He is expelled from the air force, reflecting the gravity of his decision and the political tension of the era.

Following the incident, 39 out of the 46 passengers are returned to South Korea. However, the fate of the remaining seven passengers and the four crew members, including Young-sook, remains uncertain as they are left in North Korea.

After leaving the air force, Tae-in finds employment as a pilot with Korean Air. This marks a new chapter in his life as he strives to move on from the traumatic events of the hijacking.

In January 1971, Tae-in, along with Captain Gyu-Sik, commands a Fokker F27 flight from Sokcho Airport to Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. The flight represents another responsibility for Tae-in as a pilot post-hijacking.

Shortly after takeoff, passenger Yong-dae detonates two improvised explosive devices on the plane. This results in panic as a hole is blown in the cabin floor, injuring several passengers and creating chaos in the aircraft.

Following the explosions, Yong-dae forces his way into the cockpit, threatening the pilots with a knife and an explosive device. His demands to divert the plane to North Korea heighten the tension onboard.

As turbulence strikes, several brave passengers attempt to confront Yong-dae to regain control of the plane. However, he manages to seize the air marshal's gun, escalating the threat level significantly.

Tae-in attempts to land the plane on a remote airstrip but is thwarted by Yong-dae's threats of destruction. In a physical struggle, Yong-dae shoots Tae-in in the leg, causing severe injuries to the pilot.

South Korean fighter jets, led by Tae-in's former comrade Dong-cheol, approach the hijacked flight. They communicate the imminent threat from North Korean fighters, raising the stakes for all involved.

Faced with dire circumstances, Tae-in and Gyu-Sik resolve to crash land the plane on a beach. This decision marks a pivotal moment as they grapple with their dwindling options and time.

As they attempt the crash landing, Yong-dae is shot and killed but triggers an explosive device before he dies. In a heroic act, Tae-in uses his body to shield the passengers from the blast, sustaining fatal injuries in the process.

Gyu-Sik manages to land the plane safely on the beach with assistance from a flight attendant. All passengers are evacuated safely, but the victory is bittersweet as Tae-in succumbs to his wounds shortly thereafter.

In his final moments, Tae-in sits in the cockpit, reflecting on the events that transpired. He is a hero, having sacrificed his life for the safety of others, leaving behind a legacy marked by courage and moral conviction.