Red Scarf

In 1952, during the Korean War, Major Na Gwan-jung is introduced as one of the bravest and best fighter pilots. In the air, he stays cool and level-headed, dispatching enemies swiftly with minimal complications. On the ground, he drinks with his comrades and embraces the wartime philosophy of living for the moment.

Ji-seon becomes a widow soon after her marriage, and she struggles to support herself. Unable to sustain herself, she contemplates becoming a bargirl, but Na intervenes and saves her from that fate, providing support. This act begins a protective relationship between them that shapes the story.

Na falls in love with Ji-seon but cannot pursue the relationship because she is the widow of a close comrade. He chooses restraint and instead acts as her supportive confidant. This inner conflict marks a shift in his personal code.

Na acts as matchmaker by introducing Ji-seon to Bae Dae-bong, a cocky hotshot pilot newly transferred to his unit. He hopes the pairing could help Ji-seon find stability and happiness. The dynamic sets up a tension between duty and affection.

Na's unit is tasked with the destruction of a vitally strategic bridge. The assignment places them in a high-stakes battle to disrupt enemy supply lines. Tension builds as they prepare for the dangerous air operation.

During the mission, Bae Dae-bong's plane is shot down. Na risks everything to keep the downed pilot safe until rescue. The rescue effort underscores the personal stakes amid the war.

The South Korean pilots achieve victory and complete their mission. Despite the success, Na's mind remains unsettled by personal concerns, affecting his focus. He secures the safety of comrades even as the enemy threat persists.

In the days that follow, Na's distracted state leads to his death in action. The loss marks a brutal turn in the squadron's fortunes. His coolness and detachment, once his greatest strengths, leave him vulnerable in the line of fire.

Back at base, Na's will is read, and his effects, including the red scarf worn by all pilots, are distributed among his comrades. The act demonstrates his enduring camaraderie and the pilots' shared symbols. The base mourns yet honors his memory through these gestures.

Na's mother arrives with a delivery of beer to visit her son. Learning of his death, she shares the beers with his comrades, mirroring her son's generosity. Her gesture reinforces the bond within the squadron and their respect for Na.

Ji-seon arrives at the base and learns of Na's death. She clutches his red scarf and cries inconsolably, mourning the loss of the man who saved her. Her response embodies the personal cost of war and the memory that lingers.

The red scarf, a symbol among the pilots, remains as a reminder of Na's leadership and sacrifice. His comrades carry forward his memory as they continue to fight and honor his legacy. The narrative closes on the idea that his legacy endures in the squadron's bonds.