The Journals of Musan

Seung-chul, a North Korean refugee, begins his challenging life in Seoul after escaping his oppressive homeland. With his resilient spirit, he seeks to adapt to the fast-paced and often unforgiving city.

Seung-chul shares an apartment with Kyung-chul, a morally ambiguous broker who exploits the vulnerabilities of refugees. Their contrasting reactions to life’s struggles highlight the deep divide between their personalities.

Seung-chul takes on the arduous task of pasting ads for adult entertainment venues, a job fraught with danger and harassment from local thugs. This early employment reflects the humiliation he often faces as a refugee.

In his quest for a stable job, Seung-chul applies to various positions but continually faces rejection due to his North Korean citizenship status. The harsh reality of his past haunts him with every failed attempt.

Seung-chul finally secures a job at a karaoke bar, where he encounters Young-sook, the owner’s daughter, who knows him from church. Their initial connection, however, is marred by the necessity to keep their professional and personal lives separate.

The atmosphere at the karaoke bar turns tense when Young-sook confronts Seung-chul about his choice of songs, misunderstanding his explanation about avoiding North Korean folk songs. This altercation leads to Seung-chul's abrupt dismissal from the bar.

During a somber prayer meeting attended by Detective Park, Seung-chul's past as a North Korean defector comes to light. This moment forces him to confront the buried trauma and guilt that have followed him from his homeland.

Flashbacks reveal Seung-chul's traumatic childhood in North Hamgyong, where he suffered from malnutrition and experienced a heartbreaking loss. A dispute over food with a friend ends tragically, leaving him carrying the weight of guilt for years.

Following the prayer meeting, Detective Park's cruel words cut deep into Seung-chul, who feels the sting of public shame and judgement. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the stigma surrounding his past as a refugee.

Young-sook reaches out to Seung-chul after witnessing his distress, offering to reinstate him at the karaoke bar and expressing a desire for friendship. Although touched by her kindness, Seung-chul remains guarded, still haunted by his past.

Returning to his apartment, Seung-chul realizes his beloved dog Baek-gu has gone missing due to Kyung-chul's negligence. This adds another layer of despair to his already turbulent life.

In a desperate search, Seung-chul finds Baek-gu rummaging through trash, leading to an emotional reunion. This moment highlights the devotion and loyalty that endure despite dire circumstances.

Kyung-chul, showing a rare moment of regret, pressures Seung-chul into helping retrieve hidden cash to be retrieved from Baek-gu's space. Seung-chul reluctantly agrees, though he knows their friendship is beyond repair.

When Seung-chul enters their apartment, he’s ambushed by a gang demanding information about Kyung-chul. Standing firm, he opts for silence in the face of threatening demands, showcasing his resilience.

Seung-chul's world shatters when he discovers Baek-gu's lifeless body after the dog is struck by a vehicle. This heart-wrenching incident underscores the cruel realities of his life, as he faces yet another profound loss.