The Spy Gone North

In January 1992, Major Park Seok-young is recruited by the Agency for National Security Planning (ANSP). His mission is to uncover the true extent of North Korea's nuclear program, which is mostly concealed from the public.

Under the direction of Director Choi, Park assumes the identity of an alcoholic businessman who has fallen into debt. This persona allows him to infiltrate the North Korean regime more easily and gather intelligence.

Park moves to Beijing, presenting himself as a businessman eager to trade in North Korean products. His efforts gain the attention of Ri Myung-woon, a key North Korean official.

The ANSP orchestrates an operation against counterfeit North Korean products, resulting in the arrest of Jang Sung-hoon, a relative of a powerful North Korean leader. This incident leads Ri to seek Park's assistance in raising money for Jang’s release.

Despite seeking Park's help, Ri remains skeptical about Park's intentions and demands classified information in return. This sets the stage for a delicate dance of trust and deception.

Choi arranges for Park to deliver cash alongside minor classified information to gain Ri's trust. Additionally, he provides imitation Rolex watches as gifts for North Korean officials to further woo them.

During a later meeting, Jung Moo-taek from the State Security Department expresses interest in buying military secrets directly from Park. Park feigns indignation and declines the offer, maintaining his cover.

A dinner meeting turns tense when Jung's suspicion leads to a scuffle that reveals the Rolex watches. Although initially displeased, Ri ultimately decides to trust Park, seeing his potential value.

Park proposes an advertising venture that requires approval from North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il. This venture promises to include the construction of a resort on Mount Geumgang.

Park leverages a film project as a pretext to visit Yongbyon, the location of a nuclear facility. This visit allows him to gather critical intelligence about North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

While at Yongbyon, Park witnesses the severe consequences of the North Korean famine. Kim Myung-soo, a relative of the Kim family, expresses his dissatisfaction with Kim Jong Il’s regime, highlighting internal dissent.

As the political landscape shifts with Kim Dae-jung's rising popularity, Park becomes increasingly wary of the ANSP's intentions. He wiretaps a meeting where a plan to attack South Korea's islands is discussed.

Park confronts Director Choi about the plans to provoke conflict with South Korea, expressing his growing apprehension. Choi dismisses Park's concerns, underlining the dangers of their mission.

After exposing Jung's embezzlement, Park's true allegiance comes into question. In a moment of unexpected loyalty, Ri helps Park escape North Korea by issuing him a special visa, despite knowing the risks involved.

Years later, in 2005, Park and Ri reunite at a South Korean advertising shoot in Shanghai. Their meeting signifies their enduring bond amidst the complex web of political intrigue.