MAIN CHARACTERS

Shimizu           :         Japanese Soldier

Keita                :         Japanese Soldier, Shimizu’s friend

Min ji               :         Korean girl living in village

Joong Tae       :         Min ji’s father

Hyung Hwa    :         One of the villagers

 

 

(Lights are off. In darkness voices of Joong Tae, Min ji and Shimizu echo:

 

Joong Tae: There are only good people and bad people. No other difference.

 

Min ji: Beautiful but ill fated

 

Shimizu: I guess that is the true meaning of love and desire)

 

Few seconds’ pause…

 

(Stage slowly brightens up. Entry of a Korean folk group including pansori singers and sameulnori (Korean folk music) group. Also other Korean folks enjoying and dancing. In background traditional arirang theme plays. As the theme stops those Koreans look here and there with a little surprise. All of a sudden some Japanese soldiers enter holding swords and one of them is holding a Japanese flag. The very next moment they start killing and beating those Korean folks and creating a bloodlust environment on the stage with a fast Japanese song in the background. As the song stops the stage is filled with injured and dead Korean folks and Japanese army waving the Japan’s flag. The lights go off.)

 

Narrator: In early 19th century, Korea was occupied by Japan. Japanese army killed many. Women and men, children and old people. They showed no mercy. Soon Koreans were doomed. Every Korean province became red….……with blood.

 

 

ACT 1

(Stage brightens up again, showing a Korean village in Sangju province. A Japanese soldier is beating Joong Tae. Some villagers, including Min ji and Hyung Hwa are gathered there and watching this scene. Also Shimizu and Keita were there.)

 

Soldier : I won’t ask for second time. Who has released the cattle from the farm?

 

Joong Tae: I swear to God. I know nothing. Please spare me.

 

Soldier : I know well people like you. Trying to play smart. You deserve this.

 

(Saying so the soldier pulls out his gun. But at that very moment Shimizu comes ahead and stops him.)

 

Shimizu: Leave it ! He doesn’t know.

 

(The soldier, in anger kept back his gun and moved out of stage with second soldier. Shimizu now slowly moved to Joong Tae who was lying on the floor and helped him get up.)

 

Shimizu:  Are you alright?

 

Joong Tae: Thank you for sparing my life. I really don’t know who must have done this.

 

Shimizu: If it is not you then you must not be punished. I trust you on this. But you also be careful never to commit such thing.

 

Joong Tae: I will remember it.

 

(Shimizu goes away. Min ji runs to the Joong Tae)

 

Min ji: Father ! are you alright?

 

Joong Tae: I am fine

 

Hyung Hwa: (in anger) They all deserved to die. Turning our peaceful country into a land of bloodshed.

 

Joong Tae: They were just soldiers following the orders.

 

Min ji: Father, that soldier seems really nice. He saved your life.

 

Hyung Hwa: Non-sense. He surely has something on his mind. Don’t be carried away by what he looks. Inside they are all same. Whenever you come across any of them, be sure to kill them whenever you get any chance. Or they won’t give you second chance.

 

Joong Tae: Alright, it is late now. Let’s get back home. Min ji, have you prepared the dinner?

 

Min ji: Yes father.

 

(They all exit and lights fade)

 

 

ACT 2

(Stage brightens up. A lake by the side of which there is a cherry tree. Min ji is washing clothes by the side of the lake. At the same time Shimizu passes by. He stops near the lake and looks here and there. Min ji happens to notice him and she stops washing clothes. She gets up and slowly comes near him. All of a sudden Shimizu turns back. Min ji gets scared and runs when Shimizu shouts.)

 

Shimizu: Hey ! Please Wait.

 

(Min ji stops but stays on her place. Shimizu slowly approaches her.)

 

Shimizu: Did you see a group of soldiers passing by here?

 

(Min ji doesn’t answer and looks down.)

 

Shimizu: My name is Shimizu. I was patrolling with them and they went in different direction. I guess I am lost.

 

(Min ji just looks down and then glances at the cherry tree. Shimizu also looks at the direction where Min ji is looking. Then he turns to Min ji)

 

Shimizu: Beautiful.

 

(Min ji, all of a sudden react as if she is surprised and then blushes.)

 

Shimizu: I mean the cherry blossom.

 

Min ji: Beautiful but ill fated.

 

Shimizu: Why?

 

Min ji: (looking at the tree) Cherry blossoms look very beautiful when they bloom. But as soon as they bloom, they fall down on earth and die. It is beautiful but ill fated life.

 

Shimizu: Then why do they bloom?

 

Min ji: Because they like to. Even after knowing that they will die.

 

Shimizu: I guess that is the true meaning of love and desire.

 

Min ji: (after looking down and blushing for a while) Thank you.

 

Shimizu: For what?

 

Min ji: For saving my father’s life from that soldier.

 

Shimizu: (in a confused manner) What? What are you saying? Who are you?

 

Min ji: My name is Min ji. Actually it was me who released the cattle from your farm.

 

Shimizu: Oh! I got it. So that man was your father.

 

Min ji: Yes.

 

Shimizu: But why would you do that? Aren’t you afraid of the soldiers?

 

Min ji: My father is very sick. He hasn’t had proper meal since three days. I went to get some milk. But while milking the cow I accidently released all the cattle.

 

Shimizu: Then why didn’t you confess? Your father could have been killed.

 

Min ji: (looks down) My father took promise from me.

 

Shimizu: All you cared for is a promise? Don’t you love your father?

 

Min ji: My father taught me that trust should be greater than love.

 

Shimizu: Then you were the one who deserved to be punished, not your father.

 

Min ji: Knowing that, are you going to kill me now?

 

Shimizu: You have a strong heart. I won’t kill you. But I am afraid if the General comes to know about your strong heart, he may have you killed. Strength causes rebel.

 

Min ji: I trust you on that. (blushes)

 

Shimizu: (Smiles) I am a Japanese soldier. You know it.

 

Min ji: There are only two kinds of people. Good and bad. No other difference.

 

(Both of them keep looking at each other and a Korean romantic song plays. Meanwhile they both hold each other’s hand. As the music stops, Min ji blushes and runs away. Shimizu smiles, glances once more at the cherry tree and exits. Lights fade.)

 

(As lights are on again, two soldiers out of which one is Keita, are holding one Korean man. Their voice is inaudible. At the same time Shimizu enters.)

 

Shimizu: What happened.

 

Keita: Here. (throwing that man to Shimizu) He entered into the restricted zone.

 

Shimizu: (to Korean man) Did you knowingly enter into the restricted zone?

 

Korean Man: I am sorry. I was lost.

 

Shimizu: (to Keita) He said he didn’t do it..

 

Keita: (looks angrily to Shimizu) Are you on their side?

 

(Shimizu stays silent as if he doesn’t have any answer to this.)

 

Keita: Alright. (grabbing the man) I take him to General Takeshi then.

 

(Shimizu stops him by gesture. Then he goes to that Korean man and grabs him.)

 

Shimizu: (to Korean man) If I spare you here, my friend will take you to General Takeshi. Then you will obviously be killed and this will cost to rest of your people. (takes out his gun) Look at my face. Remember it properly. In your next birth be sure to find me and take your revenge. (shoots him in the head)

 

(Keita and other soldier exit first. Shimizu before going bows to the corps. Lights fade)

 

 

ACT 3

(Min ji’s home. Min ji and Joong Tae are talking.)

 

Joong Tae: They are not one of us. They can never be. This love will give you only pain.

 

Min ji: He said I have a strong heart. He believed in me. And you are proving him wrong.

 

Joong Tae: It is not like that but….

 

Min ji: Remember what you told me? Only two kinds of people. Good or Bad.

 

(Joong Tae thinks for a while. Min ji continues her words.)

 

Min ji: Father. May be this is my destiny. Whether happiness or sorrow, I wish to take chance. But not without your permission.

 

Joong Tae: If you have decided then I can’t say anything. But always remember, trust is the base of love. Love depends upon the trust. So trust should always be greater than love.

 

(lights fade.)

 

 

 

ACT 4

(The lake. Min ji waiting for Shimizu. Shimizu comes from behind and with his hands he covers min ji’s eyes.)

 

Min ji: I am very angry with you. Do you know since how long I have been waiting here?

 

Shimizu: I don’t know. For how long?

 

Min ji: Be serious. You know how it is here. If someone from my village sees me here…..

 

Shimizu: I understand. But today the regular practice went a little long. General Takeshi will kill me if he comes to know that came here without informing at the camp.

 

Min ji: So it took you so long to come here because you are afraid of General Takeshi. Right?

 

Shimizu: No, it took me so long because I brought this for you. (takes a flower out of his pocket)

 

Min ji: (with a smile) You know well how to impress. Don’t you?

 

Shimizu: I am a soldier. I don’t know how to impress. I only act as I feel.

(While saying so Shimizu puts the flower in Min ji’s hairs. They look into each others eyes and a romantic Korean song plays. By the time song ends, they sit under the cherry tree. Min ji keeps her head on Shimizu’s chest.)

 

Min ji: You know what?

 

Shimizu: Tell me.

 

Min ji: This is how I wish to go when I die.

 

Shimizu: Then we will die together. My life now belongs to you.

 

(both of them smile. Lights fade slowly.)

 

 

 

ACT 5 

(Lights are low on the stage and Hyung Hwa is standing in the centre of the stage.)

 

Hyung Hwa: (with anger) Stupid people! Stupid people they are. For showing kindness to those who have no emotions, to those who keep their swords wet of our blood, to those who have snatched away our self respect, our identity. This father and daughter really deserve to be punished for deceiving their society, for deceiving their country. They don’t know that in return for all this, Japanese soldiers will kill them………………….(all of a sudden showing a wicked smile) .and die they must!

 

(Lights fade. When lights are on again the scene is of Min ji’s home. Her father is lying dead on floor. Hyung Hwa is standing by the side along with two other villagers. Min ji is crying.)

 

Hyung Hwa: Now why are you regretting? It is very obvious who has done this.

 

Villager 1: Japanese soldiers are so merciless. They can kill us for no reason.

 

Villager 2: Our being Korean is reason enough.

 

(Both villagers exit. After that Hyung Hwa slowly moves towards exit. Just before leaving the stage he turns back to Min ji who is crying over the corps of Joong Tae.)

 

Hyung Hwa: I think you know very well what the reason is.

 

(Hyung Hwa exits. Min ji gets up and wipes her tears the she immediately runs out and the lights fade. Stage brightens up with the lake scene where Shimizu is waiting for Min ji under the cherry blossom tree. Min ji enters running. Shimizu looks at her and goes to her. He embraces her. Meanwhile Min ji takes out his gun from his case. As they part Min ji points gun at him.)

 

Shimizu: Min ji, what are you doing?

 

Min ji: Avenging my father.

 

Shimizu: Your father? What happened to him?

 

Min Ji: He is dead and I am going to punish his murderer.

 

Shimizu: You are mistaken. I haven’t done it.

 

Min ji: (Shouts aggressively) Don’t lie to me.

 

Shimizu: Ok, you kill me then. You can’t love me anymore as you have already lost your trust on me.

 

(At this very moment Min ji was shocked and with that the words of her father was echoed, “Trust is greater than love”. She drops the gun and starts crying. Shimizu holds her and tries to console her.)

 

Min ji: Oh, Shimizu. Please forgive me. I lost my trust on you for a while. I forgot what my father said to me.

 

Shimizu: Don’t worry. I will take revenge for your father. Let me find out who has done it. (Picks up the gun and hands it over to Min ji) Keep it with you. Whenever you lose trust on me, just shoot me dead.

 

(They both look into each others’ eyes. A sad Korean love song plays. As the song ends Keita enters.)

 

Keita: (to Shimizu) So this is where you were busy.

 

Shimizu: None of your business. Leave!

 

Keita: Not without this.

 

(Saying so Keita pulls out his gun and points at Min ji. But as he shoots Shimizu comes in between and gets hurt on his shoulder. At the same time Min ji shoots Keita. Keita dies. Shimizu runs to Keita and looks at him. Then he turns to Min ji.)

 

Shimizu: What have you done?

 

Min ji: I got scared.

 

Shimizu: Now we can’t stay here anymore. We must run away or Japanese army will kill both of us.

 

Min ji: Where shall we go?

 

Shimizu: (After thinking for a while) Let’s cross No-ak san.

 

Min ji: (shockingly) No-ak san!

 

Shimizu: That area is still not of much interest of General Takeshi. That side is very quiet. We can live there secretly.

 

Min ji: You are right. However I need to go back to my home first. I prepare some rice cakes for the journey and also I need to take few things that belong to my father.

 

Shimizu: Ok. I will meet you here. As soon as you come, we will leave.

 

(Min ji leaves. Lights fade.)

 

(Min ji’s home. She returns in a rush when she finds Hyung Hwa inside, waiting for her.)

 

Min ji: Hyung Hwa, what are you doing here?

 

Hyung Hwa: (looking at the gun in her hand) So you finally killed him. That’s good. He deserved to die. He killed your father after all. (coming closer to Min ji) Don’t worry Min ji. I am here for you.

 

Min ji: (moving back) What are you doing? I didn’t kill him. He is not guilty. I am going with him.

 

Hyung Hwa: (in anger) What! You didn’t kill him yet? After all this. You don’t know him. He has demonic thoughts. I won’t let you go with that Japanese.

 

(tries to hold back Min ji. Min ji pulls her hand and rushed out of the stage. Hyung Hwa went after her in anger. Light fades away)

 

 

FINAL ACT

 

(The lake. Shimizu is waiting for Min ji under the cherry tree. Keita’s dead body is still lying there. Min ji arrives.)

 

Shimizu: Have you prepared everything?

 

Min ji: Yes I did.

 

Shimizu: Then it is time.

 

(All of a sudden entry of four Japanese soldiers.)

 

Soldier: (looking at Keita’s corps) She killed Keita!

 

Shimizu: It is me who killed Keita, not her. (moves between soldiers and Min ji in order to protect her.)

 

(One of the soldiers points his gun at Shimizu. And the gun blows off. Shimizu falls down on the floor. Behind him is Min ji, holding Shimizu’s gun. It was Min ji who actually shot Shimizu in the head. Shimizu dies instantly. The soldiers, in anger, shoot Min ji in her stomach. Min ji falls down. Soldiers go out. Min ji Crawls toward the corps of Shimizu.)

 

Min ji: (embracing Shimizu’s body) I am sorry, my love. But I couldn’t allow someone else to take away your life. It belongs to me. Please wait in the mid-heaven. I will be right there with you.

 

(Keeps her head on the chest of Shimizu and dies. After few seconds, Hyung Hwa enters. Seeing the corpse of Min ji and Shimizu he falls down on his knees and cries.)

 

Hyung Hwa: (while weeping) I am sorry Min ji. All I wished was you. I loved you very much. That’s why I killed Joong Tae, to create hatred in your heart for this soldier. But your love won……..your love won. You are finally together with your lover and your father. It is me who is left alone. (keeps on crying loud.)

 

(Lights fade away. However Hyung Hwa’s moaning still echoes in background. In darkness a written statement is projected on the stage:

 

“Worst of eight hells is Continuous Hell. It means continuous suffering. He, who is in continuous hell, never dies. Longevity is the biggest hardship in it.” – <Nirvana Sutra: 19>

 

Stage slowly brightens up with low lights, showing Shimizu and Min ji lying dead at the centre. And voices echo in the background:

 

Min ji: This is how I wish to go when I die.

 

Shimizu: Then we will die together. My life now belongs to you.

 

A sad Japanese love song plays with which very low lights fall on the stage just focusing on Shimizu and Min ji lying dead right under the cherry tree. Meanwhile other actors starting from Japanese soldiers in the initial scene, Korean folks in the initial scene, Keita, Joong Tae and Hyung Hwa respectively come up on the stage in row and greet the audiences. After all have greeted characters of Shimizu and Min ji get up and finally greet the audiences.)