One day. novelist Han Ki-Ju has a visitor from his past. It is Byun Jin-Soo, a fellow veteran fought with in Vietnam. Byun leaves mysteriously after handing Han a gun. Failing to locate Byun, Han begins to remember violent experiences of the war. White Badge attempts to remind contemporary Korean society of the hidden truths behind the forgotten mercenary war in Vietnam. Director Jung sets the film during the politically reactionary period of the 80s when President Park′s assassination gave rise to the emergence of the military regime responsible for the Kwangju massacre. Byun, victim of war, represents society′s repressed post-war guilt uncovered and laid bare for re-examination. The clash between riot police and demonstrators brings back brutal memories of the war. Yoo′s experience as a foreign correspondant during the 80s brings a cinema verite edge to the scenes of war and riots. (Lee Yong-Kwan)