Summary

In January 2001, two documentary filmmakers from South Korea come to Hyeonseo's restaurant. They say they will pay the expenses for a North Korean trying to reach the South. Hyeonseo realizes for the first time that it is possible for North Koreans to seek asylum in the South. Up until then, she believed the countries to be mortal enemies. Instead, she learns that "South Korea considered all North Koreans to be South Korean citizens" (144). Hyeonseo considers telling them her secret but she is cautious and misses her chance.

Feeling that she has missed an opportunity due to her extreme caution, she confesses her identity to some of her friends and makes a point to get to know other North Korean girls hiding in Shenyang. Not long after, police come to find Hyeonseo at work and escort her to the station for interrogation...