손이 맵다맵

One’s hands are spicy.

Meeting Hall, Kyongan-ni, January 15th, 1952

Minister Yoon Si-U watched with practiced impassion at the gu leaders arguing vociferously over the provisions of the Red Guard Brigade Mandate.

“Mandatory service is inhumane!”

“Surely you must spare the women!”

“Children over 14? It is unconscionable!”

He glanced around the room. His position had netted him a pair of adjutants of his own - and, seeing as he had succeeded to his current position from the position they now occupied, he couldn’t help but regard them with a measure of suspicion. Yi Minjae was short, mouse-like, and almost ghostly pale. He wrote ferociously, keeping long lists of names and accounts of encounters with local officials that he checked over with Yoon every night. Han Seong-Min was younger, taller, broader - something closer to a bodyguard than an assistant. Yoon had refused the service of bodyguards, finding it taxing to have to tote around yet more staff with him. Han was remarkably perceptive of people, but spent most of his time completely silent and still, as if nothing in the world interested him at all.

He turned back to face the gu leaders. They had stopped speaking as if someone had asked a question. Yoon, flashed with embarrassment, meekly asked for it to be repeated.

The nearest leader barked, “When will it end?”

“When hostilities end,” Han Seong-Min chimed in.

“Which, at this rate, will be 1960!” the leader retorted.

“I think there is some confusion,” Yoon finally said in a measured tone. “The Red Guard Brigade mandate is not up for discussion and negotiation. Our glorious leader, the Chairman, has demanded it. My direct superior, the Interior Minister Pak Il-u, has agreed to it, and I am here to implement it. Your cooperation is helpful…”

“We won’t do it!” one of the village elders intoned. A vague word of agreement spread throughout the tent.

“...But not necessary.”

There was silence in the air. The explosions from another dusk bombing of the Han river bridges could be faintly heard.

“We have made these provisions as generous as the war situation allows. I feel sure you understand the gravity of our situations. Choose to cooperate, I entreat you.”

The district leaders looked at each other, and there was a murmur of assent. Finally, the one closest to Yoon Si-U stood up and said:

“We are prepared to defend the Worker’s Party, Comrade Minister.”

Thus the provisions for the Red Guard Brigades were distributed throughout the major settlements around Seoul, and in the North around Pyongyang, Nampo, and Wonsan:

Proclamation of the Red Guard Brigades

Comrades! The Fatherland Liberation War, in this most crucial phase, calls upon all of its population to assist in the commonwealth and defense of the country. To that end, the following statutes are instituted:

1. All able-bodied individuals of every sex are to report to their nearest recruiting station for induction into glorious Red Guard Brigades, charged with security, defense, and construction at the behest of the Korean People’s Army.

2. This shall include all children above the age of 14, and all people under the age of 75. Government officials, defense workers, pregnant women and those already debilitated by previous service to the nation are excluded.

3. Red Guard Brigade service is mandatory for six months. After six months, the participant is released from duty.

4. Every year of service will result in a 10% reduction in taxes owed by the individual participant. 10 years service in a Red Guard Brigade will result in complete tax freedom for the participant.

5. Those who refuse service for any reason are liable to arrest, imprisonment, and execution for cowardice.

Comrades! Rejoice in this opportunity to serve your country! The Sun Shines in Korea today!

Posted by Ministry of Social Security

To be continued…