Escape from Mogadishu 2021

In 1991, the capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, is in turmoil under the government of Siad Barre, with the looming threat of rebels led by Mohamed Farrah Aidid. Amidst this chaos, the North and South Korean embassies are in a fierce competition for support from the UN, which escalates tensions between them further when South Korean Ambassador Han Sin-seong is robbed while heading to a crucial meeting with President Barre, thus missing the appointment. The robbery is cunningly orchestrated by North Korean intelligence officer Tae Jun-ki, igniting distrust and animosity among the Korean diplomats.

As the civil strife intensifies, both embassies become ensnared in the escalating conflict, struggling to escape from the country. The situation grows dire for Ambassador Sin-seong’s wife, as several attempts to reach the airport end in failure. In a twist of fate, the North Korean diplomats experience their own betrayal and violence, leading them to seek safety at the South Korean embassy. Initial suspicion gives way to a necessary alliance for survival, as they work together to navigate the increasingly perilous environment.

In a daring bid for freedom, the diplomats hatch a plan to secure places on an Italian Red Cross evacuation flight bound for Mombasa, Kenya, disguised as defectors. They ingeniously prepare makeshift armored vehicles adorned with white flags to signal safe passage. However, their journey is fraught with challenges, as they face miscommunications and confrontations with both the Somali military and Aidid’s rebels. Ultimately, they manage to reach the Italian embassy, escaping with their lives; tragically, Jun-ki sacrifices himself while shielding North Korean Ambassador Rim Yong-su.

Upon safely landing in Mombasa, the Korean diplomats come to a bittersweet realization—they must part ways to avoid the scrutiny of their respective governments. Despite the bond they formed through their harrowing experience, they must return to their original factions, boarding separate buses destined for their delegations. With a final meaningful glance, they acknowledge the unbreakable connection forged in the flames of adversity.