ADVERTISEMENT

Defector watching 'The Transporter', 'CSI'

The television remains fixed on a 24-hour movie channel as the local news could upset the patient...

The 24-year-old soldier, identified only by his surname, Oh, has watched high octane driving flick "The Transporter" and forensic whodunnit "CSI", and can't get enough of K-Pop.

"We began turning on the television and playing music for him since yesterday" to help with his recovery, doctor Lee Cook-Jong told reporters.

The television remains fixed on a 24-hour movie channel as the local news could upset the patient, Lee said, and added: "He enjoys movies and American TV series like 'CSI'."

ADVERTISEMENT

Oh made his dash over the border at the Panmunjom truce village on November 13.

Footage that emerged Wednesday showed his former comrades opening fire at him as he raced on foot over the painted line that divides the two countries.

He was shot at least four times in his daring bid, and was found by South Korean troops slumped in a pile of leaves just south of the border.

After being dragged to safety, he was airlifted to hospital, where he underwent two rounds of emergency surgery.

Lee said he has so far avoided asking his patient personal questions, but glimpses of life in the hermit state emerged as they watched "The Transporter" together, a 2002 thriller about a mercenary delivery driver.

ADVERTISEMENT

"When he saw Jason Statham drive really fast, he told me that he used to drive," Lee said, suggesting it may have been connected to his role in the North Korean military.

Movies and pop music dominate their conversations, Lee said, stressing that his patient "really likes girl bands".

He has listened to the song "Gee" by South Korean girl group Girls' Generation.

Although Oh shares some interests with his counterparts in the wealthy, capitalist South, there are key differences, said Lee.

"His skin is quite different from South Korean males who are the same age. When I shook his hand, the skin was as hard as a washing board," Lee said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Oh is currently drinking only water, but is recovering well, the doctor said, adding he expects his patient to leave intensive care this weekend.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT