Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood

Kim is in sixth grade. The world is embroiled in World War II. Kim is class leader and will be performing a prominent role in a play written by his Japanese teacher honoring the birthday of Japan’s Crown Prince. Kim is concerned about the pro-Japanese nature of his role, but he has no choice but to play it. Kim’s grandfather claims the school is making him play the part because of Mr. Kim.

Everyone in town is required to participate in preparation for American air raids. This includes each homeowner digging an air raid shelter. However, the Koreans are confident that they will not be bombed, because “a B-29 Superfortress dropped thousands of leaflets, which said that, because the Korean people were not their enemies, the Americans would not bomb Korean towns and villages” (108). The Japanese officials mobilized the police and children to confiscate all the leaflets that they could. Kim is fascinated by the idea that the fliers came from overseas.

In addition to air raids, the townsfolk must place sand, a bucket of water, and a wet mop by their front gate so the police can see. Soon, they are ordered to produce sharpened bamboo staves to give to the police and to keep in the house.