During the Korean War, Lieutenant Shin Yong-kwan's unit is pushed back to Dongrak Elementary School in Chungcheongdo. There, they encounter teachers Choi Nam-hee (played by Uhm Aing-ran) and In-sook (played by Lee Kyung-hee), who have not evacuated. When North Korean soldiers attack the elementary school, Lieutenant Shin Yong-kwan stays behind alone to ensure the safe retreat of his men and is taken prisoner along with Choi Nam-hee and In-sook. They endure countless hardships. Choi Nam-hee feigns sympathy with the North Koreans and shows favor to the brigade commander to save Shin Yong-kwan's life, then joins the South Korean army. As the South Korean army prepares to attack the elementary school, Choi Nam-hee, despite the soldiers' dissuasions, returns to the school to save In-sook and lure a North Korean officer (played by Choi Sung-ho). Choi Nam-hee lures and kills the North Korean officer, but is herself shot by his bullet. Meanwhile, the South Korean army attacks the elementary school and repels the North Korean forces. Nam-hee reunites with Lieutenant Shin Yong-kwan and dies in his arms.