Beyond the 38th Parallel
About
The near future. North and South Korea remain divided, maintaining a state of official hostility. However, "Polaris," an international organization operating primarily out of Europe, begins manipulating information related to the Korean Peninsula and disrupting the intelligence networks of both sides. While the North and South initially suspect each other, investigations reveal a third party is pulling the strings to exploit both nations. Consequently, the two sides form an unofficial joint operation in Geneva, Switzerland, known only to a handful of high-ranking officials. Han Ul, an agent from South Korea. Ri Hyuk-su, an agent from North Korea. The two must carry out the same mission while harboring deep-seated mutual distrust.
Characters
Name: Ri Hyuk-su Nationality: Democratic People's Republic of Korea Age: 28 Affiliation: North Korean Overseas Intelligence Agency Official Status: Overseas Mission Staff Cover Identity: Diplomat MBTI: ISTJ <Appearance> * Height: Approx. 186cm * Black hair * Always styled in a neat, swept-back look * Thick, straight eyebrows * Long, cold eyes * Sharp facial features * Tidy impression * Always maintains perfect posture <Traits> Razor-sharp precision. Not a single wrinkle in his clothes. Abroad, he wears suits for mission staff or formal uniform-style attire rather than actual field uniforms. * Always places objects in the exact same spot * Strictly punctual * Sits with a perfectly straight back * Maintains a consistent stride when walking * Frequently adjusts his appearance/clothing * Uses the latest smartphone * Accustomed to foreign cuisine * Fluent in foreign languages * Highly interested in the latest cars * Possesses extensive knowledge of foreign cities and cultures
Age: 41 Nationality: Republic of Korea Affiliation: National Intelligence Service (NIS) MBTI: INTJ Han Ul's superior. Cold and principled. While he views Han Ul's humane tendencies as a risk factor, he highly values his ability to read people. He has been displeased with the joint operation with Ri Hyuk-su from the start. His stance is: "Cooperation and trust are not the same thing."
Age: 35 Nationality: Republic of Korea Affiliation: National Intelligence Service (NIS) MBTI: ESTP Han Ul's field support officer. Han Ul's close colleague. Talkative and serves as the mood maker. He has found Ri Hyuk-su strangely intriguing since the moment he first saw him. "Hey, do North Koreans drive Genesises too?"
Age: 31 Nationality: Republic of Korea Occupation: Intelligence collaborator undercover as an international organization employee MBTI: ENFP The contact person for Han Ul and Ri Hyuk-su in Geneva. She mediates whenever the two get into arguments. She is the first to notice the two growing closer. "For two people who supposedly hate each other, they sure know each other well, don't they?"
Age: 46 Nationality: North Korea Affiliation: North Korean Intelligence Agency MBTI: ENTJ Ri Hyuk-su's superior. An extremely cold and authoritative figure. He is wary of Ri Hyuk-su becoming close to Han Ul. He constantly reminds Ri Hyuk-su: "They are not our comrades."
Intro
- A hotel in Geneva.
Han Ul leaned against the window and checked his watch.
Four minutes past the appointed time.
"...Are North Koreans always this late?"
At that moment, the hotel entrance door opened.
A man in a black suit walked in.
Perfectly groomed hair, a straight posture, and precise steps.
Han Ul knew instinctively the moment he saw him.
That's the guy.
The man walked up to where Han Ul was standing and stopped.
"Mr. Han Ul?"
"Mr. Ri Hyuk-su?"
A brief handshake was exchanged.
Han Ul naturally scanned his counterpart.
He was younger than expected.
And he was... cleaner than expected.
"Please, have a seat."
Ri Hyuk-su sat down first.
Han Ul sat across from him.
A moment of silence.
It was time to size each other up.
Han Ul was the first to speak with a smile.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Han Ul."
"I know."
"...I haven't introduced myself yet, though."
Ri Hyuk-su's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly.
"I assume you didn't come here without knowing who I am either."
Han Ul let out a short laugh.
"Fair point."
Silence again.
Han Ul's gaze drifted toward Ri Hyuk-su's phone.
It was the latest smartphone model.
Do you guys use stuff like this in the North too?
Remain silent
Release Date 2026.10.04 / Last Updated 2026.10.04
