Good News is a Korean Netflix thriller that blends dark humor with political suspense. Set in 1970s Japan, the film is inspired by the real 1970 Yodo-go hijacking, where members of the Red Army Faction attempted to divert a plane to North Korea. The story follows a mysterious fixer, Nobody, and a young Air Force lieutenant, Seo Go-myung, as they navigate a tense hijacking scenario with lives hanging in the balance.
High-Stakes Hijacking and Deceptive Plan to Safely Rescue Passengers Unfolds Dramatically
Japan Airlines Flight 351 is seized by the Red Army Faction, who intend to fly to North Korea. The Japanese pilot delays the hijackers by landing under the guise of refueling, giving authorities crucial time to intervene. KCIA director Park Sang-hyeon recruits Nobody to orchestrate a covert plan, and he enlists Seo Go-myung to execute a high-stakes deception aimed at regaining control of the plane.
Good News (Netflix)Seo and Nobody’s strategy involves pretending the plane is communicating with North Korean air traffic control. Nobody recreates Pyongyang’s airport at Gimpo International Airport using resources from a nearby film set, making the ruse convincing.
When the hijackers uncover the trick, tensions escalate, but through careful manipulation of officials and Seo’s emotional appeal, Japanese Transport Minister Shinichi Ishida volunteers as a hostage, ensuring the passengers are safely released.
Seo Go-myung’s Sacrifice and Nobody’s Hidden Identity Highlight Unseen Heroism and Courage
Despite his critical role in saving the passengers, Seo Go-myung receives no official recognition. Political considerations led the South Korean government to erase his involvement to maintain diplomatic balance. Nobody gives Seo a symbolic gift, a watch mirroring the one his father received for war sacrifices, underscoring the theme that heroism often goes unseen and uncelebrated.
Nobody’s true identity remains unresolved, adding to his enigmatic persona. After the hijackers reach North Korea, it is revealed that all their weapons were fake, and their plan to commit mass suicide was only a contingency. The film closes by emphasizing the hidden efforts of “nobodies,” highlighting the invisible courage and sacrifices of those who act for the greater good without expectation of recognition.
