Politics and the threat of war isn't the only reason for Koreans to be upset about "Die Another Day" - the film is full of errors too...

"Die Another Day"s Korean Bloopers
17th January 2003

The protests surrounding "Die Another Day" have centred around politics and, according to activists, the way in which the film depicts Koreans. But they are not the only reasons for the Korean people to be angered by the film, it is full of bloopers too.

Uniform
The uniform Brosnan and Berry wear during the climax battle scene in North Korea is not North Korean Special Forces uniform. It is a South Korean Army Reserve Uniform. The big name tag on the chest says "Chung Chun 1 Dong Dae" which means Chung Chun 1st Eastern Unit. Chung Chun is area name and 1 Dong Dae means 1st Eastern Unit. Real army reservists in South Korea wear the same uniform. Members of the reserve are said to be honoured to share the uniform with 007!

Cow & Farmer
The species of cow shown at the end of the film does not exist in Korea. The water buffalo is prevalent in Southeast Asia but not Korea. The scene has angered many South Koreans by depicting them as poor farmers in the paddy field scene where the farmer stops to stare at the Ferrari.

Temple
The temple is not built in traditional Korean way. Korean sources have said that temple design is that of Southeast Asia - more specifically Thailand - but not Buddhist Korea. Bond may be a good pilot, but he could not have made the flight to Thailand in such a short space of time!

Wave
The North Korean coast where North Korean guards are smoking Chinese cigarettes do not have big waves. Korea is not a good place for surfers.

DMZ
The film suffers from confusion between Southern End DMZ and Northern End DMZ. When Bond was exchanged with Zao at that point, Bond was still in North Korean soil, not South. But, the sign says "Southern End Line". It should say "Northern End Line". There are two DMZ's (north and south) divided by a cease-fire line. The total length of DMZ (including north and south zone) is 4km. Bond was in the The Northern Boundary of Demilitarised Zone at that time, not South.

Geography
There are more bloopers with general geography. The mix-up between the 38-latitude and cease-fire line, and the Sea of Japan on North Korean Army map.

Military
During the climax of the film, the US General says "Mobilise the South Korean troops". US or UN generals do not have right to give orders to South Korean troops at Defcon 3 (the state of alert that is quoted in the film) or even Defcon 2. The US or UN only have the right to control when the war starts - Defcon 1.

The majority of complaints from Korean audiences are based on the impression that the US general has total control of both US and South Korean troops - especially when he gives this direct order.

Thanks to Young for helping to compile this article.