In 1979, after the assassination of President Park Chung-hee, Han Ki-ju is paid to write about his experiences in the Vietnam War. He is reluctant at first, but a reunion with mentally scarred Army buddy Pyon Chin-su brings back the haunting memories of war. Based on the critically-acclaimed novel by veteran Ahn Jung-hyo, "White Badge" is a harsh condemnation of war, treatment of veterans, and the pervasive American influence in South Korea.