True Story Behind Film 'The Point Men': 'Kkokkomu' to Reveal Identity of Taliban Hostage Rescue 'Sunglasses Man' for First Time in 20 Years

SBS's "Tail-Biting the Day That Tail-Bites" (hereafter "Kkokkomu") will reveal for the first time the identity of the "Sunglasses Man," who captured the world's attention by rescuing 21 South Korean hostages kidnapped by the Taliban.

Airing today, the "Sunglasses Man - First Reveal! 28 Days of Top-Secret Negotiations" episode of "Kkokkomu" features singer Kim Chang-wan, actor Choi Ji-woo, and actor Im Soo-hyang joining as listeners to uncover the "South Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan" along with the identity and current whereabouts of the "Sunglasses Man" who led the rescue.

This incident, which also serves as the true story behind the movie "The Point Men," began in 2007 when 23 South Korean nationals were kidnapped by the Islamic extremist militant group Taliban. Amid a critical crisis where two hostages were killed, the government secretly dispatched top negotiation experts proficient in local culture and language, capable of actual combat, most notably known as the "Sunglasses Man."

Revealing his presence for the first time in 20 years through the broadcast, the Sunglasses Man shares his honest feelings from back then, saying, "I never imagined I would be referred to as the 'Sunglasses Man' ever since that incident," and adding, "There was immense tension and stress during the negotiations."

After hearing the breathtaking 28-day top-secret negotiation story told directly by the Sunglasses Man, Choi Ji-woo expressed awe, saying, "It feels like a scene from a movie," while Kim Chang-wan reminisced, "It was truly shocking when I saw it on the news back then." Im Soo-hyang also expressed deep respect for his sense of duty in risking his life for the citizens, noting, "It must have felt like going off to war."

The dramatic survival story of the 21 South Koreans, as told by the legendary black-ops agent "Sunglasses Man" who had been shrouded in a veil of mystery, will be revealed on "Kkokkomu," airing tonight at 10:20 PM.

Reporter Kang Sun-ae

(Photo: SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.