The Orphan Master's Son

The American plane arrives early, so Ga, Sun Moon and the children rise quickly and head for the airport. Sun Moon makes Ga promise that he will come with her. At the airport, the citizens of Pyongyang have been taken from the streets to participate in a welcome ceremony. The Dear Leader’s conversation with Ga contains veiled threats, such as “I have a feeling that after this, everything will be different, for all of us” (418).

The American plane circles the runway, lands, and turns to park for a quick escape. They are far from the fake Texas ranch that has been assembled in their honor. The scene includes a dressing room for Sun Moon, who is expected to make two costume changes. Comrade Buc, driving a forklift, moves her dressing room closer to the plane. The Dear Leader tells Ga and Sun Moon that there is an operation that can make Korean eyes look Western and hints that he has given the American girl an operation that will make her eyes look Korean.

The Senator, Wanda and Tommy come off the plane. They present the Dear Leader with a “pen of peace” and he gives them rhinoceros-horn bookends.