The "Cranes" is a short story book written by Hwang Sunwon. The story is set in Korea during the Korean War and focuses on two childhood friends, Songsam and Tokchae, who are on opposite sides during the war. Songsam has two flashbacks of his childhood memories with his friend Tokchae, where he remembers how they used to climb the trees and catch cranes. These flashbacks act as a reminder of the times he had spent with his friend and the importance of this friendship. As a result, these memories motivate him to let Tokchae free.
