A young Korean man known only as R is sentenced to death by hanging for the rape and murder of two Japanese schoolgirls. However, when the execution is carried out, R survives, leaving the prison officials in a quandary. R's survival creates a perplexing situation as it is unclear whether he has lost his memory or is feigning amnesia. The prison staff, including the warden and a clergyman, engage in various efforts to jog R's memory, including re-enacting the crimes he was convicted of. Despite their attempts, R remains unresponsive and detached from his identity, leading to philosophical and moral debates among the officials about justice, identity, and the human conscience.

As the officials grapple with the bizarre predicament, they become increasingly desperate and irrational, questioning the ethics and implications of carrying out the execution again. Their efforts gradually descend into absurdity as they confront their biases and prejudices against R's Korean heritage. The atmosphere shifts from one of bureaucratic formality to surreal theatrics, with each member of the execution team revealing personal vulnerabilities and societal critiques. As tensions mount, the narrative evolves into a dark satire that critiques capital punishment, racial oppression, and the societal structures that perpetuate them. Without clear resolution, the story compels viewers to reflect deeply on humanity's moral complexities and the nature of justice.