The seven Gildongs were brought to the king.
"Which of you is the real Hong Gildong?" the king asked.
"I am, Your Majesty," one said.
"No, I am, Your Majesty," another said.
"You're too ugly to be me," a third said to the second.
The second Gildong turned red. "How dare you insult me in front of the king!"
The seven Gildongs all shouted at each other.
"Silence!" the king yelled. "Chief Heup, you've seen Gildong before. Which is the real one?"
Heup inspected the Gildongs.
"Nice to see you again!" one said.
Another grinned. "Have I caused you too much trouble?"
"They all look the same, Your Majesty," Heup said.
The king frowned. "Certainly his father would know. Chief Heup, bring Lord Hong here!"
The Gildongs grew quiet when Lord Hong appeared. He seemed to be in pain as he bowed to the king.
"Your Majesty," he said. "Since my lowborn son left home, I have been sick with worry. Now I have little time left to live. But I am here to serve you."
"Then prove your loyalty. Tell me which one is real!" the king shouted.
Heup led Lord Hong to the Gildongs. But all seven were identical.
Lord Hong shook with fear. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I cannot tell which is the real Gildong."
"How can you not know your own child?" the king roared. "Your lowborn boy has done terrible crimes. When I find the real Gildong, I'll punish you both!"
At this, Lord Hong collapsed.
The Gildongs rushed over to Lord Hong. They each took medicine from their sleeves and gave it to him. Soon his eyes opened, and he looked at them with sadness.
Palace guards took Lord Hong away.
"I'm sorry," a Gildong called out.
"Quiet, you!" Heup growled, kicking the Gildong.
Poof! The Gildong turned into a straw figure.
Everyone in the courtyard gasped.
"Now there's six left," the king said. "Find the real one!"
Heup kicked another Gildong hard. Poof! That one turned to straw too. He kicked the Gildongs one by one. Each one turned to straw.
Finally Heup reached the last Gildong. He took out his sword and grinned. "Your crimes end now!"
Gildong smiled as a strong wind blew. He shot into the air.
Heup looked up. Gildong was floating on a cloud above the crowd.
"Chief Heup, get him!" the king ordered.
"Archers!" Heup cried. "Fire your arrows!"