Content Warning: Human Acts features graphic depictions of violence, sexual violence, and death. It also mentions a death by suicide in Chapter 4.

The first chapter is narrated in second-person perspective, with Dong-ho, a middle-school boy, being the “you” that the narrative addresses. Dong-ho sits on the steps in front of a gymnasium, listening to a memorial service occurring at the Provincial Office in Gwangju, and wondering what will happen when it begins to rain. He has trouble seeing from afar, and knows he will need to get glasses soon.

Dong-ho works with a handful of other civilians in taking care of the dead and helping their families locate their bodies. That morning, Jin-su, who serves as a leader to their group, informed them that more bodies would be arriving. Dong-ho’s job includes keeping a ledger of the victims’ names and coffin numbers, noting who had gone through the group memorial service to prevent any unnecessary repetitions. While the others attend the service, he stays behind in case any relatives show up looking for someone.

After singing the national anthem together, the woman leading the service asks for a moment of silence.