The Documentary Podcast The mystery of the ‘tula boy’
Jul 19, 2025
José Carlos Cueto, a BBC Mundo journalist based in Colombia, delves into the gripping tale of a South Korean child, Carlos Arturo Gallón, smuggled into Colombia in a duffle bag in 1953. He unveils the haunting journey of the Tula Boy and the complex identity shaped by trauma and loss. Listeners will be moved by the poignant bond between Carlos and the soldier who saved him, as well as his surprising reunion with his sister. Cueto also highlights the human impact of the Korean War, blending personal narrative with historical context.
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Smuggling the Tula Boy
- Colombian soldier Aureliano Gallón hid a Korean boy in his military duffle bag during the Korean War.
- He cared for the boy during the 28-day sea voyage back to Colombia, forming a strong bond.
Friendship Amidst War
- Aureliano Gallón befriended a small, scarred Korean boy rummaging through garbage near the army base.
- Their friendship grew due to the boy's cleverness and Aureliano's daily interactions in the kitchen.
Smuggling Decision and Journey
- Gallón taught the boy Spanish and decided to smuggle him into Colombia against official rules.
- Other soldiers helped keep the boy hidden and cared for during the long sea journey home.