Attack on the Pin-Up Boys (2007) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

The attacks targeted popular handsome students known as 'flower boys' from different high schools. The pattern began with Sungmin from Garam High School on Valentine's Day, then continued to Hangeng (basketball player) and Yesung (rock vocalist). The reason appears to be centered on jealousy or resentment toward these popular students, though Kibum never explicitly states his motivation.

Foreshadowing: The film opens with Kibum and Donghae discussing the attacks, showing early curiosity about the pattern.

• flower boys
• targets
• attacks
• jealousy
• popular students

After Donghae discovers Kibum is behind the attacks, he confronts him but instead of exposing him, Donghae proposes an alternative plan. The next day, Donghae becomes the final victim, suggesting he either volunteered for this role or went along with the plan to end the attacks. This closes the mystery while also giving Donghae his moment of notoriety.

Foreshadowing: Donghae tells Heechul the attacker will strike near the garbage dumping ground between 9-10 pm, showing he knows the pattern well.

• donghae
• final victim
• kibum
• plan
• attacks end

Kibum orchestrated the entire string of attacks, but his exact motivation remains unclear throughout the film. He admits fault when Donghae confronts him, but the film never reveals why he started the attacks or where he obtained the feces. The closest explanation is that he was testing or mocking the 'flower boy' culture among high school students.

Foreshadowing: Kibum correctly predicts the next victim and identifies three suspects at his school, demonstrating his deep involvement.

• kibum
• motivation
• attacks
• perpetrator
• culprit

The attacks occurred on the 14th of each month, starting with February 14 (Valentine's Day), then March 14, April 14, and May 14. This pattern was intentional and became part of the mystery. The significance appears to be that February 14 was the first attack on Sungmin, and the perpetrator continued targeting a new flower boy every month on the same date.

Foreshadowing: The very first attack on Sungmin happens on Valentine's Day, establishing the date pattern from the start.

• 14th
• february
• attacks
• pattern
• valentine

When Siwon claimed to have been attacked on May 14, Kibum investigated and concluded the attack was staged. Unlike the real attacks where a bag of feces was thrown directly at the victim's face, Siwon's account differed in its execution. This revealed that Siwon was trying to capitalize on the publicity like the other victims did, rather than being a genuine target.

Foreshadowing: Siwon was one of three suspects Kibum predicted as potential victims, making his claim suspicious from the start.

• siwon
• staged attack
• fake
• investigation
• publicity

The attacks gained widespread media attention and were dubbed 'Attack on the Pin-up Boys.' This publicity actually boosted the victims' popularity significantly. Sungmin landed a modeling contract for three years, and Yesung released a successful solo album. Heechul and Kangin even tried to attract attention by posting alluring pictures on their blogs, hoping to become the next target.

Foreshadowing: The media coverage and nickname 'Pin-up Boys' emerged after the first few attacks, showing how the incidents were being sensationalized.

• victims
• fame
• popularity
• media
• modeling
• album

Donghae was tailing Kibum and confronted him, accusing him of being the culprit. Kibum admitted his fault rather than denying it. Instead of exposing Kibum to authorities or the media, Donghae proposed an alternative plan, suggesting he wanted to handle the situation differently than simply revealing the truth.

Foreshadowing: Donghae had been investigating alongside Kibum throughout the film, giving him access to clues about the perpetrator.

• donghae
• kibum
• confrontation
• admits fault
• plan

In the final scene, Donghae asks Kibum where the feces originated, but Kibum refuses to answer. This leaves the mystery unresolved and is the film's final source of humor and speculation. The refusal maintains the comedic ambiguity of the entire situation and keeps the door open for interpretation.

• kibum
• feces
• source
• mystery
• refuse
• reveal

After seeing how the victims gained fame and opportunities from the attacks, Heechul and Kangin actively tried to become targets. They posted attractive pictures on their blogs in hopes of getting attention. This reflects the film's theme that the attacks, while unpleasant, actually benefited the victims through increased publicity.

Foreshadowing: The media coverage showed Sungmin landing a modeling contract and Yesung releasing an album, demonstrating the perks of being a victim.

• heechul
• kangin
• target
• blog
• publicity
• fame