Confession of Murder

The narrative begins in 1990 with a failed detective chase, then jumps to 2005 when the investigator fights alcohol-fueled despair. A 2007 public memoir and media circus intensify the case, culminating in a dramatic 2012 release and a change in legal timelines.

Set in urban South Korea, the story unfolds across a police precinct, hotels, motels, and public arenas for televised debates. It follows a decades-spanning investigation into a serial-killer case that unsettles families and law enforcement alike. The physical backdrop—courtrooms, crime scenes, and media-forward locations—drives the tension of pursuit and accountability.

🕵️ Justice vs Deception

The film examines how truth can be shaped or concealed by those in power, including media and cunning public figures. What appears to be justice often depends on perception, public spectacle, and selective storytelling. The pursuit of the killer reveals moral ambiguity as characters manipulate facts to influence outcomes.

🧠 Trauma & Memory

The case haunts Choi Hyeong-goo, whose professional failure and personal scars drive him toward obsession. Memory blurs with guilt as the investigation relies on partial truths and staged moments. The trauma affects decisions, relationships, and the line between ally and adversary.

📢 Media & Public Pressure

Televised debates, bestselling memoirs, and public protests transform the case into a national spectacle. Media attention coerces participants and families to perform for the audience rather than seek quiet truth. The narrative shows how public desire for closure can push conflicting narratives into the spotlight.