Dark Figure of Crime

Dark Figure of Crime

Year: 2018

Runtime: 111 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Kim Tae-gyoon

Echo Score: 74

Budget: $7.1M

CrimeDrama

A serial killer is apprehended after committing his seventh murder. To solve the preceding six cases, a detective reluctantly works with the killer, but begins to question his motives and suspect he may be concealing more than he reveals. The film draws inspiration from a true story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dark Figure of Crime (2018)

Trace every key event in Dark Figure of Crime (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Kim meets Kang at a restaurant as Kang is arrested

Kim, a widowed narcotics officer, meets Kang while they talk in a restaurant, and Kang is arrested by the homicide division for killing his girlfriend. Kang confesses to the murder and is placed behind bars. This encounter triggers Kim’s pursuit of the truth and the larger mystery behind Kang’s crimes.

Initial arrest Restaurant; police station
2

Kang claims six more murders; Kim agrees to investigate

A few months later, Kang contacts Kim from prison claiming he has murdered six other people. He refuses to talk to detectives whom he accuses of fabricating evidence. Kim agrees to uncover real evidence in exchange for information about the other victims.

Months after initial arrest Prison
3

Kim uncovers falsified evidence and charges against detectives

Using Kang’s information, Kim uncovers evidence showing the homicide detectives fabricated the case to imprison Kang. The detectives are charged as a result, and Kang’s sentence is reduced in exchange for further information on the other victims. Kim’s success fuels a broader investigation.

During investigation into the six murders City courthouse; police HQ
4

First victim Oh Ji Hee: Kang's claim and initial disbelief

Kim investigates the disappearance of Oh Ji Hee, a former swimmer forced to work at a village nightclub to support her grandmother. Kang claims he killed her one night after driving her away from the city. Yet locals warn Kim that Kang cannot be trusted.

During six-victim investigation Village nightclub area; city
5

Kang reveals partial remains; Kim's interrogation and DNA results

Kang locates part of Oh Ji Hee’s remains, but when Kim interrogates him, Kang lies about coercion or bribery. DNA results show the remains are not Oh’s, making it difficult to indict Kang on that count.

During Oh Ji Hee investigation Crime scene and lab
6

Kim seeks guidance from mentor Song; revelation about Kang's past

Kim visits his mentor Song, who advises him to drop the case because Kang seems to be crafting an innocent persona to overturn his current sentence. Kim also learns from Kang’s older sister that Kang killed their father when he was a boy, hinting at a dangerous pattern. These revelations complicate Kim’s resolve.

After Oh Ji Hee investigation begins Kim's office; sister's home
7

Statute of limitations blocks prosecution for the father murder

The sister’s revelation underscores Kang’s history, but Kim cannot bring the father murder to court because the statute of limitations has ended. This legal barrier leaves many of Kang’s past actions unprosecuted and weighs on Kim’s drive to pursue the truth.

Around the past-crime discovery Kim's office
8

Search for second victim Hwang with Jo; trial yields circumstantial evidence

With a new partner, Jo, Kim reopens the case file on Hwang and links the murder to Kang. The trial proceeds but relies on circumstantial evidence, and Kang is not convicted. The setback strains Kim’s standing and foreshadows more obstacles.

During investigation into the six victims Courthouse; police archives
9

Kim is demoted and Jo is transferred

Kim’s career suffers after the unsuccessful trial, leading to a demotion, and Jo is transferred to the narcotics division. The failures highlight the toll of the case on the investigators and the fragility of the pursuit for justice.

Following the trial Police department
10

IUD clue leads to Park Mi Yong; discovery of missing girlfriend

While clearing his desk, Kim notices an IUD birth-control implant in a crime-scene photo, triggering a search for all women who had IUDs around the time of the murders. He discovers Park Mi Yong, Kang’s girlfriend at the time, has gone missing.

Late in investigation Police department; city
11

Park's past confrontation and Kang's murder of Park

Park had moved to the city with her young son and had tried to break up with Kang, which precipitated his killing. Kim tracks Park’s son and brings him to testify against Kang.

After discovering Park's missing status City; Park's son's location
12

Kang sentenced to life imprisonment

With the son’s testimony and accumulated evidence, Kang is finally sentenced to life imprisonment. The verdict seals the case and brings some closure to Kim’s tireless investigation.

Final trial Courtroom

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 13:05

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Cat-and-mouse crime thrillers like Dark Figure of Crime

Thrillers where a detective's obsession is tested by a cunning criminal's mind games.Explore movies like 'Dark Figure of Crime' featuring intense psychological battles between detectives and manipulative criminals. This list includes similar crime stories and investigative thrillers where the pursuit of truth becomes a personal obsession, perfect for fans of complex, character-driven suspense.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a detective who becomes deeply entangled in a high-stakes psychological duel with a criminal, often a serial killer. The story unfolds through interrogation, investigation, and mind games, where the protagonist's methods and sanity are questioned as they are drawn into the killer's twisted logic.

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Grim crime procedurals like Dark Figure of Crime

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a dogged investigation that gradually uncovers not just the criminal act, but also the deep-seated problems within the police force or legal system. The protagonist fights a two-front war: against the criminal and against the system that impedes true justice, often resulting in a pyrrhic victory.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are connected by their bleak, realistic tone and their thematic focus on institutional failure. They share a steady pacing, high complexity, and a heavy emotional weight, creating a consistently grim and intellectually engaging viewing experience about the cost of truth.

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Dark Figure of Crime Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dark Figure of Crime

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dark Figure of Crime

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