The Chaser

The Chaser

Year: 2009

Runtime: 125 min

Language: Korean

Director: Hong-jin Na

Thriller

A former detective turned pimp, Jung-ho becomes increasingly frustrated when several of his prostitutes disappear, owing him money. He sends Min-jin to meet a client one evening, setting in motion a series of events that will test his resourcefulness and expose a dangerous predator lurking in the city.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Chaser (2009)

Trace every key event in The Chaser (2009) 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

Eom Joong-ho's Financial Trouble

Eom Joong-ho, a former detective turned pimp, finds himself in a precarious financial situation. Two of his girls have gone missing, causing him immense stress as their disappearance affects his livelihood.

2

Mi-Jin's Appointment

Joong-ho sends Mi-Jin, one of his remaining girls, to meet a customer. Unknown to him, this customer is connected to the missing girls, heightening his concern for her safety as he begins to feel something is amiss.

3

Mi-Jin is Captured

Mi-Jin wakes up in a dingy bathroom, tied up by her customer, Je Yeong-min. He reveals his brutal intentions, threatening her with deadly tools while reminiscing about a previous victim, showcasing his violent tendencies.

Dingy bathroom
4

The Arrival of Local Church Members

Just as Yeong-min is about to finish off Mi-Jin, an elderly couple from a local church arrives at the house inquiring about its owner. Yeong-min, under pressure, kills them both in a frenzied effort to cover his crimes.

Yeong-min's house
5

Joong-ho Seeks Help

Desperate to find Mi-Jin, Joong-ho reaches out to his old police task force for assistance. However, they are tied up responding to a media crisis after the Mayor of Seoul was humiliated during a public appearance.

Police station
6

Collision of Fate

While searching for clues in the area, Joong-ho accidentally collides with Yeong-min's car. Sensing something suspicious, he questions Yeong-min, leading to a confrontation where he eventually beats the man in frustration.

Alleyway
7

Police Interrogation

At the police station, Yeong-min brags about killing multiple victims. Despite his confession, the lack of physical evidence means he cannot be detained longer than twelve hours, leaving Joong-ho frustrated.

Police station
8

A Distressing Discovery

Joong-ho visits Mi-Jin's apartment to collect DNA samples and finds her daughter, Eun-ji, alone at home. Reluctantly, he decides to take her with him in search of clues connected to Yeong-min.

Mi-Jin's apartment
9

Eun-ji's Accident

While Joong-ho is away pursuing leads, Eun-ji wanders off and is tragically struck by a delivery moped in a hit-and-run. Panic sets in for Joong-ho as he frantically searches for her in the surrounding area.

Street
10

Yeong-min's Release

Despite the police's efforts, the prosecutor orders Yeong-min's release due to insufficient evidence. The political ramifications of the recent mayoral incident weigh heavily on the police force, leaving them feeling defeated.

Prosecutor's office
11

Joong-ho's Escape

After being arrested as a scapegoat for the police's failure, Joong-ho manages to escape from a police van. His determination to find Mi-Jin grows stronger as he evades capture once more.

Police van
12

Mi-Jin's Brief Escape

Unknown to everyone, Mi-Jin has managed to free herself and seeks help at a local corner shop. However, tragedy strikes as Yeong-min arrives, kills the shopkeeper, and ends Mi-Jin's life before help arrives.

Corner shop
13

Aftermath of Mi-Jin's Death

Joong-ho arrives at the corner store to a scene of horrific bloodshed. The authorities are once again put to shame, prompting them to throw every resource into the search for Yeong-min to redeem their reputation.

Corner shop
14

The Church Connection

Reeling from Mi-Jin's death, Joong-ho follows a hunch and visits a local church. He discovers a link between the church and Yeong-min, unraveling clues that may lead him back to the killer.

Local church
15

The Final Confrontation

In a climactic showdown, Joong-ho confronts Yeong-min just as he is about to escape. A brutal fight ensues, but Joong-ho is thwarted by the police's arrival, facing the harsh reality of justice slipping away yet again.

Yeong-min's hideout

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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