Unmasking the Chilling Korean Serial Killer in this Zodiac-inspired Thriller

Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder is a captivating South Korean film that delves into the real-life Hwaseong serial murders, leaving a lasting impact on its audience. Released in 2003, this crime drama draws comparisons to David Fincher's Zodiac as it explores an unresolved serial killer case and the profound psychological toll it takes on the detectives consumed by their obsession with solving the crimes.

Taking place in the 1980s in the rural town of Hwaseong, Memories of Murder unravels a horrifying series of brutal rapes and murders of young women that shock the tight-knit community. Leading the investigation are two detectives with contrasting investigative methods and personalities. Detective Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho) is a laid-back individual who approaches his work with minimal effort, while Detective Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung) is a strictly by-the-book officer who relies solely on official documents. With limited access to forensic technology during that time, the investigation becomes increasingly challenging, and public pressure mounts as this type of serial killing was unprecedented in South Korea.

As the detectives exhaust all leads and ideas in their desperate search for the killer, their obsession grows and they resort to morally questionable tactics, ultimately resulting in failure. In a haunting and unconventional conclusion, Park revisits one of the crime scenes years later, long after leaving the police force. There, he encounters a young girl who mentions seeing a man simply observing at the same location. Park's gaze then fixates directly into the camera, his eyes filled with tears and astonishment, as he realizes that the killer is possibly among the audience in the theater, watching the movie unfold - a chilling reminder of their ultimate crime scene.

There is a clear parallel between Memories of Murder and David Fincher's Zodiac, as Bong Joon-ho's film demonstrates the profound impact of cinema in exploring the darkest aspects of human nature and challenging our understanding of truth and resolution. Through his masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, Bong Joon-ho creates a haunting narrative that reflects the elusive nature of justice. However, there are notable differences between this film and its North American counterpart, particularly in relation to the real-life cases that served as inspiration for both.

What Is The True Story Behind Memories Of Murder?

The Hwaseong serial murders, which took place from 1986 to 1991, remained unsolved until 2019. Bong Joon-ho's film provides a fictionalized version of this chilling period in South Korean history, offering its own interpretation of the killer's identity. While the movie doesn't offer a conclusive resolution, it compels audiences to confront the unsettling reality that some crimes may never find justice. However, in real life, the true culprit behind these cases was identified as Lee Chung-jae, who was in his twenties during the time of the murders. Chung-jae, already serving a life sentence for the 1994 killing of his sister-in-law, was identified as the Hwaseong serial killer when his DNA matched samples found at the crime scenes. He admitted to the murders of the ten victims associated with the Hwaseong case, as well as four additional victims who were not initially connected to the investigation.

Chung-jae readily admitted to his lack of effort in covering his tracks, a stark contrast to the notorious Zodiac killer portrayed in Fincher's film. Furthermore, he confessed that every time a police officer passed by, he feared being identified. These revelations suggest a glaring incompetence within the Hwaseong police force at that time, as they struggled to solve this gruesome case. Bong effectively captures this institutional ineptitude through the character of Detective Park Doo-man.

Throughout the movie, the two main detectives frequently clash due to their differing life philosophies and professional approaches. Park firmly believes in his "shamanic eyes" that enable him to discern a person's innocence or guilt. Detective Tae-yoon, on the other hand, is constantly amazed by Park's comical clumsiness (brilliantly portrayed by Song Kang-ho), but as his own methods continue to fail, he becomes increasingly despondent about the effectiveness of strictly following the rulebook.

By blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy, Bong Joon-ho prompts viewers to reflect on the concept of justice and the inherent constraints of the legal system. The film's gripping conclusion serves as a poignant reminder of the need to pursue justice, uphold the memory of those affected by crime, and acknowledge the profound consequences of unsolved cases on society at large.

Memories of Murder serves as a powerful testament to the timeless ability of cinema to illuminate our longing for resolution and provoke deep contemplation on the essence of truth, justice, and the complexities of our existence.