Memories of Murder Ending Explained, Is the Movie a True Story?
by Rubaditsha
Updated May 22, 2023
Memories Of Murder Korean Movie
"Memories of Murder," also known as "Sarinui Chueok" in Korean, is a gripping crime thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The screenplay was written by Bong Joon-ho and Shim Sung-bo, and it is based on the 1996 play titled "Come to See Me" by Kim Kwang-rim. The film features an ensemble cast including Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roi-ha, Park Hae-il, and Byun Hee-bong. Set in the late 1980s in Hwaseong, South Korea, the story revolves around detectives Park Doo-man and Seo Tae-yoon as they investigate a series of brutal rapes and murders.
The development of "Memories of Murder" began in September 2002 when CJ Entertainment acquired the rights to Kim Kwang-rim's play, which draws inspiration from South Korea's first confirmed serial murders. The film also incorporates elements of detective fiction and reflects aspects of Bong Joon-ho's personal experiences. Principal photography took place in various locations across South Korea, including Jangseong County, Haenam County, and Jinju.
On May 2, 2003, "Memories of Murder" had its initial theatrical release in South Korea, distributed by CJ Entertainment. The film garnered critical acclaim, earning praise for its compelling screenplay, masterful direction by Bong Joon-ho, outstanding performances by the cast (especially Song Kang-ho), atmospheric tone, and skilled editing. It received numerous awards and nominations and is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional East Asian films ever produced.
The success of "Memories of Murder" cemented Bong Joon-ho's reputation as a visionary filmmaker and laid the foundation for his subsequent acclaimed works. The film's compelling storytelling, nuanced characters, and exploration of societal themes have resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Memories Of Murder Ending Explained
The ending of the movie "Memories of Murder." Released in 2003 in South Korea, the film is a gripping combination of crime, suspense, and drama, directed by Bong Joon Ho. The plot of the movie is loosely based on the first confirmed serial murders that occurred in Korea in the late 1980s.
Set in 1986, the story revolves around a series of brutal rapes and murders of women. A local detective named Park Doo Man, who is inexperienced in handling such complex cases, is assigned to investigate. Overwhelmed by the task, Park's lack of expertise leads to improper collection of evidence.
In his investigation, Park claims to possess the ability to identify suspects through eye contact. He focuses on questioning a mentally ill boy named Baek Kwang Ho, who had a history of stalking one of the victims. Based on his eye contact method, Park believes Baek to be the true suspect and resorts to beating him in an attempt to extract a confession.
However, as the gravity of the case becomes apparent, Seo Tae Yoon, a trained detective from Seoul, is brought in to assist. Seo's methods differ from Park's reliance on eye contact, and he clears Baek's name due to his weak physical condition, which makes it unlikely for him to commit such crimes. The town experiences new murders following a similar pattern, with the killer targeting women wearing red attire on rainy nights. Another clue emerges—a specific song requested during these nights, which is the same one played on the nights of the previous murders.
During their investigation at the latest crime scene, the trio almost catches the killer but fails to apprehend him as he manages to escape. As the night turns rainy, they notice the song playing on the radio again. However, before they can save the woman, she is raped and murdered by the killer.
In the subsequent autopsy conducted by forensics, Seo and Park discover traces of peach on the victim's body. Analyzing the evidence, they identify a factory worker named Park Hyeon Gyu as a suspect. One of the survivors of the crimes mentioned that her attacker had soft hands, which matches Hyeon Gyu's description. When Seo presents him with peaches as evidence, Hyeon Gyu displays discomfort, leading the detectives to believe they have finally found the killer.
Later, while reviewing Baek's interrogation tapes, the detectives realize that the boy possessed knowledge of details about the murders that were unknown to anyone else. This suggests that although he did not commit the crimes, he witnessed them. As they attempt to chase Baek, he gets caught on the train tracks and dies.
New evidence emerges as traces of semen are discovered on one of the victims. The sample is sent to the United States for a DNA test, and it is revealed that the murdered girl was a school friend of Seo's. Out of anger, Seo confronts Hyeon Gyu, but the results come back negative for his semen, leading to his release.
The film then shifts to 2003, with the killer still at large. Park is now a father and a businessman. Another murder occurs in the streets, and while passing by the crime scene the next morning, Park decides to investigate. He encounters a young girl who claims to have seen the killer and provides a description. The movie ends with Park looking directly into the camera, using his eye contact method to determine the killer from the audience.
"Memories of Murder" is a gripping crime thriller with multiple twists. The ending leaves the audience with a sense of uncertainty as the identity of the killer remains elusive, and Park's attempt to identify the culprit is left open-ended.
Is Memories Of Murder a True Story?
The events depicted in the movie "Memories of Murder" are based on a true story that unfolded between 1986 and 1991 in Hwaseong, a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, located south of the capital, Seoul. According to The Hollywood Reporter, during this period, there were ten female victims who fell prey to a serial killer. The ages of the victims ranged from teenagers to a 70-year-old woman. Each victim was subjected to rape and then brutally murdered, with the killer often using their own clothing to strangle them.
The escalating murder count instilled fear throughout the district and turned the case into one of the largest criminal investigations in South Korean history, involving the interviewing of thousands of suspects. However, despite the extensive efforts, the case remained unsolved for three decades.
In September 2019, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, officials from the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency announced a breakthrough in the case. DNA evidence, which had been sent to the National Forensic Service, resulted in a match for the killer. The DNA belonged to Lee Choon-jae, who in 2019 confessed to the murder of 14 women, including ten connected to the Hwaseong murders.
It is important to note that Bong Joon-ho, the director of "Memories of Murder," completed filming before the killer was identified. Lee Choon-jae had already been serving a life sentence since 1994 for the rape and murder of his sister-in-law at the time the match was made.
IndieWire reports that Lee Choon-jae expressed surprise at not having been suspected earlier, saying, "I still don't understand [why I wasn't a suspect]. Crimes happened around me, and I didn't try hard to hide things, so I thought I would get caught easily. There were hundreds of police. I bumped into detectives all the time, but they always asked me about people around me."
Furthermore, it is mentioned that Lee Choon-jae watched "Memories of Murder" while in prison, but he displayed no emotional reaction while viewing it, according to Tekdeeps.
This real-life resolution adds an intriguing layer to the movie, as the director was not aware of the killer's identity at the time of production, leaving the film's ending open-ended and reflective of the unsolved nature of the case.
Memories Of Murder Who was the Killer
Lee Chun-jae, the real-life serial killer who served as the inspiration for Bong Joon Ho's acclaimed film "Memories of Murder," broke his silence in court on November 2 in Suwon, South Korea. Lee, who confessed to the murder of 14 women, including 10 victims in the infamous Hwaseong murders that took place between 1986 and 1991, publicly spoke about his crimes for the first time. Prior to September 2019, nine of the ten Hwaseong murder cases had remained unsolved until new DNA evidence linked Lee to the crimes. Currently serving a life sentence since 1994 for the rape and murder of his sister-in-law, Lee's confessions shed light on the decades-old unsolved cases.
During the court proceedings, Lee expressed his surprise and confusion about not being suspected earlier in the Hwaseong murders, stating, "I still don't understand why I wasn't a suspect. Crimes happened around me, and I didn't make much effort to hide things, so I thought I would get caught easily. There were hundreds of police forces, and I bumped into detectives all the time, but they always asked me about people around me." Lee even admitted that he had one of his victims' watches in his possession when he was questioned by the police during the peak of the murders. However, law enforcement at the time only inquired about his lack of an ID card and let him go.
The retrial of Yoon, a man convicted of one of the 10 murders and who spent 20 years in prison before being released in 2008, was also underway. Yoon, whose full name has not been disclosed due to South Korean privacy laws, is seeking to overturn his conviction. Lee's revelations in court implicated himself in the murder Yoon was initially convicted of, describing it as "an impulsive act." Lee displayed no emotion as he calmly recounted the details of the heinous crime. He apologized to both the families of his victims and to Yoon. It's important to note that Lee cannot be prosecuted for the Hwaseong murders due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Expressing remorse for the aftermath of his crimes, Lee stated, "I heard that many people had been investigated and wrongfully suffered. I'd like to apologize to all those people. I came and testified and described the crimes in hopes for [the victims and their families] to find some comfort when the truth is revealed. I'll live my life with repentance."
Bong Joon Ho's film "Memories of Murder" gained renewed attention following his historic Oscar wins for "Parasite" earlier in the year. The movie portrays the investigation of the unsolved Hwaseong murder cases, captivating audiences with its storytelling and performances. The recent revelations from the real killer have further intensified interest in the film, leading to its re-release in theaters by Neon. Recognized as one of the best crime movies of the 21st century by IndieWire, "Memories of Murder" continues to resonate with audiences and shed light on a dark chapter in South Korea's history.
Memories Of Murder Streaming Service
"Memories of Murder" can be streamed on various platforms, allowing audiences to enjoy Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed crime drama. After a recent digital remaster and a limited theatrical release, the film is now available for on-demand viewing.
To watch "Memories of Murder," you can choose from multiple streaming services, including Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and FandangoNow. These platforms offer the film for either rental or purchase, giving viewers flexibility in how they access the movie.
The rental price for "Memories of Murder" typically ranges around $3.99, allowing you to enjoy the film for a limited period. On the other hand, if you wish to have permanent access to the movie, you can opt to buy it. The purchase cost may vary depending on the platform you choose, but it is generally around $14.99. Keep in mind that prices can differ between platforms, so it's a good idea to check each one to find the most suitable option for you.
Previously, the film was available for free streaming on Amazon Prime. However, it was later removed from the platform. Now, with the digital remastered version, you have the opportunity to experience "Memories of Murder" with enhanced visual and audio quality.
Bong Joon-ho's "Memories of Murder" is a highly regarded crime drama that has captivated audiences and received widespread acclaim. If you are a fan of Bong's work, especially his award-winning film "Parasite," "Memories of Murder" is considered essential viewing. It tells a gripping story inspired by real-life events, with excellent performances by the talented cast.
Take advantage of the availability of "Memories of Murder" on various streaming platforms, and immerse yourself in Bong Joon-ho's masterful storytelling. Choose your preferred streaming service, rent or purchase the film, and get ready for an enthralling cinematic experience.
Memories Of Murder Trailer
Memories Of Murder Plot
In October 1986, the tranquility of a small town is shattered when two women are discovered brutally raped and murdered on its outskirts. Local detective Park Doo-man, inexperienced in handling such grave cases, finds himself overwhelmed. The investigation is plagued by improper collection of evidence, suspicious investigative methods, and a lack of advanced forensic technology. Park claims to possess the ability to identify suspects through eye contact and focuses his attention on Baek Kwang-ho, a mentally handicapped boy with scars, who had been seen following one of the victims. Park's partner, Cho, resorts to violent means to extract a confession from Baek.
To assist them in the case, Seo Tae-yoon, a detective from Seoul with expertise in scientific crime scene analysis, volunteers his services. However, Seo's methods clash with Park's traditional approach. Seo determines that Baek is physically too weak and scarred to carry out the elaborate crimes. Through a thorough examination of the crime reports, Seo deduces that the killer strikes exclusively on rainy nights, targeting women dressed in red. Inspector Kwon, a diligent but unrecognized female officer, also uncovers a significant clue—the same obscure song is requested on the local radio station during the nights of the murders. Despite their stakeout, the killer manages to evade them on the next rainy night and claims another victim near a gypsum mine. The following night, Park, Cho, and Seo stake out the crime scene and encounter a man masturbating there. After a pursuit, they apprehend him, believing him to be the killer. However, despite subjecting him to a beating, his coerced "confession" fails to align with the details of the crime. He does mention a mysterious individual emerging from the outhouses of a local school, which corresponds with a story told to Seo by two schoolgirls on the night of the most recent murder.
Seo uses this information to locate the only surviving victim of the killer. Her testimony reveals details that exonerate the man arrested at the crime scene. Park and Seo clash when the man is released, but when the killer strikes again, they agree to join forces. Their investigation leads them to Hyeon-gyu, a clerk at the gypsum factory. Seo notices that Hyeon-gyu's hands match the survivor's description, but they lack concrete evidence. Upon reevaluating Baek's coerced "confession," they realize that he had witnessed one of the murders. They visit the restaurant owned by Baek's father, where they encounter a drunken Cho, who has been suspended from the police force for assaulting Hyeon-gyu. When other patrons taunt the police for their failure to solve the crimes, Cho initiates a brawl. In the midst of the chaos, Baek stabs Cho in the leg with a rusty nail and flees. Park and Seo give chase, but before they can extract vital information from Baek, the terrified boy accidentally stumbles in front of an approaching train and loses his life.
Park feels a profound sense of guilt as Cho's leg becomes infected with tetanus and requires amputation. During the subsequent autopsy, the coroner discovers semen in the latest victim. Seo arranges for the sample to be sent to the United States for DNA testing, which could provide conclusive evidence regarding Hyeon-gyu's involvement as the killer. On the next rainy night, Seo loses track of Hyeon-gyu while surveilling him, and tragically, one of the schoolgirls whom Seo had befriended becomes the next victim. Consumed by rage, Seo confronts Hyeon-gyu the following day.
Memories Of Murder Cast
Song Kang-ho
Park Doo-man, the lead detective
Kim Sang-kyung
Seo Tae-yoon, a detective from Seoul
Kim Roi-ha
Cho Yong-koo, Park's partner
Song Jae-ho
Sergeant Shin Dong-chul
Byun Hee-bong
Sergeant Koo Hee-bong
Go Seo-hee
Officer Kwon Kwi-ok
Ryu Tae-Ho
Jo Byeong-Sun, the second prime suspect
Park No-shik
Baek Kwang-ho, the initial prime suspect
Park Hae-il
Park Hyeon-gyu, the third prime suspect
Jeon Mi-seon
Kwok Seol-yung, Park Doo-man's girlfriend and then wife
Yeom Hye-ran
So-hyeon's mother
Cast
Character
Memories Of Murder Ending Explained:FAQs
The film "Memories of Murder" was directed by Bong Joon-ho.
The film was first theatrically released in South Korea on May 2, 2003.
The main actors in the film include Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roi-ha, Park Hae-il, and Byun Hee-bong.
"Memories of Murder" is a crime thriller set in Hwaseong, South Korea, during the late 1980s. It follows detectives Park Doo-man and Seo Tae-yoon as they investigate a series of rapes and murders.