Nocturnal (2025) Movie Script
NOCTURNAL
SEOK-TAE
Dammit!
What the hell?
The fuck, man.
Go after him.
Son of a bitch.
OSLO KARAOKE
Wait a minute.
Isn't this Moon-young's karaoke?
That must've been Seok-tae.
He probably got high somewhere.
So, should we fuck him up today?
Not today, let's do it another day.
Goddamn bastard
CHA MOON-YOUNG
Moon-young!
It's raining, get your laundry!
YOU HAVE A NEW VOICE MESSAGE
PRESS CALL BUTTON TO LISTEN
Min-tae, I think I fucked up.
Come home.
Fucking moron
You made us work, so pay up!
It's already been months!
How can they stiff pay
in this day and age?
Get the boss out here!
I think they'll pay this time,
please go back home.
There he is!
So many of you are here.
Gents!
It's a cold day, why are you
causing a scene so early?
If we got paid on time, would we be here?
Can't you tell?
Do you know how much you owe us?
I don't know, how should I know that?
We can't pay right now!
Go home and wait, I'll call you, okay?
Who the fuck are you?
Hey.
Don't fuck around.
Pay me half of what you owe.
Got it?
I'll leave it up to you, chief.
Yes, sir.
CHA MOON-YOUNG
SUM $750
Please make sure the recipient is correct.
TO: MOON-YOUNG
NOT A LOT OF WORK THIS MONTH,
SENT YOU HALF
AND SEOK-TAE IS NOT ANSWERING HIS PHONE
I'll give you three days.
I don't care about anything,
just grab the guy
who was with the CEO's son.
We'll get something out of him.
He could've tried to kill him,
or maybe something else.
Three days won't be enough,
I'm short-staffed too.
Capt. Park.
The son of a powerful exec
got knifed and is in a coma,
crime scene's full of dope and needles,
we have to take care of this
before it leaks,
if this goes upstairs,
we'll have to clean up the mess.
Who's he?
Bae Seok-tae, a local gangster,
he was one of Chang-mo Clan's boys.
He was likely with
the CEO's son at the time.
Yeah?
If we grab Bae Seok-tae,
we may get something.
CHA MOON-YOUNG
Any family?
He wasn't married
but he lived with a woman.
She's not reachable either?
Intentionally or not,
she's not answering her phone.
His brother had a prior?
His name is Bae Min-tae,
he was also part of the Chang-mo Clan,
but looks like he got out of it.
He wanted a clean slate?
I'm not sure about that
But after his release,
he stopped coming around.
Why was he locked up?
What's funny is that,
he fucked up a guy
who stabbed Bae Seok-tae.
He avenged his brother's
attacker and went to jail?
I heard the younger one was a roughneck,
but Bae Min-tae was
doing well for himself.
The younger one shits,
and the older one wipes.
Beautiful.
Moon-young.
I don't know what to say about her.
She must be connected
to the man who lived here.
His wife, probably.
Or maybe not.
When was the last time
you saw either of them?
Well,
I rarely got to see them
NOCTURNAL
By the way, did something happen to her?
No, it's nothing like that.
Why? Would something happen to her?
He'd constantly beat her,
like he owned her.
He was brandishing a knife recently.
He sounds like a bad guy.
He's a scoundrel for sure.
She actually had a kid,
but he was so bad to her that
she left the kid with a friend
for the sake of the youngster.
Did anyone come by?
Someone sure did.
Who?
His brother came by just now.
Why didn't you tell us that earlier?
When else should I tell you?
Sir.
Isn't that Min-tae?
Still working in construction?
Yeah.
Is Seok-tae having a tough time lately?
Seok-tae?
What about him?
I can't reach that idiot.
He ghosted us one too many times.
Probably hiding out
after causing some trouble.
No problems with Kang-ho Clan lately?
Buddy.
You're not with us anymore,
if you suddenly drop in
and interrogate me,
should I spill my guts out to you
in vivid detail?
I'll go see Kang-ho's boys
and hear them out.
Things are bad around here,
it won't do anyone any good,
if you mess with Kang-ho's boys.
Stay put and wait it out,
I'll look into it myself.
I didn't come here
to ask you for permission.
Yeah?
Then why are you here?
I thought you should know.
That's it, Min-tae.
That's how you should work,
sharing and helping each other.
You can't head butt whoever
on a whim like before.
It's time for you to live a proper life.
Am I right?
Sure, understood.
Good.
Do well.
Sir.
Sir!
Stop poking around looking for Seok-tae.
It'll be difficult to clean up your shit.
What did you say? I didn't hear you.
Honestly, we've been cleaning
after Seok-tae's troubles,
and if you cause more stink,
who's gonna clean up that mess?
All right.
Fucking asshole.
Goddammit.
You guys head back.
What's wrong, sir?
Just go.
Yes, sir.
Young-seob, get over here.
I'll just stay over here,
I can hear you clearly.
Get over here, I can't hear very well.
Sir
You know you shouldn't
be in my neck of the woods.
It doesn't matter, I'm a civilian now.
What brings you here?
Have you seen Seok-tae recently?
Seok-tae?
Yeah, I saw him in front of
of Cha Moon-young's karaoke
a few days ago.
-You sure?
-Yeah.
Where's Kang-ho?
Don't look for him.
He's got a lot on his plate.
He'll only get worked up seeing your face.
All right, I get it.
Bud, I'll be back tomorrow,
so let him know.
What a fucking poser
Don't go too far, Mang-chi!
Blood was discovered
at Cha Moon-young's karaoke.
Do I need to dye my hair black?
Do whatever.
Should I cut it short?
I hope I'm doing the right thing
As you were.
So, you're Seok-tae.
You seem like a handful.
Greet him.
Hello, I'm Bae Seok-tae.
Okay, sit, sit.
What are you good at?
Well, I
I'll take him around,
and see what he's good at.
Very well, do it.
I'll do my best, sir.
Sure.
Do you know Cha Moon-young?
She lived with your brother.
Do you know?
Do you know Cha Moon-young?
I heard you were recently released,
were you in Chungju Pen?
Yes, why?
We understand what you're going through,
and we can only wrap it up
with your cooperation.
Yes, of course.
I'm asking just in case,
you're not thinking of
doing something in retribution?
From what I hear,
you've caused problems in the past.
If you're done with questions,
I'll be out of your way.
Byung-gyu.
Yes, sir?
Work with me for a few days.
I'm really sorry
If the boss finds out,
he won't be too happy.
Things aren't what they used to be.
Why?
He told you to shun me?
No, it's not like that.
Is this Chang-mo's joint too?
Yes.
Is he taking good care of you?
All right.
Sir.
Is Seok-tae really dead?
Young-seob, is Kang-ho here?
What's with you? No means no.
Come on
Do you take me for a fool
because I played nice?
Young-seob.
This is where it happened?
The main event happened here.
And then
some blood was spilled
while moving the body.
Was this premeditated
or a spur of the moment?
It's too clean to be a spur of the moment,
but too clumsy to be premeditated.
What the hell are you saying?
I'm not sure yet.
Why are you here?
Sir, while digging into
Cha's financial records
I found out that her account
was emptied after Bae's death.
You sure?
There's not a penny left.
Security cam?
It's been smashed.
Someone went nuts on it,
it can't be restored.
And Det. Min will replace me from here on.
Why'd narcos get involved in this?
The chief wanted us to
cooperate with narcos.
There's a ton of pressure
from above to take care of this.
What about Cha's last known contact?
I filled in Det. Min with that
-Det. Min?
-Yes?
What's going on with that?
"Sound of his footsteps
in the distance feels like,"
"Getting needle poked all over my body."
"Narrowing distance between him"
"Means torturous moments
with him are near."
"Like a revolving door of ruthless dicks,"
"They are always within my reach,
gnawing my life away."
"Bastards"
BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF NOCTURNAL
LECTURE BY KANG HO-RYUNG
Do you know Cha Moon-young?
NOCTURNAL
What's going on?
We checked her call logs,
and you were the last person she called.
I haven't spoken to her recently.
Yes, the call never connected,
she called but you didn't pick up.
What do you want to hear from me?
We're here because
her live-in boyfriend is dead,
and she's not reachable.
We were wondering if you
contacted her or met her recently.
No, not since last year.
Is that so?
What is your relation to her?
We met at the cultural center.
She attended a few of my lectures.
And then?
What?
She attended a few lectures,
anything else afterwards?
Do I need to disclose
all my private events?
No, you don't need to tell me everything.
Very well.
If we have any more questions,
we'll give you a call.
Sir.
Having a nice meal after
making all that mess?
Some of my boys are
cripples because of you.
Kang-ho.
Where the hell do you get those?
I'm not here to shoot shit.
Tell me, why did you do it?
Seok-tae's dead.
You serious? Why?
Your turn to explain yourself.
I think you're barking up
the wrong tree this time.
Go ask Moon-young instead of me.
INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEWS FOR NOCTURNAL
NEW EMAIL
NO TITLE
NO NAME
You can take it slow.
When did you first thought about
wanting to kill him?
When he's sleeping,
I have those thoughts
as I stare at his face.
'I wish his eyes were shut for good,'
'I wish he didn't move anymore.'
I ran away from home once,
but he found me in the end.
That's when I thought,
'I can only escape from here
once he's dead,'
'I wish he was dead.'
'I really wish he was dead.'
Or 'I hope someone would kill him.'
Jae-cheol, I'm forwarding you
an email, track its IP for me.
OSLO KARAOKE
Go check it out.
Yes, sir.
Seok-tae was likely killed at the karaoke.
Cops are suspecting Moon-young.
Shit, does that make sense?
-Christ
-Welcome.
-What'd you like?
-1 regular meal, please.
1 regular in the hall.
Do you know the woman
who worked at the karaoke?
Who?
Her name is Cha Moon-young.
I'm not sure.
Excuse me!
This way, please
You're that writer, right?
Yes.
Moon-young told me about you.
What happened to her?
I don't know exactly what happened.
CITY GAS
PAYMENT OVERDUE
NOCTURNAL
Continue what you were doing.
I'm sorry.
My friend lives here,
but I couldn't reach her.
How do you know Moon-young?
Well, we got to know each other somehow
Goddamn
How the hell do you know her?
Who are you?
What's this?
Why are you here?
I, uh
Sorry for the intrusion.
Are you kidding me?
You were searching her things earlier!
Why did you?
Hey! Stop!
If I asked you a question,
at least answer me!
What what are you doing?
Moon-young?
Look, I told you it wasn't her.
What's everyone doing here?
Why did you enter her home?
She wasn't reachable, so I was worried.
Even so, you know better,
how could you trespass?
By the way, that novel you wrote,
'Nocturnal', was it?
Is that the right title, Det. Min?
-Yes?
-Talk about that book.
There are some similarities
between the protagonist
and Cha Moon-young.
What similarities?
Drug addict husband dies
and the wife disappears.
These are quite similar
to our current case,
so we were wondering
if you did not tell us anything.
Detectives, that's utter nonsense,
if you plan on accusing me,
you should do so.
You may go.
What?
You can leave today.
But how did you know?
That Bae Seok-tae would die?
Isn't that how the story goes in the book?
The wife kills him, right?
You there!
Could I have a word?
-Buddy!
-Don't touch me!
What was that about some book?
What's that about?
It's just a novel.
Goddammit.
How did you know my brother would die?
Why are you asking me
about your dead brother?
Go ask the detectives,
I got nothing to do with it.
NOCTURNAL
KANG HO-RYUNG
I'll be back in a bit.
Where you going now? Sir!
Come on
Did the writer and Moon-young
know each other?
I'm not really sure
You might want to ask
other lecture attendees.
CHUNCHEON CULTURE SPECIAL LECTURE
Buddy, don't yap around,
and answer properly.
All right.
Don't butt in when they talk.
What's your name?
Choi Jung-yeol, sir.
Buddy.
Not you, asshole.
Sorry, sir.
Kang Seung-gu.
Seung-gu, you have attended
the writer's lecture, right?
Which writer
The one that wrote that book, Nocturnal.
Yes
During that lecture,
did he ever mention that
it's based on his experience,
or that he heard it?
It's a bit complicated
Keep it short, then, they're busy men.
Shut up!
I don't know where to begin,
he did talk about the story
as if it happened to him.
The protagonist had
a difficult life in the book,
she lived with an addict,
who always threatened to kill her.
When she left home, his brother found her.
You take me for a fool?!
I said no!
-Shut the fuck up.
-Oh man
You think I wouldn't find out
that you're fucking around?
Just stop it,
you're suffocating me!
I won't kill you, bitch!
You wish I was dead, right?
Yeah! I wish you were, you son of a bitch!
OSLO KARAOKE
-Byung-gyu?
-Yes?
-Go to Cheongryangri.
-Yes, sir.
I texted you the IP location.
It was sent from Cheongryangri.
Cheongryangri?
Anyway, thank you.
I'll call you back.
EDITOR CHOI (DREAM BOOKS)
Hello?
Mr. Kang, where are you?
I'm out for a bit, what's going on?
I'll send you a link,
please check out the article.
The press is going crazy looking for you.
MURDER IN NOVEL 'NOCTURNAL'
HAPPENS IN REAL LIFE
WE'VE RECEIVED AN AUDIO FILE,
BUT MORE ARE SURE TO EXIST
MURDER IN NOVEL 'NOCTURNAL'
HAPPENS IN REAL LIFE
You know me?
Don't you recognize me?
You wrote about me.
"She had a younger brother
who hadn't fully grown up."
It was you, wasn't it?
That Bae Seok-tae had to die.
That's what Moon-young said?
That I told her to kill him?
No, you didn't tell her to kill.
There's such a thing as
'giving false hope.'
'If I just do this,
everything will work out.'
You've given my sister a seed of hope,
and she stupidly planted it.
Tell me I'm wrong.
Where did you get that file?
I mean,
where is Moon-young now?
You all ignored her when she needed help
why is everyone looking for her now?
You should leave.
It's been a while, Myung-woo.
Let's have a drink.
Come here.
It's really nice to see you.
Have a drink.
Where's your sister?
I don't know.
I know she's tormented over this,
and I know you resented Seok-tae,
but even so,
she shouldn't have done that
to him, am I right?
How would I feel?
Isn't he better off dead?
He'd have sucked her dry if he was alive
Look, this is Su-min, right?
Where is she?
All right, don't tell me.
It's warming up, I want to go on a trip.
Me too.
Mi-jin.
One second.
Answer this for me.
Hello?
Mom?
Someone came by,
he wants to ask you something.
What's going on?
Where's Su-min?
I don't remember exactly
HYO-SIM'S SNACK
Welcome!
Sit wherever you like.
What can I get you?
Ma'am, do you know Cha Moon-young?
I'm not sure.
You got the wrong place.
Could I get some dumplings?
Sure.
Shit
Honey
Ma'am, where is she?
She'll be happy if you just let her be!
She said she's meeting a friend
How did it go?
Let's head back.
Sure.
OSLO KARAOKE
NOCTURNAL INTERVIEW1
Even now, when he's high with drugs,
I think about choking him.
With him gone,
I could probably go back
to my hometown with Su-min.
I know I shouldn't,
but there's no other way.
Not a single person will help
In the novel, she leaves Korea.
If she didn't leave, where would she be?
Someone asked a similar question.
Yes.
If she could go back in time,
when would that be?
I understand, boss.
The answer was,
"Before she ever met him."
Let's go to Haenam.
Haenam?
Yeah, Haenam.
Let's go.
Sure thing.
Evening, sir.
What are you doing here?
He has a brother named Bae Min-tae,
if something happens
to Seok-tae, he won't stay put.
That man will kill for his brother.
So, what then?
Please track locations for
Kang Ho-ryung and Bae Min-tae.
Then we may be able to
find Cha Moon-young.
Sir.
If Moon-young killed him,
what will you do?
I'll send her to where Seok-tae is.
Should I come with you?
Stay put here.
LOVER'S COFFEE SHOP
Welcome.
What's up?
He doesn't look like a local.
Could you take my order?
What can I get you?
I don't see Moon-young around.
Who?
Give me a Sprite.
Ma'am, do you know him?
Look at you, sitting all pretty.
Why are you kicking up dust
and poking around?
Geez
You laugh?
Do you not hear me?
Where are you from?
Seoul?
Walk away.
If someone talks to you,
be a little courteous.
Motherfucker
What the fuck did you
You son of a bitch!
Bastard
Stay back, asshole
Sprite, please?
What in the world is going on?
Ma'am, another Sprite, please!
MOON-YOUNG,
THAT MAN CAME TO THE SHOP
What brings you here?
To the farthest end of the country.
You're a busy man.
To meet Moon-young?
All right, don't talk.
In your book, she killed my brother.
What was the reason? Why did she kill him?
Are you really oblivious,
or just pretending to be?
Shit, how would I know?
You know better.
You know what your brother
was like and how he lived.
That's why she wanted him dead?
So hungry.
Since Moon-young's back,
should we have a feast?
What are you saying? Go mop the floor.
Why?
Where's Moon-young?
She's at home, my home
CHA MOON-YOUNG
Where's your boss' home?
Where is it?!
Upstairs
Yes, boss.
I think we found her.
Sir.
We may have found her.
Byung-gyu.
Madame, what brings you here?
I didn't order coffee.
Mister, who are you?
Wrong house, I guess.
Is this your home?
It is indeed, can I help you?
Fucking hell
I'M HEADING TO THE TERMINAL
I'LL CALL YOU FROM THERE
Turn the car around!
-What?
-Turn it around!
-What is it? Who was that?
-That writer bastard.
Shit head
What the
Come on
What should I do, sir?
Could you open the door?
I'm not mad, let's talk.
Open the door!
Let me cut your throat open, so open up!
You fucking bastard!
Open! Open up!
Son of a bitch!
Let him go!
Shit
So, you think you killed Oh Ha-sung,
the son of D.K. Corp's CEO?
Yes
Goddamn, Seok-tae,
we're so fucked.
Is he really dead?
I told you not to give him dope.
Did I not say if his daddy finds out,
we are all fucking dead!
So, why did you kill him?
I'm not sure if he's dead
Fucking bastard!
You just said he's dead!
That fucker wanted to fuck Moon-young
What?
Shit
D.K. MR. HAN
Yes?
Yes.
I understand.
Yes.
Moon-young.
Never mind.
Have you met anyone on the way here?
Let go.
Close up shop.
Did you hear me?! Close up!
Moon-young.
What do you want to do?
Do you want to end
your miserable life here?
Or go away and live under a rock?
Listen carefully.
If you get caught
by the police or Min-tae,
you are as good as dead.
Your daughter as well.
Understand?
Byung-gyu.
It's Chang-mo.
Yes.
I understand, boss.
The Haenam Express bound for Seoul
is about to depart soon.
There he is! It's that bastard!
Moon-young!
Byung-gyu!
Byung-gyu!
Hey!
Get out, asshole!
Don't
Don't follow me asshole!
Stay away! Fucker!
Dammit
Get out of there.
Get out!
-Byung-gyu
-Sir
Why did you do it, tell me!
Why?!
I'm sorry, sir
I'm so sorry
Did Chang-mo order you?
I'm sorry
I'm so sorry
Why did you do it?
Just send out an APB!
A tomorrow I've never seen
It felt like I had everything
Living as an adult in this world
When it sometimes feels too hard
I call out to you
As a friend
Sir, does the drink taste good?
Would you like some more?
Where's Chang-mo?
Finish up and head back quietly.
So fucking tired
What brings you here?
I came to see you.
You didn't need to come so far
to see my ugly face.
Indeed.
Boss.
Where are Seok-tae's legs?
You saw his face, isn't that enough?
D.K. MR. HAN
SEOK-TAE
Dammit!
What the hell?
The fuck, man.
Go after him.
Son of a bitch.
OSLO KARAOKE
Wait a minute.
Isn't this Moon-young's karaoke?
That must've been Seok-tae.
He probably got high somewhere.
So, should we fuck him up today?
Not today, let's do it another day.
Goddamn bastard
CHA MOON-YOUNG
Moon-young!
It's raining, get your laundry!
YOU HAVE A NEW VOICE MESSAGE
PRESS CALL BUTTON TO LISTEN
Min-tae, I think I fucked up.
Come home.
Fucking moron
You made us work, so pay up!
It's already been months!
How can they stiff pay
in this day and age?
Get the boss out here!
I think they'll pay this time,
please go back home.
There he is!
So many of you are here.
Gents!
It's a cold day, why are you
causing a scene so early?
If we got paid on time, would we be here?
Can't you tell?
Do you know how much you owe us?
I don't know, how should I know that?
We can't pay right now!
Go home and wait, I'll call you, okay?
Who the fuck are you?
Hey.
Don't fuck around.
Pay me half of what you owe.
Got it?
I'll leave it up to you, chief.
Yes, sir.
CHA MOON-YOUNG
SUM $750
Please make sure the recipient is correct.
TO: MOON-YOUNG
NOT A LOT OF WORK THIS MONTH,
SENT YOU HALF
AND SEOK-TAE IS NOT ANSWERING HIS PHONE
I'll give you three days.
I don't care about anything,
just grab the guy
who was with the CEO's son.
We'll get something out of him.
He could've tried to kill him,
or maybe something else.
Three days won't be enough,
I'm short-staffed too.
Capt. Park.
The son of a powerful exec
got knifed and is in a coma,
crime scene's full of dope and needles,
we have to take care of this
before it leaks,
if this goes upstairs,
we'll have to clean up the mess.
Who's he?
Bae Seok-tae, a local gangster,
he was one of Chang-mo Clan's boys.
He was likely with
the CEO's son at the time.
Yeah?
If we grab Bae Seok-tae,
we may get something.
CHA MOON-YOUNG
Any family?
He wasn't married
but he lived with a woman.
She's not reachable either?
Intentionally or not,
she's not answering her phone.
His brother had a prior?
His name is Bae Min-tae,
he was also part of the Chang-mo Clan,
but looks like he got out of it.
He wanted a clean slate?
I'm not sure about that
But after his release,
he stopped coming around.
Why was he locked up?
What's funny is that,
he fucked up a guy
who stabbed Bae Seok-tae.
He avenged his brother's
attacker and went to jail?
I heard the younger one was a roughneck,
but Bae Min-tae was
doing well for himself.
The younger one shits,
and the older one wipes.
Beautiful.
Moon-young.
I don't know what to say about her.
She must be connected
to the man who lived here.
His wife, probably.
Or maybe not.
When was the last time
you saw either of them?
Well,
I rarely got to see them
NOCTURNAL
By the way, did something happen to her?
No, it's nothing like that.
Why? Would something happen to her?
He'd constantly beat her,
like he owned her.
He was brandishing a knife recently.
He sounds like a bad guy.
He's a scoundrel for sure.
She actually had a kid,
but he was so bad to her that
she left the kid with a friend
for the sake of the youngster.
Did anyone come by?
Someone sure did.
Who?
His brother came by just now.
Why didn't you tell us that earlier?
When else should I tell you?
Sir.
Isn't that Min-tae?
Still working in construction?
Yeah.
Is Seok-tae having a tough time lately?
Seok-tae?
What about him?
I can't reach that idiot.
He ghosted us one too many times.
Probably hiding out
after causing some trouble.
No problems with Kang-ho Clan lately?
Buddy.
You're not with us anymore,
if you suddenly drop in
and interrogate me,
should I spill my guts out to you
in vivid detail?
I'll go see Kang-ho's boys
and hear them out.
Things are bad around here,
it won't do anyone any good,
if you mess with Kang-ho's boys.
Stay put and wait it out,
I'll look into it myself.
I didn't come here
to ask you for permission.
Yeah?
Then why are you here?
I thought you should know.
That's it, Min-tae.
That's how you should work,
sharing and helping each other.
You can't head butt whoever
on a whim like before.
It's time for you to live a proper life.
Am I right?
Sure, understood.
Good.
Do well.
Sir.
Sir!
Stop poking around looking for Seok-tae.
It'll be difficult to clean up your shit.
What did you say? I didn't hear you.
Honestly, we've been cleaning
after Seok-tae's troubles,
and if you cause more stink,
who's gonna clean up that mess?
All right.
Fucking asshole.
Goddammit.
You guys head back.
What's wrong, sir?
Just go.
Yes, sir.
Young-seob, get over here.
I'll just stay over here,
I can hear you clearly.
Get over here, I can't hear very well.
Sir
You know you shouldn't
be in my neck of the woods.
It doesn't matter, I'm a civilian now.
What brings you here?
Have you seen Seok-tae recently?
Seok-tae?
Yeah, I saw him in front of
of Cha Moon-young's karaoke
a few days ago.
-You sure?
-Yeah.
Where's Kang-ho?
Don't look for him.
He's got a lot on his plate.
He'll only get worked up seeing your face.
All right, I get it.
Bud, I'll be back tomorrow,
so let him know.
What a fucking poser
Don't go too far, Mang-chi!
Blood was discovered
at Cha Moon-young's karaoke.
Do I need to dye my hair black?
Do whatever.
Should I cut it short?
I hope I'm doing the right thing
As you were.
So, you're Seok-tae.
You seem like a handful.
Greet him.
Hello, I'm Bae Seok-tae.
Okay, sit, sit.
What are you good at?
Well, I
I'll take him around,
and see what he's good at.
Very well, do it.
I'll do my best, sir.
Sure.
Do you know Cha Moon-young?
She lived with your brother.
Do you know?
Do you know Cha Moon-young?
I heard you were recently released,
were you in Chungju Pen?
Yes, why?
We understand what you're going through,
and we can only wrap it up
with your cooperation.
Yes, of course.
I'm asking just in case,
you're not thinking of
doing something in retribution?
From what I hear,
you've caused problems in the past.
If you're done with questions,
I'll be out of your way.
Byung-gyu.
Yes, sir?
Work with me for a few days.
I'm really sorry
If the boss finds out,
he won't be too happy.
Things aren't what they used to be.
Why?
He told you to shun me?
No, it's not like that.
Is this Chang-mo's joint too?
Yes.
Is he taking good care of you?
All right.
Sir.
Is Seok-tae really dead?
Young-seob, is Kang-ho here?
What's with you? No means no.
Come on
Do you take me for a fool
because I played nice?
Young-seob.
This is where it happened?
The main event happened here.
And then
some blood was spilled
while moving the body.
Was this premeditated
or a spur of the moment?
It's too clean to be a spur of the moment,
but too clumsy to be premeditated.
What the hell are you saying?
I'm not sure yet.
Why are you here?
Sir, while digging into
Cha's financial records
I found out that her account
was emptied after Bae's death.
You sure?
There's not a penny left.
Security cam?
It's been smashed.
Someone went nuts on it,
it can't be restored.
And Det. Min will replace me from here on.
Why'd narcos get involved in this?
The chief wanted us to
cooperate with narcos.
There's a ton of pressure
from above to take care of this.
What about Cha's last known contact?
I filled in Det. Min with that
-Det. Min?
-Yes?
What's going on with that?
"Sound of his footsteps
in the distance feels like,"
"Getting needle poked all over my body."
"Narrowing distance between him"
"Means torturous moments
with him are near."
"Like a revolving door of ruthless dicks,"
"They are always within my reach,
gnawing my life away."
"Bastards"
BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF NOCTURNAL
LECTURE BY KANG HO-RYUNG
Do you know Cha Moon-young?
NOCTURNAL
What's going on?
We checked her call logs,
and you were the last person she called.
I haven't spoken to her recently.
Yes, the call never connected,
she called but you didn't pick up.
What do you want to hear from me?
We're here because
her live-in boyfriend is dead,
and she's not reachable.
We were wondering if you
contacted her or met her recently.
No, not since last year.
Is that so?
What is your relation to her?
We met at the cultural center.
She attended a few of my lectures.
And then?
What?
She attended a few lectures,
anything else afterwards?
Do I need to disclose
all my private events?
No, you don't need to tell me everything.
Very well.
If we have any more questions,
we'll give you a call.
Sir.
Having a nice meal after
making all that mess?
Some of my boys are
cripples because of you.
Kang-ho.
Where the hell do you get those?
I'm not here to shoot shit.
Tell me, why did you do it?
Seok-tae's dead.
You serious? Why?
Your turn to explain yourself.
I think you're barking up
the wrong tree this time.
Go ask Moon-young instead of me.
INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEWS FOR NOCTURNAL
NEW EMAIL
NO TITLE
NO NAME
You can take it slow.
When did you first thought about
wanting to kill him?
When he's sleeping,
I have those thoughts
as I stare at his face.
'I wish his eyes were shut for good,'
'I wish he didn't move anymore.'
I ran away from home once,
but he found me in the end.
That's when I thought,
'I can only escape from here
once he's dead,'
'I wish he was dead.'
'I really wish he was dead.'
Or 'I hope someone would kill him.'
Jae-cheol, I'm forwarding you
an email, track its IP for me.
OSLO KARAOKE
Go check it out.
Yes, sir.
Seok-tae was likely killed at the karaoke.
Cops are suspecting Moon-young.
Shit, does that make sense?
-Christ
-Welcome.
-What'd you like?
-1 regular meal, please.
1 regular in the hall.
Do you know the woman
who worked at the karaoke?
Who?
Her name is Cha Moon-young.
I'm not sure.
Excuse me!
This way, please
You're that writer, right?
Yes.
Moon-young told me about you.
What happened to her?
I don't know exactly what happened.
CITY GAS
PAYMENT OVERDUE
NOCTURNAL
Continue what you were doing.
I'm sorry.
My friend lives here,
but I couldn't reach her.
How do you know Moon-young?
Well, we got to know each other somehow
Goddamn
How the hell do you know her?
Who are you?
What's this?
Why are you here?
I, uh
Sorry for the intrusion.
Are you kidding me?
You were searching her things earlier!
Why did you?
Hey! Stop!
If I asked you a question,
at least answer me!
What what are you doing?
Moon-young?
Look, I told you it wasn't her.
What's everyone doing here?
Why did you enter her home?
She wasn't reachable, so I was worried.
Even so, you know better,
how could you trespass?
By the way, that novel you wrote,
'Nocturnal', was it?
Is that the right title, Det. Min?
-Yes?
-Talk about that book.
There are some similarities
between the protagonist
and Cha Moon-young.
What similarities?
Drug addict husband dies
and the wife disappears.
These are quite similar
to our current case,
so we were wondering
if you did not tell us anything.
Detectives, that's utter nonsense,
if you plan on accusing me,
you should do so.
You may go.
What?
You can leave today.
But how did you know?
That Bae Seok-tae would die?
Isn't that how the story goes in the book?
The wife kills him, right?
You there!
Could I have a word?
-Buddy!
-Don't touch me!
What was that about some book?
What's that about?
It's just a novel.
Goddammit.
How did you know my brother would die?
Why are you asking me
about your dead brother?
Go ask the detectives,
I got nothing to do with it.
NOCTURNAL
KANG HO-RYUNG
I'll be back in a bit.
Where you going now? Sir!
Come on
Did the writer and Moon-young
know each other?
I'm not really sure
You might want to ask
other lecture attendees.
CHUNCHEON CULTURE SPECIAL LECTURE
Buddy, don't yap around,
and answer properly.
All right.
Don't butt in when they talk.
What's your name?
Choi Jung-yeol, sir.
Buddy.
Not you, asshole.
Sorry, sir.
Kang Seung-gu.
Seung-gu, you have attended
the writer's lecture, right?
Which writer
The one that wrote that book, Nocturnal.
Yes
During that lecture,
did he ever mention that
it's based on his experience,
or that he heard it?
It's a bit complicated
Keep it short, then, they're busy men.
Shut up!
I don't know where to begin,
he did talk about the story
as if it happened to him.
The protagonist had
a difficult life in the book,
she lived with an addict,
who always threatened to kill her.
When she left home, his brother found her.
You take me for a fool?!
I said no!
-Shut the fuck up.
-Oh man
You think I wouldn't find out
that you're fucking around?
Just stop it,
you're suffocating me!
I won't kill you, bitch!
You wish I was dead, right?
Yeah! I wish you were, you son of a bitch!
OSLO KARAOKE
-Byung-gyu?
-Yes?
-Go to Cheongryangri.
-Yes, sir.
I texted you the IP location.
It was sent from Cheongryangri.
Cheongryangri?
Anyway, thank you.
I'll call you back.
EDITOR CHOI (DREAM BOOKS)
Hello?
Mr. Kang, where are you?
I'm out for a bit, what's going on?
I'll send you a link,
please check out the article.
The press is going crazy looking for you.
MURDER IN NOVEL 'NOCTURNAL'
HAPPENS IN REAL LIFE
WE'VE RECEIVED AN AUDIO FILE,
BUT MORE ARE SURE TO EXIST
MURDER IN NOVEL 'NOCTURNAL'
HAPPENS IN REAL LIFE
You know me?
Don't you recognize me?
You wrote about me.
"She had a younger brother
who hadn't fully grown up."
It was you, wasn't it?
That Bae Seok-tae had to die.
That's what Moon-young said?
That I told her to kill him?
No, you didn't tell her to kill.
There's such a thing as
'giving false hope.'
'If I just do this,
everything will work out.'
You've given my sister a seed of hope,
and she stupidly planted it.
Tell me I'm wrong.
Where did you get that file?
I mean,
where is Moon-young now?
You all ignored her when she needed help
why is everyone looking for her now?
You should leave.
It's been a while, Myung-woo.
Let's have a drink.
Come here.
It's really nice to see you.
Have a drink.
Where's your sister?
I don't know.
I know she's tormented over this,
and I know you resented Seok-tae,
but even so,
she shouldn't have done that
to him, am I right?
How would I feel?
Isn't he better off dead?
He'd have sucked her dry if he was alive
Look, this is Su-min, right?
Where is she?
All right, don't tell me.
It's warming up, I want to go on a trip.
Me too.
Mi-jin.
One second.
Answer this for me.
Hello?
Mom?
Someone came by,
he wants to ask you something.
What's going on?
Where's Su-min?
I don't remember exactly
HYO-SIM'S SNACK
Welcome!
Sit wherever you like.
What can I get you?
Ma'am, do you know Cha Moon-young?
I'm not sure.
You got the wrong place.
Could I get some dumplings?
Sure.
Shit
Honey
Ma'am, where is she?
She'll be happy if you just let her be!
She said she's meeting a friend
How did it go?
Let's head back.
Sure.
OSLO KARAOKE
NOCTURNAL INTERVIEW1
Even now, when he's high with drugs,
I think about choking him.
With him gone,
I could probably go back
to my hometown with Su-min.
I know I shouldn't,
but there's no other way.
Not a single person will help
In the novel, she leaves Korea.
If she didn't leave, where would she be?
Someone asked a similar question.
Yes.
If she could go back in time,
when would that be?
I understand, boss.
The answer was,
"Before she ever met him."
Let's go to Haenam.
Haenam?
Yeah, Haenam.
Let's go.
Sure thing.
Evening, sir.
What are you doing here?
He has a brother named Bae Min-tae,
if something happens
to Seok-tae, he won't stay put.
That man will kill for his brother.
So, what then?
Please track locations for
Kang Ho-ryung and Bae Min-tae.
Then we may be able to
find Cha Moon-young.
Sir.
If Moon-young killed him,
what will you do?
I'll send her to where Seok-tae is.
Should I come with you?
Stay put here.
LOVER'S COFFEE SHOP
Welcome.
What's up?
He doesn't look like a local.
Could you take my order?
What can I get you?
I don't see Moon-young around.
Who?
Give me a Sprite.
Ma'am, do you know him?
Look at you, sitting all pretty.
Why are you kicking up dust
and poking around?
Geez
You laugh?
Do you not hear me?
Where are you from?
Seoul?
Walk away.
If someone talks to you,
be a little courteous.
Motherfucker
What the fuck did you
You son of a bitch!
Bastard
Stay back, asshole
Sprite, please?
What in the world is going on?
Ma'am, another Sprite, please!
MOON-YOUNG,
THAT MAN CAME TO THE SHOP
What brings you here?
To the farthest end of the country.
You're a busy man.
To meet Moon-young?
All right, don't talk.
In your book, she killed my brother.
What was the reason? Why did she kill him?
Are you really oblivious,
or just pretending to be?
Shit, how would I know?
You know better.
You know what your brother
was like and how he lived.
That's why she wanted him dead?
So hungry.
Since Moon-young's back,
should we have a feast?
What are you saying? Go mop the floor.
Why?
Where's Moon-young?
She's at home, my home
CHA MOON-YOUNG
Where's your boss' home?
Where is it?!
Upstairs
Yes, boss.
I think we found her.
Sir.
We may have found her.
Byung-gyu.
Madame, what brings you here?
I didn't order coffee.
Mister, who are you?
Wrong house, I guess.
Is this your home?
It is indeed, can I help you?
Fucking hell
I'M HEADING TO THE TERMINAL
I'LL CALL YOU FROM THERE
Turn the car around!
-What?
-Turn it around!
-What is it? Who was that?
-That writer bastard.
Shit head
What the
Come on
What should I do, sir?
Could you open the door?
I'm not mad, let's talk.
Open the door!
Let me cut your throat open, so open up!
You fucking bastard!
Open! Open up!
Son of a bitch!
Let him go!
Shit
So, you think you killed Oh Ha-sung,
the son of D.K. Corp's CEO?
Yes
Goddamn, Seok-tae,
we're so fucked.
Is he really dead?
I told you not to give him dope.
Did I not say if his daddy finds out,
we are all fucking dead!
So, why did you kill him?
I'm not sure if he's dead
Fucking bastard!
You just said he's dead!
That fucker wanted to fuck Moon-young
What?
Shit
D.K. MR. HAN
Yes?
Yes.
I understand.
Yes.
Moon-young.
Never mind.
Have you met anyone on the way here?
Let go.
Close up shop.
Did you hear me?! Close up!
Moon-young.
What do you want to do?
Do you want to end
your miserable life here?
Or go away and live under a rock?
Listen carefully.
If you get caught
by the police or Min-tae,
you are as good as dead.
Your daughter as well.
Understand?
Byung-gyu.
It's Chang-mo.
Yes.
I understand, boss.
The Haenam Express bound for Seoul
is about to depart soon.
There he is! It's that bastard!
Moon-young!
Byung-gyu!
Byung-gyu!
Hey!
Get out, asshole!
Don't
Don't follow me asshole!
Stay away! Fucker!
Dammit
Get out of there.
Get out!
-Byung-gyu
-Sir
Why did you do it, tell me!
Why?!
I'm sorry, sir
I'm so sorry
Did Chang-mo order you?
I'm sorry
I'm so sorry
Why did you do it?
Just send out an APB!
A tomorrow I've never seen
It felt like I had everything
Living as an adult in this world
When it sometimes feels too hard
I call out to you
As a friend
Sir, does the drink taste good?
Would you like some more?
Where's Chang-mo?
Finish up and head back quietly.
So fucking tired
What brings you here?
I came to see you.
You didn't need to come so far
to see my ugly face.
Indeed.
Boss.
Where are Seok-tae's legs?
You saw his face, isn't that enough?
D.K. MR. HAN