Dear X (2025) s01e04 Episode Script
No Turning Back
1
DEAR X
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND EVENTS
IN THIS WORK ARE FICTITIOUS
CHILD ACTORS WERE FILMED
WITH GUARDIANS PRESEN
Ah Jin.
Help me.
You've woken up.
It would've been better
if you hadn't woken up at all.
Seeing you alive
wasn't part of my plan.
Dad.
You understand me, don't you?
Even if you don't,
there's nothing I can do.
You're the one who made me this way.
Think of this as your punishment
for ruining my childhood.
Repay me
with your death.
Dad?
Goodbye.
I hope we never see each other again,
not even in Hell.
EPISODE 4: NO TURNING BACK
The bag.
- Could you also check the bathroom?
- Excuse me.
ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
SEONGSIM HOSPITAL
The patient is awake.
Thank you.
Are you saying that your father,
Baek Seon Gyu
died because Choi Jung Ho
attacked him?
Yes.
I see.
Baek Ah Jin claims that you hit
Baek Seon Gyu with a baseball bat.
Is that true?
That baseball bat
is also yours, correct?
The bat's mine
but I thought he was a stalker.
You knew he was a stalker
even in the dark?
A man wearing a beanie
was choking Ah Jin.
I charged at him, and in the scuffle
I swung the baseball bat
without even realizing it.
I swear I didn't mean
for that to happen.
A beanie?
A man in a beige beanie
was stalking Ah Jin.
When I saw him in that beanie
at Ah Jin's yesterday
I thought he was that stalker.
We didn't find a beanie at the scene.
Are you sure you're not mistaken?
I'm telling you the truth.
He was wearing a beige beanie.
It was the same one
that Ah Jin's stalker wore.
A beanie?
I never saw anything like that.
I don't know what Mr. Choi saw.
You saw him bleeding
after you hit him with your bat
and you just ran home.
That's what you did, right?
Ah Jin!
You son of a bitch!
My father lunged at Mr. Choi
with a pair of scissors.
And Mr. Choi was holding a bat.
Hey.
Are you okay?
Shit.
Mr. Choi.
Don't.
What are you saying?
Stalker or not,
the man is losing a lot of blood.
Mr. Choi!
Please don't.
That man isn't my stalker.
He's my father.
He's my father.
That man is my father.
Your father?
There was no way of knowing
what my father would do
when he woke up.
Mr. Choi, go home for now.
I'll I'll handle this mess.
You should go. Please leave.
Do you want to make things worse?
Leave now!
I can call for help after you leave
so go.
Go!
It's just
It's
Ah Jin
I thought making him leave
was the right call.
So it's true you fled the scene
of the incident, correct?
Yes.
I panicked at the time.
A reasonable person wouldn't have
fled the scene in that situation.
By then, the victim
must've been incapacitated.
I honestly don't know
why I did any of that.
It felt like
I was under
some kind of spell yesterday.
As if I were a puppet
in someone's master plan.
Let's not make this complicated.
Keep it simple, okay?
Baek Ah Jin became an orphan
at the age of 20
because of you.
If you witnessed a crime,
you should've reported it.
Not played the hero.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Sir.
Thanks.
BAEK SEON GYU, MALE, AGE 48
Baek Seon Gyu's
estimated time of death
is between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
on the 19th.
Meanwhile, you called for help
at 3 a.m.
Why didn't you call for help
right away?
Oh, dear. Let me help you.
I
I passed out
when my father beat me up.
I called for help
as soon as I regained consciousness.
After that, I passed out again.
Goodness.
No matter what you did,
he had no right to lay a hand on you.
Seriously
There's something wrong
with people these days.
You rub them the wrong way,
and they lash out, even kill.
You never thought about running away?
Detective.
Yes?
I'm exhausted right now.
Do you have
any more questions for me?
Hello?
Yes, I'm the lead detective.
Who?
PB Agency, CEO Im Seung Yong?
Hold on.
I see.
- Hello, sir.
- Hello.
- I come bearing good news.
- Hello.
He's Im Seung Yong, CEO of PB Agency.
Mr. Choi might be signing
a new contract.
- Sergeant Ham, a minute?
- Yes, sir.
Choi Jung Ho hit him with the bat.
He confessed.
But he's claiming
it was self-defense.
- It was her.
- What?
He beat her constantly.
Of course, she wanted him dead.
I'd want him dead if I were her.
She's got the clearest motive.
What more reason do you need?
What looked like an impulsive killing
by a former baseball player
making a comeback
turned out to be something else.
A tragic story about a girl
who was driven to kill her father
after enduring years of abuse.
Baek Ah Jin will get off
because of extenuating circumstances.
So we'll draw attention
using Choi Jung Ho.
That'll give him a way out,
and we can wrap up our case.
It's a win-win situation, okay?
Sir, but that's
Come on.
It'll be fine, so grow a pair.
Hey.
What's a young girl like her
going to do anyway?
Keep an eye on her.
Don't let her run.
Yes, sir.
Reporter Kim, you picked up fast.
Do you know Choi Jung Ho,
the baseball player?
Yes, the guy who retired
because of Kwak Eun Hyeok.
That's the one!
Right. You won't believe this.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Please come by the station later
to give a brief witness statement.
What will happen to Mr. Choi?
Mr. Choi keeps insisting
it was self-defense.
But he admitted to the assault.
He'll go to trial
and if he's unlucky,
he could end up doing time.
I'm sorry about your father.
I hope you get well soon. Take care.
No, we're framing it
as an accidental homicide.
So just build a story around that.
You're the first person
I called with this scoop.
Exactly.
VITAMIN DRINK
The personal details of Baek
the victim in the Nojeong-dong
Rooftop Murder Case
have spread online,
drawing public attention.
After serving five years in prison,
Baek was released in 2016.
Unable to find a steady job
he visited his daughter's home,
where he was killed.
Choi, a former baseball player
now being questioned
for Baek's murder
allegedly attacked him
at his daughter's house.
The daughter worked part-time
at Choi's cafe
ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
SEONGSIM HOSPITAL
Ms. Baek, hold on a moment.
Please come to the station with us.
You are now a suspect
in the murder of Baek Seon Gyu.
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say
can and will be used against you.
You have the right to an attorney.
What are you suggesting?
We'll spin it as you
taking justice into your own hands
after being set up
by that part-timer.
We'll flood the media
with that angle.
If the court rules it as self-defense
you might dodge jail time.
Then
What about Ah Jin?
The part-timer?
She'll probably do time.
Why are you worried about her?
It's your ass on the line!
Don't complicate things.
She has no one to turn to,
so I feel bad for her.
But another charge on her record
won't affect her life.
Not you, though.
You're trying to make a comeback,
and doing time will ruin your life.
I've even settled things
with the lead detective.
Fortunately, with the new evidence
found at the scene
that girl is now the prime suspect
which works to our advantage.
The detective said
he'd make her confess
before he hands her over
to the prosecution.
So don't worry.
Le Na?
Le Na!
Hyang I turned herself in
and said it was her fault.
You're just here to give a statement,
so watch what you say.
What about the dash cam and the CCTV?
What if I get caught?
That's been taken care of.
There wasn't anyone around,
so no one saw the accident.
Be grateful Hyang I got there
before the police did.
The reporters haven't caught on,
so we can keep this quiet.
- Don't mess this up, okay?
- Okay.
- There you go.
- Okay.
Goodness.
Can you smell alcohol on me?
Why do you keep getting into trouble?
Come here.
Here. Take this.
Listen.
If people find out about this
you'll be dropped
from Director Cheon's movie.
And you'll never set foot
in this industry again.
- Got it?
- I hear you, okay?
Don't worry about Jung Ho.
He'll be fine.
How are the executives taking this?
Is Mr. Kang still in Seoul?
Really? Okay.
She's stunning.
Let's have a look.
- She's beautiful.
- I know.
Put your phone in the basket.
I need your phone.
I can't believe this.
Don't stare at her like that.
You're making it so obvious.
This is the only time
I'll get to see her.
- Look at how small her face is.
- Have a seat.
Sit down.
So you admit it was your poor driving
that caused the accident, correct?
Yes.
Ms. Kang, what were you doing
at the time of the accident?
I was passed out drunk.
Ms. Seok, are you sure
you were the one behind the wheel?
Yes.
Could you excuse me for a second?
Le Na was asleep in the back seat.
I crashed the car on the way back
from picking her up.
Ms. Seok.
If it turns out you're lying,
you could face charges.
I know.
Detective, you should take this call.
Hello?
Chief.
Yes.
Noted, sir.
Do you want an autograph?
- Have a nice day.
- You too.
Good job.
Ms. Baek, follow me.
This is the text message
you sent Baek Seon Gyu.
"I'll give you the money.
Be at my place by 8 p.m."
A witness stated that
you sought help from Choi Jung Ho
saying you were a victim of stalking.
Goodness.
On the day of the incident,
you called and texted Choi Jung Ho.
"Mr. Choi, I need to stop by my place
to grab a few things."
"What? Right now?"
So tell me. Why did you lie?
You said you never saw
a beanie, right?
Some fibers,
believed to be from a beanie
were found in your toilet.
FIBER SAMPLE
All you've got are your hunches.
Not really.
It's called reasonable suspicions.
Your father, Baek Seon Gyu
died of a massive hemorrhage
caused by a skull fracture.
And you claimed Choi Jung Ho hit him.
But the victim
was hit more than once.
There are signs of multiple blows
to the head.
There was a time gap
between the second and third blows.
Both times, he was struck
with a blunt object.
You and Choi Jung Ho
were the only two people there.
And he said he fled the scene
after hitting your father once.
Ms. Baek.
What you've said so far
doesn't add up.
You still call this a hunch?
Detective.
Can I get a glass of water?
Sure.
Get her a glass of water
and coffee for me.
Sorry?
Seriously? She has no respect for me.
Unbelievable.
NOJEONG POLICE STATION
Just like you thought
Baek Ah Jin is being held
on suspicion of murdering her father.
They see the abuse from her father
as a clear motive for murder.
It might be best to hire a lawyer
and push for a lighter sentence.
It won't mean anything
unless she's cleared of all charges.
Then, what do you plan to do?
There's a strong chance
she killed her father.
Please don't tell Grandpa.
Please.
Sure, my lips are sealed.
All right.
I'm really sorry
What?
Can you get the female officer?
I think I just got my period.
Oh, right.
Just a second.
- Hey.
- Yes?
Where is she going?
Her period just started.
- Her period?
- Yes.
Detective, wait.
Have you checked my phone?
No. Why?
Can't you check the photos
and the voice recording?
PROPERTY STORAGE
Choi Jung Ho hit him with the bat.
He confessed.
But he's claiming
it was self-defense.
It was her.
He beat her constantly.
Of course, she wanted him dead.
Baek Ah Jin will get off
because of extenuating circumstances
So we'll draw attention
using Choi Jung Ho.
That'll give him a way out,
and we can wrap up our case.
It's a win-win situation, okay?
I've already told you.
It's not someone on our team.
Right.
Okay, got it.
What was that about?
That was my friend
from Internal Affairs.
He keeps probing for something.
Did someone take another kickback?
Gosh, are you okay?
Damn it.
Here you go.
Why did you drink that so fast?
- What is this?
- Not so fast.
What's the rush?
Can we check your car?
Seriously?
VITAMIN DRINK
You've been pocketing a lot of things
so I can't say I'm surprised.
My mom gave me a box of those.
Want one?
In my 15 years on the job
I've never once taken
anything from anyone!
Give that back.
It was from his mom.
He's a disgrace
to government workers everywhere.
No wonder the country's in a rut.
A total waste of taxpayers' money.
VITAMIN DRINK
That was close.
Who the hell tipped them off?
You probably thought
this would get me replaced
and clear you of the charges
once a new detective took over.
Nicely played, I give you that.
How dare you come after me?
I'll do everything I can
to convict you of this murder.
You got that?
Here.
I haven't had a proper meal
in a while.
Why's that?
I had to go somewhere,
and I'll be leaving again.
- Where?
- Somewhere.
Did you hear the news?
That jerk Baek Seon Gyu is dead.
Really?
That's awful.
I can't shake the feeling
- that she
- Mom.
The rolled omelet is delicious.
Can I get some more?
What's with you?
It's not like you to come home
just to have dinner with me.
You've always gone out of your way
to help Ah Jin.
I just came to see you.
What's wrong with that?
Besides, she's got nothing
to do with us anymore.
VISITATION ROOM
I heard you were backed
into a corner.
How about I get you a good lawyer?
Maybe you don't need one.
The charges may be dismissed
before you even need one.
I know every favor has a price.
Are you pretending to help me
so you can profit off me later?
I heard they're trying to coerce
a confession out of you.
They're only doing that
because they can't prove I did it.
I heard you wanted
to go to law school.
Seems like you know a thing or two.
All I'm saying is
I'm innocent.
If they hand you over
to the prosecution
there's nothing more we can do.
Why take that risk?
You'll probably need time to think.
The boss wakes up before 6 a.m.
so that should be plenty of time.
Mr. Choi's right.
Ah Jin had a stalker recently,
so he was worried about her.
I think I saw the guy in the beanie
with Ah Jin at the convenience store.
The guy you saw
Was it him?
According to Jo Yoo Sik
Baek Ah Jin had a stalker
just like Choi Jung Ho said.
Turns out it was Yoon Jun Seo,
the one she called the cops on
who tried to hurt Baek Seon Gyu
two days before the murder.
And?
She reported him to the police
to protect her father.
So why would she kill her dad
a few days later?
If she really wanted her father dead
she could've just let
Yoon Jun Seo do it.
Why would she protect him then,
only to kill him later?
Wait, Jo Yoo Sik did say this.
He saw Baek Ah Jin with the stalker,
but she wasn't scared of him.
And it didn't look like
he was trying to hurt her.
Weird, right?
Wait, stop the video.
Can you blow this up?
Play it again.
Freeze.
That's not enough
to run facial recognition.
Really? Could we get another angle?
If you see anyone that looks like him
- give us a call.
- Sure, I'll call you.
NOJEONG POLICE STATION
Two days ago, you were arrested
for assaulting Baek Seon Gyu.
That bastard was evil.
What's your relationship
to Baek Ah Jin?
We used to be siblings,
but now we're complete strangers.
I've been stalking Ah Jin.
And that Baek Seon Gyu?
I called the police on him
when I was a kid
and had him locked up.
He held a grudge against me
ever since.
He also used to beat Ah Jin
all the time
and extorted money from her.
So what's your point?
Where did you go
after you got out of lockup that day?
I went to see Baek Seon Gyu
at the motel where he was staying.
AFFORDABLE ROOMS
Why did you go see him?
SAVE MOTEL
To get back at him.
Here you go.
I fell asleep after drinking this,
and when I woke up
the CCTV had been tampered with
and the receiver was gone.
Around what time?
I don't know.
I don't remember what happened
after that man got here.
Is this him?
Yes, it is.
He asked about the guy in Room 305.
After drugging him,
I intended to kill him
once he passed out.
You see, I meant to put
sleeping pills in his drink.
HANSOL MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
But he wasn't there.
That's why I went to Ah Jin's house.
What was she doing
when you entered the house?
She was passed out on the floor.
- Help me.
- But that devil was still breathing.
My first thought
was to kill Baek Seon Gyu.
I wanted to make sure
he wouldn't get in my way again.
And I wanted to make sure
he never hurt Ah Jin again.
I hit his head with the baseball bat.
Are you saying you hit him
with a baseball bat
while he was down?
Yes, I hit him.
So tell me.
Why did you decide
to turn yourself in now?
What?
What do you mean?
Is that not allowed?
Well
You are allowed to come forward.
Ms. Baek.
- Open it up.
- Sure.
Come with me.
This way, please.
You're free to go.
What?
You were lucky
your stalker came forward.
My stalker?
You must not have known.
Yoon Jun Seo was at your house
the day of the murder.
While you were passed out,
he broke into your house.
He attacked your father,
who was still alive then
and delivered the fatal blow.
What are you saying?
Yoon Jun Seo confessed.
So you're free to go.
DOING OUR BEST TO SERVE THE PEOPLE
STARS ONLY SHINE ON THOSE
WHO LOOK UP AT THEM
Ah Jin.
Ah Jin.
You're the one who made me this way.
It's over now.
Ah Jin.
Ah Jin?
Mr. Baek.
Mr. Baek?
Focus.
Jun Seo.
How far would you go for me?
Answer me.
How far would you go for me?
SAVE MOTEL
ROOM 305
I'm from Room 305.
Here you go.
HANSOL MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
AUTOPSY REPOR
- Hello?
- Detective.
- Hello, sir.
- I think I know when
the guy with the energy drink
came by the motel.
It was at 1:12 a.m.
I must've dropped my clock
when I passed out.
The battery fell out,
so the time had stopped.
Why did you lie?
You said you went
to Baek Ah Jin's house
after realizing Baek Seon Gyu
wasn't at the motel.
But the timeline doesn't add up.
It's the other way around.
After finding Baek Seon Gyu dead
at Baek Ah Jin's house
you went to his motel room.
You made it look like you killed him.
She's not the girl you stalked.
You fabricated the evidence
so you'd take the fall
just so Baek Ah Jin could walk free.
Is Ah Jin okay?
- She was released, right?
- Mr. Yoon!
Ah Jin did nothing wrong.
She's had it rough.
What are you doing?
Are you kidding me?
She's had a rough life, okay?
So please!
Please don't pin this on her.
I love her, okay?
Her father found out about it,
so I killed him out of rage.
Why are you taking the fall
for something you didn't do?
There's proof that Baek Ah Jin
called Choi Jung Ho out
to have Baek Seon Gyu killed.
Even if she didn't swing the bat,
it's still a serious crime.
This isn't something you can cover up
with your lousy lies.
No.
Ah Jin wouldn't have done that.
She's just a poor girl.
Let go of me. Let go!
I killed him! I killed that bastard!
Don't you feel bad for Ah Jin?
- Hold still!
- I killed him.
I killed him!
I killed him.
He's out of his mind.
We're closing it as a blunt-force
homicide by Choi Jung Ho
and turning it over
to the prosecution.
What? What are you talking about?
We need to question
Baek Ah Jin again.
NOJEONG POLICE STATION
I bet you're hungry.
Hop in.
- Please enjoy.
- Thank you.
The country we live in is a place
where the people without power
can't clear their names
or protect what's theirs.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER KIM SU IL
The lead detective
tried to railroad your case.
It was settled faster
than I expected.
Now you know.
This is what it means to have power.
That power?
You can have it too.
I'll help you.
Yoon Jun Seo will be released
in a few days.
Please let me know what I can do
to repay you.
Yoon Jun Seo.
Stay away from him.
Why should I stay away from him?
What's that got to do
with my contract with your agency?
Ah Jin, you're going to be
incredibly famous.
I'll make sure of it.
Your actions, your clothes
and even the words
you absentmindedly say
will have tremendous influence
enough to move
hundreds of billions in capital.
However, once you become famous,
people will dig up this case again.
And your relationship
with Yoon Jun Seo
will come to light.
Not only will it reveal
your relationship
but it'll also bring to light
the past you wanted to bury.
And that's when you'll realize
that the relationship you had
was toxic to both of you.
I'm only trying to make sure
that doesn't happen.
Did that answer your question?
I was going to cut ties with him
even if you hadn't told me to.
NOJEONG-DONG
ROOFTOP HOUSE MURDER 1
That was too dangerous.
You could've died.
I didn't,
and I broke free from my shackles.
That's all that matters.
Was that really the only way?
That's why I told you
to stay out of it.
This is exactly why
I didn't tell you.
If I'd told you my plan,
you wouldn't have gone along with it.
Is that why you used him
to kill your father?
I didn't ask him to,
nor did I force him.
He came to your house to help you.
He risked his life to help you.
He made his own choice.
You basically forced his hand.
You set it up
so he'd make that choice.
Do you feel bad for him?
Is that why you're yelling at me?
I'm sorry to say this,
but I only pity myself.
I only feel sorry for myself.
I never got to have
a normal life like other people.
Ever since I was little,
I spent every day wondering
when I'd get kicked out
or how bad the next beating would be.
So why should I care about
other people's pain?
I'm tired of what this world
keeps throwing at me!
Ah Jin.
Ah Jin, sit down.
I promised I'd make up
for my mom's sins
by never leaving your side.
That was your mother's debt to pay.
But I want so much more than that.
Please don't be like this.
Ah Jin, please.
I'll make you happy,
just like everyone else is.
Ah Jin, please don't do this.
Ah Jin.
Jun Seo.
Don't kid yourself.
You've never once protected me.
If you had been serious
about protecting me
you would have killed him
before I took matters
into my own hands.
Go tell him.
Tell Choi Jung Ho the truth.
I can't wait to see his face
when he finds out he was used.
You
You're going to pay for this.
What you did was unforgivable.
I won't get what I want
if I live the way you do.
Don't get in my way
and don't ruin my life.
For all the pain you've caused
you'll be miserable
for the rest of your life.
Every day of your life
will be empty and exhausting.
You might be miserable
for the rest of your life.
Because I
Because I know that
I can't leave you.
I have to share your punishment
when that day comes.
You may be right.
But you don't know how I feel
because you haven't walked
in my shoes.
You're not me
so you'll never understand.
Your kindness
will put me in danger.
You're too kind.
And to me, that's a shackle,
just like my father.
You keep dragging me down.
What are you getting at?
I'm saying this is goodbye.
Ah Jin.
I'll climb to the top, where no one
will dare stand in my way.
I want to be reborn at the very top.
Where you're headed
could be the loneliest
most miserable place there is.
I don't care.
It's not like I even know
what happiness is.
If she ever finds happiness
it'll come at the cost
of someone else's pain.
That illusion of happiness
will never last.
I'm certain of it.
If there is a god,
I'd like to ask him this.
"Why is it
that I love
someone so cruel?"
Baek Ah Jin,
the rising star, turns heads
in the film
and entertainment industry.
Baek Ah Jin, the new face
of global fashion brand Hadere
The up-and-coming icon
Actress Baek Ah Jin tops
brand image rankings.
Baek Ah Jin's name has become
a cultural phenomenon.
A cultural powerhouse
shaping an entire generation's
- vibe and taste
- At the Berlin Film Festival
She is gaining global attention
through her acting.
She's been turning heads
even in the global market.
- Winning Best Actress
- Tonight
her name outshines
every trophy out there.
How much more of a global sensation
will she become?
I spent every night awake
and every day
drowning in my own tears.
I tried to let it all go
to forgive and move on.
However, you chose to be silent.
Yet he lived on.
And I
I alone escaped your judgment
leaving me to suffer
in this agonizing Hell.
DEAR X
DEAR X
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND EVENTS
IN THIS WORK ARE FICTITIOUS
CHILD ACTORS WERE FILMED
WITH GUARDIANS PRESEN
Ah Jin.
Help me.
You've woken up.
It would've been better
if you hadn't woken up at all.
Seeing you alive
wasn't part of my plan.
Dad.
You understand me, don't you?
Even if you don't,
there's nothing I can do.
You're the one who made me this way.
Think of this as your punishment
for ruining my childhood.
Repay me
with your death.
Dad?
Goodbye.
I hope we never see each other again,
not even in Hell.
EPISODE 4: NO TURNING BACK
The bag.
- Could you also check the bathroom?
- Excuse me.
ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
SEONGSIM HOSPITAL
The patient is awake.
Thank you.
Are you saying that your father,
Baek Seon Gyu
died because Choi Jung Ho
attacked him?
Yes.
I see.
Baek Ah Jin claims that you hit
Baek Seon Gyu with a baseball bat.
Is that true?
That baseball bat
is also yours, correct?
The bat's mine
but I thought he was a stalker.
You knew he was a stalker
even in the dark?
A man wearing a beanie
was choking Ah Jin.
I charged at him, and in the scuffle
I swung the baseball bat
without even realizing it.
I swear I didn't mean
for that to happen.
A beanie?
A man in a beige beanie
was stalking Ah Jin.
When I saw him in that beanie
at Ah Jin's yesterday
I thought he was that stalker.
We didn't find a beanie at the scene.
Are you sure you're not mistaken?
I'm telling you the truth.
He was wearing a beige beanie.
It was the same one
that Ah Jin's stalker wore.
A beanie?
I never saw anything like that.
I don't know what Mr. Choi saw.
You saw him bleeding
after you hit him with your bat
and you just ran home.
That's what you did, right?
Ah Jin!
You son of a bitch!
My father lunged at Mr. Choi
with a pair of scissors.
And Mr. Choi was holding a bat.
Hey.
Are you okay?
Shit.
Mr. Choi.
Don't.
What are you saying?
Stalker or not,
the man is losing a lot of blood.
Mr. Choi!
Please don't.
That man isn't my stalker.
He's my father.
He's my father.
That man is my father.
Your father?
There was no way of knowing
what my father would do
when he woke up.
Mr. Choi, go home for now.
I'll I'll handle this mess.
You should go. Please leave.
Do you want to make things worse?
Leave now!
I can call for help after you leave
so go.
Go!
It's just
It's
Ah Jin
I thought making him leave
was the right call.
So it's true you fled the scene
of the incident, correct?
Yes.
I panicked at the time.
A reasonable person wouldn't have
fled the scene in that situation.
By then, the victim
must've been incapacitated.
I honestly don't know
why I did any of that.
It felt like
I was under
some kind of spell yesterday.
As if I were a puppet
in someone's master plan.
Let's not make this complicated.
Keep it simple, okay?
Baek Ah Jin became an orphan
at the age of 20
because of you.
If you witnessed a crime,
you should've reported it.
Not played the hero.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Sir.
Thanks.
BAEK SEON GYU, MALE, AGE 48
Baek Seon Gyu's
estimated time of death
is between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
on the 19th.
Meanwhile, you called for help
at 3 a.m.
Why didn't you call for help
right away?
Oh, dear. Let me help you.
I
I passed out
when my father beat me up.
I called for help
as soon as I regained consciousness.
After that, I passed out again.
Goodness.
No matter what you did,
he had no right to lay a hand on you.
Seriously
There's something wrong
with people these days.
You rub them the wrong way,
and they lash out, even kill.
You never thought about running away?
Detective.
Yes?
I'm exhausted right now.
Do you have
any more questions for me?
Hello?
Yes, I'm the lead detective.
Who?
PB Agency, CEO Im Seung Yong?
Hold on.
I see.
- Hello, sir.
- Hello.
- I come bearing good news.
- Hello.
He's Im Seung Yong, CEO of PB Agency.
Mr. Choi might be signing
a new contract.
- Sergeant Ham, a minute?
- Yes, sir.
Choi Jung Ho hit him with the bat.
He confessed.
But he's claiming
it was self-defense.
- It was her.
- What?
He beat her constantly.
Of course, she wanted him dead.
I'd want him dead if I were her.
She's got the clearest motive.
What more reason do you need?
What looked like an impulsive killing
by a former baseball player
making a comeback
turned out to be something else.
A tragic story about a girl
who was driven to kill her father
after enduring years of abuse.
Baek Ah Jin will get off
because of extenuating circumstances.
So we'll draw attention
using Choi Jung Ho.
That'll give him a way out,
and we can wrap up our case.
It's a win-win situation, okay?
Sir, but that's
Come on.
It'll be fine, so grow a pair.
Hey.
What's a young girl like her
going to do anyway?
Keep an eye on her.
Don't let her run.
Yes, sir.
Reporter Kim, you picked up fast.
Do you know Choi Jung Ho,
the baseball player?
Yes, the guy who retired
because of Kwak Eun Hyeok.
That's the one!
Right. You won't believe this.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Please come by the station later
to give a brief witness statement.
What will happen to Mr. Choi?
Mr. Choi keeps insisting
it was self-defense.
But he admitted to the assault.
He'll go to trial
and if he's unlucky,
he could end up doing time.
I'm sorry about your father.
I hope you get well soon. Take care.
No, we're framing it
as an accidental homicide.
So just build a story around that.
You're the first person
I called with this scoop.
Exactly.
VITAMIN DRINK
The personal details of Baek
the victim in the Nojeong-dong
Rooftop Murder Case
have spread online,
drawing public attention.
After serving five years in prison,
Baek was released in 2016.
Unable to find a steady job
he visited his daughter's home,
where he was killed.
Choi, a former baseball player
now being questioned
for Baek's murder
allegedly attacked him
at his daughter's house.
The daughter worked part-time
at Choi's cafe
ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
SEONGSIM HOSPITAL
Ms. Baek, hold on a moment.
Please come to the station with us.
You are now a suspect
in the murder of Baek Seon Gyu.
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say
can and will be used against you.
You have the right to an attorney.
What are you suggesting?
We'll spin it as you
taking justice into your own hands
after being set up
by that part-timer.
We'll flood the media
with that angle.
If the court rules it as self-defense
you might dodge jail time.
Then
What about Ah Jin?
The part-timer?
She'll probably do time.
Why are you worried about her?
It's your ass on the line!
Don't complicate things.
She has no one to turn to,
so I feel bad for her.
But another charge on her record
won't affect her life.
Not you, though.
You're trying to make a comeback,
and doing time will ruin your life.
I've even settled things
with the lead detective.
Fortunately, with the new evidence
found at the scene
that girl is now the prime suspect
which works to our advantage.
The detective said
he'd make her confess
before he hands her over
to the prosecution.
So don't worry.
Le Na?
Le Na!
Hyang I turned herself in
and said it was her fault.
You're just here to give a statement,
so watch what you say.
What about the dash cam and the CCTV?
What if I get caught?
That's been taken care of.
There wasn't anyone around,
so no one saw the accident.
Be grateful Hyang I got there
before the police did.
The reporters haven't caught on,
so we can keep this quiet.
- Don't mess this up, okay?
- Okay.
- There you go.
- Okay.
Goodness.
Can you smell alcohol on me?
Why do you keep getting into trouble?
Come here.
Here. Take this.
Listen.
If people find out about this
you'll be dropped
from Director Cheon's movie.
And you'll never set foot
in this industry again.
- Got it?
- I hear you, okay?
Don't worry about Jung Ho.
He'll be fine.
How are the executives taking this?
Is Mr. Kang still in Seoul?
Really? Okay.
She's stunning.
Let's have a look.
- She's beautiful.
- I know.
Put your phone in the basket.
I need your phone.
I can't believe this.
Don't stare at her like that.
You're making it so obvious.
This is the only time
I'll get to see her.
- Look at how small her face is.
- Have a seat.
Sit down.
So you admit it was your poor driving
that caused the accident, correct?
Yes.
Ms. Kang, what were you doing
at the time of the accident?
I was passed out drunk.
Ms. Seok, are you sure
you were the one behind the wheel?
Yes.
Could you excuse me for a second?
Le Na was asleep in the back seat.
I crashed the car on the way back
from picking her up.
Ms. Seok.
If it turns out you're lying,
you could face charges.
I know.
Detective, you should take this call.
Hello?
Chief.
Yes.
Noted, sir.
Do you want an autograph?
- Have a nice day.
- You too.
Good job.
Ms. Baek, follow me.
This is the text message
you sent Baek Seon Gyu.
"I'll give you the money.
Be at my place by 8 p.m."
A witness stated that
you sought help from Choi Jung Ho
saying you were a victim of stalking.
Goodness.
On the day of the incident,
you called and texted Choi Jung Ho.
"Mr. Choi, I need to stop by my place
to grab a few things."
"What? Right now?"
So tell me. Why did you lie?
You said you never saw
a beanie, right?
Some fibers,
believed to be from a beanie
were found in your toilet.
FIBER SAMPLE
All you've got are your hunches.
Not really.
It's called reasonable suspicions.
Your father, Baek Seon Gyu
died of a massive hemorrhage
caused by a skull fracture.
And you claimed Choi Jung Ho hit him.
But the victim
was hit more than once.
There are signs of multiple blows
to the head.
There was a time gap
between the second and third blows.
Both times, he was struck
with a blunt object.
You and Choi Jung Ho
were the only two people there.
And he said he fled the scene
after hitting your father once.
Ms. Baek.
What you've said so far
doesn't add up.
You still call this a hunch?
Detective.
Can I get a glass of water?
Sure.
Get her a glass of water
and coffee for me.
Sorry?
Seriously? She has no respect for me.
Unbelievable.
NOJEONG POLICE STATION
Just like you thought
Baek Ah Jin is being held
on suspicion of murdering her father.
They see the abuse from her father
as a clear motive for murder.
It might be best to hire a lawyer
and push for a lighter sentence.
It won't mean anything
unless she's cleared of all charges.
Then, what do you plan to do?
There's a strong chance
she killed her father.
Please don't tell Grandpa.
Please.
Sure, my lips are sealed.
All right.
I'm really sorry
What?
Can you get the female officer?
I think I just got my period.
Oh, right.
Just a second.
- Hey.
- Yes?
Where is she going?
Her period just started.
- Her period?
- Yes.
Detective, wait.
Have you checked my phone?
No. Why?
Can't you check the photos
and the voice recording?
PROPERTY STORAGE
Choi Jung Ho hit him with the bat.
He confessed.
But he's claiming
it was self-defense.
It was her.
He beat her constantly.
Of course, she wanted him dead.
Baek Ah Jin will get off
because of extenuating circumstances
So we'll draw attention
using Choi Jung Ho.
That'll give him a way out,
and we can wrap up our case.
It's a win-win situation, okay?
I've already told you.
It's not someone on our team.
Right.
Okay, got it.
What was that about?
That was my friend
from Internal Affairs.
He keeps probing for something.
Did someone take another kickback?
Gosh, are you okay?
Damn it.
Here you go.
Why did you drink that so fast?
- What is this?
- Not so fast.
What's the rush?
Can we check your car?
Seriously?
VITAMIN DRINK
You've been pocketing a lot of things
so I can't say I'm surprised.
My mom gave me a box of those.
Want one?
In my 15 years on the job
I've never once taken
anything from anyone!
Give that back.
It was from his mom.
He's a disgrace
to government workers everywhere.
No wonder the country's in a rut.
A total waste of taxpayers' money.
VITAMIN DRINK
That was close.
Who the hell tipped them off?
You probably thought
this would get me replaced
and clear you of the charges
once a new detective took over.
Nicely played, I give you that.
How dare you come after me?
I'll do everything I can
to convict you of this murder.
You got that?
Here.
I haven't had a proper meal
in a while.
Why's that?
I had to go somewhere,
and I'll be leaving again.
- Where?
- Somewhere.
Did you hear the news?
That jerk Baek Seon Gyu is dead.
Really?
That's awful.
I can't shake the feeling
- that she
- Mom.
The rolled omelet is delicious.
Can I get some more?
What's with you?
It's not like you to come home
just to have dinner with me.
You've always gone out of your way
to help Ah Jin.
I just came to see you.
What's wrong with that?
Besides, she's got nothing
to do with us anymore.
VISITATION ROOM
I heard you were backed
into a corner.
How about I get you a good lawyer?
Maybe you don't need one.
The charges may be dismissed
before you even need one.
I know every favor has a price.
Are you pretending to help me
so you can profit off me later?
I heard they're trying to coerce
a confession out of you.
They're only doing that
because they can't prove I did it.
I heard you wanted
to go to law school.
Seems like you know a thing or two.
All I'm saying is
I'm innocent.
If they hand you over
to the prosecution
there's nothing more we can do.
Why take that risk?
You'll probably need time to think.
The boss wakes up before 6 a.m.
so that should be plenty of time.
Mr. Choi's right.
Ah Jin had a stalker recently,
so he was worried about her.
I think I saw the guy in the beanie
with Ah Jin at the convenience store.
The guy you saw
Was it him?
According to Jo Yoo Sik
Baek Ah Jin had a stalker
just like Choi Jung Ho said.
Turns out it was Yoon Jun Seo,
the one she called the cops on
who tried to hurt Baek Seon Gyu
two days before the murder.
And?
She reported him to the police
to protect her father.
So why would she kill her dad
a few days later?
If she really wanted her father dead
she could've just let
Yoon Jun Seo do it.
Why would she protect him then,
only to kill him later?
Wait, Jo Yoo Sik did say this.
He saw Baek Ah Jin with the stalker,
but she wasn't scared of him.
And it didn't look like
he was trying to hurt her.
Weird, right?
Wait, stop the video.
Can you blow this up?
Play it again.
Freeze.
That's not enough
to run facial recognition.
Really? Could we get another angle?
If you see anyone that looks like him
- give us a call.
- Sure, I'll call you.
NOJEONG POLICE STATION
Two days ago, you were arrested
for assaulting Baek Seon Gyu.
That bastard was evil.
What's your relationship
to Baek Ah Jin?
We used to be siblings,
but now we're complete strangers.
I've been stalking Ah Jin.
And that Baek Seon Gyu?
I called the police on him
when I was a kid
and had him locked up.
He held a grudge against me
ever since.
He also used to beat Ah Jin
all the time
and extorted money from her.
So what's your point?
Where did you go
after you got out of lockup that day?
I went to see Baek Seon Gyu
at the motel where he was staying.
AFFORDABLE ROOMS
Why did you go see him?
SAVE MOTEL
To get back at him.
Here you go.
I fell asleep after drinking this,
and when I woke up
the CCTV had been tampered with
and the receiver was gone.
Around what time?
I don't know.
I don't remember what happened
after that man got here.
Is this him?
Yes, it is.
He asked about the guy in Room 305.
After drugging him,
I intended to kill him
once he passed out.
You see, I meant to put
sleeping pills in his drink.
HANSOL MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
But he wasn't there.
That's why I went to Ah Jin's house.
What was she doing
when you entered the house?
She was passed out on the floor.
- Help me.
- But that devil was still breathing.
My first thought
was to kill Baek Seon Gyu.
I wanted to make sure
he wouldn't get in my way again.
And I wanted to make sure
he never hurt Ah Jin again.
I hit his head with the baseball bat.
Are you saying you hit him
with a baseball bat
while he was down?
Yes, I hit him.
So tell me.
Why did you decide
to turn yourself in now?
What?
What do you mean?
Is that not allowed?
Well
You are allowed to come forward.
Ms. Baek.
- Open it up.
- Sure.
Come with me.
This way, please.
You're free to go.
What?
You were lucky
your stalker came forward.
My stalker?
You must not have known.
Yoon Jun Seo was at your house
the day of the murder.
While you were passed out,
he broke into your house.
He attacked your father,
who was still alive then
and delivered the fatal blow.
What are you saying?
Yoon Jun Seo confessed.
So you're free to go.
DOING OUR BEST TO SERVE THE PEOPLE
STARS ONLY SHINE ON THOSE
WHO LOOK UP AT THEM
Ah Jin.
Ah Jin.
You're the one who made me this way.
It's over now.
Ah Jin.
Ah Jin?
Mr. Baek.
Mr. Baek?
Focus.
Jun Seo.
How far would you go for me?
Answer me.
How far would you go for me?
SAVE MOTEL
ROOM 305
I'm from Room 305.
Here you go.
HANSOL MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
AUTOPSY REPOR
- Hello?
- Detective.
- Hello, sir.
- I think I know when
the guy with the energy drink
came by the motel.
It was at 1:12 a.m.
I must've dropped my clock
when I passed out.
The battery fell out,
so the time had stopped.
Why did you lie?
You said you went
to Baek Ah Jin's house
after realizing Baek Seon Gyu
wasn't at the motel.
But the timeline doesn't add up.
It's the other way around.
After finding Baek Seon Gyu dead
at Baek Ah Jin's house
you went to his motel room.
You made it look like you killed him.
She's not the girl you stalked.
You fabricated the evidence
so you'd take the fall
just so Baek Ah Jin could walk free.
Is Ah Jin okay?
- She was released, right?
- Mr. Yoon!
Ah Jin did nothing wrong.
She's had it rough.
What are you doing?
Are you kidding me?
She's had a rough life, okay?
So please!
Please don't pin this on her.
I love her, okay?
Her father found out about it,
so I killed him out of rage.
Why are you taking the fall
for something you didn't do?
There's proof that Baek Ah Jin
called Choi Jung Ho out
to have Baek Seon Gyu killed.
Even if she didn't swing the bat,
it's still a serious crime.
This isn't something you can cover up
with your lousy lies.
No.
Ah Jin wouldn't have done that.
She's just a poor girl.
Let go of me. Let go!
I killed him! I killed that bastard!
Don't you feel bad for Ah Jin?
- Hold still!
- I killed him.
I killed him!
I killed him.
He's out of his mind.
We're closing it as a blunt-force
homicide by Choi Jung Ho
and turning it over
to the prosecution.
What? What are you talking about?
We need to question
Baek Ah Jin again.
NOJEONG POLICE STATION
I bet you're hungry.
Hop in.
- Please enjoy.
- Thank you.
The country we live in is a place
where the people without power
can't clear their names
or protect what's theirs.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER KIM SU IL
The lead detective
tried to railroad your case.
It was settled faster
than I expected.
Now you know.
This is what it means to have power.
That power?
You can have it too.
I'll help you.
Yoon Jun Seo will be released
in a few days.
Please let me know what I can do
to repay you.
Yoon Jun Seo.
Stay away from him.
Why should I stay away from him?
What's that got to do
with my contract with your agency?
Ah Jin, you're going to be
incredibly famous.
I'll make sure of it.
Your actions, your clothes
and even the words
you absentmindedly say
will have tremendous influence
enough to move
hundreds of billions in capital.
However, once you become famous,
people will dig up this case again.
And your relationship
with Yoon Jun Seo
will come to light.
Not only will it reveal
your relationship
but it'll also bring to light
the past you wanted to bury.
And that's when you'll realize
that the relationship you had
was toxic to both of you.
I'm only trying to make sure
that doesn't happen.
Did that answer your question?
I was going to cut ties with him
even if you hadn't told me to.
NOJEONG-DONG
ROOFTOP HOUSE MURDER 1
That was too dangerous.
You could've died.
I didn't,
and I broke free from my shackles.
That's all that matters.
Was that really the only way?
That's why I told you
to stay out of it.
This is exactly why
I didn't tell you.
If I'd told you my plan,
you wouldn't have gone along with it.
Is that why you used him
to kill your father?
I didn't ask him to,
nor did I force him.
He came to your house to help you.
He risked his life to help you.
He made his own choice.
You basically forced his hand.
You set it up
so he'd make that choice.
Do you feel bad for him?
Is that why you're yelling at me?
I'm sorry to say this,
but I only pity myself.
I only feel sorry for myself.
I never got to have
a normal life like other people.
Ever since I was little,
I spent every day wondering
when I'd get kicked out
or how bad the next beating would be.
So why should I care about
other people's pain?
I'm tired of what this world
keeps throwing at me!
Ah Jin.
Ah Jin, sit down.
I promised I'd make up
for my mom's sins
by never leaving your side.
That was your mother's debt to pay.
But I want so much more than that.
Please don't be like this.
Ah Jin, please.
I'll make you happy,
just like everyone else is.
Ah Jin, please don't do this.
Ah Jin.
Jun Seo.
Don't kid yourself.
You've never once protected me.
If you had been serious
about protecting me
you would have killed him
before I took matters
into my own hands.
Go tell him.
Tell Choi Jung Ho the truth.
I can't wait to see his face
when he finds out he was used.
You
You're going to pay for this.
What you did was unforgivable.
I won't get what I want
if I live the way you do.
Don't get in my way
and don't ruin my life.
For all the pain you've caused
you'll be miserable
for the rest of your life.
Every day of your life
will be empty and exhausting.
You might be miserable
for the rest of your life.
Because I
Because I know that
I can't leave you.
I have to share your punishment
when that day comes.
You may be right.
But you don't know how I feel
because you haven't walked
in my shoes.
You're not me
so you'll never understand.
Your kindness
will put me in danger.
You're too kind.
And to me, that's a shackle,
just like my father.
You keep dragging me down.
What are you getting at?
I'm saying this is goodbye.
Ah Jin.
I'll climb to the top, where no one
will dare stand in my way.
I want to be reborn at the very top.
Where you're headed
could be the loneliest
most miserable place there is.
I don't care.
It's not like I even know
what happiness is.
If she ever finds happiness
it'll come at the cost
of someone else's pain.
That illusion of happiness
will never last.
I'm certain of it.
If there is a god,
I'd like to ask him this.
"Why is it
that I love
someone so cruel?"
Baek Ah Jin,
the rising star, turns heads
in the film
and entertainment industry.
Baek Ah Jin, the new face
of global fashion brand Hadere
The up-and-coming icon
Actress Baek Ah Jin tops
brand image rankings.
Baek Ah Jin's name has become
a cultural phenomenon.
A cultural powerhouse
shaping an entire generation's
- vibe and taste
- At the Berlin Film Festival
She is gaining global attention
through her acting.
She's been turning heads
even in the global market.
- Winning Best Actress
- Tonight
her name outshines
every trophy out there.
How much more of a global sensation
will she become?
I spent every night awake
and every day
drowning in my own tears.
I tried to let it all go
to forgive and move on.
However, you chose to be silent.
Yet he lived on.
And I
I alone escaped your judgment
leaving me to suffer
in this agonizing Hell.
DEAR X