Confession of Murder (2012 Film)

Confession of Murder (Korean: Naega Salinbeomida) is a 2012 South Korean thriller film directed by Jung Byung-Gil. The narrative centers on the aftermath of a series of unsolved murders and the public controversy that ensues when a man claiming to be the perpetrator emerges after the statute of limitations for the crimes has expired.

Plot

The story follows Lee Doo-Suk, a man who publishes a best-selling memoir titled I'm A Killer, in which he details the murders he committed years earlier. Because the statute of limitations has passed, he cannot be legally prosecuted for his past actions. The book turns him into a media sensation, drawing both supporters and detractors. Meanwhile, Detective Choi Hyung-Goo, who spent years unsuccessfully hunting the killer, attempts to confront Lee and uncover the truth behind his claims.

Production

The film was directed by Jung Byung-Gil, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lee Young-Jong and Hong Won-Chan. Principal photography commenced on October 7, 2011, and concluded on January 29, 2012. During the production, approximately 100 fans of actor Park Si-Hoo participated as extras in a scene filmed at a bookstore in Jong-ro, Seoul, representing the polarized public reaction to the character Lee Doo-Suk.

Reception and Awards

Confession of Murder received recognition at several international film festivals. It was screened at the 31st Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, the 12th New York Asian Film Festival, and the 17th Fantasia Film Festival, among others. The film received the Best Screenplay award at the 49th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2013, and director Jung Byung-Gil was awarded Best New Director at the 50th Daejong Film Awards.

Related Works

The film was remade in Japan as 22-nenme no Kokuhaku: Watashi ga Satsujinhan desu (2017), released internationally as Confession of Murder.