While my previous Through The Darkness article gave you a sneak peek into the real-life inspirations behind the drama, it’s time to dive even deeper. I’m peeling back the layers to uncover the grisly details and complex investigations that brought these chilling cases to light. From “The Raincoat Killer” to “The Meticulous Killer,” these criminals weren’t just characters—they were real-life nightmares that once roamed the streets in South Korea.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger) and join me as I explore the twisted minds, harrowing crimes, and relentless pursuit of justice depicted in “Through The Darkness.” Get ready for a closer look at the true stories that make this drama so hauntingly compelling.
Oh before that, if you are interested to see other Korean series or movies as good as Through The Darkness, check them out here.
Just a heads-up, though, while the drama hooks you with its intense portrayal of serial killers, it doesn’t stick strictly to real-life cases. Instead of directly reenacting each true crime, the show cleverly blends elements from various notorious cases into its fictional characters. For example, the “Red Cap Killer” and “Butcher Killer” aren’t exact replicas of specific criminals, but rather mashups of different killers’ characteristics and methods. It’s this creative weaving of true crime elements that gives the series its chilling authenticity while keeping us on the edge of our seats.
1. The Red Cap Killer – The Kim Jae-Jin Case
Real-Life Case Criminal: Kim Jae-Jin
Period: 1986-1990
Victims: Several young women.
Modus Operandi: Kim Jae-Jin was known for wearing a distinctive red cap during his crimes, which involved the rape and murder of young women. His crimes were marked by brutality and careful planning, with a signature element of wearing a red cap to avoid being identified.
Capture: Kim Jae-Jin was eventually captured in 1990 after a long investigation and was sentenced to death.
Depiction in the Drama:
In “Through The Darkness,” the “Red Cap Killer” is depicted with a similar modus operandi. The character’s use of a red cap as a distinctive feature ties directly to Kim Jae-Jin’s signature look. The drama portrays the killer’s methodical approach, targeting young women, and the psychological impact on the investigative team. The profiler’s efforts to understand and predict the killer’s moves are central to the narrative, showcasing the complex and often harrowing process of tracking down such a meticulous murderer.
2. The Raincoat Killer – The Yoo Young-Chul Case
Real-Life Case Criminal: Yoo Young-Chul
Reason: Yoo Young-Chul was often referred to as “The Raincoat Killer” due to his habit of wearing a raincoat during his murders.
Period: 2003-2004
Victims: 20 people, including wealthy elderly individuals and sex workers.
Modus Operandi: Yoo Young-Chul would often break into the homes of wealthy elderly people, bludgeon them to death with a hammer, and then set fire to the homes to destroy evidence. He also lured sex workers to his home, where he would kill them and dismember their bodies.
Capture: Yoo was arrested in 2004 after police identified his fingerprint on a murder scene. He later confessed to the murders during police interrogation.
Depiction in the Drama:
The drama vividly portrays Yoo Young-Chul’s brutal methods. Scenes depict him stalking his elderly victims, breaking into their homes, and attacking them with a hammer. The portrayal of his attacks on sex workers is equally chilling, showing his method of luring them to his home and the gruesome aftermath. The investigative team is shown piecing together clues from different crime scenes, with the profiler delving into Yoo’s psyche to understand his motives. The intense manhunt and Yoo’s eventual arrest are depicted with high tension, highlighting the relentless efforts of the police.
3. The Rainy Thursday Murderer – The Jeong Du-Yeong Case
Real-Life Case Criminal: Jeong Du-Yeong, also known as “The Rainy Thursday Murderer.”
Reason: Jeong Du-Yeong was nicknamed “The Rainy Thursday Murderer” because he committed his murders on rainy Thursdays, a unique pattern that became associated with his crimes.
Period: Early 1990s
Victims: Multiple, primarily young women.
Modus Operandi: Jeong targeted women on rainy Thursdays, which became his signature. He would abduct, rape, and murder them, often leaving their bodies in remote areas.
Capture: He was eventually captured due to a combination of witness testimony and forensic evidence linking him to the crimes.
Depiction in the Drama:
Even though there’s no specific character depiction with the overall persona, the series dramatizes Jeong Du-Yeong’s chilling pattern, focusing on the rainy Thursday motif. The profiler character notices this unusual detail, which becomes a crucial lead. Scenes show Jeong stalking his victims on rainy days, the sinister atmosphere amplified by the downpour. The drama also captures the horror of the crimes through the perspective of the victims’ families and the mounting pressure on the investigators. The profiler’s breakthrough in connecting the crimes through the weather pattern is a pivotal moment, leading to Jeong’s dramatic capture and arrest.
4. The Arson Murderer – The Kang Ho-Sun Case
Real-Life Case Criminal: Kang Ho-Sun
Reason: Kang Ho-Sun was known as “The Arson Murderer” because he often set fire to the victims’ bodies or their surroundings to destroy evidence after committing the murders.
Period: 2006-2008
Victims: 10 women.
Modus Operandi: Kang kidnapped and murdered women, often burning their bodies to destroy evidence. His victims included both acquaintances and strangers he encountered in public places.
Capture: He was arrested after a police investigation linked him to the disappearance of a university student, and he later confessed to multiple murders.
Depiction in the Drama:
Kang Ho-Sun’s portrayal in the drama is intense and unnerving. The show highlights his method of selecting victims and the chilling process of abduction and murder. Scenes depict the aftermath of his arson, with investigators sifting through charred evidence. The profiler’s role in connecting seemingly unrelated disappearances is emphasized, showcasing the painstaking process of profiling Kang’s behavior. The drama builds suspense around his eventual capture, with a nail-biting sequence where the profiler’s insights lead to his arrest just before he can strike again.
5. The Meticulous Killer – The Kim Gil-Tae Case
Real-Life Case Criminal: Kim Gil-Tae
Reason: Kim Gil-Tae was often referred to as “The Meticulous Killer” due to the careful and precise manner in which he planned and executed his crimes and the effort he took to cover his tracks.
Period: Early 2000s
Victims: Several young girls.
Modus Operandi: Kim abducted, raped, and murdered young girls, often disposing of their bodies in secluded areas. His crimes were marked by extreme brutality.
Capture: Kim was captured after an intensive manhunt and forensic investigation linked him to the crimes.
Depiction in the Drama:
The drama presents Kim Gil-Tae as a cold and calculating predator. His meticulous planning is shown in detail, from scouting locations to his method of disposing of bodies. The series portrays the emotional toll on the investigative team and the community, capturing the fear and grief caused by his crimes. The profiler’s efforts to understand Kim’s meticulous nature and predict his next move are central to the narrative. The climactic manhunt, leading to Kim’s capture, is portrayed with high tension, emphasizing the critical role of profiling in bringing him to justice.
Conclusion
“Through The Darkness” is more than just a gripping crime drama; it’s a deep dive into the minds of some of South Korea’s most notorious serial killers and the relentless pursuit of justice by those who dared to walk into the abyss. By blending real-life cases with dramatic storytelling, the series sheds light on the dark realities of human nature and the painstaking work of criminal profilers.
From the brutal methods of “The Raincoat Killer” to the chilling precision of “The Meticulous Killer,” the drama not only keeps us on the edge of our seats but also pays tribute to the real-life heroes who strive to understand and stop these monsters. As we explored the gruesome details and complex investigations behind these cases, it became clear how crucial profiling and dedication are in solving such heinous crimes.
If “Through The Darkness” captivated you, this deeper look into the true stories behind the drama should satisfy your curiosity and appreciation for the show’s authenticity. It’s a haunting reminder of the real nightmares that once roamed the streets and the unwavering resolve of those who brought them to justice.
