Attack on the Pin-Up Boys 2007

Kibum and Donghae discuss the attacks

Two Neulparan High School students Kibum and Donghae discuss the recent string of attacks targeting the flower boys at neighboring high schools. The conversation frames the mystery and foreshadows their later involvement in investigating the cases.

Valentine's Day attack on Sungmin

On 14 February, Sungmin from Garam High School was attacked on his way home from school. A bag of feces was thrown at his face, drawing public attention to the pattern of assaults.

March attack on Hangeng

On 14 March, Hangeng, a basketball star from Geosang High School, was attacked in the same manner. The incident reinforced the sense that a serial attacker was on the loose and noticing patterns.

April attack on Yesung

On 14 April, Kim Yesung, vocalist of a rock band from Nadam High School, was targeted in the attacks. The string of assaults kept the mystery alive and the public curious about the perpetrator.

Kibum predicts the next victim and blogs about it

Kibum concludes that the next victim will be from their own school and writes about the forecast on his blog. He suggests three possible targets—Siwon, Heechul, or Kangin—and frames his prediction as a way to explain the rising attention.

Media coverage and the Pin-up Boys phenomenon

Mainstream media dubs the case Attack on the Pin-up Boys, causing the victims’ popularity to surge. Sungmin becomes a model and signs a contract, while Yesung releases a solo album. Heechul and Kangin attempt to boost their own popularity by posting attractive pictures on their blogs.

May 14: anticipation day and extra class

On 14 May, students are restless, anticipating the next attack as Kibum and Donghae are stuck in an extra class for a poor class score. Donghae slips out to continue the investigation while the rest of the class remains behind.

The Siwon attack claim and investigation

The next morning, Kibum learns that Siwon claimed to have been attacked the day before. After investigating, Kibum concludes that the claim was staged and the attack was faked.

Heechul and Kangin press on with campaigns

Heechul and Kangin persist with their campaigns to attract attention, hoping to be chosen as the next vulnerable target. They continue to populate their blogs with attention-grabbing posts.

Dumping-ground prediction and encounter

Donghae tells Heechul that the attacker is likely to strike near the garbage dumping ground between 9 and 10 pm. Heechul goes to the location and runs into Kangin, revealing that they both shared the same idea.

Tension between Kibum and Donghae

Meanwhile, Donghae, tailing Kibum, accuses Kibum of being the culprit. Kibum admits fault, but Donghae proposes an alternative plan instead of exposing him, adding strain to their investigation.

Donghae becomes the final victim

The next day, Donghae becomes the newest and final victim of the serial attacks. His sudden notoriety among students marks the end of the immediate wave of incidents.

Interest fades after months without new incidents

Interest in the case fades after a few months with no new incidents. The coverage dwindles and the mystery gradually becomes a memory for students and the media.