Azooma 2013

Abduction outside Yeon-joo's school

Ten-year-old Yeon-joo is approached by a man who claims to know her mother and is driven to a flat where she is sexually abused. The abduction occurs near her school in present-day Seoul, setting off a chilling investigation. The perpetrator's claim to a mother’s connection adds a disturbing layer to the crime.

Mother reports disappearance

Six hours after the abduction, Yeon-joo's mother Yoon Young-nam reports her missing to the police. The police respond cautiously, saying it is too soon to launch a full investigation. The delay underscores the initial uncertainty surrounding the case.

Yeon-joo is found dumped on the street

Yeon-joo is discovered dumped on a street in a suitcase, prompting immediate concern for the child's safety. She is soon rescued and taken to hospital to begin medical care and recovery. The discovery heightens public alarm and spurs the family to seek help.

Yeon-joo's hospital care

Yoon arrives with Yeon-joo at the hospital where the child begins to recover from the ordeal. Medical staff monitor her condition as the trauma of the event becomes more real for the mother. The hospital setting becomes the focal point for initial questioning by investigators.

Ex-husband's reaction to publicity

Dr. Lee, Yeon-joo's mother's ex-husband and a TV celebrity dentist, expresses unhappiness about the adverse publicity surrounding the case. His stance signals the high-profile attention the incident has drawn and the potential pressures facing the family. The dynamic adds tension to the investigation's public dimension.

Detective Ma takes an interest

Yoon persuades Detective Ma to take the case seriously, prompting him to begin inquiries. He questions Yeon-joo in the hospital, but the child provides only limited information at this stage. The early investigative momentum is hampered by the lack of clear leads.

First interview yields little

Ma's interrogation yields minimal information from Yeon-joo, leaving investigators with a murky picture of what happened. The limited disclosure hints at the child's fear and trauma. The case remains unresolved as authorities seek more details.

Female officer gains traction

A female police officer conducts a follow-up interview with Yeon-joo and obtains more success than earlier attempts. Her questions elicit clearer responses and potential leads. The interview represents a turning point in the police's approach to the case.

Confrontation at the molester's flat

Yoon tracks down the child molester and confronts him at his flat. A tense struggle and chase ensue, illustrating her protective instinct and desperation for justice. The moment brings the case into a direct, face-to-face confrontation with the perpetrator.

Arrest attempt and escape

The police arrive and take Yoon and Yeon-joo into custody, but en route the molester escapes. The escape complicates the situation and underscores the dangers the family faces even after a confrontation. The incident heightens urgency for resolution.