- Overview
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This book contains a detective novel that investigates a serial murder case while throwing a bright light on the violence ingrained in Korean society.
- Book Intro
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Seven people are murdered in the same way. There is no connection between the victims, and the motive for the murder has not not been identified. The police are helpless, and the people’s fear and anxiety reach a breaking point. Netizens lose trust in the police and come forward to solve the case. Among them, someone known by the nickname “Justice Man” unravels the causal factors leading to the murders on the basis of many sources and logical reasoning, gaining tremendous popularity. While the news on the seven murder cases is being reported, over half a million people join the Internet cafe run by Justice Man in a flash. At a certain point, Justice Man and the serial killer amass unconditional followers.
Justice Man says that the first incident that sparked the serial murder is related to a man who has been given the shameful nickname “dirty worm.” One day, a timid officer worker gets drunk and proceeds to vomit and urinate on the street. A high schooler who witnesses the scene posts it on the Internet with a photograph. The post is ranked No. 1 on the real-time search rankings, and after a few days, the personal information and high school graduation picture of the office man appear on the Internet. To make matters worse, one journalist writes a provocative article about it, and “dirty worm” becomes a subject of criticism. People’s relentless witch-hunting forces him to flee to another country. Justice Man states that the serial killer is the “dirty worm” and his motive for the murder is to bring the high schooler, the school friend, and the journalist to justice.
Justice Man also tells the stories of the suicide of a high school student who was in a relationship with an old married man and the people who crushed the dreams of a mother and daughter who own a pension and makes a perfect reasoning on how they are murdered by the killer. However, after the seven murders, three more people are murdered in a serial order, and the netizens who expect to solve the mystery are thrown into confusion. People’s attitude toward the serial killer turns to a negative one, and those who realize this suddenly change their minds and blame the killer. In the end, the story takes a twist and reveals the identity of the murderer.
- About the Author
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Do Sunwoo
After making his debut, Do Sunwoo received an award at the 22nd Munhak Dongne Novel Award for his book Sparring and received the 13th World Literature Award in 2017 for his book Justice Man. These two novels criticize the structural irrationalities in Korean society and make issues out of heartless but frequently occurring violence in individuals in society. His reflection on violence is based on his longing for the recovery of humanity. Universal themes such as structural irrationalities in society, individuals' violence, and the restoration of humanity are described in an interesting way through captivating storytelling, tight organization, and unique characters.
- Recommendation
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- Selection
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- Bestseller Rank
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