Chapter 5

7:00 PM, Seoul Hospital

The Seoul night sky hung over the city as Seo-jun and Detective Kim arrived at Seoul Hospital. The lights of the building shone like beacons, and the constant coming and going of ambulances and medical staff created an atmosphere of controlled urgency. Seo-jun paused for a moment in front of the main entrance, steeling himself and breathing deeply. Beside him, Detective Kim adjusted his tie, his serene expression belying the anticipation they both felt.

"Let's go," Seo-jun murmured, more to himself than to his partner.

They walked through the automatic doors and were greeted by the distinctive scent of disinfectant and the constant hum of activity. The pristine whiteness of the hallways and the clinical efficiency of the staff created a sense of order that contrasted with the chaos of the outside world. They headed straight to the reception desk, where a middle-aged nurse greeted them with a kind smile.

"Good evening gentlemen, how may I help you?" the nurse asked, her voice professional but warm.

Seo-jun cleared his throat before answering. "Good evening. I am Detective Lin and this is my partner, Detective Kim," he said, briefly showing his badges. "We are here seeking the professional opinion of an expert. We cannot reveal specific details, but we would greatly appreciate your cooperation."

Detective Kim nodded, adding in a deep voice, "Any help you can provide would be extremely valuable."

The nurse's smile widened, seemingly intrigued by the detectives' presence. "Of course, we would be happy to help. What kind of specialist are you looking for?"

"We would need to speak to a surgeon," Seo-jun explained, leaning slightly over the counter.

The nurse nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, in that case, you should definitely speak to Dr. Min Ji-hoon. He is our star surgeon. He is currently in the operating room, but you can wait for him in the surgery area." I'll show you how to get there.

As the nurse showed them the way on a map of the hospital, another younger nurse approached, having overheard part of the conversation.

"Are you looking for Dr. Min?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice. "If you'd like, I can personally escort you to the surgery area."

Seo-jun and Kim exchanged a quick glance before nodding. "We'd really appreciate it," Seo-jun replied, then turning to the first nurse. "Thank you very much for your help."

As they followed the young nurse through the hospital corridors, Seo-jun took the opportunity to ask more general questions of the staff they encountered, to cover up. He stopped in front of a serious-looking doctor who was leaving a consultation room.

"Excuse me, doctor," Seo-jun began. "We were wondering if you could tell us about the more complex surgical procedures performed at this hospital."

The doctor, a man in his fifties with prematurely graying hair, looked at them curiously before answering.

"Well, here at Seoul Hospital we perform a wide range of complex procedures. We are especially known for our organ transplants, high-risk heart surgeries, and tumor removal in delicate areas. We have an exceptional team of surgeons, each with their own specialties."

Detective Kim, who had been listening intently, chimed in, "We've heard a lot about Dr. Min Ji-hoon. Could you tell us something about him?"

The doctor smiled slightly. "Ah, Dr. Min. Yes, he is one of our most outstanding surgeons, especially considering his youth. He has an extraordinary knack for the most difficult cases. But he is not the only one, of course. Dr. Park in cardiology and Dr. Lee in neurosurgery are also excellent in their fields."

Seo-jun nodded, processing the information. "And do you have a pediatrics wing?"

"We are currently in the process of building a new pediatric wing," the doctor explained. "It will be a major advancement for the hospital when it is completed."

"Thank you very much for your time, Doctor," Seo-jun said, and both he and Kim bowed their heads in thanks.

The nurse leading them, who had been waiting patiently, motioned for them to continue. "This way, please. The surgery area is nearby."

As they made their way through the hallways, the detectives couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations between the staff:

"Did you hear about today's surgery? Dr. Min removed a tumor near the heart like it was child's play," one nurse commented to another.

"He always does it," her colleague replied. "So far, he hasn't lost a single patient. It's amazing."

Seo-jun and Kim processed the information. The reverence that most of the staff seemed to have toward Ji-hoon was palpable and, to Seo-jun, slightly unsettling.

They eventually reached a break room near the surgery area. A group of young doctors were chatting animatedly, presumably the team that had assisted Ji-hoon in the operation. Upon seeing the detectives, their expressions changed from surprise to cautious curiosity.

"Good afternoon," Seo-jun greeted, his voice professional but friendly. "We're sorry to interrupt. We're Detectives Lin and Kim, and we have some questions we'd like to ask you, if you don't mind."

The doctors nodded, willing to cooperate. After some general questions about hospital procedures, Seo-jun decided to dig deeper into the topic that really interested them.

"We've heard a lot about Dr. Min Ji-hoon. Could you tell us about him?"

The young doctors exchanged glances, and one of them, a man in his mid-20s, spoke up: "Dr. Min is our mentor. He's really amazing. He's barely in his thirties and he's already a renowned surgeon."

A young woman, her hair tied back in a ponytail, added: "He's always willing to teach and help. His patients adore him, and the hospital directors are thrilled with him." This last was said with an amused smile, causing laughter among her colleagues.

Another doctor, more serious, commented: "He's incredibly dedicated. Sometimes he stays up late at night, perfecting techniques or studying cases. I think he's one of those perfectionists who borders on obsessive, but that's what makes him so good at what he does."

Seo-jun, sensing an opportunity, subtly changed the tone of his voice: "Have you ever noticed anything unusual in his behavior?"

The young doctors seemed confused by the question.

"Unusual?" "No, not really," one of them replied, though his voice wavered slightly. "He's very professional, though… he can be quite intense with his work at times."

Detective Kim, who had been watching silently, chimed in, "Intense in what sense?"

The ponytailed doctor replied, choosing her words carefully, "Well, he's very demanding of himself and others. He doesn't tolerate mistakes and can be quite harsh when someone doesn't meet his standards. But that's what makes him such a good surgeon, isn't it? In this field, mistakes cost lives."

Seo-jun nodded, committing every detail to memory. The image of Ji-hoon as a brilliant but enigmatic surgeon was beginning to form in his mind, and it gave him a bad feeling.

Detective Kim, noticing that they had gotten all the information they could from this group, asked, "Do you know where we can find Dr. Min now?"

One of the doctors replied, "He should be showering after surgery. You can wait for him in his office if you want." It's down the hall on the right.

Thanking the group for their time, Seo-jun and Kim left the break room. Once outside, they exchanged meaningful glances. The staff's unanimous admiration for Ji-hoon had piqued their curiosity and, in Seo-jun's case, a growing sense of unease.

"What do you think?" Seo-jun asked quietly, his tone tinged with barely contained disgust.

Kim frowned, his expression reflecting his displeasure. "It seems too perfect. No one is that flawless. There's always something else beneath the surface."

Seo-jun nodded, his instincts on high alert. "We'll see what kind of person this doctor really is," he said, his voice laden with a mix of anticipation and wariness. "I don't like it when people speak so highly of someone. There's always something hidden around those kinds of individuals."

As they made their way to Ji-hoon's office, Seo-jun couldn't help but feel a growing tension in his stomach. In his mind, a warning voice echoed loudly. To him, there was only one type of being capable of charming everyone around him in such a way: monsters in sheep's clothing. People who hid their true nature behind a facade of perfection and charisma. However, Seo-jun kept these thoughts to himself, not letting them reflect on his face. Only a look of slight displeasure was drawn on his features, imperceptible to anyone who didn't know him well.

Finally, they arrived in front of a door with a plaque reading "Dr. Min Ji-hoon, Chief Surgeon." Seo-jun and Kim exchanged one last glance before Seo-jun raised his hand to knock. The moment of truth had arrived, and both detectives prepared to face the enigmatic surgeon.

"Come in," a soft but authoritative voice answers from inside the office.

Detectives Seo-jun and Kim exchange a glance before opening the door. Upon entering, they are met by an impeccably tidy office. Medical books neatly lined up on shelves, diplomas and awards neatly framed on the walls, and a polished mahogany desk that reflects the soft light of a designer lamp.

Standing by the desk, adjusting the tie of a smart gray suit, is Ji-hoon. His presence is immediately magnetic, filling the room with an aura of confidence and control. A charming smile spreads across his face as he turns to face the newcomers.

"Good evening, gentlemen," Ji-hoon greets, his voice soft and melodious. "I am Dr. Min Ji-hoon. How may I help you?"

Seo-jun feels an immediate, inexplicable sense of unease. There is something about Ji-hoon that makes his skin crawl. Detective Kim, however, takes the lead with his usual professionalism.

"Good evening, Dr. Min. I am Detective Kim and this is my partner, Detective Lin. We hope we are not interrupting your exit."

Ji-hoon makes a nonchalant gesture with his hand, as if time were an irrelevant concept to him. "Not at all. I always have time to help the police. Please take a seat."

In one fluid motion, Ji-hoon slides behind his desk, sitting down with a grace that seems rehearsed. His posture is relaxed, his bright eyes fixed on the detectives as they take seats across from him.

"Dr. Min," Seo-jun begins, his gaze fixed on Ji-hoon, searching for any sign of nervousness or discomfort, "we are investigating a very important case and we would like your professional opinion on some aspects."

"Of course," Ji-hoon replies, leaning forward with an interest that seems genuine. "I would be happy to help in any way I can." Medicine and justice often go hand in hand, don't they?

"That's right, Dr. Min. To start, we'd like to know, from your experience, how can deep cuts be made into a person to cause intense pain but not result in death quickly? Is this a skill that all surgeons possess? Do you have it?

The question hangs in the air, loaded with implications. Seo-jun watches Ji-hoon's reaction closely, looking for any sign of discomfort or surprise.

Ji-hoon, however, doesn't seem perturbed in the slightest. His expression remains serene, almost curious, as if they were discussing the weather and not torture techniques. After a brief moment of thought, he answers in a soft, controlled voice.

"A fascinating question, Detective Lin. From a purely anatomical standpoint, such an action would require deep knowledge of the human body and extraordinary precision." It's not a skill that's taught in medical schools, as you might imagine." He pauses, his eyes fixed on Seo-jun. "As for whether all surgeons possess such a skill… well, the technical ability might be there, but the willingness to apply it in such a way is a completely different question. Medical ethics is the fundamental pillar of our profession."

Ji-hoon leans back in his chair, his fingers laced in his lap. "As for me, Detective, my experience is strictly limited to the operating room and saving lives, not causing pain—remember, we use anesthesia on our patients," he says jokingly.

Seo-jun nods, impressed despite himself by Ji-hoon's eloquence and ability to answer without really committing. "Impressive, Dr. Min. Your knowledge is really extensive," Seo-jun says, keeping his voice neutral. "Would you say these skills are unique to surgeons, or could they be applied in other fields?"

Ji-hoon smiles, his eyes twinkling with something Seo-jun can't quite place. Fun? Challenge? "That's a great question, Detective. These skills, in their most refined form, are certainly the hallmark of a surgeon. However, it could be argued that they apply in any field that requires precision and control under pressure. A watchmaker, a fighter pilot, even—" he pauses dramatically—"a professional assassin who kills for money."

Detective Kim steps in, his deep voice cutting through the tension that has built in the air. "Dr. Min, we've been informed that you are considered one of the best surgeons in the country. What sets you apart from your colleagues?"

Ji-hoon tilts his head in a gesture of false modesty. "That's very kind of you, Detective Kim. I suppose what sets me apart is my absolute dedication to the well-being of my patients. I tolerate no mistakes, neither in myself nor in my team. Some might say I'm obsessive, but in my field, obsession with detail saves lives."

Seo-jun notices how Ji-hoon talks about himself, the confidence bordering on arrogance. He decides to push a little further. "That pursuit of perfection must be exhausting, Dr. Min. How do you handle stress?"

For a moment, something seems to flicker behind Ji-hoon's eyes, but it disappears so quickly that Seo-jun isn't sure he's actually seen it.

"Stress is an integral part of our job, Detective Lin," Ji-hoon replies, his voice silky smooth. "I manage it through a strict routine. Daily exercise, meditation, and—" he smiles enigmatically—"some hobbies that help me unwind. Hunting, for example, I find particularly relaxing."

Seo-jun feels a shiver run down his spine at the mention of hunting. There's something about the way Ji-hoon says it, an underlying intensity, that makes him wonder what kind of "hunting" the doctor actually practices, he was about to ask when he was interrupted.

Detective Kim pulls an envelope from his jacket and extracts some photographs. "Dr. Min, we would like your opinion on these images."

Ji-hoon examines them with interest, showing no perturbation at their graphic nature. His eyes scan each detail with an intensity.

"Fascinating," Ji-hoon murmurs. "These cuts are the work of someone extremely skilled. The precision is… impressive."

"Could you elaborate, Dr. Min?" Seo-jun presses, watching Ji-hoon's every reaction intently.

Ji-hoon looks up from the photographs, his expression serious and professional. "Of course. These cuts show a deep understanding of human anatomy. The person who made this knew exactly where to cut to cause maximum damage with minimum effort. The cut on the throat, for example, is particularly interesting. Precise, clean, straight to the carotid artery. Whoever made this not only knows the human body intimately, but has exceptional skill with a scalpel."

"Dr. "Min," Seo-jun interjects, his voice tense, "would you say this level of precision is common among surgeons?"

Ji-hoon looks him straight in the eyes, his expression unreadable. "Among the best, Detective Lin. Only true masters of the scalpel could pull off something like this."

Seo-jun nods slowly, his mind racing. There's something about the way Ji-hoon speaks, the way his eyes glisten as he describes the cuts, that sends a chill down his spine.

"One last question, Dr. Min," Seo-jun says. "What kind of person do you think could do something like this?"

Ji-hoon leans back in his chair, considering the question. His fingers drum lightly on the desk, the only sign of movement in his otherwise perfectly controlled posture.

"It's a complex question, Detective," he finally answers. "From a purely technical standpoint, we're talking about someone with advanced surgical skills." Ji-hoon pauses, his eyes fixed on a distant point, as if he were visualizing the perpetrator in his mind.

"Based on what I see in these images and my experience, I would venture to suggest that they might be looking for someone close to the victim. Perhaps a partner or ex-partner. Someone who knew the victim well and had a personal motive."

Ji-hoon leans forward, his eyes shining with an intensity that Seo-jun finds unsettling. "Detectives, if I may make a suggestion, I think you should investigate the victim's close circle. Pay special attention to any current or past partners who may have medical training, particularly in surgery."

"Fascinating analysis, Dr. Min," Detective Kim interrupts, breaking the tension of the moment. "Your insight is truly valuable to our investigation."

Ji-hoon smiles, charm returning to his face. "I'm glad I can be of assistance, detectives. Cooperation with the law is crucial to the well-being of our society."

Seo-jun stands up, feeling an urgent need to leave the office, to escape Ji-hoon's overwhelming presence. "Thank you for your time, Dr. Min. It's been very… enlightening."

Detective Kim hands Ji-hoon a business card. "If you know anything else that might be relevant to the case, please don't hesitate to contact us."

"Of course, Detective Kim," Ji-hoon replies, taking the card with a graceful gesture. "I'd be happy to help in any way I can."

As they head for the door, Ji-hoon accompanies them, his presence filling the space between them. "It's been a pleasure, detectives. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me. My office door is always open to you."

Outside the office, Seo-jun and Kim exchange meaningful glances. The interview with Ji-hoon has left both of them with more questions than answers, and Seo-jun can't shake the feeling that they've just had a conversation with someone dangerously intelligent.

As they walk down the hospital hallway, Seo-jun can't help but glance back. Through the half-open office door, he sees Ji-hoon standing motionless, his gaze fixed on the retreating detectives. For a moment, Seo-jun swears he sees something dark and cold in those eyes, but when he blinks, Ji-hoon is smiling again, the perfect image of a dedicated, helpful doctor.

Seo-jun quickens his pace, eager to get out of the hospital and process everything that has just occurred. He has the uneasy feeling that this won't be the last time he meets Dr. Min Ji-hoon, and the thought makes him queasy.