On May 9, a girl named Oh Min-ju is murdered. Seven suspects are each visited by mysterious vigilantes collectively known as “Shadows” who force those under suspicion to confess about the truth of the May 9 case. Wearing outfits that symbolize authority, such as airborne troops, the U.S. Army, the police, organized gangsters, and the intelligence agency, the “shadows” torture and cause violence to the suspects. But as the relationship between the perpetrators and victims develops, these oppressive “shadows” begin to question if this kind of revenge is an appropriate response even if murder is the inciting incident. Director Kim said, “this film is about Korea, the land I live in. Writing this scenario, I had to admit that I’m a coward, too. I’m shocked everyday living in this country.” This film actually criticizes the real-life politics in a highly abstract manner. For instance, the name of the girl is obviously borrowed from the Korean word meaning “democracy.” Kim added that, “everyone might have their own version of “Min-ju, and only when they have it will they be able to watch this film to the end.” (NAM Dong-chul)