The city of Seoul was a labyrinth of contrasts—gleaming skyscrapers and hidden alleyways, modern innovation and ancient traditions. Detective Joon-Ho Kim knew that the answer to the case lay somewhere in this intricate maze, and he was determined to navigate its twists and turns.
Joon-Ho and Hye-Jung's first task was to decipher the blueprints they had found. The facility's design was complex, featuring multiple layers of security and hidden compartments. The blueprints appeared to indicate a subterranean structure, possibly an old facility repurposed for clandestine activities.
They decided to consult with an architect, Dr. Jae-Min Lee, who specialized in urban planning and historical buildings. Dr. Lee's office was a reflection of his expertise, filled with architectural models and plans. He was a middle-aged man with a keen intellect and an analytical mind.
Joon-Ho and Hye-Jung presented the blueprints to Dr. Lee. He examined them carefully, tracing the lines with a practiced eye.
"This facility is interesting," Dr. Lee said, his tone measured. "The design is old, but the modifications are recent. It looks like it was built as a secure storage facility, but someone has been upgrading it with advanced security measures."
Hye-Jung interjected, "We think it's connected to the disappearances. Can you help us pinpoint its location?"
Dr. Lee nodded, pulling up maps and overlays on his computer. "There are a few locations in the city that fit this description. I'll cross-reference the blueprints with historical data to narrow it down."
As Dr. Lee worked, Joon-Ho's phone buzzed with another notification—an update from the precinct. The latest analysis of the missing persons' data had revealed a new pattern: all the victims had been linked to a specific tech company, possibly indicating that the perpetrator had a connection to the industry.
"Looks like we might have a lead," Joon-Ho said, sharing the information with Hye-Jung. "Let's dig into the tech company's records. There might be something there."
They spent the next few hours combing through the company's data, focusing on employee records and recent activities. It wasn't long before they discovered a pattern of suspicious transactions and unreported movements among certain employees. One name stood out—Hyun-Soo Kim, a former employee with a history of security breaches and disciplinary issues.
Joon-Ho and Hye-Jung decided to investigate Hyun-Soo Kim's whereabouts. Their search led them to a small, run-down apartment on the outskirts of the city. The building was old, with peeling paint and a sense of neglect that matched the disarray inside.
They knocked on the door, and after a moment, it creaked open. Hyun-Soo Kim appeared, looking disheveled and nervous. He was a man in his late thirties, with a troubled expression and darting eyes.
"Detective Kim," Hyun-Soo stammered. "What can I do for you?"
"We need to talk about your recent activities," Joon-Ho said, his tone firm. "We've linked you to a series of disappearances. Can you explain your connection to these cases?"
Hyun-Soo's face paled. "I—I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't been involved in anything like that."
Joon-Ho studied him carefully. There was a flicker of fear in Hyun-Soo's eyes, but it wasn't clear whether it was genuine or a façade. "We have evidence suggesting otherwise. If you cooperate, it will go better for you. Otherwise, we'll have to take more drastic measures."
Hyun-Soo hesitated, his hands trembling. "Okay, okay."