Crime Scene Zero: An Intriguing New Reality Series on Netflix
Crime Scene Zero has recently premiered on Netflix, captivating viewers with its unique blend of murder mysteries, celebrity participants, and role-playing detective work. The show, though technically the fifth season of the Crime Scene franchise, marks its first international debut, joining popular Korean reality titles like Zombieverse, The Devil’s Plan, and Physical: 100.
The series features well-known personalities such as Jang Jin, Jang Dong-min, Park Ji-yoon, and An Yu-jin, alongside new faces, as they delve into fictional murder cases. With plans for Part 2 dropping soon, here’s a detailed overview of the first four episodes, including game rules, case details, suspects, and outcomes. Spoilers ahead!
---
General Rules of Crime Scene Zero
Each game in the series follows a consistent structure:
- One detective, their assistant, and five suspects
- Every character has a background story and an alibi
- Innocent characters tell the truth, while the culprit can lie
- Players vote on who they believe is the murderer at the end
- The suspect with the most votes is jailed
- Consequences:
- If the suspect is guilty: voters each receive 2 million won (~$1,500)
- If innocent: the real killer wins the entire 10 million won (~$7,200)
---
Game 1: Murder in the Abandoned Hospital
Case Overview
The victim: Jang Je-in, 46, director of Yeonjidol Village Psychiatric Hospital, closed in 2013. Her body was found hanging on the hospital walls in an apparent suicide, with causes pointing to blood loss. The estimated time of death: between 10:20 pm and 11:30 pm; her body was reported at 11:35 pm.
Suspects and Alibis
| Suspect | Role | Alibi | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Village Head Park | Village leader | Running an eve festival with a singing contest | | Cousin Jang | Jang Je-in’s cousin, mannequin factory director | At home eating kimchi and drinking soju | | Dr. An | Physician, ex-colleague in Seoul | Attending a VIP patient | | Shaman Park | Spiritual guide, high school classmate | Praying at a shrine | | Pretty Boy Kim | Jang Je-in’s boyfriend | Arrived at Yeonjidol Hotel at 11:40 pm after news |
Results and the Killer
Initial votes:
- Detective Jang: suspects Shaman Park
- Shaman Park: Village Head Park
- Others: votes mostly spread
Final votes:
- Village Head Park: voted by Jang Dong-min
- Cousin Jang: voted by Jang Dong-min
- Detective Jang: voted for Shaman Park
- Pretty Boy Kim: voted for Shaman Park
- Shaman Park: received the most votes, confirming him as the killer
Outcome: Shaman Park is the murderer. Both Detective Jang and Pretty Boy Kim guessed correctly, earning 2 million won each.
---
Game 2: Murder at the Funeral Hall
Case Overview
During a funeral at the home of Breadwinner Jang, the wealthy chairman of Jang’s Kimchi, his son Youngest Jang (33) was found dead in the family casket. Cause of death remains unknown, with the estimated time between 5 am and 6 am, when the casket was unattended.
Suspects and Alibis
| Suspect | Role | Alibi | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Eldest Jang | Brother, executive director of Jang’s Kimchi | Vigil at funeral parlor as chief mourner | | Daughter Jang | Sister, head of menu development | At funeral, drinking earlier | | Lover Kim | Team leader, fiancé of Daughter Jang | Helping at funeral, waiting for procession | | Wife Park | Widow, mother of the victim | Greeting mourners, preparing for procession | | Daughter-in-law Joo| Wife of the deceased son | Greeting mourners, handling condolence money |
Results and the Killer
Votes:
- Detective An initially suspects Lover Kim
- Final votes:
- Wife Park: Eldest Jang
- Eldest Jang: Daughter-in-law Joo
- Lover Kim: Daughter-in-law Joo
- Daughter-in-law Joo: Lover Kim
- Detective An: Daughter-in-law Joo
- Daughter Jang: Daughter-in-law Joo
Outcome: Daughter-in-law Joo received the highest votes, confirming her as the culprit. The voters who guessed her right each earned 2 million won, with Detective An winning 1 million.
---
What's Next?
The series continues with more mysteries in Part 2, set to premiere on September 30. Fans can look forward to new cases involving cunning suspects and challenging deductions, along with the ongoing star-studded cast and engaging gameplay.
Until then, stay tuned for updates and delve into the intriguing world of Crime Scene Zero!
---
Note: All monetary values are approximate conversions from Korean won.