'Monster's Time' Premieres with Record-Breaking Ratings, Ex-Wife of Lee Chun-jae Breaks 31 Years of Silence

SBS's new 4-part crime documentary, 'Monster's Time,' has captivated audiences, securing the top spot in its timeslot with its premiere episode.

The first episode, aired on November 1st, delved deep into the shocking reality and twisted psychology of Lee Chun-jae, the confessed perpetrator of the notorious Hwaseong serial murders. The documentary garnered an average viewership rating of 3.3% and a peak of 3.71% in the Seoul metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea, solidifying its dominance in the non-drama genre.

Part 1 meticulously recreated the detailed interrogation process following the discovery of Lee Chun-jae's DNA in several Hwaseong murder cases. Investigators skillfully exploited his 'desire for fame' and 'need for recognition,' leading Lee Chun-jae to astonishingly write down his confessed crimes: '12+2 murders, 19 rapes, 15 attempted crimes' on paper, adding that the latter two murders occurred in Cheongju.

When Lee Chun-jae claimed childhood molestation as a motive, then-investigator Na Won-oh dismissed it as a likely attempt to rationalize his crimes. The documentary highlighted the cunning and self-serving nature of such justifications.

Beyond mere case reconstruction, 'Monster's Time' offered profound insights into the criminal's psyche and societal responsibilities, resonating deeply with viewers. Post-broadcast reactions poured in, with comments like 'Seeing the number of crimes Lee Chun-jae wrote himself gave me chills' and 'The documentary posed profound questions.'

The upcoming Part 2, 'Lee Chun-jae's Day and Night,' will feature the first-ever testimony from Lee Chun-jae's ex-wife, who experienced his brutality firsthand. She will break her 31-year silence to share her experiences of the man she married. The episode airs on Sunday, November 2nd, at 11:10 PM.

Netizens expressed shock and awe, commenting 'Seeing Lee Chun-jae write the numbers himself is chilling,' 'The in-depth analysis of the serial killer's psychology is astounding,' and 'I can't wait for next week's episode.' The documentary is being praised for its gripping narrative and profound exploration of criminal behavior.