7 Obstacles Detective Jung Hyun Faces in Catching a Killer in Hunter with a Scalpel

Hunter with a Scalpel is one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2025, especially for fans of gripping crime thrillers. The drama marks Kang Hoon’s first acting project of the year, where he takes on the intense role of Detective Jung Jung Hyun—an officer with the Yongcheon Police Department. Known for his relentless dedication, Jung Hyun is tasked with investigating a gruesome double murder that has shaken the city of Yongcheon to its core.

In this chilling case, two victims are discovered brutally mutilated and dumped in public spaces. What makes the murders even more disturbing is the fact that the killer intentionally leaves cryptic clues, as if challenging the authorities to catch him. Despite having these so-called clues, Detective Jung Hyun faces a series of major roadblocks in uncovering the truth.

Here are 7 key obstacles that hinder Detective Jung Hyun’s quest to solve the murder case in Hunter with a Scalpel.

1. Crime Scenes Are Meticulously Cleaned of Evidence

Both victims are found in separate locations, yet the scenes share a disturbing similarity: the absence of any physical evidence. The killer appears to have expertly cleaned the area before dumping the bodies—no fingerprints, no footprints, and no objects left behind. This meticulousness leaves Jung Hyun with very few leads and forces him to rely on psychological profiling and instinct.

2. Pressure from Superiors to Solve the Case Quickly

Jung Hyun and his team face immense pressure from higher-ups at the Yongcheon Police Department. As the murders attract intense public and media attention, the authorities demand rapid progress and results. This time crunch puts the investigation under strain, increasing the risk of rushed decisions and overlooked details.

3. Lack of CCTV Footage at the Dump Sites

In modern investigations, surveillance footage is a vital tool—but in this case, it’s virtually non-existent. The areas where the bodies were discovered lack CCTV coverage, making it almost impossible to track the killer’s movements or spot potential witnesses. This severely limits the team's ability to reconstruct the crime timeline.

4. Leaked Investigation Details Create Public Pressure

To make matters worse, confidential information about the case is leaked to the media. This not only fuels wild public speculation but also hampers the police investigation. The leak forces Jung Hyun and his colleagues to work under even greater scrutiny, while also managing misinformation and panic in the community.

5. The Killer Has a Cold and Calculated Personality

According to forensic psychologist Dr. Seo Se Hyun (played by Park Ju Hyun), the murderer displays traits of being calm, meticulous, and emotionally detached—a combination that makes profiling him particularly difficult. He doesn't act impulsively, and his actions seem calculated, which obscures any emotional or psychological motive that might have been easier to trace.

6. No Clear Connection Between the Victims and the Killer

One of the most frustrating aspects of the case is that the two victims appear to have no connection to each other or to the killer. They were strangers, with no shared past, workplace, or personal ties. This rules out motives such as revenge or jealousy and makes the killer’s intentions even more mysterious.

7. Lack of Team Support Slows the Investigation

On a more personal level, Jung Hyun often finds himself working alone. His team lacks dedication—many of them avoid working overtime or taking initiative in the investigation. This lack of support significantly slows down the case, forcing Jung Hyun to carry the burden almost entirely on his own.

Could the Killer Strike Again?

Dr. Seo Se Hyun warns that the killer may not be finished. Based on the pattern of the crimes and the calculated way the bodies were disposed of, she believes the perpetrator could be narcissistic. His desire to be noticed and "understood" by the public might drive him to continue his killing spree. If true, the danger isn’t over—and time is running out for Detective Jung Hyun to stop him.

Will Detective Jung Hyun Crack the Case?

The case presents more than just a test of investigative skills—it’s a psychological game. Despite the odds, Jung Hyun remains determined. Armed with intelligence, intuition, and resilience, he continues his pursuit of justice. But with the killer always one step ahead, the question remains: Can he catch the hunter before more lives are lost?