Cha Yeon Ho (Lee Min Ki) has just joined the traffic accident investigation unit in the drama Crash (2024). However, some people want him gone due to his past as the perpetrator of a fatal traffic accident. Despite the controversy, Cha Yeon Ho remains a police officer. Here are three reasons why:
1. The Appointment is Administratively Valid
The revelation of Cha Yeon Ho’s past stirred controversy in the Namgang police department. Many officers were uncomfortable with him, especially since he has low social skills. Police chief Koo Kyung Mo (Baek Hyun Jin) tried to expel him from the force. However, the head of the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team, Jung Chae Man (Heo Sung Tae), defended him. According to Jung Chae Man, there were no administrative flaws in Cha Yeon Ho’s appointment process, leaving Koo Kyung Mo no choice but to seek other ways to remove him.
2. He Passed the Audit
An audit was conducted to assess Cha Yeon Ho’s suitability as a police officer. Two officers interrogated him about his past accident and its psychological impact. Despite the intense scrutiny, Cha Yeon Ho passed the audit and was deemed fit to serve as a police officer. This result made it harder for those who wanted him out to justify their stance.
3. Cha Yeon Ho’s Contributions to a Major Case
During his time with the TCI team, Cha Yeon Ho played a crucial role in solving a hit-and-run case linked to a serial rapist. He suspected the hit-and-run perpetrator was the same as the serial rapist being investigated by the joint crime and violence police team (jatanras). Although initially dismissed, Cha Yeon Ho and Min So Hee (Kwak Sun Young) found DNA evidence and witnesses that confirmed his theory.
Cha Yeon Ho went to great lengths to save the next victim, overcoming his fear of driving to reach the location quickly. After a tense confrontation and using martial arts techniques he learned from Min So Hee, he subdued the suspect. This act of bravery earned him respect within the Namgang police department, silencing doubts about his suitability as a police officer and thwarting attempts to have him fired.
