Who Framed Jang Jae Kyung in Connection?

Connection presents a gripping mystery involving Jang Jae Kyung (played by Ji Sung), the head of the Drug Eradication Division at the Anhyeon Police Station. After his successful capture of a notorious drug trafficker, Jang Chul Gu, Jae Kyung is unexpectedly drawn into a convoluted conspiracy that turns him into a drug addict. The following theories explore the question: who framed Jang Jae Kyung?

The Lemon Mulberry Drug Case

The mystery begins with the lemon mulberry drug, which first came to light following an incident involving Yoo Young Min. Witness Oh Yoon Jin (Jeon Mi Do) described Young Min’s erratic behavior after taking a yellow pill, which led to a fatal accident. Despite extensive investigations, the police were initially unable to identify the drug. Eventually, it was revealed to be lemon mulberry—a new, enigmatic substance with unknown origins.

Jae Kyung’s Kidnapping

Simultaneously, Jae Kyung is attacked and kidnapped by an unknown assailant. He awakens three days later at Pilo Station, with a cryptic message from an anonymous doctor, SOS 1882, warning of a drug transaction at the same location. This peculiar coincidence suggests a deliberate setup by the kidnappers, possibly a rival gang aiming to eliminate competition. Jae Kyung’s ordeal becomes more surreal as he receives a video showing his withdrawal symptoms, revealing his transformation into an addict.

Park Joon Seo’s Warning

Park Joon Soo (Yoon Na Moo), a childhood friend of Jae Kyung, reappears after 20 years to issue a cryptic warning: “You remember our security code, right? SOS 1882.” This message aligns with the doctor’s anonymous tip. Tragically, Joon Soo is found dead under mysterious circumstances, adding another layer to the puzzle. The autopsy process is hindered by figures from Jae Kyung’s past—Prosecutor Park Tae Jin (Kwon Yool) and Won Jong Soo (Kim Kyung Nam)—hinting at a larger conspiracy.

Jong Soo: The Mastermind?

A compelling theory suggests that Jong Soo, a pharmaceutical company leader, might be the creator of lemon mulberry. His influence, bolstered by Prosecutor Tae Jin, positions him perfectly to orchestrate such a scheme. If true, this implicates Jong Soo in Jae Kyung’s framing, possibly as part of a broader power struggle involving high-level drug distribution networks.

The Connection and Final Theories

Joon Soo’s attempts to expose Jong Soo’s actions point towards a deep-rooted conspiracy. Before his death, Joon Soo made insurance preparations, naming Jae Kyung and his allies as beneficiaries, possibly to aid them in uncovering the truth. Jae Kyung and Yoon Jin’s investigation into Jong Soo’s connection, particularly the mysterious disappearance and murder of an employee, Myung Guk, suggests a dangerous web of deceit.

While these theories offer intriguing possibilities, the full truth remains elusive. To uncover the real mastermind behind Jang Jae Kyung’s framing, viewers must continue watching Connection every Friday and Saturday.

In my opinion, Connection masterfully blends suspense and drama, keeping the audience on edge with each episode. The intricate plot and well-developed characters, particularly Jae Kyung’s descent into chaos, make it a must-watch. The show’s strength lies in its ability to weave complex narratives while maintaining emotional depth, much like the best of Korean drama storytelling.