Bastard by Hwang Youngchan follows Jin Seon, a high school student trapped in a harrowing double life. His father, Kevin, is a charismatic yet sadistic serial killer who manipulates Jin into aiding his crimes. Outwardly, Jin appears as a timid, socially isolated teenager, but beneath this facade, he is coerced into luring victims by exploiting their trust. Despite his compliance, Jin harbors a desperate desire to escape his father’s control and end the cycle of violence. The story delves into Jin’s psychological turmoil as he navigates guilt, fear, and the fragile hope of redemption, all while maintaining the illusion of normalcy to avoid suspicion.
The narrative intensifies when Jin forms a bond with Kyun Yoon, a classmate who becomes his father’s next target. Determined to protect her, Jin devises risky strategies to outwit Kevin, risking exposure and retaliation. As Kevin’s crimes grow bolder, the tension escalates, leading to a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. Jin’s struggle evolves from mere survival to confronting his father’s tyranny, unearthing dark family secrets and testing his moral limits. The climax centers on Jin’s fight to dismantle Kevin’s reign of terror, blending suspenseful twists and emotional stakes, ultimately exploring themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom from inherited darkness.