Taking its name and basic motive from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel, the movie revolves around a talented and intelligent police detective (Han) who indulges in secret affairs although he has a wife (Um) that loves him. He finds himself attracted to Kyong-hee, the wife of a murdered man whose case he is investigating, who is also a suspect. As the story evolves, the relationships between the cop and three women fall into disaster.

``Chuhung Kulsi (The Scarlet Letter)’’ is a moody thriller that marks the return of actor Han Seok-gyu to the screen. In truth, the actor, who is most famous for starring in the hit film Shiri, made his return last year from his four-year hiatus, but ``Ijung Kanchop (Comrade)’’ seems to have slipped from everyone’s minds lately.

In Su-hyon(Uhm Ji-won), Ki-hun has the seemingly perfect and obedient wife. But at the same time, the detective is carrying on a steamy affair with Ka-hui(Lee Eun-Ju(a), a sultry jazz singer at a nightclub who is in many ways the opposite of his wife, a classical musician.

Added to the mix is Kyong-hi (Seong Hyeon-a), the wife of a murder victim whose case Ki-hun is investigating. The murder seems to have a basis in adultery, a possible parallel to the detective’s own life.