The Frog (아무도 없는 숲속에서) is a thrilling suspenseful South Korean drama. It narrates a dark psychological tale about the heinous crimes that wreck the lives of the commoners.

The original Korean (Hangul) title of this series is ‘Amudo Eobsneun Supsogeseo’ (아무도 없는 숲속에서). The translation of the original title is ‘In A Forest (Wood) With No One Around’.

“The Frog” Is A Disturbing Crime Thriller From Korea; This Dark Psychological Series Shock And Awe

Trailer: The Frog (2024/South Korea) Limited Mini-Series

“I wanted to tell the story of ordinary people who are met with worst-case scenarios and try to protect their everyday lives. I thought the characters were like trees falling by themselves in the woods. The opening of each episode is the moment they fall that we failed to notice.”

Son Ho-Young | Netflix

Synopsis: The Frog (2024/South Korea) Limited Mini-Series

On a calm summer day, an enigmatic woman guest Yoo Seong-Ah (Go Min-Si) arrives at a vacation rental, setting off a series of events that profoundly affect the lives of the owner Jeon Yeong Ha (Kim Yoon-Seok) and the people in his vicinity. Jeon, the vacation rental owner’s existence begins to disintegrate soon after the unexpected arrival of a mysterious woman Yoo, compelling him to fiercely protect what he holds most dear.

Spoiler Free Review: The Frog (2024/South Korea) Limited Mini-Series

The introduction

This 2024 K-drama is a suspense thriller that centres on the commoner individuals whose serene existence is disrupted by a series of uncontrollable events triggered by the arrival of an enigmatic visitor during the summer months. So, it depicts two crime stories that take place in the fictional towns of Hosumaeul and Dongho, South Korea. Interestingly, these interconnected tales happen during the two different periods.

The Frog, follows the plight of two men ensnared by a brutal killer—or killers—while an exceptional detective endeavors to bring them to justice.

The English langauge title of the series "The Frog" (also means the naive victims) also seems appropriate. Moreover, we are reminded of the "Boiling frog syndrome" in the show. It is a metaphor that encapsulates the phenomenon of inaction regarding a troubling circumstance that gradually intensifies, potentially culminating in catastrophic outcomes. 

The 2020s – the first story is set in Hosumaeul

Jeon Yeong-Ha (Kim) operates a vacation rental situated in a secluded forest. One summer afternoon, an unanticipated visitor, Yoo Seong-A (Go), arrives and spends the night with her son, Ha Si-Hyeon (Jo). Following her departure without any communication, Yeong-ha discovers bloodstains in the room. Rather than notifying the authorities, he decides to clean the area and pretends that nothing unusual occurred. Is Seong-a guilty of murder? If she were to return, would Yeong-ha ultimately decide to report her?

We loved the use of 1974 classic song in this show "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" by Bobby "Blue" Bland. 

The 2001 – the second story is set in Dongho

At another time in another peaceful town, Koo Sang-jun (Yoon) runs the Lakeview Motel together with his wife, Seo Eun-Gyeong (Ryu). The couple grapples with the challenges of keeping their business viable, often lacking the necessary clientele to survive. Their lives are irrevocably changed when a strange and intimidating man checks in for the night.

Wish we could share the other details of these two dark psychological tales, but…

The first four episodes set up the basic premises of the two crime tales mentioned above. Notably, the crimes are of the most brutal and heinous nature. In a way, these crimes are like the felling of trees located deep inside the forest. Hence, the Korean language title 아무도 없는 숲속에서 (Amudo Eobsneun Supsogeseo | In A Forest (Wood) With No One Around) of this series seems apt.

These immoral and illegal acts are set in motion then in the next four episodes, with grave consequences for all those who unknowingly witnessed the felling of the trees in the forest. Therefore, all those innocent people who are acutely aware of those inhumane crimes, end up becoming the unintended victims of the original crime.

In these two dark psychological tales, the cruel crimes are bound to have their pound of flesh. At this point, we think that any kind of further details about this K-drama might ruin the surprise elements hidden in the suspenseful tale. And, that might ruin your viewing pleasure. So, we shall not do it.

A word of caution though, while watching it in the first half, one might get the feeling that the story is not going anywhere. But, do stick around, and one’s patience will be richly rewarded in the second half. The crime drama gets more intense, tension-filled, purposeful and action-packed in the second half.

The ensemble cast has done an impactful acting in it

Kim Yoon-Seok (Jeon Yeong Ha) plays the protagonist with a lot of conviction. He plays the middle-aged owner of an exquisite rental vacation home located in a remote forest area.

While Go Min-Si (Yoo Seong-Ah) portrays the dark and dangerous antagonist. She looks like an innocent (check out her photos) girl, but her beautiful face hides a deadly psycho killer.

Last time, we saw the young actress Go Min-Si in the 2023 Korean movie Smugglers, wherein she played the character named Go Ok Boon.

Also, we remeber watching the senior actress Lee Jung-Eun in the accalimed 2019 Koren movie Parasite, wherein, she enacted the role of the housekeeper Moon Gwang. 

Lee Jeong-Eun (Yoon Bo-Min) plays the police official, who is the common link between the two crime tales. The 2001 case was her first police case when she was still a fresh recruit. In her younger days, perhaps she failed to comprehend the devastating impact of crimes on the victims. However, after two decades of policing, she has matured into a good police detective, who understands the criminal mind. We would love to see more of her character.

The ensemble cast consists of Yoon Kyesang (Koo Sang Jun), Jennifer Aquino (Eun-Gyeong), June Yoon (Yong-Chae), Park Ji-Hwan (Jong-Doo), etc. They played their parts well.

The conclusion

As we mentioned above, this suspenseful K-drama moves at a slow pace in the first half. But, once it gains a fast pace in the second half, it starts to hurtle past at a terrifying speed. With many trees (bodies) falling in the forest, we could not take our eyes away from this captivating show. The climax of the show ends on a sombre and thoughtful note. Notably, it leaves a door open, in case, its creators wish to explore further and take this tale forward.

Rating:

FM Rating

3.50/5

Posters:

Key Details:

Genre	Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Original Langauge	Korean (Hangul)
Season	One (1) Season
Episodes	Eight (8) Episodes
Creators	Son Ho-young & Mo Wan-Il
Director	Mo Wan-Il
Cast	Kim Yoon-Seok (Jeon Yeong Ha), Go Min-Si (Yoo Seong-Ah), Yoon Kyesang (Koo Sang Jun), Lee Jeong-Eun (Yoon Bo-Min), Jennifer Aquino (Eun-Gyeong), June Yoon (Yong-Chae), Park Ji-Hwan (Jong-Doo), etc.
Network	Netflix

Spoilers Alert: Important Characters & Episodes Summary

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Featured Image is of Go Min-Si (Yoo Seong-A).

Posters & Featured Images of The Frog (2024/South Korea) Mini-Series | Images Credit: Netflix.