Netflix’s “The Frog”: A Dark Psychological Thriller Set in Two Timelines

Netflix’s latest original Korean drama, The Frog, invites viewers to a sun-soaked lodge in the woods, only to immerse them in a dark and twisted psychological thriller. Directed by Mo Wan-il (The World of the Married) and starring veteran actor Kim Yoon-seok (The Thieves) in his first TV role in nearly two decades, alongside Yoon Kye-sang (The Kidnapping Day) and rising star Go Min-si (Sweet Home), The Frog weaves a tale set across two timelines in rural Korean holiday homes.

Kim Yoon-seok plays Jeong Young-ha, a widowed proprietor of a vacation rental deep in the woods. When a mysterious young woman, Yoo Sung-a (Go Min-si), arrives with her stepson, she leaves quietly, but Young-ha begins to suspect something terrible may have happened to the child. Meanwhile, 20 years earlier, Koo Sang-joon (Yoon Kye-sang) runs a similar pension with his family. Their lives take a dark turn when they discover the decapitated body of a young woman, leading to a spiral of media attention and suspicions of a serial killer.

While the premise of The Frog is intriguing, the execution sometimes falls short. The show frequently references the philosophical thought experiment, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” However, the connection between this thought experiment and the narrative remains somewhat unclear, leaving viewers to piece together the thematic relevance.

The series’ English title, The Frog, is derived from a Korean saying that implies unintended consequences from one’s actions. Although this theme recurs throughout the series, it does little to clarify the complex narrative, which involves several characters making morally ambiguous decisions.

The Frog shines in its rich summer settings and strong performances, particularly from Kim Yoon-seok as the conflicted Young-ha. The show’s aesthetic, including its use of Bobby Bland’s “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” adds to its stylish appeal. However, the slow-burning intrigue of the early episodes begins to fizzle out as the series progresses, with some disappointing reveals and confusing character actions.

Moreover, the connection between the two timelines, while eventually made clear, feels tenuous and lacks the impact that might have tied the story together more effectively. Despite its promising start, The Frog ultimately leaves viewers with the feeling of a missed opportunity—a thriller that begins with gripping potential but doesn’t quite deliver on its early promise.

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