Netflix’s latest drama, The Frog, has taken viewers on a whirlwind journey through intense emotions, suspenseful twists, and a final episode that left everyone talking. The series, which centers around the lives of innkeepers caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with dangerous criminals, is as gripping as it is intricate. Yet, despite the thrill, the conclusion of The Frog raises as many questions as it answers.
Yoo Seong A’s Tragic End: A Betrayal and a Cover-Up
The story of Yoo Seong A, a character shrouded in mystery, unfolds in a tragic manner. As the son of a wealthy businessman, Yoo Seong A led a troubled life, marked by domestic abuse and a haunting past. The revelation that he killed his own stepson, Ha Si Hyeon, sends shockwaves through the narrative. But what truly twists the knife is that his own father, in a horrifying turn of events, orchestrates his murder.
Trailer still from The Frog (doc. Netflix/The Frog)
Seong A’s father, after discovering incriminating evidence on his son’s laptop, decides to have his own child eliminated. This betrayal underscores the dark themes of power and manipulation that The Frog so skillfully explores. The father’s decision to make Seong A’s ex-husband, Ha Jae Sik, the scapegoat for the crime adds another layer of deceit and tragedy to this chilling tale.
The Unlikely Partnership: Jeon Yeong Ha and Koo Gi Ho
Throughout the series, viewers witness the unraveling of lives and properties. Koo Sang Jun’s Lakeview Hotel, once a place of refuge, falls into disrepair and is eventually destroyed. In contrast, Jeon Yeong Ha’s inn, though abandoned for a time, is transformed into a private villa. These shifts in fortune mirror the turbulent journeys of the characters themselves.
Trailer still from The Frog (doc. Netflix/The Frog)
The bond between Jeon Yeong Ha and Koo Gi Ho, two characters who seem to be on different paths, is forged out of necessity and shared grief. Their connection, which only solidifies in the final moments, speaks to the themes of redemption and the search for belonging. Yeong Ha becomes an unexpected ally, helping Gi Ho cover up his revenge-fueled crimes, and in doing so, finds a new family in him.
Yoon Bo Min: The Silent Observer Who Holds the Key
Perhaps the most intriguing character in The Frog is Yoon Bo Min, a police officer with a sharp mind and an even sharper sense of justice. Bo Min’s ability to piece together the puzzle of the overlapping timelines and seemingly unrelated murders is nothing short of impressive. His realization that the same gun was used in both the Seong A and Hyang Cheol cases is a pivotal moment in the series.
Trailer still from The Frog (doc. Netflix/The Frog)
Yet, what truly stands out is Bo Min’s decision to remain silent. Despite knowing the truth about Koo Gi Ho’s involvement in the murders, he chooses to cover it up, thus protecting Gi Ho. This moral ambiguity adds a rich layer of complexity to his character, making him the thread that ties the entire narrative together.
Trailer still from The Frog (doc. Netflix/The Frog)
In the end, The Frog leaves us with a powerful message about the consequences of careless actions, much like the South Korean idiom that inspired its title. The characters, like the frogs in the story, become victims of their own circumstances and the careless actions of others. Yoon Bo Min’s final decision encapsulates the show’s central theme: sometimes, justice isn’t about catching the obvious perpetrator, but understanding the true nature of the crime.
