Two Korean drama series tackling the subject of heinous crimes in unconventional ways are gaining widespread attention. Netflix’s “The Frog,” which premiered on Aug 23., and “No Way Out: The Roulette,” recently concluded on Disney+ and U+ Mobile TV, both stray from the typical narrative of justice prevailing over evil. Instead, these dramas leave viewers feeling frustrated and contemplative, providing no clear resolution or punishment for the perpetrators.
“The Frog” focuses on the often-overlooked victims on the periphery, those who are forgotten and overshadowed by more noticeable aspects of crime. In contrast, “No Way Out: The Roulette” explores the blurred line between good and evil, delving into human nature’s complexity, where malice and virtue are intertwined.
As of Aug 25., “The Frog” ranked 6th globally on Netflix’s TV show category according to FlixPatrol, a provider of VOD charts and streaming ratings. Meanwhile, “No Way Out: The Roulette” reached the top two spots on Disney+ in Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions.
Starring Kim Yun-seok, Go Min-si, and Yoon Kye-sang, “The Frog” is a psychological thriller that chillingly suggests one’s life can be shattered simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The title metaphorically refers to a frog hit by a carelessly thrown stone. The character Sang-jun (played by Yoon Kye-sang), who owns a remote forest motel, becomes the frog. A serial killer randomly selects his motel as a crime scene, which leads to the motel being labeled as a crime site and eventually shutting down. Sang-jun’s family faces a tragic fate, and they receive only scorn from the community, with no assistance or support. The drama highlights the often ignored aspects of crime victims’ lives.
Decades later, Yeong-ha (played by Kim Yun-seok), who runs a secluded vacation cabin, finds himself in a similar position. A mysterious female guest, Seong-a (played by Go Min-si), and a child visit the cabin. After they leave, evidence surfaces suggesting that Seong-a murdered the child. Faced with the possibility of becoming the next “frog,” Yeong-ha hides the incident, but Seong-a returns, leading to a harrowing confrontation. The drama alternates between the stories of the motel and the cabin, delving into the plight of those who, like the frog, find themselves inadvertently caught in a web of crime.
“No Way Out: The Roulette” begins with the release of a criminal (played by Yoo Jae-myung) resembling Cho Doo-soon, one of Korea’s most infamous rapists. Yet, all the main characters, aside from this heinous criminal, also evoke a sense of disgust. Even the detective protagonist (played by Cho Jin-woong) is far from virtuous, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease. An enigmatic man offers 20 billion won to anyone who kills the criminal, and the town descends into chaos amid protests to expel him.
Initially, the audience’s anger is directed at the loathsome criminal, but the drama soon reveals the double-sided nature of many characters, such as police officers, lawyers, and politicians. The protagonist detective embezzles money from crime scenes while condemning the criminal’s morality. A lawyer (played by Kim Moo-yul) defends the criminal for personal gain while quoting human rights laws, and ordinary citizens harm innocent people in pursuit of the 20 billion won (about $15 million) reward. The series starkly portrays how alarmingly thin the line between good and evil can be.
While “The Frog” maintains viewers’ curiosity with suspense, “No Way Out: The Roulette” offers a blunt approach, resembling a ‘mockumentary’ that presents a fictional situation as reality. Directed by Mo Wan-il, known for the hit drama “The World of the Married” (2020), “The Frog” becomes a thriller where the characters’ emotions are as intense as those in “The World of the Married.” The performances of Kim Yun-seok, who plays a completely ordinary man, and Go Min-si, who brings a chilling intensity to her role, are particularly notable. “No Way Out: The Roulette” might raise viewers’ blood pressure with its exaggerated characters and rage-inducing plot, making it a perfect drama for a hot summer.
