Episode 1 of "The Frog" immerses viewers in an eerie atmosphere as a record spins its haunting melodies within a secluded cabin. The soundtrack weaves through a series of jarring visuals: a man, Jeon Yeong-ha, drowning a woman and subsequently concealing what appears to be a lifeless body beneath the earth. The motivations shrouded in mystery, Yeong-ha is a paradoxical figure—a meticulous proprietor of a serene vacation retreat nestled deep within the embrace of the forest's serenity and mountain solitude.
Amidst the tranquility, Yeong-ha's dedication to excellence stands in stark contrast to Yong-chae's relentless push for profit above all else. The two navigate their partnership, with Yeong-ha steadfast in his commitment to providing genuine hospitality rather than succumbing to the allure of easy money.
Meanwhile, Yoon Bo-min revisits the police station after two decades, a former occupant of its halls. Her arrival heralds the relinquishment of a cardboard box brimming with nostalgia, including a photograph that unlocks memories of her inaugural case.
Elsewhere, Sang-jun emerges as a character from the past, once the proprietor of a vacation spot in 2001—a time that eerily aligns with Bo-min's maiden investigation. At the Lake View Motel, he toiled alongside Eun-gyeong, their collaborative efforts fostering a thriving business.
Shifting gears to the present, Yeong-ha finds himself extending a helping hand to Sung-a, a woman shrouded in secrecy, and her child, Si-hyeon. Their quest for shelter unveils Sung-a's aquaphobia, a fear that clings to her like a shroud. Amidst this unfolding narrative, Si-hyeon's toy dog captures fleeting moments of levity, its mechanical heart revived by Yeong-ha's attentive hand as Sung-a ventures forth to procure supplies. This seemingly innocuous detail recurs, subtly weaving into the fabric of the episode, its significance yet to be fully revealed.
Sung-a's desire to spin the record player's wheels ignites a sense of unease within Yeong-ha, whose heart still echoes with memories of his late wife's avid vinyl collection. He hasn't ventured into the dusty basement for ages, where her colossal hoard of records, each a potential treasure trove, lies hidden. As Sung-a selects the very Bobby Bland record that serenaded our ears at the episode's dawn, coincidence seems but a fleeting notion.
The moment the record's melodious notes fill the air, nature echoes with a symphony of its own—a relentless downpour that blankets the world outside. The rain's relentless embrace serves as a portal, whisking us back to the year 2001 with seamless finesse.
We find ourselves at the motel, where Sang-jun warmly greets a fresh guest whose window frames a breathtaking view of the serene lake. Room 403 becomes their sanctuary, its significance lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be unraveled.
Meanwhile, in the present's fray, Bo-min, still a junior in the station's ranks, receives a jarring call from Eun-gyeong, her voice trembling, words lost in the void. Quick to act, Bo-min dials back, seeking answers amidst the silence.
The police's urgent footsteps echo through the motel's corridors, but Sang-jun remains absent, indulging in a solitary noodle feast at the supermarket. Like predators scenting prey, reporters descend upon the motel, just as Sang-jun arrives to confront the chaos outside.
To the officers, Sang-jun confirms his ownership, only to be confronted with a haunting image—a portrait of Ji Hyang-cheol, a serial killer whose name sends shivers down spines. His sinister presence at the motel now makes sense, his eerie inquiries about the gas station mere precursors to a ghastly crime. Sang-jun's slumber at the desk offered Ji Hyang-cheol the perfect opportunity to sneak away, dragging an unsuspecting woman upstairs to meet her fate at his bloody hands.
Back in the present, Yeong-ha's world shatters as he stumbles upon an envelope brimming with cash and a room key, a grim reminder of Sung-a's stay. The record player, now marred with crimson stains, stands as a macabre monument to the hidden horrors. Shocked to the core, Yeong-ha flees the confines of the building, leaving behind the echoes of a past that refuses to stay buried.
