Episode 5 of "The Frog" commences with a jarring revelation for Bo-min: the suicide of Hyang-cheol's ghostwriter, Mr. Kim, a development that eerily echoes Lake View's haunting whispers, despite Hyang-cheol's confinement behind bars. Intrigued by this unexpected twist, Bo-min's investigative instincts ignite, propelling her headlong into the labyrinthine case.
Flashing back, Dong-chan's relentless pursuit of the truth regarding the suicide mirrors Bo-min's own drive. She grills him about a past case he solved, one shrouded in mystery, and he vows to keep her secret as she whispers, "The water bill," a cryptic clue that will unravel later in the episode's intricate tapestry.
Bo-min's mastery in unraveling complex cases stems from a profound insight: the path to the truth often lies not in what is present, but in what is absent. She scans for discrepancies, both in tangible facts and subtle shifts in human behavior, that hint at hidden truths. This relentless skepticism fuels her meticulous approach to every investigation.
In the present, Sung-a storms into Yeong-ha's hospital room, confronting him amidst the sterile whiteness. Her scrutiny unnerves him, but as he returns home, he discovers Sung-a has purged his belongings and erased all traces of their past. Yeong-ha vows silence, begging for her departure, yet Sung-a toys with him, feigning friendship while probing his loyalty to the Motel. This cat-and-mouse game escalates into a territorial battle, as the two clash in a heated confrontation.
Amidst the turmoil, a subtle yet striking detail catches the eye: Sung-a's car has transformed from a fiery red jeep to a sleek blue sports car. This subtle shift adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, though its precise significance remains veiled.
Meanwhile, Sung-a's surprise encounter with an unsuspecting family at the Vacation Rental throws her into a legal quagmire. The police's arrival only exacerbates her predicament, as she finds herself unable to produce a rental agreement or proof of booking. Her reliance on cash payments and Yeong-ha's archaic, non-digital operations leave her vulnerable and exposed, trapped in a web of her own making.
The following day, the laundryman's arrival incites a fiery rage within Sung-a, particularly as he fails to recognize her and adamantly refuses any form of conversation. This is but a cunning tactic orchestrated by Yeong-ha, aimed at forcing Sung-a to retreat back to her former life. Yong-chae, however, is confident that this ruse will succeed, envisioning Sung-a eventually retreating to her hometown. Yeong-ha, on the other hand, harbors doubts yet decides to persist in exacerbating the situation by fabricating additional bookings.
As Sung-a immerses herself in her artistic endeavors, the Motel doors swing open to welcome more guests. Yeong-ha mischievously casts Sung-a in the role of "unni" (auntie), a label that pushes her to the brink of fury. She momentarily considers dialing the police to bring an abrupt halt to the chaos, yet she opts for a quieter escape, donning noise-canceling headphones to drown out the cacophony.
Dawn breaks with the shattering of glass as the children's mischievous antics rouse Sung-a from her slumber. Yeong-ha's call soon follows, announcing a deluge of guests and an urgent need for her assistance, given the cleaner's no-show. Sung-a's threat to harm his daughter merely bounces off Yeong-ha's indifferent demeanor; he dismisses her words, switches off his phone, and persists in his woodland retreat.
At the hospital, Gi-ho's arrival is marked by the discarding of flowers from an elderly woman's offering, while Bo-min grapples with the enigma of a ghostwriter. CCTV footage reveals a solitary, unidentified figure, captured a month prior, but evidence remains scarce, painting a grim picture of suicide. Bo-min, however, refuses to accept this conclusion and delves deeper into the mystery.
An unexpected ally emerges within the precincts of the station—Officer Kim Seon-tae. Before departing, he applies a dash of aftershave, a subtle nod to his lingering infatuation with Sung-a, which has been subtly woven throughout the episode. Yeong-ha's arrival at the station unveils a surprising twist; he too is among the guests staying at the Motel. Seon-tae sternly rebukes Yeong-ha for his callous treatment of Sung-a, issuing a stern warning of potential consequences should he continue down this path.
Of course, the entire narrative intertwines intimately with the Motel's ownership, and Yeong-ha proves to be just as adept at navigating this intricate game as Sung-a. Her dislike for Seon-tae is palpable, even suggesting to Yeong-ha, that fateful night, that they should share the Motel, each occupying half. Yeong-ha, astonished, labels her harshly. Sung-a, seething with anger, unleashes his pent-up frustration, accusing her of cohabitating with a murderer. In a fit of rage, he chokes her, making it clear that he won't be entangled with her before storming off.
Seon-tae, witnessing Yeong-ha's abrupt departure from her room, fears the worst. Later, he catches a glimpse of her, fingers clasped around her throat, seated precariously on the brink of her bed. Sung-a, in a desperate attempt to deter Seon-tae from pursuing Yeong-ha, opts to sleep with him, but her actions betray a mere ploy to divert attention rather than genuine affection.
Yeong-ha, seething with fury, eventually returns home and deliberately provokes Seon-tae, leading to his arrest. At the police station, Bo-min, recognizing him from their earlier encounter where he arrived bloodied from the nose and brimming with suppressed anger, engages him in conversation. Sensing something amiss, she encourages Yeong-ha to file a report. He initially dismisses the idea, but as he prepares to leave, offers a full refund to Officer Kim and vows never to set foot in the rental again.
Undeterred, Seon-tae persists in his pursuit, even attempting to contact Sergeant Choi amidst the woods, only to be confronted by Sung-a in her car. She chases him off the property, and the scene abruptly shifts to Sung-a, now labeled "that crazy woman" in Yeong-ha's contacts, frantically calling from a mud-splattered cornfield. Yeong-ha, relenting, agrees to sell her the Motel but requests a few days to organize matters.
At the Motel, Bo-min arrives to find Sung-a seated outside, her car marred by mud, and herself indulging in a cigarette, harking back to her earlier resolve to uncover and bring the murderer to justice. Bo-min, now fully committed to her mission, embodies the very essence of "it," determined to track down and tag the elusive killer.
