This film is based on a real event: the disappearance of five boys who went to hunt frogs on Mount Waryong. For years, their parents searched for them tirelessly, even far from their hometown. The media covered the case for months, fueling public intrigue—sometimes even fabricating details to make the story even more sensational.
It’s a slow-paced film, but exceptionally well-executed. However, I wouldn’t recommend watching it when you’re tired—it demands your full attention due to its dialogue-heavy nature.
The Core of the Story – More Than Just a Disappearance
While the film is centered around the disappearance, the real focus is on what happens afterward—the media frenzy, expert analyses, legal battles, and the unimaginable suffering of the parents. It’s a film filled with layers, and knowing that it’s based on a true story makes it even more unsettling for the viewer.
The cast is perfectly selected, with each character offering a distinct perspective on the unfolding events:
- Park Yong Woo (My Love, Madame Butterfly; Once Upon a Time) as Kang Ji Seung, an unscrupulous producer who has no qualms about sensationalizing stories for profit. He faces the consequences of his actions, which eventually lead him to the town where the disappearance took place.
- Ryu Seung Ryong (War of Arrows; Masquerade; All About My Wife, and many more) as Hwang Woo Hyuk, an academic psychologist analyzing the events and the profiles of those involved. His insights intrigue Ji Seung, as they provide new angles to make the case even more shocking, aiding his personal redemption as a producer.
- Sung Dong Il (The Grand Heist; Jang Ok Jung; Jeon Woo Chi, and countless others) as Park Kyung Sik, the police chief of this quiet town, unaccustomed to media scrutiny or dealing with such high-profile cases.
- Sung Ji Ru (Queen of Ambition; Paradise Murdered; Star’s Lover) and Kim Yeo Jin (Worlds Within; A Jewel in the Palace; Miracle) as the parents of Jung Ho, one of the missing children. Months after the disappearance, Jung Ho makes brief contact through a mysterious phone call, becoming the key to the entire investigation.
Final Thoughts – A Psychological Drama, Not a Sensationalist Thriller
Children… is a tough film, but not because of graphic imagery or shock value. Instead, it delves deep into the psychology of those involved, making it an intense and gripping experience. If you enjoy well-crafted dramas, suspenseful narratives, or films based on true events, this is one you shouldn’t miss.