K-Webtoon Review: Dr. Frost: The Psychological Detective

Sameen Murtaza, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Frost is a webtoon written and illustrated by Lee Jong-beom. It is a psychological thriller that follows our protagonist, Baek Nam-bong popularly known as Dr. Frost, who is a bartender and psychologist. While most of us are taught that humans are unique, however, Dr. Frost believes that humans are all the same. Based on this principle, he tries to decipher people as a bartender at night and as a professor and psychologist in the morning. Frost is straightforward and blunt, and with the help of his assistant Yoon Seong-ah, they solve the mysteries of the human mind.

_{Baek Nam-bong (Picture Credits: Webtoon)}

Character Analysis

Frost is neither sympathetic nor empathetic towards his clients. Typically, a psychologist is supposed to empathize because that helps in understanding the client. Yet, he claims there is no need for these unnecessary emotions. With practiced ease, he can identify the potential causes of the client’s issues. A further dive into the lifestyle and history of the client adds certainty. And before we know it, the problem, its causes, and the solution are all in front of us. Now all that is left is the implementation of certain habits by the client, which shall make the difference.

Yoon Seong-ah is a soft-spoken girl, but Frost’s methods initially anger her. According to her, emotions are integral to psychology. How can a psychologist not try to connect with the client or understand their emotions? Gradually, she starts to understand Frost. To a certain extent, Frost is also able to make Seong-ah understand why one must not focus too much on emotions in psychology. Frost simultaneously starts to understand emotions like never before.

_{Yoon Seong-ah (Picture Credits: @elmarbum (Instagram))}

Their chemistry is both unique and endearing. It’s the perfect mentor-student relationship anyone could ask for. The other supporting characters, apart from Frost’s teacher, are each given sufficient time. We not only learn about their lives but also understand the wrong choices or circumstances that led them to become who they are. Dr. Frost demonstrates great insight in grasping these situations and providing the help they need.

Plot Progression & Overview

The plot throughout Season 1 was easy to follow, despite being extremely detailed. If compared with other webtoons, this one definitely has much more text. This may seem intimidating at first, but it all makes sense as psychology is being discussed here. Psychology delves into the human mind and explains how and why we act in a certain manner. No wonder that to explain each client’s situation, as well as basic psychological tests and methodology, a lot of things need to be explained.

The writer has done an excellent job of explaining everything without letting the story get boring. The comedic relief provided by the duo’s interaction is also well-received and loved. None of the clients seem too random nor are their problems unbelievable. Reading Dr. Frost feels like reading a detective thriller where the detective is hunting for clues and culprits. Just that here instead of culprits, we have repressed emotions and family history which are being looked at by a psychologist.

_{Dr. Fater (Picture Credits: @elmarbum (Instagram))}

Season 2 changes the tone of the story slightly as we start to look deeper into Frost and his past. Surprising facts are revealed, and suspicious characters, as well as an unexpected twist, mark the end of Season 2. From Season 2 to Season 3, there was a three-year gap, but thankfully the translations were picked up again in 2021. However, Season 3 starts in such a manner that a follower of the series from three years ago will think it’s a separate story altogether! Now, in this situation, how can Frost pick himself back up again? Who are the people responsible for this situation, and what do they stand to gain from it?

Many unanswered questions and suspense are what Season 3 brings. Only time will answer these questions and bring some much-needed lightheartedness back into the story.

Final Verdict

Highly recommended webtoon with a refreshing and different plot. Thrilling, to say the least, despite lacking any action or murder, etc. The art may not be flashy or anything, but it fits perfectly with the tone of the story. “Dr. Frost” is a captivating webtoon that explores psychology. It is incredibly well-written and may spark an interest in the subject. With over 150 episodes, it is available for free on Webtoon. Start reading and enjoy the binge-worthy content!

_{Picture Credits: @elmarbum (Instagram)}

You can read the webtoon here:

thriller.https://www.webtoons.com/en/mystery/dr-frost/list?title_no=371