Frog Boys

The Frog Boys (Korean: 개구리소년, Gaegurisonyeon) were a group of five boys who were murdered while trying to catch frog eggs in Daegu (대구). The incident attracted national attention, leading to a massive manhunt and extensive media coverage. The case remains one of South Korea's most infamous unsolved crimes. On the morning of 26 March 1991, five boys—Kim Jong-sik (aged 11), Jo Ho-yeon (12), Kim Yeong-gyu (11), Park Chan-in (10), and Woo Cheol-won (14)—left their homes in the Dalseo District of Daegu, South Korea. The group set out to search for frog eggs near Mount Waryong, a hill close to their neighborhood. Frog egg hunting was a common springtime activity among children in the area, and the boys told their parents they would return soon. When the boys failed to return home, their families reported them missing. What followed was one of the largest search efforts in South Korean history, involving police, military personnel, and civilian volunteers. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of the boys was found for more than a decade. On 26 September 2002, over 11 years after their disappearance, the remains of all five boys were discovered on Mount Waryong by two men scavenging for acorns. The site was reportedly within an area that had been previously searched. Initially believed to have died from exposure, further investigation revealed evidence suggesting foul play. Forensic analysis indicated that some of the boys had suffered blunt force trauma to the skull. Items such as rusted bullets and other metal objects were found near the bodies. The condition of the remains and their positioning led investigators to conclude that the boys had likely been murdered and deliberately buried. Despite renewed efforts following the discovery, the case remains officially unsolved. Several theories have emerged over the years, including military involvement, with speculation...