Difference between revisions of "Queen Mantis"

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Drama: Queen Mantis (English title) / Mantis: Murderer's Outing (literal title)
Revised romanization: Samagwi: Salinjaui Oechul
Hangul: 사마귀: 살인자의 외출
Director: Byun Young-Joo
Writer: Lee Young-Jong
Network: SBS
Episodes: 8
Release Date: September 5 - 27, 2025
Runtime: Friday & Saturday 21:50-23:10
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Jeong I-Shin (Ko Hyun-Jung) is a serial killer with the nickname of the Mantis. She brutally murdered 5 men 20 years ago. Her son is Cha Su-Yeol (Jang Dong-Yoon). He has loathed his mother for his entire life. He now works as a police officer. One day, a murder case takes place. The murder seems to be a copycat crime copied from Mantis. To catch this culprit, Cha Su-Yeol enlists the help of his mother Jeong I-Shin.

Notes

"Queen Mantis" takes over SBS' Friday & Saturday 21:50 time slot previously occupied by "The Winning Try" and followed by "Would You Marry Me" on October 10, 2025.
Drama series is a remake of the French television series "La Mante" that aired on TF1 in 2017.

Cast



Ko Hyun-Jung	Jang Dong-Yoon	Cho Seong-Ha	Lee El
Jeong I-Shin	Cha Su-Yeol	Choi Jung-Ho	Kim Na-Hee

Cha Su-Yeol's Family



Kim Bo-Ra	Lee Hwang-Eui	Jegal Eun-Yoo	Cho Se-Woong	Jo Jae-Yun
Lee Jung-Yeon	Jeong Hyun-Nam	Kim Jeong-Ho	Kim Jeong-Ho (young child)	Kim Jeong-Ho's dad



Kim Yun-Seul	Lee Min-Ah
Jeong I-Shin (child)	Jeong I-Shin's mom (ep.8)

Rayeon Ceramic Studio

Han Dong-Hee

Seo A-Ra

Police



Kim Min-Ho	Kim Tae-Jung	Park Wan-Hyeong	Lee Yoon-Gun	Kil Eun-Sung
Bae Sung-Gyu	Choi Hyuk	Son Ji-An	Hong Seung-Pyo	Kim Woo-Tae



Lee Se-Ho	Ryu Jae-Hyeok	Ko Jun	Kim Jin-Woo	Yune Sung-Soo
crime scene investigator	detective	No Sang-Chul (ep.1)	police officer (ep.7)	SWAT member (ep.7-8)

Park Sang-Gyu

police officer (ep.8)

Park Min-Jae's Group



Lee Chang-Min	Cha Soon-Bae	An Seok-Hyun	Jo Young-Mi
Park Min-Jae	Park Eon-Bae	Park Min-Jae (child)	restaurant owner (ep.4)

Seo Gu-Wan's Group



Lee Tae-Gu	Ji Eun	Kim Jin-Mok	Hong In-Guk
Seo Gu-Wan	So-Won	Kim Seung-Min	Kim Hyung-Sik (ep.2)

Kang Yeon-Joong's Group



Im So-Ha	Choi Eun-Ae	Park Ji-Han	Cha Young-Mi
Kang Yeon-Joong	Kang Yeon-Joong's mom	Kang Yeon-Joong's dad	caregiver (ep.6)

National Forensic Service

Park Hyun-Young

forensic scientist

Det. Kim Na-Hee's Group



Kim Seo-Ha	Yoon Dong-Joo	Han Sang-Bong	An A-Young
Ho-Jun (ep.6-7)	Kim Na-Hee's ex-husband (ep.6-7)	attorney (ep.6-7)	attorney (ep.6-7)

Others



Han Si-A	Kim Jong-Hyeun
Kim Eun-Ae	Kim Hyeon-U



Ko Dong-Hyoung	Park Jeong-Min	Son Woo-Jin
angry car owner (ep.4)	victim (ep.5)	hotel staff (ep.6)

Additional Cast Members:

Kang Jong-Sung - victim's father (ep.5)

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date	Episode	AGB
Date	Episode	Nationwide	Seoul
2025-09-05	1	7.1%	7.3%
2025-09-06	2	6.9%	7.3%
2025-09-12	3	7.3%	7.0%
2025-09-13	4	7.5%	7.5%
2025-09-19	5	6.6%	6.9%
2025-09-20	6	6.0%	6.4%
2025-09-26	7	6.3%	6.5%
2025-09-27	8	7.4%	7.9%

Source: AGB Nielson

Awards

2025 SBS Drama Awards - December 31, 2025
- Best Actress (Ko Hyun-Jung)
- Excellent Actor (Jang Dong-Yoon)
- Best Supporting Actress (Han Dong-Hee)

Comments

Akira Apr 13 2026 3:01 pm Done watching the series. And wondering why i haven't picked it up sooner. There were undertones of "silence of the lambs" aside from the original la mante. I really like this adaptation. It expanded more into the back stories, family trauma and dynamics between the killer, the police officer and the copycat... I admired the way it challenges conventional thinking and focuses on digging deeper into humanity and morality; Instances where it's shown that heroes and villains can be created in the same mold... Somewhat slow burn and there were some red herring thrown, but, all in all, the cast's chemistry was on point. Ko Hyun Jung and Jang Dong Yoon's acting were remarkable. Great to binge watch on a weekend.

Brian V Jan 28 2026 7:36 pm Jeez, introducing a new character in episode 7 of 8, Kang Yeon-Joong, and then using gender reassignment to double back to a meaningless character with about 20 seconds of screen time in the first 6 episodes, is ridiculous.

It isn't a plot twist if it's ridiculous.

ridicule or derision; absurd; preposterous; laughable

Brian V Jan 28 2026 11:27 am I don't understand why people are suspicious of either the detective's wife, Lee Jung-Yeon, or her best friend Seo A-Ra. I'm midway through the fifth episode, and neither has said or done anything out of the oridinary for their characters of wife and friend. Only confirmation bias would suggest otherwise.

On the other hand, the older police officer, Choi Jung-Ho, is acting more and more suspicious. He was there when the first murder occured. He hasn't been seen witnessing the first murder yet, but he was always hanging around the various victims homes at that time, that has been established. Since knowing about the first murder is so important, that makes him a suspect, yet detective Cha Su-Yeol never suggests him as a suspect. The show wants to keep him from being suspected.

The killer has to be already introduced as a character in this show, since introducing a suspect this far into a thriller would be ridiculous.

Choi Jung-Ho makes the most sense as the killer.

Stijn Jan 08 2026 5:21 pm The premise of the drama was certainly good but overall it had its ups and downs.

To start with a good thing: Ko Hyun-Jung, what an excellent actress and a great performance here. For me she really carried the whole drama.

Unfortunately there were quite some bad things as well. For starters, the duration, 8 episodes was too much. The same could have been achieved in 4/5 eps, probably it would've made it more intense than it was now. For a police "thriller" it wasn't particularly thrilling, that being said this segment is something Korean entertainment has never really shown at, especially if you compare it to Scandinavian police thrillers which are normally nail biting all way through. Another point of annoyance was the sheer incompetence of the police. I prefer watching dramas where it's the wit of the criminal that keeps it from getting caught rather than police incompetence to help the plot along (example in the attempted hotel arrest). Lastly there were also a few who's acting was just simply terrible, Kim Bo-Ra (male leads' wife), I'm looking at you...

Overall, I'd say a 6/10. They left it open for a season 2, if they make some changes I'll watch it but even with Ko Hyun-Jung's acting this season is not a rewatch for me.

Ian Jan 01 2026 1:02 am Lee Je Hoon was deserving of this year’s Daesang Award. But Hyun Jung also deserves it so much. Best acress was nice but she could’ve tied as a Daesang.

Kik Nov 23 2025 11:36 am Such a great ensemble casting. Everyone executed their roles perfectly. This drama should get more recognition!

K-drama Holic Nov 21 2025 4:08 pm Honestly, it's really good drama, plot wise and Ko Hyun Jung's acting is top notch as the killer. Some points that makes me irritable: 1. The Major Crime team. They're incompetent and only focused to oust Team Leader Cha and even Head Team Choi, especially that Detective Bae. His character is just trash. He manipulated Detective Kim and other detectives to hate on Cha Su Yeol. He tried to smooth talk Head Team Choi to make Detective Kim as team leader and when he didn't get it, he hated Cha Su Yeol without reason, just because he's competent. 2. For a main character, detective Kim character is unbelievable dumb. She can't be the team leader so she's being petty, pretends to support Cha Su Yeol with the reason she did that only bcs "she wants to catch the killer", but she doesn't respect him, and in the end she even told Detective Kim to dig a dirt on Cha Su Yeol. 3. The computer whizz detective voice is so uncomfortable to hear. It's weirdly deep and hoarse, like she's faking her voice to sound more charismatic cause she has smart character image, but it just sounds weird. It can't be helped, but whenever she's talking, I can't focus on the conversation bcs of her voice. Seriously, that police team characters need to be re-writen, not a bunch of petty spinless people.

Geo Nov 20 2025 6:57 pm The most annoying and incompetent team of police (none of tje original team is remotely competent or likable) especially kim and that sung gyu)...

Bunny Nov 16 2025 5:03 pm I see a lot of negative comments about the acting. To each their own i guess. I truly believe they were following directions in order to capture the tone needed. Mouse was given as an example of much better acting, but I disagree. Mouse had some over the top scenes from the leads. Everything in this one was a bit more subdued. Imo, that's what made the suspense carry on, bc no one was revealing too much about themselves by over acting in their roles.

Anyway, the story was riveting, fresh, and surprising.

My only 2 complaints is one, they made mom look too ugly in the present. Hard to look at.

Second complaint is that the cops did a lot of this things that didn't make sense. The fire alarm scene was it for me.

Oh one more complaint.... needed a little more intimacy (flower of evil style) from our main couple. I know it's not a romance but it would help to see Suyeol display some PASSION in other aspects of his life especially since a central theme is his love for his wife.

Solid 8 out 10

Kell Nov 15 2025 3:51 am I ship Ahra and m Min jae whyyyyyy

Jillibean Oct 31 2025 9:24 am Appropriate to post about this drama on Halloween, lol. I think the acting was phenomenal in this suspense drama, and even improved upon the script in many instances. It also kept you guessing who the copycat killer was until near the end, which I liked. When you can figure out who a killer is in a mystery police drama in the first few episodes a lot of the suspense peters out. This drama wisely avoided that and kept me guessing until the last two episodes. I give this drama an A.

Russell Oct 25 2025 8:32 pm Sometimes I was a little confused but so many characters in this drama were mentally ill so of course the flow of the story was choppy at times to reflect that.

Kik Oct 25 2025 10:25 am Jang Dong Yoon’s acting is soooo underrated. I need to see him win Big awards and be in more movies and dramas. He can be the cutie pretty face and that rugged action hero or some crazy killed

Jillibean Oct 22 2025 3:46 pm Hitchcock would have loved this drama. Lol!

Sunhee Oct 19 2025 9:51 am season 2 is gonna be fire

Nadia Oct 18 2025 9:28 am For an eight-episode drama, the pace is slow. However, things picked up once they identified the serial killer. I'm not sure if it's just me, but why does the acting look so stiff and forced (except for Jeong I Shin).Most of the actors have years of experience, so I don't know what happened. Regardless, there should be a continuation they can't just leave it like that.

Lim Oct 17 2025 9:05 pm The acting is no good in this drama. The only bright spot acting-wise is Ko Hyunjung. Hell, even a couple of actors who had limited screen time like Jo Jaeyun (Ko Hyunjung's husband) and Lee Taegu (the insane man who tried to kill his half-brother) shone even brighter than those with much much more screen time.

Jang Dongyoon (Main actor) and Lee Hwangeui (Ko Hyunjung's father) are terrible. The cringe scenes in Jang Dongyoon suppressing himself emotionally during his first meeting with his mother, whenever Lee Hwangeui made an appearance with his deadpan acting is just horrible. That scene with the investigating team meeting with the forensic is also no good, just bad.

Rainy Oct 13 2025 11:18 am The story is so slow. But those actors are good except that ahjumma police, the way she talk and she walk is so lame as a police. Lol

Leo Oct 13 2025 12:45 am Go Hyun-Jung carried this show. The plot was messy and draggy. With the exception of GHJ, the rest of the actors were mediocre. Watching them felt like they were just clocking in-out for work. Maybe it's because the characters lacked depth. After realising that the director also directed Black Out (another messy and draggy drama where the acting was terrible) made sense. Folks saying this is great have clearly not watched shows like Stranger, Awaken, Hometown, Voice, Mouse, and most recently Nine Puzzles. Highly recommend watching these.

Sandra_Oh Oct 11 2025 2:13 am Only 8 episodes but man, it was so draggy. Incompetent team of police investigators including ML and his adoptive father, tge veteran investigator. Many parts didn’t make sense. Eg when Park jaemin called ML to tell him about meeting the suspected killer, ML just hung up on him when just a while ago, PJM was told to call when the suspect gets in touch or wants to meet? And when ML’s wife was kidnapped already - entire team including ML just stood still while talking on the phone with the killer? I mean common you can be on the chase and talk at the same time right ? Really like there’s no urgency! Also there’s hardly any chemistry at all amongst the actors. I think perhaps it’s partly the director’s fault? This director also directed “blackout” another drama with good potential but failed miserably too (very draggy also). That’s goes to show the role of the director is very important- it can make or break a drama/movie. The ending of this drama was made to look like there will be a S2. But God forbid. I hardly fast forward with crime genre drama but found myself doing that so many times here. Not worth your time.

art Oct 10 2025 6:51 pm I just finished watching it, and to be honest, this entire drama stood on the shoulders of one woman — the killer mother. She carried every scene with intensity and purpose, while the rest of the cast wandered around like filler characters in their own story. The son was unbearable, the police squad hopelessly incompetent, and Lee El, sadly, a disappointment.

As for the main couple, they barely made an impression. I know them as solid actors, but here, they delivered nothing but wasted potential. In the end, only the killer mother gave a performance worth remembering — the sole reason this drama deserves even the slightest recognition.

Momo Oct 10 2025 7:54 am We need a season 2!!!!

Shandy Oct 10 2025 6:47 am Dang, jang dong yoon never failed to amaze me with his acting. He is so natural. I love you oppa.

Kiko Oct 07 2025 1:00 pm A literal masterpiece, everything from start to finish was 10/10 I would absolutely recommend, wish for a second season where they also work with Jeong I-Shin, to solve the death of the detective Choi Jung-Ho

Hs Oct 04 2025 4:51 pm t would be nice if “Drama Queen Mantis” and “Hunter with Scalpel” were combined into one drama — I think it would be even more interesting.

Tandokazi Oct 02 2025 7:13 pm Ww nothing negative to write about... this is masterpiece a thriller with a good plot twist.. the actors put everything on this I enjoyed it.

celeste Oct 02 2025 7:00 am The detective teams are unbearable.They can't separate personal and professional matters. They focus on the fact that ML is FL's son more than about the killer, want to kick him out of the team when he's literally announcing an important lead. Do they expect anyone to happily announce to the world that they're a child of a serial killer?

Ikeoluwa Oct 02 2025 5:10 am The love Ko Hyun Jung had for her son is so adorable ! I mean despite the hatred from her sons she still portray the motherly love well Kudos to Ko Hyun Jung

Yolanda Berrios Sep 29 2025 11:01 am I love the character of Jang Dong-yoo . His acting is great. This kdrama is so good .I hope will be a second season

NGS Sep 29 2025 4:00 am Jang Dong Yoon, at first I think He do not fit this character even though his acting is great, dang! but toward the ending, it getting better tho. BTW, what the hell with ending. dayem

Jean Sep 28 2025 7:38 pm We Need A Season 2!! This is so good and such a fantastic show.

kdramagurl Sep 28 2025 2:43 am I rarely comment to kdramas but hands up to this drama. The cast, the plot, everything is so good!

A Sep 27 2025 11:46 pm I wonder why this drama wasn’t talked about much around town. I mean, what a storyline, the casting, the acting, the vibes! God, I got chills every episode. I couldn’t even watch it in a dark room lol

Highly recommend! If you’re hesitant to watch it, please don’t be. You might miss a masterpiece

Cha Seo Bo Sep 27 2025 9:58 pm Would have given this a 99-100 except for not cutting off you know what of bad guy having him suffer more before final death and unneededly killing off a really good person.

But otherwise most stellar most impactful "serious" drama I in my personal opinion have ever had privilege of viewing after kdrama addiction of over 12 years including dramas produced before that time! Fantastic acting by Ko Hyun Jung of course and great performances here by Jang Doon Yoon, Lee El and often overlooked Cho Seong Ha.

My previous favorites in top range were more lighthearted Like Flowers in Sand (starring you know who LOL and in which my fave expressive eyed Kim Bo Ra also had key role) and my only 100 ever Extraordinary Attorney Woo.

Super highly recommended!

Scott Sep 27 2025 7:56 pm Really enjoyed this one. It was almost like a female version of Silence of the lambs. I think it could have been two 8 episode shows. The first could be her life as a killer of child molesters. Then wait twenty years and do the second part exactly as this.

It would have been great to develop the characters growing up and what made Queen mantis do what she did. Obviously leaving out the discovery of her childhood.

Kene Sep 27 2025 5:45 pm The plot is amazing and Jang Dong Yoon's acting was Superb! I cried at the scene where they reveal what Mantis father did to her... How can a human being do that to their own daughter...

Rosalie Sep 27 2025 12:11 pm Outstanding finish to a great drama.

5_ooo Sep 27 2025 11:54 am what an amazing, enjoyable thriller/crime kdrama. i would love to see a season2, especially after that ending but i dont know if that will happen.. :(

i do not understand why people dont like Jang Dong Yoon's acting in this. i feel like he perfectly showed the range of emotions his character would have after meeting is mother after so many years. this is a given as she is literally a serial killer and him as a police officer, he logically cannot bring his guard down and what others are saying "being too emotional"... seems like people do not understand the relationship and situation between the two characters.

it was really good to see Su-Yeol finally come to terms with his past, it made him grow as a character.

Ko Hyun Jung is literally a perfect casting for the character she played. her eyes portrayed such motherly love. plus she is so stunning ^__^

linollama Sep 27 2025 11:53 am this is the best drama I've watched so far in 2025, like the story, the cinematography, the casts, and the plot twisttttt OMG I was so sick while watching the last episode, didn't expect that plot twist. and I was crying so hard bcs it'd be so hard for jung isin and suyeol... I hope there'd be season 2 for this drama Rate from me is 10000000000000000/10 so gooddddddddddddddddddddddd

Queen Sep 27 2025 11:01 am There will be 2nd season right!!!!!!!! cause no way its only 8 episode and the cliffhanger at the end!!!!!!

noi Sep 27 2025 5:47 am stellar performance from go hyun jung, but tbh jang dong yoon acting isn't up to par...

Nelly Sep 26 2025 9:17 pm Why is the ending is so terrible... Someone is being kidnapped and the cops just standing and having coffee....

K-Drama Addict Sep 26 2025 7:28 pm No... No... No... The killer is not the friend of his wife aka seo a ra. It's too easy. But I think... There's a twist there. May be the actual killer is his wife herself. You've heard it first!

May be... lol

R Est Sep 26 2025 9:48 am Cha Su Yeol is so annoying. He’s so angry and emotional, its overkill. I want to slap him everytime he has a scene with his mom

anagram Sep 22 2025 11:09 am i think the killer is the friend of the wife. but first, if you look at their names, the kid kang yeon-joong is just like a switched up lee jeong-yeon. so maybe the friend knew the wife's past, so she's using it as a cover to mislead the police so she can continue doing her crimes.

what the.. Sep 22 2025 8:48 am that girl doin the pottery got huge male hands.

sarah Sep 22 2025 5:43 am I think the killer (copycat) is Seo A-Ra!

that was how it should be done Sep 21 2025 8:23 pm FL, she is not trying to look or sound scary, she is indeed fearsome . Her acting is subtle, nothing over the top. just perfecr blend. all of her gaze are rich with meanings. Never blank gaze. Also her lines contributed singnificantly upon her scary vibe. My compliment to the writers team. When she said killing a person is not that difficult, the aftermath part is the more difficult part, that was for real. Dragging the dead body of her husband, she started to regret the killing due to the lots of physical works in cleaning up the traces. And read that line in some books read long time ago, couldnt recall who said that. sent shiver down the spine hearing that line, and thought, the writing team must have read lots and lots of literature related to murder acts. Good job!

Setti Sep 21 2025 8:09 am Female officer is getting in my nerves!!!!! Killer= Wife? Thrilling, interesting,action packed

John Sep 21 2025 6:04 am Go hyun jung is carrying the show in her back.

Gutfeeling Sep 21 2025 1:57 am I think seo a ra is the copycat. She's very sus in every scene ?

Cant wait for the rest eposodes..

Eirini Sep 21 2025 1:39 am I think that the killer is his wife.

GreySoss Sep 21 2025 12:10 am Annoying to watch the lady cop and her team. No function, always blame su yeol for everything. Act like only them want to save the victim...

seokjinie Sep 20 2025 11:02 pm Detective Kim and Bae is so annoying to watch! They're just jealous of Su Yeol. And so what if he didn't tell them that Jeong I Shin is his mother? Who wants to announce to the world that their mother is a serial ki**er???

And why whould Detective Kim scold off Su Yeol for wanting the victims to die? Did she have an amnesia??? Don't she remember that Su Yeol saved that man from the washing machine??? Ugh!!! And she was the reason why Seo Gu Wan is dead and the true killer escaped from the hotel!

purplemomma Sep 20 2025 7:17 pm The Lady cop is really annoying..

Eliz Sep 20 2025 4:10 pm The preview of ep.7 would likely confirm the assumption that Seo A Ra is the copycat killer.. She was the one who introduce Jung Yeon to Su Yeol, right?

PANDORA Sep 20 2025 2:18 pm Kim Na-Hee and her team are so annoying. The police have kept making such dumb decisions, makes me want to root for the bad guys. Especially the mom.

HZ Sep 20 2025 1:04 pm Agree with T, Seo-A-Ra is the killer

Queen Sep 20 2025 11:38 am Kim Na-Hee and Bae Sung-Gyu are pain in the ass!!!!!!! what the hell!!!!!!

NGS Sep 20 2025 11:26 am Tbh, I hate the team. Well, I understand their position. But, I just hate them.

gintaemin Sep 20 2025 9:40 am What if it's his gf or him who is the killer

Cherry Sep 20 2025 4:46 am I like this drama, the line story, the plot and everything except the protagonist actors I know that those are the reason behind every conflict, but I think it kinda showing their incompetences and it made me frustrated in every eps I’m glad that they only have few episodes

rosa Sep 20 2025 4:33 am i am starting to like minjae, please dont let him die ??

mantis Sep 20 2025 3:28 am I feel like Lee Je-Hoon will play this better

WD Sep 20 2025 12:44 am The plot twist is..I think su yeol's grandfather is the killer.

Because... Her father knew jeong i shin killed her husband. Killer for 2,3,4,5... was her father. There is never a copycat killer.. It's ALL the grandfather's doing all this time

T Sep 19 2025 5:32 pm I think Seo A Ra will be the killer. She matches every aspect , no family likely being abused as a child , close to the lead .

Eunice Sep 18 2025 10:37 pm Plot twist, the copy cut killer is the son haha

NGS Sep 18 2025 10:30 pm I feel like there will be plot twist like its not the mother who is serial killer, but She know so much about the method tho. (it will also such a plot twist too if the mother really the killer, since so many of us will be think the mother is not the killer).

But, you can see She is afraid of just little sound like see is feeling someone come and will do something bad. I feel like she is could not doing it, but when she is doing those hit to those criminal she was capable of doing it.

Kyuti Sep 16 2025 9:32 am The killer is the forensic scientist. She had access to all the police files and undeestand human anatomy.

wawa Sep 15 2025 12:05 am I think Seo Ara is the killer.. remember on episode 4..when Jung Yeon and Ara went to countryside, Jung Yeon said to Ara it's useless when you have car but u didn't use it..and Ara replied she bought the car for display only ?

Wow Sep 14 2025 3:36 pm I just knew Go Hyun Jung. Why have I not seen her before this. She is a really great actor. That part where her husband came home drunk. Her acting shen she was afraid or gets startled are very natural. I can't praise her enough. The last part where she was talking to her son, she wasn't acting. She was very natural. Why is Korea sleeping on this talent?

Elie Wiesel Sep 14 2025 6:19 am Did anyone notice the cups jeong eshin used and they are similar to suyeol's wife work. Their whole house had the same design.

Eliz Sep 14 2025 12:37 am @setti I agree with you. Maybe Seo A Ra is the killer. It seems suspicious she had multiple scenes when her character "only" as Jung Yeon's friend.

abysmal Sep 13 2025 4:03 pm due to the cop's incompetence, start rooting for the mantis. At least she is way more competitive than the entire so called protagonists here.

@Setti Sep 13 2025 3:47 pm I think the copycat is Seo A-ra actually.

Ma Sep 13 2025 11:11 am Loving this drama! Great crime thriller! Go Hyun Jung delivers stellar performance!

K-Drama Addict Sep 13 2025 8:28 am Finally found a good thriller Kdrama after all these years, since Awaken/Signal/Voice/Beyond Evil/Memorist. Honestly, it's a bad habit of mine to watch a thriller while it's still airing, because my mind will be theorising nonstop until the next episode airs lol

The mom is really creepy, but I think she's kind of a vigilante of some sort? She clearly derives pleasure from killing those criminals. The only person she loves is probably her son. I'm intrigued by her questions about Cha Su Yeol's personal life, especially his complex relationship with his mom and his wife. I believe he's dependent on his wife, though, because he doesn't seem to have any positive relationships in his life (aside from the cop and the grandpa).

I think we'll probably see how she commits those murders and her motivations. I also think she's not done yet. Just a hunch.

Cha Su Yeol's wife, Lee Jung Yeon, I think her character has more layers that we'll see. Same with the grandpa and the child that CSY saved.

Overall, it's a very creepy, thrilling, and also intriguing Kdrama. It has all the elements of a thriller, tbh. Now the waiting game has started!

country bumpkin Sep 12 2025 8:06 pm this is where non korean speakers watching many scenes at least thrice, first for reading the sub, second one for the visuals, third one put the two together, then probably do that again coz you forgot what exactly did she say when she gave that creepy enigmatic look. But that is ok, prefer this than the dubbing way. FL wow me good. Her entire presentation is perfect. She is not trying to look creepy. Sometimes, you see those - not in this drama so far -where one acted too hard to look scary. But here FL is effortlessly scary, could we say that. lol.

Nelly Sep 12 2025 6:30 pm She held two boys'hands, where is the other one ?

Ian Sep 12 2025 2:43 pm I just checked and saw Jang Dong Yoon is actually already 33? This is insane, he looks and acts 23 to me. LOL.

imagine if Lee Ji Hoon was the made lead. LJH x GHJ would have been a dream team. Their subtle but intense acting would be a dessert in the eyes.

Hmm Sep 10 2025 6:41 pm Seemed boring to me

PANDORA Sep 10 2025 4:14 pm Ko Hyun-Jung is an absolute powerhouse actress, her character gives me the chills. I love a good female serial killer! I agree with most of the comments saying the son was miscast, but he’s doing well. Let’s see how this goes.

Setti Sep 08 2025 5:50 pm I think I know who the copycat is- kom na hee!!

Uisa Sep 07 2025 10:56 pm After finished episode 2, my theory is his wife is someone related to Jeong I shin past murder/case as well and she knew that cha su yeol is jeong I shin’s son.

Ian Ray Sep 07 2025 10:02 am I just finished Episode 2, and here are my thoughts so far. Honestly, my impression hasn’t changed—the male lead still feels miscast for this role. After two episodes, it’s clear that the character doesn’t suit him, and it shows.

On the other hand, seeing the teaser for Episode 3 gave me goosebumps. Go Hyun Jung is absolutely phenomenal—one of the best actresses in Korea. Her ability to portray such a complex role is simply outstanding. Every scene she’s in is powerful and unforgettable.

As for the show itself, it feels different from other crime dramas I’ve seen in the past, like Signal, Tunnel, or Voice. It has its own unique flavor. While it may not yet be on par with those all-time favorites, it definitely has a lot of potential. The writing is strong, the suspense is thrilling, and the mystery really pulls you in. I’m definitely signed on to watch the next episodes.

The only thing that truly bothers me is the male lead’s acting and casting—it’s just not giving what the role requires.

Ian Ray Sep 07 2025 9:07 am Unbiased opinion: Overall, the cast was excellent, but I found Jang Dong Yoon miscast in this role. He’s undeniably a talented actor, but this character didn’t suit him. His performance as a police investigator felt lacking in emotional depth, and he struggled to hold his own against the more seasoned cast—especially in scenes with Go Hyun Jung, who completely outshone him. While he is good, he simply wasn’t at the same level as the others. For a role of this weight, someone slightly older and more experienced might have been a better fit. He’s not quite there yet.

country bumpkin Sep 07 2025 6:29 am up to second ep. cannot complain so far. Everyone is doing great. Well, the depiction of that squad tried to arrest the suspect was, i dunno, I assume, the idea was that they spent almost the entire day sitting in the car so they moved a bit slow. so ok,let it slide.

Xander Sep 05 2025 1:21 pm I'm a very simple person, I see jang dong Yoon and I watch.

Russell Aug 26 2025 3:20 am Love the cast but I am honestly getting VERY TIRED of so many serial killer drama stories, they're so dark and dreary. I want to be inspired, amused, touched emotionally by a drama, not frustrated or annoyed.

NGS Aug 14 2025 8:29 pm Finally they have datr for it

Tonie Jan 07 2025 8:31 am So excited! Dong Yoon is a very talented actor, I hope he gets more projects and exposure, he deserve it!

Betty Dec 29 2024 3:07 pm The teaser looks so good and I never skipped JDY’s works since Tale of Nokdu. He is soooo underrated and deserves to be more famous.

dum king Sep 02 2024 8:48 pm Dong Yoon is so talented, played so many different kind of roles, killer, crossdresser, monster, soldier, mafia, angel, student, wrestler, king.. now police wow!

Keneuwe Aug 24 2024 1:20 pm My Man in a thriller.... Super excited. Cant wait

zai Jul 23 2024 9:27 am oh i am Seated. the plot sounds appealing !!

External Links

Official Website

Difference between revisions of "Queen Mantis"

Latest revision as of 11:35, 31 December 2025

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Cha Su-Yeol's Family

Rayeon Ceramic Studio

Police

Park Min-Jae's Group

Seo Gu-Wan's Group

Kang Yeon-Joong's Group

National Forensic Service

Det. Kim Na-Hee's Group

Others

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Awards

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments

External Links

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{DramaBanner}}{{ImagePortrait|File:Queen Mantis-p1.jpg}}
+==User Rating==
+{{#w4grb_rate:}}
 ==Profile==
@@ Line 8: / Line 11: @@
 * '''Writer:''' [[Lee Young-Jong - screenwriter|Lee Young-Jong]]
 * '''Network:''' [[SBS]]
-* '''Episodes:'''
+* '''Episodes:''' 8
-* '''Release Date:''' September 5, 2025 --
+* '''Release Date:''' September 5 - 27, 2025
 * '''Runtime:''' Friday & Saturday 21:50-23:10
 * '''Language:''' Korean
@@ Line 15: / Line 18: @@
 ==Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©==
-Jung Yi-Shin ([[Ko Hyun-Jung]]) is a serial killer with the nickname of the Mantis. She brutally murdered 5 men 20 years ago. Her son is Cha Soo-Yeol ([[Jang Dong-Yoon]]). He has loathed his mother for his entire life. He now works as a police officer. One day, a murder case takes place. The murder seems to be a copycat crime copied from Mantis. To catch this culprit, Cha Soo-Yeol enlists the help of his mother Jung Yi-Shin.
+Jeong I-Shin ([[Ko Hyun-Jung]]) is a serial killer with the nickname of the Mantis. She brutally murdered 5 men 20 years ago. Her son is Cha Su-Yeol ([[Jang Dong-Yoon]]). He has loathed his mother for his entire life. He now works as a police officer. One day, a murder case takes place. The murder seems to be a copycat crime copied from Mantis. To catch this culprit, Cha Su-Yeol enlists the help of his mother Jeong I-Shin.
 ==Notes==
-# "Queen Mantis" takes over SBS' Friday & Saturday 21:50 time slot previously occupied by "[[The Winning Try]]."
+# "Queen Mantis" takes over SBS' Friday & Saturday 21:50 time slot previously occupied by "[[The Winning Try]]" and followed by "[[Would You Marry Me]]" on October 10, 2025.
 # Drama series is a remake of the French television series "La Mante" that aired on TF1 in 2017.
 ==Cast==
-{{CastPictures5
+{{CastPictures4
 |1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Ko Hyun-Jung.jpg
 |1name=Ko Hyun-Jung
-|1charactername=Jung Yi-Shin
+|1charactername=Jeong I-Shin
 |2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Jang Dong-Yoon1.jpg
 |2name=Jang Dong-Yoon
-|2charactername=Cha Soo-Yeol
+|2charactername=Cha Su-Yeol
 |3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Cho Seong-Ha1.jpg
 |3name=Cho Seong-Ha
-|3charactername=Choi Joong-Ho
+|3charactername=Choi Jung-Ho
 |4picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee El.jpg
 |4name=Lee El
 |4charactername=Kim Na-Hee
-|5picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Bo-Ra.jpg
+}}
-|5name=Kim Bo-Ra
-|5charactername=Lee Jung-Yeon
+===Cha Su-Yeol's Family===
+{{CastPictures7-5
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Bo-Ra.jpg
+|1name=Kim Bo-Ra
+|1charactername=Lee Jung-Yeon
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee Hwang-Eui.jpg
+|2name=Lee Hwang-Eui
+|2charactername=Jeong Hyun-Nam
+|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Jegal Eun-Yoo1.jpeg
+|3name=Jegal Eun-Yoo
+|3charactername=Kim Jeong-Ho
+|4picture=File:Queen Mantis-Cho Se-Woong.jpeg
+|4name=Cho Se-Woong (2019){{!}}Cho Se-Woong
+|4charactername=Kim Jeong-Ho (young child)
+|5picture=File:Queen Mantis-Jo Jae-Yun.jpeg
+|5name=Jo Jae-Yun
+|5charactername=Kim Jeong-Ho's dad
+|6picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Yun-Seul01.jpg
+|6name=Kim Yun-Seul (2015){{!}}Kim Yun-Seul
+|6charactername=Jeong I-Shin (child)
+|7picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee Min-Ah1.jpg
+|7name=Lee Min-Ah (1976){{!}}Lee Min-Ah
+|7charactername=Jeong I-Shin's mom (ep.8)
+}}
+===Rayeon Ceramic Studio===
+{{CastPictures1
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Han Dong-Hee.jpg
+|1name=Han Dong-Hee (0416){{!}}Han Dong-Hee
+|1charactername=Seo A-Ra
+}}
+===Police===
+{{CastPictures11
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Min-Ho01.jpg
+|1name=Kim Min-Ho (1990){{!}}Kim Min-Ho
+|1charactername=Bae Sung-Gyu
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Tae-Jung.jpg
+|2name=Kim Tae-Jung (1999){{!}}Kim Tae-Jung
+|2charactername=Choi Hyuk
+|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Park Wan-Hyeong.jpg
+|3name=Park Wan-Hyeong (actress){{!}}Park Wan-Hyeong
+|3charactername=Son Ji-An
+|4picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee Yoon-Gun.jpg
+|4name=Lee Yoon-Gun (1970){{!}}Lee Yoon-Gun
+|4charactername=Hong Seung-Pyo
+|5picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kil Eun-Sung1.jpeg
+|5name=Kil Eun-Sung (1978){{!}}Kil Eun-Sung
+|5charactername=Kim Woo-Tae
+|6picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee Se-Ho1.jpeg
+|6name=Lee Se-Ho (1992){{!}}Lee Se-Ho
+|6charactername=crime scene investigator
+|7picture=File:Queen Mantis-Ryu Jae-Hyeok.jpg
+|7name=Ryu Jae-Hyeok (1999){{!}}Ryu Jae-Hyeok
+|7charactername=detective
+|8picture=File:Queen Mantis-Ko Jun.jpg
+|8name=Ko Jun
+|8charactername=No Sang-Chul (ep.1)
+|9picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Jin-Woo1.jpg
+|9name=Kim Jin-Woo (Winner){{!}}Kim Jin-Woo
+|9charactername=police officer (ep.7)
+|10picture=File:Queen Mantis-Yune Sung-Soo.jpg
+|10name=Yune Sung-Soo
+|10charactername=SWAT member (ep.7-8)
+|11picture=File:Queen Mantis-Park Sang-Gyu.jpg
+|11name=Park Sang-Gyu (1960){{!}}Park Sang-Gyu
+|11charactername=police officer (ep.8)
+}}
+===Park Min-Jae's Group===
+{{CastPictures4
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee Chang-Min.jpg
+|1name=Lee Chang-Min (1027){{!}}Lee Chang-Min
+|1charactername=Park Min-Jae
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Cha Soon-Bae.jpg
+|2name=Cha Soon-Bae
+|2charactername=Park Eon-Bae
+|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-An Seok-Hyun1.jpeg
+|3name=An Seok-Hyun (2013){{!}}An Seok-Hyun
+|3charactername=Park Min-Jae (child)
+|4picture=File:Queen Mantis-Jo Young-Mi.jpg
+|4name=Jo Young-Mi (1971){{!}}Jo Young-Mi
+|4charactername=restaurant owner (ep.4)
+}}
+===Seo Gu-Wan's Group===
+{{CastPictures4
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee Tae-Gu.jpg
+|1name=Lee Tae-Gu
+|1charactername=Seo Gu-Wan
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Ji Eun1.jpg
+|2name=Ji Eun (actress){{!}}Ji Eun
+|2charactername=So-Won
+|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Jin-Mok1.jpg
+|3name=Kim Jin-Mok (2017){{!}}Kim Jin-Mok
+|3charactername=Kim Seung-Min
+|4picture=File:Queen Mantis-Hong In-Guk.jpg
+|4name=Hong In-Guk (1958){{!}}Hong In-Guk
+|4charactername=Kim Hyung-Sik (ep.2)
+}}
+===Kang Yeon-Joong's Group===
+{{CastPictures4
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Im So-Ha.jpg
+|1name=Im So-Ha (2017){{!}}Im So-Ha
+|1charactername=Kang Yeon-Joong
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Eun-Ae01.jpg
+|2name=Choi Eun-Ae (1986){{!}}Choi Eun-Ae
+|2charactername=Kang Yeon-Joong's mom
+|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Park Ji-Han01.jpg
+|3name=Park Ji-Han (1981){{!}}Park Ji-Han
+|3charactername=Kang Yeon-Joong's dad
+|4picture=File:Queen Mantis-Cha Young-Mi.jpg
+|4name=Cha Young-Mi (1972){{!}}Cha Young-Mi
+|4charactername=caregiver (ep.6)
+}}
+===National Forensic Service===
+{{CastPictures1
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Park Hyun-Young.jpg
+|1name=Park Hyun-Young
+|1charactername= forensic scientist
+}}
+===Det. Kim Na-Hee's Group===
+{{CastPictures4
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Seo-Ha1.jpg
+|1name=Kim Seo-Ha (2017){{!}}Kim Seo-Ha
+|1charactername=Ho-Jun (ep.6-7)
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Yoon Dong-Joo.jpg
+|2name=Yoon Dong-Joo (1992){{!}}Yoon Dong-Joo
+|2charactername=Kim Na-Hee's ex-husband (ep.6-7)
+|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Han Sang-Bong1.jpg
+|3name=Han Sang-Bong (1965){{!}}Han Sang-Bong
+|3charactername=attorney (ep.6-7)
+|4picture=File:Queen Mantis-An A-Young.jpg
+|4name=An A-Young (1986){{!}}An A-Young
+|4charactername=attorney (ep.6-7)
+}}
+===Others===
+{{CastPictures2
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Han Si-A.jpg
+|1name=Han Si-A (2017){{!}}Han Si-A
+|1charactername=Kim Eun-Ae
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Jong-Hyeun.jpeg
+|2name=Kim Jong-Hyeun (1990){{!}}Kim Jong-Hyeun
+|2charactername=Kim Hyeon-U
 }}
 {{CastPictures3
-|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Lee Hwang-Eui.jpg
+|1picture=File:Queen Mantis-Ko Dong-Hyoung.jpeg
-|1name=Lee Hwang-Eui
+|1name=Ko Dong-Hyoung (1982){{!}}Ko Dong-Hyoung
-|1charactername=Jung Hyun-Nam
+|1charactername=angry car owner (ep.4)
-|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Min-Ho1.jpg
+|2picture=File:Queen Mantis-Park Jeong-Min01.jpg
-|2name=Kim Min-Ho (1990){{!}}Kim Min-Ho
+|2name=Park Jeong-Min (1987){{!}}Park Jeong-Min
-|2charactername=Bae Sung-Gyu
+|2charactername=victim (ep.5)
-|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Kim Tae-Jung.jpg
+|3picture=File:Queen Mantis-Son Woo-Jin.jpg
-|3name=Kim Tae-Jung (1999){{!}}Kim Tae-Jung
+|3name=Son Woo-Jin (actor){{!}}Son Woo-Jin
-|3charactername=Choi Hyuk
+|3charactername=hotel staff (ep.6)
 }}
+'''Additional Cast Members:'''
+* [[Kang Jong-Sung (1952)|Kang Jong-Sung]] - victim's father (ep.5)
 ==Trailers==
-{{AsianWikiPlayer3|url=2025Z/Queen_Mantis-e1.xml}}
+{{AsianWikiPlayer3|url=2025Z/Queen_Mantis-e8.xml}}
+==Episode Ratings==
+{| border="1"  cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px #AAA solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
+! rowspan="2" align=center bgcolor="F52887" | Date
+! rowspan="2" align=center bgcolor="F52887" | Episode
+! colspan="2" align=center bgcolor="F52887" | AGB
+|-
+! align=center bgcolor="F52887" | Nationwide
+! align=center bgcolor="F52887" | Seoul
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-05 || 1 || 7.1% || 7.3%
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-06 || 2 || 6.9% || 7.3%
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-12 || 3 || 7.3% || 7.0%
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-13 || 4 || 7.5% || 7.5%
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-19 || 5 || 6.6% || 6.9%
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-20 || 6 || 6.0% || 6.4%
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-26 || 7 || 6.3% || 6.5%
+|-align=center
+| 2025-09-27 || 8 || 7.4% || 7.9%
+|}
+Source: [http://www.agbnielsen.co.kr/ AGB Nielson]
+==Awards==
+* [[2025 SBS Drama Awards]] - December 31, 2025
+** '''Best Actress''' ([[Ko Hyun-Jung]])
+** '''Excellent Actor''' ([[Jang Dong-Yoon]])
+** '''Best Supporting Actress''' ([[Han Dong-Hee (0416)|Han Dong-Hee]])
 ==Comments==