Veteran actress Ko Hyun-jung has transformed herself into a terrifying serial killer in the new SBS thriller "Queen Mantis," delivering what critics are calling a bone-chilling performance that captivates viewers from the very first scene. The drama, which premiered on Friday, showcases the once-elegant actress in a dramatically different role as Jung Yi-shin, a convicted murderer known as the Mantis who targets those who abuse women and children.
Ko's portrayal eschews traditional glamour, appearing without makeup or camera filters to create an unsettling, suffocating tension that goes beyond dialogue. Her piercing gaze and enigmatic expressions embody a cold-blooded killer who mirrors the predatory instincts of a praying mantis. This complex character presents a duality that makes her simultaneously a monstrous villain and a twisted symbol of justice, depending on one's perspective.
The storyline unfolds 23 years after Yi-shin's initial capture, when authorities investigating copycat crimes inspired by her past killings seek her assistance while she serves her prison sentence. She agrees to cooperate under two specific conditions: meetings must take place in a designated residence rather than prison, and all communication must occur exclusively through her son, detective Soo-yeol, played by Jang Dong-yoon.
The relationship between mother and son forms the emotional core of the series, as Soo-yeol harbors lifelong resentment toward his mother but ultimately agrees to the arrangement to prevent further murders. Their reunion after two decades is far from harmonious, with Soo-yeol suppressing his anger and speaking coldly while Yi-shin initially wavers before fully embracing her dark identity as a killer rather than a mother. This charged encounter establishes the foundation for an intense psychological drama exploring themes of family, trauma, and the blurred lines between love and hatred in the shadow of violence.
Yi-shin's dialogue throughout the series is deliberately sparse yet chilling, intensifying the suspense with every word. When discussing murder, she cannot conceal her excitement, provocatively taunting her son with disturbing statements like, "Do you dislike the smell of blood? I love it. It's the scent you brought into this world with you." These moments reveal the depth of her psychological transformation and the disturbing pleasure she derives from violence.
The series functions as both a gripping psychological drama and a crime thriller, with scenes that showcase Yi-shin's methodical approach to murder. In one particularly unsettling sequence, she visits a crime scene in person, plays music on a turntable, and immerses herself in the details exactly as she did 23 years earlier. Her bizarre expressions and evident excitement while seemingly recalling past murders create a stark contrast to her son's suppressed anger and frustration at being unable to find clues.
The second episode concludes with an especially eerie scene that has left viewers speculating about deeper mysteries. Yi-shin opens a ventilation grate in the ceiling, retrieves a leaf she had hidden in her mouth, and feeds it to insects while wearing a sinister smile. This moment raises disturbing questions about her fascination with insects and hints at dark secrets lying beneath her calm exterior, adding another layer to her already complex character.
"Queen Mantis" is planned as an eight-part Friday-Saturday drama that has made a remarkably strong debut on both domestic and international stages. The series plunges audiences into a tense, unpredictable psychological game that maintains suspense throughout each full 60-minute episode, largely driven by Ko Hyun-jung's powerful and transformative performance.
Throughout the show, viewers are confronted with haunting questions about the nature of evil and the circumstances that transform people into monsters. This philosophical underpinning elevates the series beyond typical crime thrillers, encouraging deeper reflection on human psychology and moral complexity.
The drama has achieved significant success on streaming platforms, currently available on Netflix where it has ranked within the top 10 TV shows in 16 countries according to FlixPatrol data released on Sunday. Additionally, "Queen Mantis" held the number one position in South Korea for two consecutive days, demonstrating both strong domestic appeal and broad international recognition for this psychological thriller that showcases Ko Hyun-jung's remarkable range as an actress.
