If you thought you’d seen every kind of thriller K-drama out there, think again. Queen Mantis (also known as The Mantis Original Sin) takes the genre and flips it on its head with a chilling question. What happens when a detective has to team up with the one person he despises the most—his own mother, who just so happens to be a notorious serial killer?
That’s right, this is the setup of Queen Mantis, and trust me, it’s as unsettling and addictive as it sounds. Since its premiere on September 5, 2025, the drama has been turning heads with strong ratings and an even stronger emotional punch. With Go Hyun Jung stepping into the role of a cold-blooded killer and Jang Dong Yoon playing her conflicted son, this isn’t just another crime thriller. It’s a raw exploration of family, guilt, and the fine line between justice and obsession.
Queen Mantis The Story That Hooks You from the Start
On the surface, Queen Mantis sounds like a straightforward remake of the French series La Mante. But this Korean adaptation adds its own flavor and cultural depth, making it feel brand new.
The plot revolves around Jung Yi Shin (Go Hyun Jung), a woman who shook the nation twenty years ago after brutally murdering five people. Her crimes were so distinct, so grotesque, that she earned the nickname Mantis. Fast forward to the present day, and a copycat killer emerges, mimicking her every move.
Enter Cha Soo Yeol (Jang Dong Yoon), a detective assigned to track down the new killer. Sounds simple, right? Except there’s one major complication: Soo Yeol is Jung Yi Shin’s son. He’s spent his entire life despising her, trying to separate himself from the shadow of her crimes. Yet now, he has no choice but to work with her if he wants to stop the copycat before more lives are lost.
It’s this twisted mother-son partnership that gives Queen Mantis its unique edge. Instead of just being another cat-and-mouse thriller, it becomes an emotional tug-of-war between family loyalty, resentment, and the unshakable bond of blood.
Go Hyun Jung as Jung Yi Shin
Let’s be honest—no one plays complex, morally gray women like Go Hyun Jung. From her earlier works to more recent dramas, she’s always had a knack for bringing icy, layered characters to life. But Queen Mantis might just be one of her most chilling roles yet.
Her portrayal of Jung Yi Shin is fascinating because she doesn’t lean on theatrics. Instead, she exudes quiet menace, the kind of danger that makes you uneasy even when she’s not holding a weapon. She’s unapologetic, terrifyingly intelligent, and oddly magnetic. You can’t decide if you should hate her or sympathize with her—and that’s exactly the point.
What’s even more impressive is how Go Hyun Jung balances that menace with glimpses of humanity. In the rare moments when Yi Shin interacts with her son, you see flashes of regret, twisted maternal instincts, and a vulnerability that makes her even harder to pin down.
Jang Dong Yoon as Cha Soo Yeol
If Go Hyun Jung is the fire, Jang Dong Yoon is the gasoline that keeps the tension burning. His role as Cha Soo Yeol is equal parts heartbreaking and compelling. Imagine spending your entire life trying to outrun the shadow of a mother who destroyed countless lives, only to be dragged back into her world in the most devastating way.
Soo Yeol isn’t just a detective. He’s a man torn apart by trauma, resentment, and duty. On one hand, he wants justice for the victims. On the other hand, he can’t escape the reality that the person he’s forced to work with is the same person who ruined his childhood.
What makes Jang Dong Yoon’s performance shine is the raw emotion he brings to the role. You feel his rage, his disgust, his reluctant curiosity. And yet, underneath all that, you sense the part of him that still longs for some form of connection with his mother, no matter how much he denies it. That push and pull keeps the audience on edge because you’re never quite sure which way he’ll lean.
The Supporting Cast Queen Mantis That Elevates the Drama
A thriller is only as good as the world around its leads, and Queen Mantis doesn’t disappoint.
- Jo Sung Ha as Jung Ho: A seasoned officer who mentors Soo Yeol and adds gravitas to every scene he’s in. His presence grounds the chaos and brings a sense of authority.
- Lee El as Na Hee: A sharp, brilliant detective who refuses to be overshadowed by the drama between Soo Yeol and Yi Shin. Her perspective often acts as the audience’s voice—rational, frustrated, and determined.
This dynamic supporting cast ensures that the drama isn’t just about the mother-son duo. The larger investigation feels alive and layered, giving viewers multiple perspectives to latch onto.
Why Queen Mantis Feels Different
There are plenty of crime thrillers out there, so what makes Queen Mantis stand out? It’s all in the details.
A Female Serial Killer
Let’s be real: how often do we see a female serial killer at the center of a K-drama? Yi Shin’s character instantly sets this story apart because she challenges stereotypes. She’s not broken in the way female villains are often portrayed. She’s calculating, intelligent, and terrifyingly in control.
The Emotional Core
At its heart, this isn’t just a story about catching a killer. It’s about a son’s lifelong battle with the sins of his mother. That emotional undercurrent gives the series a depth that pure action-driven thrillers often lack.
Short and Punchy
With just eight episodes, Queen Mantis doesn’t waste time. Every scene feels intentional, every episode ends with a cliffhanger, and before you know it, you’ve binged the entire series in a weekend.
The Team Behind the Queen Mantis Scenes
When you’ve got Byun Young Joo in the director’s chair, you know you’re in for something special. His work on Black Out in 2024 proved he knows how to craft a visually striking, emotionally layered story. Here, he brings the same sharp eye for detail, blending dark tones with bursts of intensity that mirror the characters’ inner turmoil.
Pair him with writer Lee Young Jong—whose film 12.12 The Day broke records in 2023—and you’ve got a powerhouse duo. Together, they create a world that’s chillingly realistic, filled with moral dilemmas and emotional stakes that stick with you long after the credits roll.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Queen Mantis
By now, you can probably tell this isn’t your average K-drama. But let me spell it out anyway.
- It’s got one of the most unique mother-son relationships you’ll ever see on screen.
- Go Hyun Jung delivers a performance that’ll haunt you in the best way.
- The pacing is tight, the storytelling sharp, and the visuals unforgettable.
- It’s only eight episodes, so you won’t feel like you’re signing your life away (though you might wish it lasted longer).
And let’s not forget—it’s streaming on Netflix, so you can dive right in without waiting for weekly drops if you’re the binge-watching type.
Queen Mantis Brings Dark Secrets Family Betrayal and Thrilling Suspense
Queen Mantis is dark, twisted, and emotionally charged in all the right ways. It’s the kind of drama that doesn’t just entertain you; it sticks in your head, making you question how far family bonds can bend before they break.
If you love thrillers with heart, if you crave characters that make you uncomfortable yet keep you glued to the screen, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist. Trust me, once you step into Jung Yi Shin’s world, you won’t want to leave.