If you’re a K-drama fan looking for your next dark and thrilling obsession, Queen Mantis (2025) should be on your radar. This highly anticipated series blends crime, mystery, and family drama into one of the most chilling thrillers of the year. Starring powerhouse actors Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon, Queen Mantis promises gripping suspense, emotional intensity, and a fresh take on the Korean thriller genre.
Plot Summary of Queen Mantis
At its core, Queen Mantis tells the story of Jung Yi-shin (played by Go Hyun-jung), a notorious serial killer who earned the nickname “The Mantis” after brutally murdering five men two decades ago. Cold, calculated, and unflinching, Yi-shin’s crime shocked the nation and cemented her as one of the most infamous criminals in Korean drama history.
Queen Mantis 2025 Kdrama: Jung Dong-yoon
Now imprisoned, Yi-shin faces a terrifying twist: a new killer has emerged, imitating her exact methods. These copycat murders rattle the police and force them to turn to Yi-shin for help. But the case becomes even more complicated because the lead detective on the investigation is Cha Soo-yeol (Jang Dong-yoon), Yi-shin’s estranged son. Having grown up under the shadow of his mother’s crimes, Soo-yeol despries her and has spent his entire life trying to escape her legacy. Yet, to catch the new murderer, he has no choice but to work alongside the very person he wishes to forget.
This emotional and psychological conflict- between justice, resentment, and blood ties —makes Queen Mantis more than just a crime drama. It’s also a story about family, identity, and whether people are doomed to repeat the sins of their past.
Queen Mantis K-Drama Cast
One of the biggest reasons fans are hyped about Queen Mantis is its stellar lineup of actors. Here’s a breakdown of the main cast:
Queen Mantis 2025 Kdrama: Go Hyun-jung
- Go Hyun-jung as Jung Yi-shen – The infamous “ Mantis,” a convicted serial killer whose chilling persona is central to the story.
- Jung Dong-yoon as Cha Soo-yeol – Yi-shin’s estranged son, now a detective torn between his duty to justice and his hatred for his mother.
- Jo Sung-ha as Choi Jung-ho – The experienced head of the Violent Crimes Unit who guides the investigation.
- Lee EI as Kim Na-hee – A sharp, ambitious senior detective determined to crack the case.
- Kim Bo-ra as Lee Jung-yeon – Soo-yeol’s supportive wife, who provides emotional grounding amid chaos.
- Kim Tae-jung as Choi Hyuk – The youngest detective on the team, adding fresh energy and perspective.
This strong ensemble ensures that Queen Mantis delivers both powerhouse performances and multi-layered characters.
Release Date and Episode Schedule
Queen Mantis 2025 Kdrama:
- Premiere Date: September 5, 2025
- Finale Date: September 27, 2025
- Episodes: 8 episodes total
- Airing Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 21:50 KST on SBS
- Episode Length: Approximately 70 minutes each
The short 8-episode format means the drama will move at a tight, suspenseful pace, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats each week.
Where to Watch Queen Mantis
Queen Mantis will be accessible to both Korean and international viewers. Korea: Airs on SBS TV Global Streaming: Available on Netflix, Viki, Wavve, and KOCOWA+ ( depending on region) This wide distribution ensures fans around the world can tune in without missing out.
Why You Should Watch Queen Mantis
- Thrilling Storyline – A psychological battle between a mother and son set against a chilling murder mystery.
- Emotional Depth – Unlike typical crime dramas, this one explores family trauma and unresolved resentment.
- World-Class Acting – Go Hyun-jung’s chilling presence and Jang Dong-yoon’s emotional range are already generating buzz.
- Short & Impactful – Just 8 tightly written episodes, perfect for binge-watching.
- International Access – Easy availability on Netflix and Viki makes it a global must-watch.
Final Thoughts
Queen Mantis (2025) is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of the year. Combining crime, family drama, and psychological suspense, it delivers more than just thrills —it explores the fragile bonds between parent and child, even when those ties are poisoned by betrayal and violence.
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