More, please.
Spellbounding! Queen Mantis does not disappoint, EXCEPT I WANTED MORE. QM is not tagged as an ‘Limited Series’ on Netflix, I would appreciate a second season. 10s, across the board-script/writing, performances, costume, development, and many other attributes.SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
After watching Queen Mantis, I am reminded of the depth of my gratefulness for the talented Go Hyun-jung. Go Hyun-jung is the epitome of a classy independent survivor, a representation of a complete woman, despite adversity. Thankfully, Go retuned to the screen/stage, after enduring and escaping (what appeared to have been) an enslaved/subservient marriage.
I am grateful, I have witnessed Go (appear) live life to the fullest, enjoy her craft-love for the art of acting, and succeed with her own terms.
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Yi-shin’s condition for cooperation is simple yet devastating: she will only speak to Detective Cha Soo-yeol (Jang Dong-yoon), who happens to be her son, a man who has spent his entire life hating and rejecting his mother. The plot unfolds into a tense psychological game between mother and son as they hunt down a new killer while unearthing old traumas.
Veteran actress Go Hyun-jung delivers one of the year’s most memorable and chilling performances. Her Jung Yi-shin is calm, controlling, and enigmatic. The scenes where she describes her crimes with cold, sadistic pleasure are the centerpiece of the series, constantly heightening the tension.
At the heart of the drama lies the twisted relationship between mother and son. The series explores Cha Soo-yeol’s deep inner conflict as he is forced to work with the very person who ruined his life, all while battling the fear of inheriting her darkness. This love-hate dynamic is intense and profoundly captivating.
Queen Mantis is not for everyone. It is a raw thriller with a grim atmosphere. The series sustains a high level of suspense, filled with unexpected twists and a strong focus on the psychological aspects of crime. It also addresses very dark themes such as murder, abuse, and childhood trauma.
Queen Mantis is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and dark psychological dramas. If you’re looking for a story that dares to explore the blurry line between maternal love and criminal madness—while keeping you on the edge of your seat with an unforgettable lead—this is definitely the drama to watch.
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HOPE THERE WILL BE SEASON 2!!!!
i just finished queen mantis and honestly it was amazing. this drama is going straight into my top list.To me, the acting was also brilliant. every emotion landed exactly as it should, especially the male lead's reaction when he found out the truth. the performances carried so much raw feeling that i was fully pulled in from start to finish.
the only thing that had me screaming was when the male detective’s wife went to that abandoned building even though she was told to go to a crowded place with people like girl come on you could have ran into the main road or something or even stopped a car..
But overall, I really enjoyed the drama. i really hope there will be season 2 cause they can’t leave us on a cliffhanger like that
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Gory Version of Family Feud
Chief Inspector Cha Suyeol, the ML, was transfered from narcotics to major crime when two bodies were discovered with modus operandi similar to a serial murder 23 years prior. Reason for his transfer was simple, the serial killer from then - Jeong I Sin, had been enlisted to help with the current investigation and her demand had been to work with her son, ML. ML totally detested his relationship with Jeong I Sin and never regarded her as his mother. Little that he knew, when Jeong had confessed to the crimes back then, her condition include protecting ML’s identity, to change it completely so he had no relation to Jeong and for him to be raised into a good person. The lead investigator then, now the captain of Major Crimes, became ML’s adoptive father as he was the one entrusted by Jeong to raise her son. As they close in to the copycat killer, more truths from her crimes 23 years ago emerged, which unlocked more memories from ML’s childhood that he had tucked far away and never wanted to revisit.I felt that the ML looked too boyish and young to play the chief inspector, and he made rather weird facial expressions when trying to convey his feelings. That very first expression he made during his first visit to Jeong was super weird that i couldnt distinguish if he was angry at Jeong or mocking her. Honestly i failed to see him as a police officer but more as a distraught, angry boy mad at his mom whom he thought had wronged him horribly as a boy.
I really love the one who played Jeong I Sin though. She nailed it as a serial killer complete with complex thought process and eerie vibe. Although her moral seemed questionable when she talked about her crimes, her motherly instinct kicked in when she reminisce about her time with ML as a boy. It was clear that she had nothing but ML’s best interest in all her moves, then and now, despite knowing how hateful her son was at her.
Although this was about a serial murder that seemed to be committed by a random stranger who may have idolised Jeong as a serial killer, it turned out to be much closer to her as a young mother when she first committed her crimes. It was hard not to see this as a family feud between not-siblings. The context was interesting, i would love to see Jeong back in action when they revealed the hint of Season 2 at the ending.
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I didn't look for the A-list actress, the A-list actress found me
Is she evil is she good? I guess you'll never know. That's exactly what makes Go Hyun Jung so irresistible to watch. She embodies ambiguity with precision. It was a fun surprise to learn she was also in Mask Girl considering I found her acting amusingly spectacular there, and this was no different.It becomes clear that the twists exist less for depth and more to stall before unveiling the real antagonist. Still, it's not a bad ride.
Having seen many in the same genre, the lack of chemistry of the investigating team here was difficult to overlook. There are archetypes filled in every k-crime series. In this one, several characters drifted either toward caricature or underdeveloped.
In summary, Go Hyun Jung was this drama's defining force and she made it worth it.
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Cycle of darkness
This is a remake of the French show La Mante, which I never had the chance to watch. Judging this drama on its own terms, it is a serviceable police procedural and psychological thriller, but neither sub genre is truly explored in a satisfying manner. In fact, the show manages to make the police team main cast very unlikable for nearly the entire duration. Whether it is a lack of leadership from the chief to some genuinely annoying characters such as detective Bae, the police team spend a large amount of time displaying unusual incompetence and illogical decision-making skills.On the psychological front, there is an attempt to address the very real-world impact poverty and abuse can have on its victims, but I found it hard to connect with many of the characters emotionally - with the exception of perhaps Park Min Jae and of course our Queen Mantis herself, played with commanding presence by Go Hyun Jung. Unfortunately, I found the copycat killer reveal and story somewhat formulaic - I think trying to keep it a mystery box until the end without showing enough "clues" ahead of time made it difficult for me to believe it in the end. The set up of our male lead character was also lacking - I think if we were shown more of his youth/past and struggles with his hidden identity, I would have related more to him.
All in all, worth a check if you like the genre, but do not expect a truly gripping thriller. Also as a warning, there is plenty of gore and portrayal of abuse of many forms, including child abuse, so tread carefully there if that is an area of sensitivity for some viewers.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the Most Phenomenal Crime Thrillers This Year!!
What happens when a serial killer is idolized by another one? What happens when the said serial killer has experienced a mental trauma which set her on that path? What happens when the said killer’s son endeavors to become a straight laced police officer?From the pilot episodes itself, I questioned Jung I Sin’s intentions. Go Hyun Jung’s has a fabulous presence, while her younger version presents herself as a beautiful killer, the older version is haggard yet dangerously alluring. You are pulled into Jung I Sin’s world, even if you don’t want to be. The bloodthirst is viable, there is no pretense about the fact that she willingly killed five men who were either abusive to women or children. She punished the despicable, but like her son Cha Su Yeol often decrees, she had no right to. But to the women or children whom she released from a lifetime of pain & despair, she is no less than a Goddess. Our copycat killer, Ah Ra feels the same about her, to the point that she transitions from being a male to female. She entirely reinvents herself and models her life following into Jung I Sin’s footsteps. The only glitch being that Ah Ra is also secretly in love with I Sin. “Queen Mantis” is indeed about the Queen, Go Hyun Jung lives & breaths life into a character that is morally inept yet intriguing.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/queen-mantis-series-review/#more-2067
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Queen Jung Yi Shin
Queen Mantis is a gripping and emotionally complex drama that dives deep into morality, justice, and trauma. The story follows Jung Yi Shin, a woman who becomes a serial killer, but not without reason. Every one of her victims is an abuser or predator. The show never glorifies her crimes, but it constantly challenges viewers to question where the line lies between revenge and righteousness.Yi Shin is portrayed brilliantly as a calm, composed sometimes a bit crazy woman. Her trauma and choices are difficult to justify, yet equally hard to condemn. Her son, a police officer who believes killing is wrong no matter the reason, represents the rigid morality of the law... a law that often fails victims. Their relationship adds incredible emotional depth, especially in the later episodes where love, guilt, and duty collide.
The writing stands out for how it exposes the failures of the justice system and the hypocrisy of society. The subplot involving another killer, shaped by years of abuse and trauma, adds a disturbing but powerful layer, showing how violence can perpetuate itself.
At just eight episodes, the show maintains a perfect pace without unnecessary filler. Some moments feel exaggerated, like such large number of police failed to catch two women with single gun, and a few character actions might frustrate you, and the bond between su yeol and his wife didn't touch me... but the rest of the plot had me hooked.
By the end, Queen Mantis leaves you conflicted... torn between empathy and judgment, sorrow and satisfaction. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a raw reflection of how far people can be pushed when justice repeatedly fails them.
p.s..hoping there'll be season 2
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?️ “Queen Mantis” — When Justice Isn’t Black or White
Honestly, this drama is insanely good. It really makes you question — if someone commits a crime to protect the people they love… are they still a criminal? 🤔 Watching kids suffer because of adults, and the police being helpless because “the law says they’re minors,” hits differently.But the real showstopper? Go Hyun-jung as Mantis. Her performance is absolutely chilling — she doesn’t just act the role, she becomes it. There were moments when I literally got goosebumps watching her.
Now, being honest — the music could’ve been stronger, and a few parts of the story went a little off track. It’s not something I’d rewatch, but for fans of intense crime thrillers and morally grey characters, this one is totally worth your time.
P.S.: Guys, we actually have a female criminal lead here — and honestly, it’s rare to see that in Korean dramas!
P.P.S.: I’ll never look at quiet, composed women the same way again… you never know who’s hiding their inner “Mantis.” 😅
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Exceptional acting but disappointing writing
A compelling premise and brilliant acting couldn't save this thriller from its own flaws. While the central idea was intriguing, the execution simply fell flat, resulting in a drama that was just 'good' instead of extraordinary.The emotional and psychological depth of the drama centered entirely on the fascinating development of the mother-son relationship. Watching Detective Cha Su-yeol confront and slowly process his bond with his killer mother, Jung I-shin, was the true highlight of the series.
This core dynamic was powerfully carried by the cast. Go Hyun-jung delivered an amazing, dominating performance as the serial killer, fully embodying the character's chilling complexity. I found myself unable to resist sympathizing with her actions, given she only targeted abusers in situations where the law was helpless. This moral ambiguity—a killer driven by a warped sense of vigilante justice—elevated the entire viewing experience. Jang Dong-yoon also excelled in his role, skillfully portraying his character's internal turmoil.
However, the writing was the biggest flaw. The police characters were frustratingly incompetent, and the female detective, in particular, was often annoying and poorly handled. On the plus side, the mystery itself was well-constructed; the writers successfully kept the killer's identity hidden, proving my guesses wrong. The twist in the final episode was a spectacular moment, leaving me speechless and redeeming some of the earlier missteps. The obvious open ending sets the stage for a potential second season.
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*Queen Mantis* (also *The Mantis: Original Sin*) has made an impressive debut, particularly in its ability to combine psychological tension with a gripping mystery. The show follows Jung Yi‑shin, a woman imprisoned for the murder of five men over 20 years ago, and her estranged son, Cha Soo‑yeol, a police detective. When a series of copycat killings emerge, mimicking Yi‑shin's methodical murders, she offers her help in solving the case—but only if Soo‑yeol acts as her direct interlocutor. The dynamic between mother and son is the emotional core of the drama, providing much of the show’s tension and complexity.
One of the standout features of *Queen Mantis* is its strong performances. Go Hyun‑jung delivers a chilling portrayal of Jung Yi‑shin, walking the fine line between cold, calculating villain and a woman haunted by her past. Jang Dong‑yoon’s Cha Soo‑yeol is equally compelling, capturing the internal struggle between loyalty to his mother and his duty as a detective. The chemistry between these two actors drives much of the series’ emotional weight, especially as secrets from the past begin to surface. Their conflict and strained relationship are the real heart of the show, and the two lead performances elevate it to something more than a simple crime procedural.
The pacing of *Queen Mantis* is another strong point, particularly in its ability to maintain a slow-burn tension. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger or revelation that keeps viewers engaged. For example, Episode 3 drops the bombshell that Yi‑shin's first victim was her husband—Soo‑yeol’s father—setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their fractured relationship. The atmosphere also plays a crucial role, with the show’s moody, almost oppressive tone adding to the sense of unease. Cinematography and sound design create a chilling backdrop, making every scene feel layered with suspense.
Ultimately, *Queen Mantis* is a strong contender for fans of psychological thrillers, family dramas, and crime procedurals. If you enjoy stories with dark moral ambiguity, complex family dynamics, and atmospheric tension, this series will likely resonate. On the other hand, if you prefer lighter, more episodic crime dramas or need every plotline to be equally fleshed out, you might find some of the side elements lacking. So far, though, it’s shaping up to be a compelling watch, and it will be interesting to see how the show handles its concluding episodes.
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