| Native Title | 사마귀: 살인자의 외출 |
| Also Know as | The Mantis, The Mantis: Original Sin, Mantis: Murderer's Outing, Samagwi |
| Director | Byun Young-Joo |
| Writer | Lee Young-Jong |
| Air Time | Friday 21:50, Saturday 22:00 |
| Content Rating | 15+ - Teens 15 or older |
| Runtime | 8 episodes |
| Genre | Thriller, Mystery, Detective, Psychological, Crime |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
| Release Date | 2025-09-05 |
| End Date | 2025-09-27 |
“Queen Mantis” (native title: “사마귀: 살인자의 외출,” also known as “The Mantis: Original Sin”) is a mystery-thriller-police procedural that premiered on SBS TV on September 5, 2025. Adapted from the 2017 French series “La Mante”, directed by Byun Young-joo and written by Lee Young-jong, the series delivers intense storytelling, blending crime investigation with a deeply personal mother-son conflict.
Twenty years ago, Jung Yi-shin (Go Hyun-jung), dubbed “The Mantis”, brutally murdered five men, earning her a death row sentence. Her estranged son, Cha Soo-yeol (Jang Dong-yoon), now a dedicated police detective, has spent his life despising her for her crimes. When a new murder case emerges, eerily mimicking “The Mantis’s” methods, Cha Soo-yeol is forced to seek his mother’s expertise to catch the copycat killer. As they navigate this uneasy alliance, the investigation unearths painful family secrets and tests Cha Soo-yeol’s resolve to uphold justice while confronting his past.
Fans are buzzing about “Queen Mantis”.
Overall, the drama’s chilling atmosphere and stellar acting have earned strong early reception.
Adapted from French mini-series “La Mante” (2017), the drama was initially planned as a film but expanded into a series for deeper storytelling.
Go Hyun-jung lost weight and studied serial killer psychology to embody Jung Yi-shin, creating a haunting look with pale skin and dark eye makeup.
Jang Dong-yoon, a fitness enthusiast, bulked up slightly and embraced a rugged appearance to fit Cha Soo-yeol’s gritty role, inspired by director Byun Young-joo’s vision.
Shot from October 2024 to February 2025, the production faced tight schedules to meet its September premiere.
The August 2025 teasers, showcasing Go and Jang’s tense chemistry, went viral, amplifying anticipation for the premiere.
“Queen Mantis” is set to leave a lasting mark in the K-drama landscape for its bold exploration of family dynamics within a thriller framework. Go Hyun-jung’s chilling portrayal and Jang Dong-yoon’s emotional depth elevate the series, contributing to the growing trend of female-led narratives and complex character studies in Korean television. Its focus on psychological tension and societal reflections on justice and redemption ensures it will be remembered as a 2025 highlight, potentially influencing future crime dramas.
With its haunting premise, powerhouse performances, and timely themes, “Queen Mantis” is a 2025 thriller that grips from the first frame. Dive into this dark tale of crime and kinship – you won’t look away.
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