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SBS is set to make a big splash this autumn with Queen Mantis (사마귀: 살인자의 외출)A Korean adaptation of the French series La Mante, this dark psychological thriller promises to be as captivating as it is disturbing. Scheduled to premiere on September 5 at 9:50pm (KST), the drama recently revealed a behind-the-scenes look at its first script reading, and the atmosphere was already electric.
A serial killer... and a cop's mother
The plot of Queen Mantis is based on a chilling concept: 20 years after the arrest of a serial killer nicknamed "The Praying Mantis", an imitator reproduces her murders with disturbing precision. To solve this new crime wave, the police have no choice but to call on the original: Jung Yi-shin, the murderer herself.
But that's not all: the investigating police officer is none other than his own sonCha Soo-yeol. A lifelong hater of his mother, he finds himself forced to collaborate with her in an investigation as personal as it is macabre.
A metamorphosed Go Hyun-jung
As Jung Yi-shin, Go Hyun-jung makes a striking transformation. With a look, a gesture or a simple change of tone, she manages to embody a figure at once majestic and terrifying. The actress, known for her depth of acting, brings to this character an intensity that impressed the entire team at the reading.
Facing her, Jang Dong-yoon portrays detective Cha Soo-yeol with remarkable accuracy. He plays a man consumed by hatred, but forced to team up with the woman he always wanted to forget. His performance at the script reading, a mixture of restrained anger and heart-rending pain, foreshadows a deeply moving performance.
A solid cast and a promising production
The main duo is accompanied by Jo Sung-hain the role of Choi Jung-ho, head of the violent crime unit of the Jeonnam provincial police, and of Lee Elwho plays Kim Na-hee, a seasoned detective involved in the investigation. Both were able to embody their characters from the very first readings, offering a promising synergy.
Behind the camera, we find Byun Young-joo to production and Lee Young-jong on the script. The duo seem to have paid particular attention to the smallest details, reinforcing the tense, complex atmosphere of this psychological thriller with family overtones.
See you in September
The distribution of Queen Mantis will start on friday, september 5 on SBS, with a weekly prime-time broadcast. We'll keep you posted on a potential official French broadcaster!
