Where to Legally Watch ‘Queen Mantis’ K-Drama: A Fan’s Guide

SBS is set to premiere a new crime thriller, Queen Mantis, on September 5th—and it’s not your typical detective drama. Blending psychological tension, brutal murders, and a shocking family secret, this series promises to challenge viewers’ perceptions of justice, trust, and betrayal. If you’re a fan of dark Korean thrillers like Mouse or Flower of Evil, this one should be on your must-watch list.

The plot centers on a serial killer known as “Mantis.” She was arrested more than twenty years ago. Now, a series of new murders happens. They look exactly like her old crimes. Police suspect a copycat. But there is more to it.

The detective in charge is Cha Soo-yeol. He has hated “Mantis” his whole life. Then, he learns something that changes everything. “Mantis” is his own mother. She is on death row. She agrees to help him catch the new killer.

Jang Dong-yoon’s Darkest Role Yet

Jang Dong-yoon plays Cha Soo-yeol. He is not the same as in his past roles. In the stills released, he walks through crime scenes with sharp focus.  Jang Dong-yoon, known for his charming roles in The Tale of Nokdu and Oasis, undergoes a stark transformation as Detective Cha Soo-yeol. Early stills reveal a gritty, emotionally drained version of the actor—far from his usual bright persona.

Dong-Yoon portrayal of a man torn between duty and familial horror could mark a career-defining performance, drawing comparisons to Lee Je-hoon in Signal or Kim Nam-gil in Through the Darkness. His eyes search for every detail. His face looks tense & stance feels heavy. There is a raw, worn-down look in his movements.

The tone of this drama is clear. It is not about pretty lighting or romance in disguise. It is about danger, trust, and a son working with the woman he thought he despised. The story will need the audience to think, not just watch.

The production team shared that Jang Dong-yoon gave full effort on set. He switched between intense action and deep, silent scenes. They say he pushed himself physically. The crew even applauded his work many times. That praise is rare to hear from a set where tension stays high all day.

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The Return of Go Hyun-jung

Go Hyun-jung plays Jung I-shin. She is “Mantis.” In the drama, she killed five people in brutal ways. That was two decades ago. Now she spends her life behind bars. She wears a blue prison uniform with a red number across it. Her hands are tied when she walks under guard.

Her look in this drama is striking. She has pale skin, tired eyes, and an empty expression. It is not the glamour she is known for. It feels like the life has been drained out of her, yet there is something dangerous under the surface.

The prison scenes show her moving with calm steps. But the calm does not feel peaceful. It feels like she is watching, calculating. This is where the drama builds unease. She is not an ordinary inmate. Even when chained, she carries power.

The acting challenge for Go Hyun-jung is high. She is not just changing her look. She is living as a character who is hated, feared, and yet needed. The production team says her effort was beyond what they expected. They called her transformation “beyond imagination.”

Where To Watch Queen Mantis K-Drama?

This drama has eight episodes. It will air on SBS at 9:50 PM KST every Friday and Saturday. It will also be available on Netflix. The director is Byun Young-joo. The writer is Lee Yeong-joong. Filming ran from late October 2024 to February 2025.

• Episodes: 8
• Airs: Sep 5, 2025 – Sep 27, 2025
• Airs On: Friday, Saturday
• Original Network: SBS
• Duration: 1 hr. 10 min.

 

Murder, Family, and the Fine Balance

A crime thriller with this setup is rare in Korean drama. It is about the unusual bond between a son and his mother, both trapped in the shadow of murder.

The challenge is in how the show balances the murder mystery with this family element. If the plot becomes too heavy on emotion, it might lose the tension. If it leans too much into the killings, the relationship could feel hollow. That is why the writing and acting must work in sync.

Viewers who enjoy darker crime stories may see this as a fresh take. It avoids the usual cop-chasing-killer formula. The fact that the killer is not a stranger but family creates constant doubt. Can a detective trust the mind of a murderer, even if she gave birth to him?

Another layer is the copycat. Why would someone want to repeat murders that terrified the country? Is it to mock the police? Or is it to send a message to “Mantis” herself? The answers will decide if this drama stays gripping or loses pace.

Crime dramas often rely on shocking moments. But real tension comes from uncertainty. Queen Mantis has the tools to keep that uncertainty alive. The small glances between mother and son, the moments of silence, and the feeling that one wrong move will break their fragile cooperation—these will matter more than chase scenes.

Can Truth Break the Case—or the Detective?

The question for viewers will not only be “Who is the copycat?” It will also be “Can this detective live with the truth about his mother?” The emotional weight of that truth may be heavier than the case itself.

With Jang Dong-yoon showing a tougher side and Go Hyun-jung abandoning elegance for menace, this could be one of the most intense Korean crime thrillers in recent years. But intensity alone will not make it great. It needs smart writing, strong pacing, and a believable balance between crime and family drama.

The premiere is less than a month away. By the time it airs, curiosity will already be high. Viewers who want a Korean crime thriller with family twist will be watching closely to see if it delivers on its promise.

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