Im Si-wan Returns: Meet the Baddest Assassin You’ll Love to Hate in “Mantis”

Netflix is bringing back the dark world of contract killers with a new Korean action film called Mantis. It’s not just another thriller. It’s a spin-off from Kill Boksoon, but with a new focus, fresh blood, and old rivalries. This time, the rules don’t matter. Everyone’s chasing the top spot. Si-Wan and Gyu-Young star in the Mantis Korean Movie 2025.

Im Si-wan plays Han-wool, also known as Mantis. He’s not new to the killing business. In fact, he’s one of the best. In Kill Boksoon, his name was mentioned in passing. Now, he’s back from a long break, and the industry is in chaos. MK Ent., the agency that once had order, is now leaderless. That’s where Mantis steps in. He sees the gap. He wants control. But he’s not alone.

Park Gyu-young joins as Jae-i. She’s not your average assassin. She’s fast, smart, and was kicked out by MK Ent. after falling out of favor. Her history with Mantis goes back to their training days. Now, things are complicated. There’s a weird mix of loyalty, bitterness, and tension between them.

Jo Woo-jin adds another layer. He plays Dok-go, a legend in the business. Long retired. But the vacuum in leadership pulls him back. He’s not here for games. He’s here to remind everyone why he was feared. Fans await Mantis Korean Movie 2025 for its intense plot.

A Darker, Grittier Extension of ‘Kill Boksoon’

The world of Mantis is brutal. No one trusts anyone. Everyone has their own motives. Unlike most action films, this one doesn’t try to show heroes. The story follows villains. Not just bad people, but killers who justify their jobs. That’s what makes this film different. It walks into the ‘picaresque’ genre. The kind where the flawed character leads the story, not the good guy.

Director Lee Tae-sung makes his debut here. But he’s not a stranger to this world. He was the assistant director for Kill Boksoon. The script is co-written by Byun Sung-Hyun, the director of the original film. So, fans can expect similar intensity and layered conflict.

Cast with Strong Past Roles and Netflix Buzz

Im Si-wan is taking bold steps again. Known for roles in Squid Game Season 2 and Unlocked, he’s proving his range. He’s not trying to be liked here. He’s playing someone with no soft side. He even said himself, this role continues his streak of villain characters, something he started with The Villainess.

Park Gyu-young is another familiar face. From Sweet Home to Celebrity, she’s played many layers. Her role as a former insider now turned outsider gives her space to be unpredictable. Her character is emotionally tangled, and maybe a little dangerous.

Jo Woo-jin brings experience. He’s played gritty roles before in Narco-Saints and Harbin. His role as Dok-go might be the most grounded of all. A man pulled back into violence after leaving it behind.

The director has made it clear—this is not a fancy, stylish fight film. It’s grim. It’s about power, revenge, and people who’ve lost their moral compass. And that makes it more real than most shiny action dramas out there.

Actor Reflections, Not Just Characters in MANTIS Korean Movie 2025

Outside the film, Im Si-wan spoke about his choices. He said he enjoyed playing bad characters but doesn’t want to do it forever. He even mentioned Mission: Impossible as a movie that inspired him, not just for its action, but for the challenge. Si-Wan wants to grow, not repeat. He laughed when asked if he’d take a role where he had to kill someone if Tom Cruise was in the film. His answer? Yes. No hesitation.

He also mentioned he’s been resting lately. No filming. Just promoting Squid Game 3 and waiting for the right project. He’s clear—taking a break helps. It gives him more energy when he returns. This makes his role in Mantis even more interesting. He didn’t pick it randomly. He waited for something worth doing. Something heavy. Something dark.

Release Date and Final Thoughts of MANTIS Korean Movie 2025

Netflix plans to release Mantis in the third quarter of 2025, most likely in September. That’s a smart move. Korean action dramas do well when they come out just before the fall season.

This film isn’t for viewers who want happy endings or clear lines between good and bad. It’s for those who like to watch smart characters do terrible things and still wonder who they’re rooting for. It’s brutal & sharp. And it’s very human. It has action, but also something deeper—rivalries, regrets, and revenge. It shows that even in a business built on killing, there are rules. And when those fall apart, everything gets personal.

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