The new killer mother drama Queen Mantis has become one of Korea’s most talked-about TV series this season. Starring Go Hyun-jung, the series focuses on Jung I-shin, a convicted serial killer who targeted abusive men. After 23 years in prison, she re-enters society to assist in a copycat murder case — and to reunite with her estranged son.
The drama’s central tension stems from the disturbing relationship between I-shin and her son, detective Cha Su-yeol, played by Jang Dong-yoon. Despite its dark themes, Queen Mantis has achieved strong ratings. Its fourth episode reached a nationwide viewership of 7.5 percent, leading the Friday-Saturday slot.
The killer mother drama also topped domestic streaming charts, reflecting wide public interest in its layered characters and suspense-driven storytelling. Go Hyun-jung’s chilling portrayal of I-shin has earned praise for its intensity and complexity. She switches between a cold-blooded killer and a longing parent with ease.
One standout moment features her calmly describing a brutal killing in graphic detail, revealing her pleasure in violence. In contrast, Cha Su-yeol struggles with his identity and fears he might resemble the mother he despises. Although Su-yeol lives by strict moral standards, he begins to question himself during moments of emotional breakdown.The narrative explores how trauma and blood ties can shape even the strongest personal convictions.
However, not all elements of the drama have been well-received. Critics argue that secondary characters, especially investigator Kim Na-hee, feel underdeveloped. Some plot points, like an unrealistic police investigation and weak supporting subplots, distract from the core mother-son storyline. The central mystery remains unclear, as the show has yet to reveal why I-shin was released or how she helps the investigation.
Still, the killer mother drama succeeds in pushing genre boundaries by presenting a female serial killer as both terrifying and emotionally complex. Her violent acts, framed as resistance against male abusers, raise questions about justice, revenge, and psychological trauma. With only two episodes left, viewers anticipate deeper insights into I-shin’s backstory and true motives.
The final episodes aim to clarify the unresolved moral and emotional tensions between mother and son. As the show continues, it challenges viewers to rethink conventional portrayals of family, crime, and redemption .
