Wait, Which ‘Killer Mantis’ Are You Talking About?
At a press conference in Seoul on June 25, Im Siwan addressed a surprisingly common question: why he wasn’t in the SBS drama Killer Mantis. Turns out, a lot of fans thought he was pulling double duty—one in a TV drama, the other in the Netflix film of the same name.
“So many people asked me, ‘Why haven’t you shown up in the drama yet?’” Im joked during the event at Lotte Cinema near Konkuk University. “Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not in the drama—and Go Hyunjung isn’t in our movie either!”
Two Different Mantis Projects, Two Very Different Vibes
The shared title caused a bit of buzz even before the movie’s release. But Im Siwan was quick to point out the stark contrast between the two. “I actually watched the drama myself, and the difference is night and day,” he explained. “Go Hyunjung’s Killer Mantis is dark and intense, full of evil. Ours? Surprisingly warm. Humane, even.”
With a grin, he added, “When it comes to goodness, we definitely win. It’s a clear difference.”
Inside Netflix’s Action-Packed ‘Killer Mantis’
This Netflix original movie isn’t your typical assassin flick. Killer Mantis follows a top-tier contract killer—nicknamed “Mantis”—who returns from a long break only to be caught in a fierce turf war. He’s joined by Jay, a rival from his training days, and Dokko, a legendary hitman who’s come out of retirement. Together, they battle for the top spot in a lawless underworld where loyalty is as fleeting as a reload.
The cast includes rising star Park Gyuyoung and veteran actor Jo Woojin, guided by director Lee Taesung. With its mix of stylized action and surprisingly touching moments, it promises both thrills and a touch of heart.
So, Drama or Movie — Which One’s Your Mantis?
If you showed up expecting Im Siwan in the drama or Go Hyunjung in the movie, you’ve officially crossed into the ‘Mantis multiverse.’ But the actor’s quick-witted take made sure everyone knows which bug is which. As the Netflix version readies for global release, we’ll soon find out if this Killer Mantis can hit as hard with audiences as it does with its targets.
One thing’s certain: don’t mess with a mantis—TV or movie, they both bite.
