Crime, Trauma, and One Very Disturbing Family Reunion
Meet Korea’s newest K-drama obsession: ‘Mantis’. Streaming exclusively on U-NEXT and airing in sync with South Korea, this psychological thriller is not for the faint of heart. Adapted from the French series La Mante, it’s a gritty tale of murder, mystery, and maternal baggage.
What’s ‘Mantis’ All About?
Twenty years ago, the nation reeled as a female serial killer dubbed Mantis—aka Jung I-sin—was arrested. Now someone’s reviving her brutal methods, starting with a body found with its tongue removed. Creeped out yet? Because we haven’t even gotten to the family drama.
Enter Cha Soo-yeol, I-sin’s estranged son and a dedicated detective with trauma of his own. He’s forced into the investigation despite lifelong resentment toward his infamous mother. As the copycat killings escalate, Soo-yeol must work with I-sin herself to decode the killer’s twisted motives. Think Mindhunter meets Mother (the Bong Joon-ho one).
The Cast Is Stacked
- Go Hyun-jung takes on the chilling role of I-sin, marking a powerful comeback after “Return.”
- Jang Dong-yoon plays Soo-yeol, fresh off melodramas like “Oasis” and “The Tale of Nokdu.”
- Their intense, layered chemistry is already sending shivers through the fandom.
When and Where to Watch
- Episodes 1–8: Available now on U-NEXT
- Episodes 9+: Simulcasting every Friday and Saturday at 11:30 PM (KST) starting September 19.
- Price: 484 yen per episode (≈ $3.30 USD), with 3-day viewing access.
Why It’s Worth a Watch
If you like your K-dramas dark, complex, and morally twisty, this one’s for you. Expect suspenseful pacing, gripping performances, and ethical dilemmas that linger like a bad dream.
And let’s be honest: nothing spices up family therapy like shared serial killer DNA.
Final Thought
With its global release, ‘Mantis’ might become your new weekend binge. But be warned—once you start, it’s hard to stop. Just like its namesake predator.
