Go Hyun Jung is making her grand return. And it's going to be in a way no one expects, wearing a face no one imagined, and portraying a character no one could anticipate.
SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'The Mantis: Original Sin' (directed by Byun Young Joo/ written by Lee Young Jong/ planned by Studio S, Production Company MerryChristmas, Mega Monster, Film Production So Boim) is set to premiere on September 5. The drama is already garnering much anticipation and earning praise as a "Grand prize-worthy" series even before its premiere.
Go Hyun Jung takes on another intense role
'The Mantis: Original Sin' tells the story following the "Mantis" serial killer case that shocked South Korea over 20 years ago. The killer has already been caught and sentenced to death, but years later, copycat crimes begin to occur. To solve the case, Detective Cha Soo Yeol (played by Jang Dong Yoon) is forced into an uneasy collaboration with someone he has hated his entire life - his own mother, Jung Yi Shin (played by Go Hyung Jung), the original "Mantis" killer.
From the planning stage, the drama was described as "a project that can only be completed through the actor's skills." There are a few actors capable of convincingly portraying the intense inner complexity of a character like "The Mantis" amid a high-stakes crime thriller narrative. The production team's decision to cast Go Hyun Jung came with confidence as they stated, "There is no one more perfect for the role of Jung Yi Shin than her."
Teasers reveal radical transformation and shocking visuals
In previously released stills, Go Hyun Jung appeared with a pale, bloodless face, her expressionless gaze carrying a chilling aura as if she had given up on the world. The heavy title of “death row inmate” and the secrets hidden behind it sparked endless curiosity among viewers.
Additional stills released on August 11 revealed a twist: Go Hyun Jung sitting quietly in ordinary clothes, not prison garb, behind bars. Her gaze outside the window is both empty and sharp, as if waiting for something, or about to reveal a long-hidden story. Even a single frame captures the intricate texture of the Mantis character.
In particular, her gaze in the third shot sent shivers down the spine. Leaning close to another character, whispering as if teasing, it was impossible to distinguish whether the energy conveyed was fear or provocation. This perfectly illustrates why the production team described her as “an actor who can complete a scene with just one frame.”
A star-studded cast elevates a "Monster" project
Go Hyun Jung, Jang Dong Yoon, Lee El, and Jo Sung Ha - all actors with proven acting talent - have come together for 'The Mantis: Original Sin.' Joining Go Hyun Jung and Jang Dong Yoon, Lee El plays Detective Kim Na Hee, adding a chilling and precise allure. Jo Sung Ha plays Chief Investigator Choi Joong Ho of the Jeonnam Police Agency, anchoring the weight of the investigation.
Director Byun Young Joo, who helmed films such as 'Ardor' and 'Helpless,' is recognized for meticulous psychological portrayals and suspense, and this is her second drama project following last year’s MBC 'Blackout.' While based on a French drama, the production team added new settings and character dynamics to create a fresh tension. Korean cultural sensibilities were intricately woven into the characters’ psychology and plot, resulting in a distinctive narrative color.
Audience response to upcoming series: "No Reason Not to Watch"
The response for 'The Mantis: Original Sin' has been explosive from even just the trailers and still cuts. Online users responded, "It’s coming…!" "Director Byun Young Joo x actor Go Hyun Jung… no reason not to watch this, hurry up!" "I enjoyed the original, looking forward to this,” “Go Hyun Jung really suits this genre," "Whoa… the vibe is intense, her laughter is creepy," "From the trailer alone, you can feel the chilling suspense… wow," "Feels like 'Helpless,' oh, the same director…!" "Byun Young Joo directing a drama? So excited," "What a crazy combination, really looking forward to it," and "Since it’s Byun Young Joo’s work, I have to watch it."
Questions that will be posed by 'The Mantis: Original Sin'
'The Mantis: Original Sin' goes beyond a simple crime thriller. In this dense psychological drama entwining detectives, killers, family, hatred, justice, and truth, the show constantly poses questions: "Are murderers born or made? Where lies the boundary between sin and redemption? Can one forgive those they hate?"
From its very first episode, 'The Mantis: Original Sin' is expected to garner much attention. The script reading has already proven the series's buzz-worthiness, with the cast showcasing breathtaking performances. The trailer hints that it will be the top crime thriller of the year’s second half. The combination of Byun Young Joo’s meticulous direction, the compelling performances of Go Hyun Jung and the cast, and a narrative surpassing the original is aimed squarely at both ratings and buzz.
'The Mantis: Original Sin' will premiere on SBS as a Friday-Saturday drama on September 5 at 9:50 KST.
SEE ALSO: Go Hyun Jung’s laid-back look goes viral for its natural charm
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