Go Hyun Jung closed her latest drama with another career-defining moment. The SBS Friday-Saturday series 'Queen Mantis' ended on September 27 with its highest numbers yet. According to Nielsen Korea, the finale recorded 7.9 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area and 7.4 percent nationwide, with peak ratings soaring to 10.3 percent. The key 20–49 demographic delivered an average of 2.5 percent and a peak of 3.52 percent. The drama also stayed near the top of Netflix Korea throughout its run and reached No. 6 on Netflix’s non-English global rankings.
In the finale, the serial killings inspired by the “mantis” case concluded with the perpetrator’s death. Go Hyun Jung’s character, serial killer mother Jung I Shin, found fleeting happiness as she realized her son, detective Cha Soo Yeol (played by Jang Dong Yoon), had grown into an adult with compassion—something she lacked. But when Choi Jung Ho (played by Jo Sung Ha), the link between them, was murdered, mother and son were drawn back into another investigation together.
The episode also depicted Jung risking her life to save daughter-in-law Lee Jung Yeon (Kim Bo Ra) from kidnapper Seo Ara (Han Dong Hee). At the climax, Jung confronted her abusive father Jung Hyun Nam (Lee Hwang Ui) in his church, only to be stopped by her son before she could kill him. The scene revealed that Jung herself had been a victim of horrific abuse, making her a tragic figure as well as a murderer. In a gut-wrenching twist, Jung told Soo Yeol, “Blood ties mean nothing. You are different from me, and I like that,” affirming her wish that he live a different life.
The drama ended with a two-year time skip, showing Jung behind bars and Soo Yeol returning to her side as news broke of Choi Jung Ho’s mysterious murder—hinting that their uneasy mother-son partnership in solving crimes was far from over.
'Queen Mantis' has been praised for its intricate storytelling, unpredictable twists, and the bold central premise of a serial killer mother working alongside her detective son. Go Hyun Jung’s commanding transformation, Jang Dong Yoon’s deepened performance, and director Byun Young Joo’s sharp direction combined with strong ensemble acting to deliver a high-tension, well-made crime thriller. With its script, acting, and directing in perfect sync, the drama leaves behind both a lasting emotional impact and a powerful message.
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