The third episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Queen Mantis,' aired on the 12th, achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 7.3%, setting a new personal best. This rating placed it first among all channels and Friday mini-series in its time slot, with peak ratings reaching 8.3%.
In this episode, the truth surrounding the serial killer 'Mantis,' played by Ko Hyun-jung, was revealed. It was disclosed that Jung Yi-shin, portrayed by Ko, had killed not five but six men. Her first murder, previously unknown to the world, was her husband and the father of her son, Cha Soo-yeol, played by Jang Dong-yoon. The intense 15-minute confrontation between the maniacal Jung Yi-shin and the enraged Cha Soo-yeol heightened the drama's tension.
Cha Soo-yeol managed to save Kim Tae-seok, who could have been the third victim of a copycat murder. For Cha, who became a police officer to save lives, the survival of the victim was significant. He expressed gratitude to Jung Yi-shin, who had provided a clue to the case. Although there was no expectation of a familial bond, the relationship between Jung Yi-shin and Cha Soo-yeol could have changed. However, Jung Yi-shin still wore the face of a murderer rather than a mother.
Kim Na-hee, played by Lee El, harbored doubts about Jung Yi-shin's 'zero murder.' There was another murder known to Seo Gu-wan but not to the world. Cha Soo-yeol sought out Jung Yi-shin again to uncover her secrets, but his efforts were in vain.
Meanwhile, another 'Mantis' copycat murder occurred. The prime suspect, Seo Gu-wan, was hospitalized with a gunshot wound. The investigation returned to square one, and the serial murder investigation team headed to the location where the third victim's phone signal was detected. In a remote village, Cha Soo-yeol recalled memories of his father. Following these memories, he discovered a corpse in a well and a message from the killer: "Welcome! You finally found it."
It was all orchestrated by the killer, leading Cha Soo-yeol to uncover Jung Yi-shin's first murder. In the well of his childhood home, he found a skeletal corpse and Jung Yi-shin's wedding ring. Cha Soo-yeol confronted Jung Yi-shin about her 'zero murder.'
Jung Yi-shin explained her first murder to Cha Soo-yeol in a nonchalant manner, sometimes excitedly recalling the memory. Her husband was severely jealous and often abused her while drunk, eventually turning his violence towards their son, Cha Soo-yeol. In a moment of impulse, Jung Yi-shin killed her husband.
Young Cha Soo-yeol fainted from shock, and Jung Yi-shin pushed her husband's body into the well alone. As it rained, she watched the blood wash away, exclaiming, "It rained after I killed him!" with a bizarre laugh. Reflecting on the past, Jung Yi-shin said, "I was really lucky that day," and "It was peaceful." Overcome with anger and disgust, Cha Soo-yeol retched, shouting, "You're a butcher who loves the smell of blood. A mantis. Just a monster."
Yet, Jung Yi-shin remained madness incarnate. Provoking her son, who was choking her in agony, she taunted, "Do you hate me? Am I horrible? Do you want to kill me?" and "Kill me! It's such a hassle for your mom to be alive, my son." Witnessing Jung Yi-shin's piercing gaze and vivid expressions, Cha Soo-yeol screamed in despair. The intense standoff between the irreconcilable mother Jung Yi-shin and son Cha Soo-yeol concluded the episode.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr