The serial killer drama 'Queen Mantis' has captivated audiences with its latest episode, where the notorious killer, played by Ko Hyun-jung, provocatively challenges a copycat murderer.
The fifth episode, aired on the 19th, achieved a 6.9% viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, with peak ratings reaching 7.8%. The drama also demonstrated its popularity among the key demographic of viewers aged 20-49, with ratings peaking at 2.76%.
In this gripping episode, the original serial killer 'Mantis', portrayed by Ko Hyun-jung, confronts the copycat murderer in a chilling exchange. Meanwhile, Cha Soo-yeol, played by Jang Dong-yoon, witnesses a life-threatening situation, leaving him in shock.
Previously, the prime suspect in the copycat murders, Seo Goo-wan (Lee Tae-gu), died in a mysterious hit-and-run accident. At the same time, Jeong Yi-shin, the original killer, made a dramatic escape from a retirement home and appeared at the home of Cha Soo-yeol and Lee Jeong-yeon (Kim Bo-ra). Suspecting Jeong Yi-shin of Seo Goo-wan's murder, Cha Soo-yeol rushed home, only to be met with Jeong Yi-shin's cryptic words, "I wanted to see the person next to you," while hiding her true identity as a serial killer. This left Cha Soo-yeol furious.
Following Seo Goo-wan's death, another suspect, Park Min-jae (Lee Chang-min), was released. Having admired Jeong Yi-shin like a mother since childhood and envying Cha Soo-yeol, Park Min-jae suggested that Cha Soo-yeol secretly wanted to see Jeong Yi-shin but couldn't admit it, thus demonizing her to justify his feelings. This struck a nerve with Cha Soo-yeol, who retorted, "Stop glorifying the killer," before storming off.
The copycat murderer began to make moves, sending Cha Soo-yeol a phone containing a murder video and even calling him. Meanwhile, the serial killer investigation team discovered a woman named 'Joy' on a dating app, followed by Park Min-jae and previous victims. Just then, the phone from the murderer rang. Cha Soo-yeol finally revealed to his team that he was receiving investigative help from Jeong Yi-shin, though he kept their familial relationship a secret.
The episode culminated in a tense phone call between Jeong Yi-shin and the copycat murderer. Despite the looming threat of another victim, Jeong Yi-shin remained unfazed, provoking the murderer instead of appeasing them. Her actions puzzled the investigation team, but Cha Soo-yeol understood her strategy, leading the copycat to inadvertently reveal clues.
From the murderer's mention of a 'final scene,' the investigation team identified a famous opera singer among Joy's followers and rushed to the theater where he was performing. However, Jeong Yi-shin doubted this lead, advising Cha Soo-yeol to think like Joy or herself. Despite his unease, Cha Soo-yeol went to the theater as a precaution and safely secured the opera singer after the performance.
An unexpected turn of events occurred when Park Min-jae, attempting to assist Cha Soo-yeol, provoked Joy and lured her to his garage. Cha Soo-yeol, delayed by the opera singer search, hurried to Park Min-jae, only to find him bound and battered, seemingly a victim of Joy. Cha Soo-yeol embraced Park Min-jae, urging, "You can't die!"
The episode skillfully heightened tension by showcasing Jeong Yi-shin's escape and meeting with Lee Jeong-yeon, the copycat murderer's emergence, their chilling dialogue, the looming threat of another murder, and the unfolding identity of the murderer. It also delved into the complex relationship between Jeong Yi-shin and Cha Soo-yeol, as well as Cha Soo-yeol's psychological journey in recognizing similarities with Jeong Yi-shin.
'Queen Mantis' will continue with its sixth episode on the 20th at 10 PM.
Reporter: Tae Yuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr