In the latest episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing,' aired on the 19th, Go Hyun-jung's character, Jung Yi-shin, showcases her unwavering maternal instincts as she seeks to protect her son, Cha Soo-yeol, played by Jang Dong-yoon.
The episode unfolds with Jung Yi-shin, after her escape, visiting her son’s wife, Lee Jung-yeon, portrayed by Kim Bo-ra. The scene takes viewers back to a 2002 interrogation room at Yongsan Police Station, where Jung Yi-shin pleads with Choi Joong-ho, played by Jo Sung-ha, regarding her son Cha Soo-yeol. When Choi Joong-ho suspects her due to a hairpin found at the crime scene, she dismisses it, saying, "Hairpins can be bought at any store."
Jung Yi-shin earnestly requests, "The most important thing is about my son. Change his name and surname. Just until my son Jung-ho becomes an adult, please take care of him," revealing her desperation to protect her child.
Lee Jung-yeon expresses her condolences, saying, "I'm sorry. I heard your mother passed away," to which Jung Yi-shin responds calmly, "That's true. To him, I don't exist."
Jung Yi-shin reveals her heartfelt desire to see the person beside her son, saying, "I wanted to see the person next to you," expressing her wish to see the face of the one her son loves.
However, Cha Soo-yeol handcuffs Jung Yi-shin again, leading to her re-capture. He questions her, "Why did you kill Seo Gu-wan?" Jung Yi-shin chillingly replies, "Because he threatened you. Like your father. Aren't you safe now?" Her single-minded reason for her actions leaves viewers unnerved.
The episode also delves into Jung Yi-shin's past, revealing scars from witnessing her mother's tragic death as a child. Her grandfather, Jung Hyun-nam, played by Lee Hwang-ui, confesses, "The house was on fire, but the child's mother couldn't get out. She went in to save her mother but was stopped. Maybe she committed those horrific acts because of her mother's incident. It's all my fault," leaving a lasting impact on the audience.