In the latest episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Queen Mantis,' Cha Soo-yeol, played by Jang Dong-yoon, reveals a shocking truth: he is the son of a notorious killer.
According to Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode, aired on the 20, garnered a viewership rating of 6.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area, with peak ratings soaring to 9.6%.
The episode unveiled the suspect behind the 'Mantis' copycat murders. The suspect appears to be an adult who was abused as a child by one of the victims killed by the serial killer 'Mantis,' played by Ko Hyun-jung. As Cha Soo-yeol gets closer to uncovering the suspect's identity, he finds himself tormented by the realization that he resembles his mother, whom he has despised all his life.
Cha Soo-yeol witnessed the brutal death of Park Min-jae, played by Lee Chang-min, who was a prime suspect. Park Min-jae had attempted to lure the suspected copycat killer, 'Joy,' to help Cha Soo-yeol, but ended up dead. Despite Cha Soo-yeol's desperate plea, "You can't die!", Park Min-jae succumbed to his injuries. In his anguish, Cha Soo-yeol begged his mother, "I'll think like you, act like you. Help me catch them."
Even after Park Min-jae's death, the killer's rampage continued. The killer called again, and Jeong I-shin provoked them once more. Only Cha Soo-yeol understood Jeong I-shin's reasons for provocation. The killer live-streamed the next murder attempt, prompting the police to rush to the scene. Jeong I-shin urged Cha Soo-yeol, "Think like him, like me, Jeong-ho!" using his childhood name.
With the crime in progress and the killer broadcasting it live, the police were in a race against time. However, the hotel where the crime was taking place was crowded with guests. Cha Soo-yeol recalled Jeong I-shin's words, "Don't think you can catch them without shedding blood," as he pursued the killer. But Kim Na-hee, played by Lee El, prioritized the victim's life and triggered the emergency alarm, allowing the killer to escape amidst the fleeing guests.
The victim, a hotel manager and follower of 'Joy,' survived. A friend of the victim confirmed that 'Joy' had said, "Killing me saves many." Meanwhile, Cha Soo-yeol, after watching the crime video with Jeong I-shin, deduced that the killer had witnessed Jeong I-shin's past crimes, based on the song they hummed.
The suspect identified was 'Kang Yeon-jung,' a child who carried a dead cat due to burn scars from abuse. While tracking 'Kang Yeon-jung,' Cha Soo-yeol discovered the possibility of a gender reassignment surgery. At this critical juncture, the serial murder investigation team learned of Cha Soo-yeol's relationship with Jeong I-shin and reacted strongly to his deception. Meanwhile, news of the hotel manager's death further devastated Cha Soo-yeol.
Cha Soo-yeol was tormented by the fear that he might resemble Jeong I-shin, whom he has hated all his life. He confessed to his wife, Lee Jeong-yeon, played by Kim Bo-ra, "Mantis is my mother." It was a truth he wanted to hide from her. He expressed his horror at the thought that he might enjoy the scent of blood like Jeong I-shin, and that her blood running through his veins was terrifying. The episode ended with Cha Soo-yeol in tears.
Episode 6 of 'Queen Mantis' intricately and impactfully portrayed the dilemma and pain of Cha Soo-yeol as he approached the killer's identity and discovered his resemblance to Jeong I-shin. The live broadcast of the crime and the pursuit of the killer provided nail-biting tension, while Cha Soo-yeol's anguish evoked strong empathy from viewers. The possibility that the copycat killer is a victim of child abuse added a poignant layer to the narrative.
SBS's 'Queen Mantis' airs every Friday at 9:50 PM and Saturday at 10 PM.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr