Ko Hyun-jung's Dramatic Transformation: The Return of a Legendary Actress in 'Queen Mantis'

After a seven-year hiatus from SBS since the 2018 drama 'Return,' Ko Hyun-jung makes a striking comeback, taking on the role of a serial killer in a dramatic transformation.

Premiering on Friday, September 5th at 9:50 PM, SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Queen Mantis' is a high-intensity crime thriller. It follows the story of a copycat crime occurring 20 years after the capture of the notorious serial killer 'Mantis.' A detective, who has harbored a lifelong hatred for 'Mantis,' unexpectedly collaborates with her to solve the case.

'Queen Mantis' has already garnered significant attention due to Ko Hyun-jung's radical transformation. She plays the role of Jung Yi-shin, a serial killer so brutal that she earned the nickname 'Mantis.' The teasers and stills reveal Ko Hyun-jung's hauntingly pale face, eerie smile, and piercing gaze, heightening anticipation for her performance.

In an interview, Ko Hyun-jung shared her insights on portraying Jung Yi-shin. She described the character as a complex figure, a serial killer who brutally murdered five men and is also a mother. "Jung Yi-shin is difficult to define in a single word. She exudes a chilling aura that justifies her nickname 'Mantis,' yet at times, she appears detached from the world with a vacant expression," Go explained.

She added, "Just when you think you understand Jung Yi-shin, she surprises you with unexpected traits. This unpredictability made her even more mysterious, and I focused on maintaining this tension throughout my performance." Ko Hyun-jung's portrayal of Jung Yi-shin is anything but one-dimensional, showcasing both her ruthless nature and enigmatic demeanor. Her dedication to embodying the character was evident in her meticulous preparation.

Ko Hyun-jung emphasized the importance of intriguing viewers with the character of Jung Yi-shin to maximize the genre's thrill. "Instead of conveying emotions or sincerity through expressions, I aimed to immerse viewers in a sea of doubt by highlighting Jung Yi-shin's subtle nuances," she recalled, noting her extensive discussions with director Byun Young-joo.

Physical transformation was also key. Ko Hyun-jung minimized external embellishments to enhance the character's stark atmosphere. She added details like age spots and wrinkles to reflect the passage of time for a death row inmate.

Every response from Ko Hyun-jung conveyed her deep affection for 'Queen Mantis' and the character of Jung Yi-shin. Her dedication to creating a high-quality production was palpable. With such a legendary actress diving into this role, viewers can expect an unforgettable portrayal of the serial killer 'Mantis.'

'Queen Mantis' premieres on Friday, September 5th at 9:50 PM.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr