Go Hyun-jung Returns to the Spotlight with SBS Drama 'Mantis' After 7 Years

Go Hyun-jung, 54, made her first public appearance in nine months after missing the 'Namib' press conference last December due to health issues. She returns to the screen with the SBS drama 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing' (hereafter 'Mantis'), marking her comeback to SBS dramas after seven years since her departure from 'Return.'

On the 4th, a press conference for the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Mantis' was held at the SBS Hall in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by director Byun Young-joo, Go Hyun-jung, Jang Dong-yoon, Jo Sung-ha, and Lee El.

'Mantis' is a high-density crime thriller about a detective who collaborates unexpectedly with his mother, a notorious serial killer known as Mantis, to solve a copycat crime that occurs 20 years after the original killer was caught.

Director Byun Young-joo explained the casting choices, saying, "As soon as I read the script for 'Mantis,' I thought of Go Hyun-jung. Personally, I've been a long-time fan of her work in dramas like 'Mother's Sea' and 'Farewell.' When the production company approached me, I immediately suggested Go Hyun-jung, and it was one of the best decisions I made last year."

She added, "I was also a fan of Jang Dong-yoon's role in 'Flowers Bloom Even in Sand.' His character was bright and clear but had a lot of pain behind it. I thought if he could bring that out more, it would create a deeply moving character."

Go Hyun-jung plays the role of Jung Yi-shin, a serial killer known as 'Mantis' for brutally murdering five men. This marks her return to SBS dramas after her controversial exit from 'Return' seven years ago, which was surrounded by rumors of discord with the production team and allegations of assaulting a director.

Reflecting on her return, Go Hyun-jung said, "This place at SBS Mok-dong holds many memories for me, not just from 'Return' but from many other projects. It's been a while since I've been here, and it brings back memories of those intense times. I'm happy to greet everyone with 'Mantis' after such a long time."

During the filming of 'Mantis,' Go Hyun-jung underwent emergency surgery due to health issues. She shared, "It's true that my health wasn't great, and I had to take a break from filming. I received a lot of support from my fellow actors, which made me more attached to this project. I realized it's not just my work but everyone's."

In line with her character as a death row inmate, Go Hyun-jung embraced the visual details of age, such as liver spots and wrinkles. She commented, "I wasn't upset at all. It felt like wearing another costume. I was grateful for the detailed makeup. It's more burdensome to look too pretty, as I might not look that way in reality."

Go Hyun-jung also shared her thoughts on working with Jang Dong-yoon, saying, "When I first met him, I thought, 'Is there such a beautiful actor?' I couldn't take my eyes off him for a while. I received a lot of help from him as an actor, beyond just our mother-son dynamic."

She added, "I was so happy to receive such energy from a male actor after so long. I realized I couldn't help but support him in whatever project he does."

Jang Dong-yoon plays Cha Soo-yeol, the protagonist who becomes a detective despite being the son of the serial killer Mantis. He expressed his admiration for Go Hyun-jung, saying, "She's an all-time legendary actress, and I had high expectations. I was shocked by how well she portrayed such a challenging role. There were moments when I thought no one else could play this role but her."

He continued, "Receiving that energy allowed me to focus and enjoy going to the set."

'Mantis' premieres on the 5th at 9:50 PM.

By You Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr