Korean Drama 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing' Sees Unprecedented Ratings Surge

The SBS drama 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing,' marking Go Hyun-jung's return after seven years, is experiencing a remarkable rise in viewership ratings.

'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing' is a crime thriller that unfolds as a detective, who has harbored a lifelong hatred for the serial killer known as 'Mantis,' unexpectedly teams up with her to solve a copycat crime that emerges 20 years after the original killer was caught.

The eight-episode series has reached its halfway point with four episodes aired. The drama has captivated audiences with its intricate and detailed storyline, shocking twists, and the transformative performances of Go Hyun-jung (as Jung Yi-shin) and Jang Dong-yoon (as Cha Soo-yeol). The intense chemistry between the actors, along with the meticulous and sensory direction, has garnered a hot response.

The first episode of 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing' achieved a nationwide rating of 7.1% and 7.3% in the metropolitan area, securing the top spot in its time slot and among Friday-Saturday dramas. The second episode saw a peak rating of 10%, breaking into double digits, while the third episode set a new personal best with a nationwide rating of 7.3%, maintaining its lead. The fourth episode continued this trend with a 7.5% rating, setting another personal best. The increase in ratings during the competitive Saturday night slot, which features main dramas across terrestrial, cable, and streaming channels, is particularly noteworthy.

Following the broadcast of episodes 3 and 4, 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing' topped Netflix's domestic rankings from the 13th to the 15th. It also claimed the top spot in the TV news buzz rankings for the first week of September, as reported by Good Data Corporation's Fundex, further proving its popularity.

Episodes 3 and 4 revealed the truth behind Jung Yi-shin's first murder, deepening Cha Soo-yeol's turmoil. The prime suspect in the 'Mantis' copycat murders shifted from Seo Gu-wan (played by Lee Tae-gu) to Park Min-jae (played by Lee Chang-min), delivering unpredictable twists that shocked viewers. The performances of Go Hyun-jung, Jang Dong-yoon, and the entire cast have been praised for their overwhelming presence and intense acting, significantly enhancing the drama's immersion.

The production team of 'Mantis: The Murderer's Outing' promises even more shocking stories and powerful performances in the remaining four episodes. The anticipation builds to see if the drama will continue to break its own viewership records and how far its success will go.

Reported by Tae Yuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr