Jang Dong Yoon is set to leave audiences stunned as he shatters his trademark gentle image with a gritty, razor-sharp transformation in SBS drama, Queen Mantis.
This pulse-pounding thriller dives into the unsettling world of a copycat killer who emerges two decades after the arrest of the infamous “Praying Mantis” serial murderer. At the center of the storm is detective Cha Soo-yeol, played by Jang Dong Yoon, a man who will stop at nothing to prevent another killing. But his pursuit of justice comes with an impossible twist—he must work alongside the person he has loathed all his life: his own mother, the original Praying Mantis killer.
Helmed by director Byun Young-joo (Cart) and written by Lee Young-jong (12:12 The Day), Queen Mantis promises a potent blend of relentless suspense, high-stakes investigations, and searing emotional drama.
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In the first stills released by the production, Jang Dong Yoon commands the frame with a sharp, unyielding gaze—even with a gun pointed directly at him. The moment crackles with tension, capturing the life-or-death stakes and the unshakable focus of a detective who refuses to back down. The intensity in his eyes hints at the dangerous mind games and explosive confrontations that lie ahead.
Audiences familiar with Jang’s warm, boy-next-door charm will see an entirely different side of him here—tough, calculating, and battle-worn. His portrayal of Cha Soo-yeol captures the duality of a man navigating not only the pressures of the case but also the deeply conflicted emotions of confronting his murderous mother. Expect scenes where bone-crunching action collides with raw, vulnerable exchanges, giving depth to both the crime plot and the family tragedy at its core.
The production team has been vocal about Jang’s dedication, praising his ability to fully inhabit the role both physically and emotionally. “He poured everything into the character,” they shared, noting the way he immersed himself in the detective’s world to deliver authenticity in every scene.
Featuring a unique premise, layered relationships, and Jang Dong Yoon’s career-defining turn, Queen Mantis is poised to be one of this year’s most talked-about thrillers. The drama premieres on SBS on September 5 at 10 PM, airing every Friday and Saturday, and is expected to keep viewers glued to their screens from start to finish.
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