The SBS Friday and Saturday drama 'Mantis: A Murderer's Outing' (hereafter 'Mantis'), which drew attention with its story of a serial killer mother and her detective son, has ended with a rating of 7%.
According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode of 'Mantis' aired on the 27th and recorded a nationwide rating of 7.4%.
In the last episode, a scene unfolds where the serial killer Jung Yi-shin (played by Go Hyun-jung) confronts Seo Ah-ra (played by Han Dong-hee) to save her daughter-in-law Lee Jeong-yeon (played by Kim Bora). Seo Ah-ra lured Jung Yi-shin to her hideout under the condition of a hostage exchange but eventually revealed her obsession and was killed by Cha Soo-yeol (played by Jang Dong-yoon) and Kim Na-hee (played by Lee El). In the chaos, as Cha Soo-yeol pursued the fleeing Jung Yi-shin, he learns of her past. The horrifying truth of Jung Yi-shin's childhood is revealed through hypnotic footage, where she was sexually abused by her father Jung Hyeon-nam (played by Lee Hwang) and saw her mother murdered.
Jung Yi-shin attempts to kill Jung Hyeon-nam but, faced with his twisted justification of "I was forgiven by the Lord," she tries to explode with anger. In that moment, Cha Soo-yeol intervenes. Ultimately, the two reconcile after a conflict, creating a dramatic turn of events.
However, the story does not end here. The scene cuts to two years later, showing Jung Yi-shin in prison as she hears news of the murder case involving Choi Jung-ho (played by Jo Sung-ha), hinting at Season 2. At the same time, a reunion with Cha Soo-yeol and Kim Na-hee is teased as they prepare for another joint investigation, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
'Mantis' is the second drama directed by Byun Young-joo, who directed the film 'The Episode', shining a light on the dark aspects of human nature through complex characters and mother-son relationships. As the episodes progressed, Go Hyun-jung's new acting transformation drew attention, increasing anticipation for Season 2.