Premiering Friday, Sept. 5 at 9:50 p.m. KST on SBS, "The Mantis: Original Sin" (written by Lee Young-jong, directed by Byun Young-joo) is a high-tension crime thriller about a detective who must work with the infamous serial killer known as the "Mantis" ― his own mother ― when a worshipful copycat starts killing more than 20 years after her capture. The return of SBS’ fan-trusted genre slate is already drawing major buzz ahead of its debut.
Unveiled Aug. 25, Teaser No. 3 showcases Ko as the convicted killer Jung Yi-shin and Jang as the razor-focused detective Cha Soo-yeol ― and it doesn’t shy away from the show’s bold hook: a son who joins forces with his serial-killer mom to stop the next murder. The spot sharply tees up both their relationship and the series’ core mystery, raising the stakes ― and curiosity ― in under a minute.
The clip opens on Ko’s chilling silhouette, alluding to the notorious murders from two decades ago. Over it, an unhinged voice hisses about the "Mantis" being behind a brutal killing, pulling viewers straight into the nightmare. Moments later, Jang and fellow officers ― including Jo Sung-ha as Choi Jung-ho and Lee El as Kim Na-hee ― throw themselves into the case. A stark title card flashes: “A copycat who worships the 'Mantis',” sending the tension spiking.
Ko’s character reappears, now gaunt and ghostly, combing through a crime scene with unnerving precision. “They say the killer is imitating me,” she murmurs, before issuing a chilling warning: “Don’t expect to catch them without blood being spilled.”
Her cold-blooded resolve rattles her son. Jang’s eyes flicker with doubt as Ko tells him, steady as ever, “You have to think like me, Jungho.” But Jang’s character is Cha Soo-yeol ― so who is Jungho? Is he the true copycat, or someone else entirely?
Mother and son finally face off. “What should I do? Should I kill them?” Jang asks, the line landing like a gut punch. Is he testing her? Himself? The teaser leaves the question hanging ― and the audience on edge.
Even at just 35 seconds, the new teaser packs in enough twists to spark a flood of theories. The ensemble’s presence ― Ko Hyun-jung, Jang Dong-yoon, Jo Sung-ha, Lee El, and Kim Bo-ra as Lee Jung-yeon ― points to a tightly wound thriller with serious bite.
Ratcheting up anticipation with every drop, SBS’s "The Mantis: Original Sin" will premiere after "The Winning Try," bowing Friday, Sept. 5 at 9:50 p.m. KST.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)