The series premiered Sept. 5 on SBS’s Friday-Saturday slate and centers on an uneasy alliance between a serial-killer mother and her detective son. The taut crime thriller has already drawn raves for its polished storytelling and pacing, soaring past 10% in nationwide ratings by its second episode and signaling breakout momentum.
At the heart of the buzz are leads Ko Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon, who face off on-screen as a chilling familial duo. Their performances spark in all the right ways ― the kind of match-up that lights a fuse anytime they share the frame, with viewers calling their scenes impossible to look away from.
Their Dazed Korea spread, unveiled on the 10th, captures a completely different energy ― clean, minimal looks and effortlessly cool poses that lean into their off-screen rapport. It’s a striking contrast to the show’s tangle of rage, suspicion and hurt, and that contrast makes the images pop even more.
Ko keeps it sharp in off-duty staples ― denim, a tee, a crisp shirt with a tie ― while both stars bring a pro’s sense of expression and movement that elevates the whole set. The solo shots spotlight their individual charisma; the paired frames radiate easy warmth and familiarity, leaving a lasting impression.
Even in these quick, candid-feeling cuts, their in-sync rhythm hints at a tight-knit set. According to the production team, their scenes often demand heavy emotional lifts, yet the two maintained an on-set dynamic built on trust, consideration and a shared love for the material ― and it shows in the final product.
With "Queen Mantis" catching fire just two episodes in, Ko Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon are steering the show’s surge in popularity, showing off special chemistry on and off screen.
"Queen Mantis" airs Fridays at 9:50 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. on SBS (KST).
[Photo= Dazed Korea]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)