Queen Mantis Filming Locations & Cast

The highly anticipated South Korean drama Queen Mantis (Korean: 사마귀: 살인자의 외출) has already captured the attention of mystery and thriller fans since its premiere on September 5, 2025, on SBS TV. Written by Lee Young-jong and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Byun Young-joo, this series is based on the 2017 French TF1 production La Mante. With its mix of suspense, family tension, and gripping police procedural storytelling, Queen Mantis is quickly becoming one of the must-watch K-dramas of 2025.

Plot Summary

At the heart of Queen Mantis lies the chilling story of Jung Yi-shin (played by Go Hyun-jung), a woman who was imprisoned years ago for being a notorious serial killer. Decades later, a new series of murders begins, meticulously copying her crimes. To stop the killings, the police turn to her estranged son, Cha Soo-yeol (Jang Dong-yoon), now a detective. Their tense reunion fuels both the investigation and the drama, creating a dark yet emotionally charged narrative.

The show airs every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 (KST) on SBS, ensuring that weekend drama slots are filled with suspense and adrenaline.

Main Cast

Go Hyun-jung as Jung Yi-shin – a once-feared serial killer, now central to solving the new copycat crimes.
Jang Dong-yoon as Cha Soo-yeol – her son, a detective torn between duty and painful family history.
Jo Sung-ha as Choi Jung-ho – a senior police officer who inspired Soo-yeol’s career.
Lee El as Kim Na-hee – a strong and resourceful female detective.
Kim Bo-ra as Lee Jung-yeon – Soo-yeol’s wife, who manages a pottery studio.
Lee Hwang-ui as Jeong Hyeon-nam – Soo-yeol’s grandfather, who raised him in the absence of his parents.
Kim Min-ho as Bae Seong-gyu – a loyal investigator with great respect for Kim Na-hee.
Kim Tae-jung as Choi Hyuk – the youngest member of the Violent Crimes Investigation Unit.
Park Wan-hyung as Son Ji-an – a cyber investigator aiding the team.

Filming Locations of Queen Mantis

Much of the buzz around Queen Mantis also comes from its carefully chosen filming locations, which add realism and atmosphere to the storyline.

Gwangju Arts Center (광주 예술의 전당): Used as the performance hall setting, providing a dramatic backdrop to key moments in the series.

Mokpo Police Station (목포 경찰서): Serving as the main police headquarters in the drama, this location grounds the crime scenes and investigative sequences in authenticity.
La Yeon Ceramic Studio, Bundang Pangyo (정희진 도자기, 라연세라믹스스튜디오): Featured as the pottery studio managed by Lee Jung-yeon and her daughter Ara, this space represents the quiet domestic life that contrasts sharply with the chaos of the investigation.

These real-world filming spots are expected to become popular destinations for drama fans and tourists seeking to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.

Why Queen Mantis Is Worth Watching

What makes Queen Mantis stand out among other thrillers is its mix of psychological tension, family drama, and detective storytelling. Go Hyun-jung’s return to the small screen delivers an intense performance, while Jang Dong-yoon continues to prove his range as an actor who can balance vulnerability and strength.

As the drama progresses, fans can expect more shocking twists, emotional confrontations, and morally complex questions. Is a person forever defined by their past crimes? Can trust ever exist between a killer and her son turned detective? These are the chilling themes that Queen Mantis dares to explore.

Final Thoughts

For fans of Korean mystery dramas, serial killer stories, and dark family narratives, Queen Mantis (사마귀: 살인자의외출) is one of the most important series of 2025. With its powerful cast, atmospheric filming locations, and suspense-filled episodes, it’s a show that will likely dominate both domestic ratings and international streaming platforms.

Whether you’re intrigued by the filming locations in Gwangju, Mokpo, and Bundang, or simply looking for your next weekend binge, this drama deserves a spot on your must-watch list.