Actress Go Hyun-jung has made a radical transformation, taking on the role of a chilling serial killer in the upcoming SBS Friday-Saturday drama Mantis.

Mantis is set to premiere on September 5 at 9:50 p.m. KST. The highly anticipated drama marks the first collaboration between director Byun Young-joo, best known for the film Helpless, and screenwriter Lee Young-jong, the writer behind 12.12: The Day. Together, they promise to deliver a gripping story packed with unpredictable twists and stylish direction, aiming to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Go Hyun-jung stars as Jung Isin, a notorious serial killer who earned the nickname “Mantis” after brutally murdering five men. Teaser trailers, posters, and newly released on-set photos have drawn significant attention, showcasing Go Hyun-jung’s shocking transformation both visually and emotionally.

On August 18, the production team unveiled three additional stills that highlight Go Hyun-jung’s versatile acting. In one image, she fixes a piercing gaze while holding a bright red apple. Another photo captures her eerie smile, with crimson lips that seem to drip with blood against a stark white outfit. The final still exudes a mysterious energy, making it nearly impossible to read her true intentions.

Go Hyun-jung’s portrayal simultaneously embodies elegance and grotesqueness, so much so that it’s hard to believe the shift is played by the same actress. The production team commented, “The character of serial killer Mantis Jung Isin, played by Go Hyun-jung, requires a tremendous amount of physical and emotional energy. Fueled by her passion for the project and character, Go Hyun-jung has poured herself into every scene, truly becoming her own version of Mantis. Viewers can expect a performance like nothing they’ve seen before.”

Go Hyun-jung’s bold new role has already generated buzz ahead of Mantis’s first broadcast, scheduled for September 5 on SBS.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=SBS