Queen Mantis continues to grip audiences with its intense storyline. The South Korean mystery-thriller airs on SBS TV. Episodes 5 and 6 are set to release on September 19 and 20, 2025. Both episodes will air at 9:50 p.m. KST. International viewers can watch on streaming platforms like Netflix, Rakuten Viki, and KOCOWA. The show is a remake of the French series La Mante. It stars Go Hyun-jung as Jung Yi-shin, a jailed serial killer, and Jang Dong-yoon as her detective son, Cha Soo-yeol .
The story follows Cha Soo-yeol, who is forced to seek help from his mother when a copycat killer emerges. The copycat mimics her brutal murder style. The first four episodes revealed shocking secrets, including Yi-shin’s first victim being her abusive husband. Episode 4 ended with Yi-shin escaping custody and the death of Gu-wan, a key suspect. The upcoming episodes promise more suspense and critical developments .
Release Details and Streaming Options
Episode 5 of Queen Mantis will air on Friday, September 19, 2025. Episode 6 will follow on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Both episodes will be broadcast on SBS TV at 9:50 p.m. KST. For viewers in South Korea, the episodes can also be streamed on Wavve after the live broadcast. International audiences have multiple options. Netflix will carry the episodes with subtitles. Subscription plans start at $7.99 per month. Rakuten Viki and KOCOWA are also streaming the series globally .
Release times will vary by time zone. In the United States, Episode 5 will air around 11 a.m. Eastern Time and 8 a.m. Pacific Time on September 19. Viewers in India can watch around 8:20 p.m. IST on the same day. European audiences can tune in around 4 p.m. GMT. These times are estimates and may change slightly based on streaming platform updates .
Story Expectations for Episode 5
The preview for Episode 5 hints at high tension. Yi-shin’s escape from custody is a major problem. She might visit her son’s house and meet his wife, Lee Jung-yeon. This meeting could be dangerous. Jung-yeon has been digging into Soo-yeol’s past. She does not know that her mother-in-law is alive and is the Mantis. Yi-shin’s sudden appearance could reveal shocking truths .
The production team stated, “In Episode 4, a plot development will unfold that is even more shocking than Episode 3. At the center of it stands Cha Soo Yeol, who is both the son of the serial killer ‘The Mantis’ and the detective who must catch the culprit” .
Soo-yeol will also face professional challenges. His team discovered that every recent victim was linked to a woman named Jo-i through a dating app. They suspect Jo-i might be connected to the copycat. The police receive a distorted phone call. The caller wants a message delivered to “that woman.” This vague clue forces the team to question Soo-yeol about who this woman could be. The investigation is taking a sharper turn .
Plot Predictions for Episode 6
Episode 6 will likely address the fallout from Yi-shin’s escape. She is back behind bars in the safe house, as seen in the preview. Soo-yeol confronts her about Gu-wan’s death. Instead of denying or confirming involvement, she asks if Soo-yeol is relieved that Gu-wan is gone. This response might deepen the conflict between them .
The copycat killer’s identity remains a mystery. Park Min-jae was arrested in Episode 4 for stalking Soo-yeol and having dioramas of the murder sites. However, he denied being the copycat. His obsession with Yi-shin continues. He repeatedly asks Soo-yeol if he has seen her recently. Min-jae might not be the copycat, but he could be involved in some way. The real copycat might still be free .
Another key point is the mysterious car that killed Gu-wan. Na-hui is determined to investigate this vehicle. Her actions might cause more tension with Soo-yeol. They argued after Gu-wan’s escape, with Soo-yeol accusing her of jealousy. Their professional relationship could affect the investigation .
Background and Key Characters
Queen Mantis is directed by Byun Young-joo and written by Lee Young-jong. The series is based on the French show La Mante. Go Hyun-jung plays Jung Yi-shin, also known as the Mantis. She is a serial killer who murdered five men two decades ago. Jang Dong-yoon plays her son, Cha Soo-yeol, a detective who resents his mother. The cast also includes Lee Tae-gu as Seo Gu-wan, a blind worshipper of the Mantis .
The series explores themes of abuse, justice, and complex family relationships. Yi-shin’s victims were abusive men. Her first kill was her husband, who was violent towards her and Soo-yeol. This backstory adds depth to her character. She is seen as a monster by some and a protector by others. This moral ambiguity makes the story engaging .
Recent Developments and Fan Reactions
Episodes 3 and 4 revealed major secrets. In Episode 3, Soo-yeol learned that his father was Yi-shin’s first victim. She killed him to protect Soo-yeol from abuse. This revelation devastated Soo-yeol. In Episode 4, Yi-shin escaped by poisoning a guard. Meanwhile, Gu-wan attacked Na-hui and fled the hospital. He was killed by a speeding car, leaving Soo-yeol shocked .
Fans are eagerly waiting for the next episodes. Social media discussions focus on the copycat’s identity and Yi-shin’s motives. The show’s twists have generated strong reactions. Viewer ratings have been high, reflecting the show’s popularity. The combination of crime thriller and family drama has attracted a global audience .
Also Read: Queen Mantis Debuts with Strong Ratings and Critical Praise
