The SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Queen Mantis’ hit a new milestone with its fourth episode on the 13th. According to Nielsen Korea, the episode recorded 7.5% nationwide ratings, with the metropolitan area matching at 7.5%.
The latest broadcast delivered two big moments: the death of Seo Gu-wan (Lee Tae-goo) in a sudden hit-and-run and the shocking reappearance of Jeong I-Shin (Go Hyun-jung) at Lee Jeong-yeon’s (Kim Bo-ra) home. The cliffhanger closed with her casual line, “Hello, Lee Jeong-yeon.”
The Hit-and-Run Twist
The mystery intensified when Seo Gu-wan, who had survived a hospital stay, warned Kim Na-hui (Lee El): “The Mantis will kill me. Because I know.” Moments later, he fled the hospital only to be struck down by an unidentified car. Right before his death, he told Cha Su-yeol (Jang Dong-yoon), “You’re just like your mom.”
The driver was revealed as none other than Jeong I-Shin, who escaped confinement by incapacitating her guard with blister beetle poison. Her timing—right after Seo Gu-wan’s death—fueled speculation about her true motives.
The Copycat Murder Investigation
Meanwhile, the investigation turned to Park Min-jae (Lee Chang-min). Cha Su-yeol suspected him after finding models of recreated “Mantis” murder scenes in his hideout. Park Min-jae provoked Su-yeol directly, even mentioning the murders from 23 years ago. Though arrested, he presented an alibi and left Su-yeol with a cryptic request: “You met her, didn’t you? Can’t you let me see my mom just once?”
This suggested he knew about Jeong I-Shin’s meeting with Cha Su-yeol—an unsettling development that complicates the copycat angle.
Family Secrets Resurface
Another reveal came when Cha Su-yeol discovered the truth behind the “Zero-Number Murder.” He learned his first victim was actually his father. Seeking clarity, he confronted his grandfather Jeong Hyun-nam (Lee Hwang-eui). Hyun-nam admitted he had witnessed Jeong I-Shin’s first killing—her violent husband—but couldn’t report it. That confession left Su-yeol consumed with guilt, renewing his vow to catch the killer.
What’s Next?
With Jeong I-Shin free, Seo Gu-wan dead, and Park Min-jae’s role unclear, the drama leaves viewers questioning: Did Jeong I-Shin truly orchestrate the hit-and-run? Why has she returned now? And how will her sudden presence alter Cha Su-yeol’s pursuit of the “Mantis” copycat?
‘Queen Mantis’ airs Fridays at 9:50 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. on SBS.
Watch Episode 4 Preview
Source (daum)
