Kill Boksoon Spin-Off 'Mantis': Filming Underway and Set for 2025 Release

A New Chapter in the Kill Boksoon Universe


"Mantis" is an upcoming South Korean Netflix Original movie. Directed by Lee Tae Sung and created by Byun Sung Hyun, the film is the spin-off from the  hit 2023  movie "Kill Boksoon". The original movie was a global hit, averaging over 63.3 million viewing hours in Netflix. With "Mantis", creators hope to add more excitement in this darker universe by digging into the personal lives of its complex characters and the grit, chaotic world of hired assassins. Here is what Netflix  describes:

"Mantis, an ace assassin and a former colleague of Gil Boksoon, returns to a collapsed-order hired killer industry after his vacation. Upon reentering this anarchic world, Mantis encounters Jae-yi, his fellow trainee and rival, and Dok-go, a retired legendary killer, and realizes they are all vying for the top spot among the killers."

This description teases a high-stakes, action-packed narrative with layered characters, rivalries, and a backdrop of industrial chaos.

Who Are the Stars of "Mantis"?

"Park Gyu Young as Jae-yi"

Park Gyu Young plays Jae-yi, a talented assassin and former friend of Mantis. Jae-yi’s journey promises to be one of internal conflict, as her admiration for Mantis’ skills clashes with her drive for supremacy.

Actress has already stirred up some noise in Netflix Originals like "Sweet Home" and "Celebrity". Her return also awaits her fans in "Squid Game: Season 2", solidifyin her status as an upcoming K-drama star.

According to Netflix, she is.Jae-yi, an extremely gifted killer expelled by MK Ent. after losing favor with her producers. Jae-yi is an old friend of Mantis and has  confusing feelings toward him due to his extraordinary skillset."

Yim Si Wan as Han-ul (Mantis)

Yim Si Wan plays the lead of Han-ul, also known as Mantis, an ace assassin whose return raises mayhem. That is already a great indicator of his character's precision and calculated seriousness, which were already teased in "Kill Boksoon" when Cha Min-kyu said that Mantis had "gone on vacation.

Yim Si Wan previously won fans' hearts in various Netflix K-dramas such as  "Thirty-Nine" and |"Run On". With this growing popularity, for sure this role of  Mantis would be a break-out one for him.

Netflix describes Han-ul as:

An ace assassin known as Mantis, working for MK Ent. Earlier, a whispered suggestion by Cha Min-kyu in "Kill Boksoon" of 'having gone on vacation',  Mantis comes back to a noisy industry seeking new opportunities.

Jo-woo Jin completes the main cast as Dok-go, a former hitman and founder of MK Ent. Even after exiting his role with MK Ent as an active director, Dok-go now  manages the agency as CEO due to Cha Min-kyu's death. The tensions are  ratcheted up in the mentorship of Mantis by the character Dok-go.

Jo-woo Jin's impressive career has spanned Netflix's "Narco-Saints", as well as other series hits like "Mr. Sunshine", "Happiness", and "Goblin". Dok-go promises to add gravity and depth in playing the character Mantis.

Here is what Netflix says about Dok-go:

Dok-go is the founder of MK Ent. and the mentor of Mantis. Even though he has retired long ago from the service, he took up the mantle as the CEO of MK Ent. after Cha Min-kyu passed away, hoping to revive Mantis. "Jo-woo Jin as Byun Ki Tae in Narco-Saints – Netflix"

Officially a production for "Mantis", with filming starting this late August 2024. As of September 2, Netflix confirmed that the movie is actively in production.

The film production team has put high expectations following the success of "Kill Boksoon". Combining intense action choreography, compelling storytelling, and a dynamic cast will make "Mantis" one of Netflix's most anticipated releases of 2025.

When Can Fans Expect "Mantis"?

Netflix has already announced the release dates for the year 2025, during which the movie "Mantis" is scheduled for release. Based on the current filming schedule, a late-year premiere, likely in November or December, would be most likely. This timeline aligns with Netflix's strategy to line up prominent titles for awards season and achieve peak viewership over the holiday season.

What Can Fans Expect from "Mantis"?

The "Kill Boksoon" universe is defined by stylized action, complex characters, and morally dubious narrative, of which "Mantis" will surely continue to expand upon these themes for all those fans who crave deeper insight into the complex web of power struggles and feuds inside that assassin industry.

The film promises to delve into themes of loyalty, ambition, and survival in a cutthroat world. The tension between Mantis, Jae-yi, and Dok-go forms the emotional core of the story, while the overarching chaos of the assassin industry provides a gripping backdrop.

Action Sequences

Fans of "Kill Boksoon" can expect "Mantis" to deliver equally thrilling action sequences. With Mantis’ precise and calculated fighting style, the choreography will likely emphasize elegance and efficiency, contrasting with Jae-yi’s intense, unrestrained approach.

Why "Mantis"Could Be a Game-Changer

As Netflix grows its K-drama catalog, "Mantis" represents a big investment in building interconnected storytelling within Originals. It's a spinoff that goes beyond the lore of "Kill Boksoon" but represents the commitment by the platform to elevate South Korean cinema on a global scale.

Fans will truly appreciate the right mix of known faces and new stories for Mantis This release in 2025 can be a highlight on Netflix's calendar, and anticipation already builds up about this series.

With a great cast, an intriguing storyline, and high production values, "Mantis" is going to be something of a must-see for fans of action-packed thrillers. As we wait for more updates, one thing's certain: the world of "Kill Boksoon" is  certainly getting bigger, and it's only going to get better. Keep your fingers crossed for more news as filming progresses.