Ko Hyun-jung Electrifies as 'The Scab's Mother' in New Thriller, Dominates Ratings

Actress Ko Hyun-jung is captivating audiences with her chilling portrayal of Jung Yi-shin, a serial killer, in the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'The Scab: Killer's Outing'. The series premiere on the 5th immediately captured the top spot in its time slot, securing a 7.1% national viewership rating and 7.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area.

In the drama, Ko Hyun-jung plays Jung Yi-shin, who brutally murdered five men over 20 years ago and is also the mother of detective Cha Soo-yeol (played by Jang Dong-yoon). The narrative unfolds as the incarcerated Yi-shin collaborates with her son on a case involving copycat killings. Ko Hyun-jung has meticulously crafted her character not through outward allure, but through the emotion of 'absence'. Her makeup, adding age spots and wrinkles, and her minimally made-up, monochrome face became a declaration of the character herself.

From the very first episode, Ko Hyun-jung's performance drove the suspense. Her cold, indifferent gaze flickered whenever murder was mentioned, and her low, steady breath transformed into a chilling resonance. A particularly impactful line, "I like the smell of blood. It’s the smell from when you were born into this world, isn't it?" heightened the narrative's density by simultaneously revealing the conflicting facets of motherhood and murder.

The scene where she relentlessly interrogates the copycat killer Seo Goo-wan (played by Lee Tae-goo) and then chokes him, transcended mere violence. It was a moment where Ko Hyun-jung, with her unique rhythm, depicted the primal instincts and obsessions of a serial killer. Her subsequent enigmatic smile upon revealing a leaf amplified the profound symbolism of 'The Scab', leaving viewers eager for what comes next.

Most notably, Ko Hyun-jung's return is marked by her bold choice. Despite selecting an extreme character type that doesn't easily guarantee commercial success, she has imprinted her presence by precisely dissecting unstable psychology, rather than relying on the charisma of a powerful figure, and conveying a chilling emptiness rather than glamorous aesthetics. As a result, 'The Scab' has already garnered praise for its intense cliffhangers in the first two episodes. Ko Hyun-jung, once hailed as the 'Nation's Actress,' is now challenging the unfamiliar title of 'Nation's Killer.' All eyes are on the ripples her return will create. 'The Scab: Killer's Outing' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

Ko Hyun-jung debuted in 1989 as the runner-up in the Miss Korea pageant and has since established herself as a representative actress in South Korea, showcasing a wide acting spectrum across various projects.

She has consistently received praise from the public and critics for her exceptional acting skills, perfectly embodying every character she takes on.

With 'The Scab,' she is attempting a radical transformation, hinting at another legendary performance that goes beyond her previous roles.