Mouse

A string of brutal murders by a remorseless psychopath sends a country into a panic, and the story follows the fallout. Jung Ba-reum, an earnest rookie cop, and Go Moo-chi, a hardened detective with a haunted past, cross paths with the killer and see their lives altered in ways they never expected. The chase mixes gritty police work with a speculative premise about whether violent tendencies can be predicted or prevented, and it keeps the focus on moral questions and personal consequences rather than neat answers. Secondary characters add emotional weight and conflicting viewpoints, but the central tension stays with those two officers as the case deepens.

Released in 2021, Mouse was created by Choi Ran and directed by Kang Cheol-Woo and Choi Joon-bae. The series stars Lee Seung-gi as Jung Ba-reum, Lee Hee-jun as Go Moo-chi, with Park Ju-hyun, Kwon Hwa-woon, and Gyeong Su-jin rounding out the core cast.

Critics and viewers gave Mouse strong marks, reflected in an average rating around 8.43 out of 10 from user votes. Reviews highlighted the show's willingness to mix genres, its moral ambiguity, and standout performances, especially from the leads. The plot balances procedural tension with speculative elements, and recurring themes include identity, accountability, and how far society should go to prevent harm.

Mouse provoked lively conversation online, especially about the ethics of profiling and the idea of detecting dangerous traits before they manifest. Several scenes and plot turns became frequent topics on social media and fan forums, and the series broadened discussion about crime dramas that ask uneasy questions rather than offering simple thrills.

The drama also attracted attention during Korean awards season, with performers and the writing team noted in year-end discussions and industry roundups. While it wasn’t defined only by trophies, the show helped raise the profiles of its cast and sparked critical conversations within the TV community.