Need a new mystery series to watch? South Korean thriller Mousetrap is now streaming on Netflix, delivering an unsettling, high-octane plunge into the world of “identity laundering.”
Based on Ludovico’s 2017 Kakao Webtoon Field Mouse, the series follows incognito novelist Je Moon-jae, played by Reply 1988 star Ryu Jun-yeol, after his identity is completely stolen. The panicked writer must discover why a mysterious figure known as “The Rat” has taken his identity and find a way to reclaim his life.
That is only the beginning of this mind-bending thriller, directed by Kim Hong-sun (Project Wolf Hunting) and written by Lee Jae-gon (A Model Family). The story twists through the streets of Seoul and reaches deep into the past.
What is Mousetrap about?
Credit: Yoo Eun-mi / Netflix
Identity theft becomes a life-changing nightmare in Mousetrap. Moon-jae wakes up to find that someone has taken over every part of his identity. His fingerprint no longer unlocks his phone or bank account. Strangers have moved into his apartment after buying it from someone pretending to be him. He has no medical records, identification or other proof that he is himself because everything has been assigned to somebody else.
Moon-jae is a popular but enigmatic author who has deliberately kept his identity secret. That decision backfires in the most devastating way possible. After the tragic death of his parents, he becomes a recluse. His literary success allows him to remain inside a high-tech luxury apartment for years, following the same routine each day, suppressing the same panic attack and reliving the same nightmare.
Through floor-to-ceiling glass walls, Moon-jae watches people carry out their daily routines below, including postal workers and food vendors. His only meaningful connection to the outside world is his friend and accountant Son Su-hyeon, played by The Tyrant actor Moo Jin-sung.
Then, in a single day, everything is taken from him. His high school friends no longer recognise him, and he has no official identity anywhere in the world. As the reasons gradually emerge, Moon-jae finds himself fleeing loan shark Kim Yeong-geun, also known as No-ja, played by Peppermint Candy star Sul Kyung-gu. He also begins searching for the cryptic figure known as The Rat, who appears to hold all the answers.
Mousetrap weaves its mystery through multiple storylines
Credit: Yoo Eun-mi / Netflix
Moon-jae’s search for the truth is only the starting point. The series expands into a compelling mystery about the consequences and scale of identity fraud.
While investigating a separate suspected murder, hardened detective Park Sun-yong, played by All of Us Are Dead star Lee Kyu-hyung, receives an anonymous tip. The lead draws him into the lives of Moon-jae, No-ja and Su-hyeon.
More bodies continue to appear without identification, fingerprint matches or any clear way to establish who they are. Sun-yong is determined to expose the full truth. At the same time, three hit men monitor the unfolding events, while the Rat remains one step ahead, observing from the shadows and tracking everyone’s movements.
Ryu Jun-yeol is pushed to the limit in Mousetrap, playing two sides of the same coin. As Moon-jae, he portrays the character’s growing anxiety and helplessness with raw authenticity. Surreal production design and striking special effects reinforce Moon-jae’s agoraphobia, while his suppressed trauma emerges through his turbulent relationship with public spaces.
The series moves back and forth through time to develop its characters’ perspectives, creating the impression that Moon-jae may already possess the answers he needs. Sul Kyung-gu is another highlight as the blunt, no-nonsense loan shark, bringing moments of levity to the show’s otherwise dark world.
Mousetrap’s main weakness is its lack of substantial female characters. Women are largely confined to brief, one-line scenes, with some characters remaining off-screen. The notable exception is publishing house editor-in-chief Han Ji-hye, played by The Call star Lee El, who enters the story halfway through the series.
Mousetrap is a triumph of action and thumping techno
Credit: Yoo Eun-mi / Netflix
If the mystery brings you in, the action and relentless techno-heavy score will keep you watching. With Moon-jae, No-ja and Sun-young each pursuing their own version of the truth, Mousetrap delivers a series of memorable action set pieces.
The series features high-speed chases across Seoul’s Han River, police hunts through suburban streets filmed from above and a brutal hand-to-hand fight in a makeshift operating theatre. Its slick, illustrated opening credits also honour the Webtoon source material while taking the action beyond the page.
Mousetrap runs for 10 episodes and is technically a limited series, although many Korean dramas can run for more than 20 episodes. It never feels rushed, taking time to build a chilling portrait of identity theft through carefully constructed mystery, high-octane action and strong twists.
Mousetrap is now streaming on Netflix.
Source: mashable.com
