Even if it got high initial ratings, SBS's new drama 'Queen Mantis' is under attack from the public for how it depicts schizophrenia in a recent show.

During the second episode, aired last September 6, a polarizing dialogue during a scene where characters were conducting a police investigation was seriously criticized.

When discussing the suspect's mental condition, Detective Choi Hyuk (played by Kim Tae-jung) says the suspect is a patient of schizophrenia. Chief Choi Choong-ho (Jo Sung-ha) retorts, "So you mean he's a crazy person?"

The direct statement immediately ignited outrage among viewers and mental health professionals as well.

Mental health experts say that kind of speech encourages hazardous misconceptions.

"Schizophrenia is a neurological disorder, not a sign of being 'crazy,'" experts emphasized. "Symptoms like hallucinations and delusions result from disrupted brain function, not moral weakness or violent intent."

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While schizophrenia is strongly associated with violence in the media, research does not support this.

A study by Seoul National University Medical School, which compared 2012–2016 crime figures, estimated schizophrenia patients' overall crime rate at between 72.7 and 90.3 per 10,000, significantly lower than the general population.

But the study also highlighted increased rates of violent crimes like murder and arson among schizophrenia patients, said to fuel public panic.

"These isolated statistics are frequently used out of context to stereotype all patients," researchers said.

Mental health groups have also raised fears that the drama's script may lead to further stigmatization of people living with schizophrenia.

"Labeling them as 'crazy' on national television only reinforces stigma," said one advocate. "It may discourage people from seeking help and deepens the isolation they already experience."

Social media viewers were also outraged, urging SBS to apologize.

"It's disappointing that a drama with such strong acting and writing would use language that stigmatizes mental illness," said one.

Queen Mantis has been complimented on Go Hyun-jung's performance as the lead character and its crime-thriller plot. However, many now believe the network should handle sensitive issues more sensitively.

As of Monday, SBS has made no official announcement about the scandal.

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