Will There Be a ‘Mousetrap’ Season 2 on Netflix? Latest Updates and Details

Netflix’s latest Korean thriller has just premiered, and audiences are already diving into its complex identity theft narrative. ‘Mousetrap’ has debuted on the platform, and fans captivated by its intense cat-and-mouse storyline are eager to know if a second season is on the horizon.

The series centers around a reclusive novelist whose life is abruptly taken from him, leaving the conclusion open for potential storylines in a future season. Here’s what we currently know about the future of ‘Mousetrap’.

‘Mousetrap’ is a South Korean mystery thriller crafted by writer Lee Jae-gon and directed by Kim Hong-sun, inspired by the Kakao webtoon Field Mouse by Ludovico. The narrative follows Mun-Jae, a solitary novelist who finds himself unable to access his cellphone one day, only to discover that his only friend has mysteriously disappeared.

Mun-Jae soon discovers that a shadowy figure known only as Rat has usurped everything from him, including his identity and possessions. Director Kim Hong-sun mentioned that the story draws inspiration from a classic Korean folktale, where a rat transforms into a human after consuming fingernails, which he aimed to merge with authentic psychological tension and thriller suspense.

To reclaim his stolen existence, Mun-Jae seeks out loan shark No-Ja, a composed yet dangerous individual who operates a private detective agency and has been searching for Mun-Jae for three years due to an old debt. Their unexpected alliance becomes the emotional core of the series as the pursuit of the Rat intensifies.

The cast of this gripping identity theft thriller features Ryu Jun-yeol as Moon-jae, Sul Kyung-gu as No-ja, and Lee Kyu-hyung as Sun-yong, a detective who joins the quest for the Rat. Ryu Jun-yeol has described Moon-jae as a man who has lived in solitude.

Ryu Jun-yeol, recognized for ‘Reply 1988’, and Sul Kyung-gu, known for ‘Hyper Knife’, lead the cast as two contrasting characters whose lives are manipulated by the same enigmatic figure. In December 2024, it was first reported that Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu were in discussions to star in the series, with both actors confirmed by May 2025.

The supporting cast also includes Kim Sung Oh as Seung Gyu, Hyun Bong Sik as Myung Su, and Moo Jin Sung as Son Su Hyeon, who is described as Mun Jae’s friend. Both lead actors typically work more in film than television, particularly Sul, who has spent decades as one of Korean cinema’s most dependable character actors, making their pairing in this cat-and-mouse narrative a notable choice for the production.

‘Mousetrap’ was set to premiere on Netflix on August 28, 2026. The series consists of 10 episodes, each approximately 50 minutes long, and carries an 18+ content rating due to violence and profanity.

Initially announced in January 2026 as part of Netflix Korea’s 2026 slate, the series was originally slated for a third quarter 2026 release before Netflix confirmed the specific August date by the end of July 2026. Principal photography commenced in the first half of 2025, with additional cast members Moon Jong-il and Go Hyung-woo joining the project in December 2025.

‘Mousetrap’ enters a competitive landscape in August for Korean television, launching alongside ‘Flex X Cop’ Season 2 on Disney Plus and ‘Our Sticky Love’ on Netflix. This level of competition means ‘Mousetrap’ will need to generate strong buzz and word of mouth to stand out, which is crucial for Netflix’s decision on a potential second season.

Currently, Netflix has not made any announcements regarding a second season of ‘Mousetrap’. This is not uncommon, as the platform typically waits for viewership metrics before deciding on renewals for its Korean original series.

Initial reviews have characterized the series as polished yet somewhat slow-paced, indicating a mixed critical reception. However, a lukewarm critical response does not necessarily doom a show’s future, as many Netflix Korean dramas have thrived with audiences despite average reviews. Still, the pressure is on for the show’s viewership numbers in its critical first weeks.

Given that ‘Mousetrap’ was recently introduced as part of Netflix Korea’s broader 2026 lineup, the streamer seems to have confidence in the series and the pairing of Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu. Whether this confidence leads to a second season will largely depend on how the show performs in the global Top 10 charts during its first month.

For now, viewers should consider ‘Mousetrap’ a self-contained mystery until Netflix indicates otherwise, although the premise certainly leaves ample opportunity for the Rat’s story to continue if the viewership numbers align. If you’ve already completed the season, what do you think should happen to Moon-jae and No-ja if the pursuit of the Rat continues into a second installment?