“Mousetrap,” produced by Kakao Entertainment and based on the Kakao webtoon “Field Mouse,” topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows chart in its second week of release. The global success of the suspense thriller demonstrates the strength of Kakao Entertainment’s IP crossover synergy, showcasing how the company continues to expand its IP across formats and platforms to reach new audiences.

Having premiered on Aug. 28, “Mousetrap” recorded 4.4 million views during the latest tracking week (Aug. 31-Sept. 6), according to Netflix. The series also entered the Top 10 in 45 countries and secured No. 1 in four, including Korea, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Pakistan.

The 10-episode series, starring Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu, brings a gripping story of pursuit and survival to audiences around the world. It follows novelist Moon-jae (Ryu), whose name, face and entire life have been stolen by the mysterious figure known as “The Rat”; No-ja (Sul), a ruthless loan shark determined to recover his missing money; and detective Sun-yong (Lee Kyu-hyung), as the three become entangled in the pursuit of “The Rat.”

“Mousetrap” is inspired by an old Korean folktale about a rat that becomes human after eating someone’s fingernail. The series explores what happens when an unexpected threat turns ordinary lives upside down, following its characters as they navigate a dangerous pursuit and confront emotions that have long been building beneath the surface. The series also marks Ryu’s first dual role, as he plays both Moon-jae and “The Rat,” while Sul brings a tough yet charismatic presence to his role as a loan shark.

According to Ryu, “Mousetrap” is ultimately a story about jealousy and insecurity, navigating how people seek to prove and define themselves.

“I deeply connected with the emotions of jealousy and insecurity,” he said. “Emotions that seem insignificant can sometimes lead to devastating consequences. ‘Mousetrap’ is also a deeply human and compelling story about emotions that build up and simmer beneath the surface until they eventually erupt.”

The success of “Mousetrap” marks another 2026 hit for Kakao Entertainment, following the strong global performances of Netflix series “Notes from the Last Row,” “The WONDERfools,” and “Boyfriend on Demand.” “Notes from the Last Row” peaked at No. 5 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows chart, while “The WONDERfools” reached No. 2. “Boyfriend on Demand” grabbed No. 2 on the same chart for the second consecutive week. Together, these achievements further reinforce Kakao Entertainment’s standing as a global studio.

Source: Press Release

Josh Piedra

Senior Editor, Anime & Manga

Josh has been an anime fan for over twenty years. In addition, he is a light novel author with 38 books published across 5 series! He is also the owner of Meteora Press, his personal dba serving as a publishing label. Anime and otaku culture isn't Josh's only area of expertise. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and has created a handful of independent games along with a deep working knowledge of the gaming industry.