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Set in an elite high school, the show dives deep into the twisted mind of Akane, played by Ioki Mao.
Akane is a student so smart she's bored out of her mind, and to entertain herself, she begins orchestrating minor incidents at school.
Sounds harmless, right? Well, think again.
Things spiral out of control when a real murder rocks the school, and what follows is an unrelenting series of killings that leave Japan reeling.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement over the gripping mystery and sinister twists teased by the plot.
The tagline alone—“That incident? I’m the culprit.”—is bound to stir curiosity.
MADDER isn’t just a big break for Ioki Mao, it’s her debut as a lead actress in a TV dorama.
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Considering her trajectory, this feels like a natural next step.
She’s come a long way since joining Nogizaka46 in 2022, where she became a fan favourite with her serene yet captivating presence.
In a comment released by Ioki, she admitted feeling nervous yet thrilled about this opportunity.
“I’m ready to give this my all, and I hope viewers will love what we’ve created,” she shared.
Her portrayal of Akane promises a far cry from her usual soothing image, delivering a sharp, cold, and enigmatic vibe instead.
With a storyline full of red herrings and intricate clues, MADDER invites audiences to dig into the narrative and connect the dots themselves.
Who’s the mastermind? What motivates the murders?
These questions are bound to keep fans guessing until the last episode.
The production team isn’t holding back either.
Directed by Yusuke Koroyasu and penned by acclaimed writer Date-san, the drama is set to deliver a visual and storytelling experience reminiscent of edgy late-90s classics. The anticipation is already sky-high.
So, is Akane a misunderstood genius or a full-blown villain? MADDER premieres this April—prepare for a ride.