The new Netflix series 'Mercy for None' is gaining attention among Korean viewers despite its 18+ rating. Starring So Ji Sub, the noir action drama has surged in popularity even before its official release, overtaking major new releases from Disney+ to rank No. 1 in viewer anticipation.
According to Consumer Insight’s “OTT K-Original Content Viewer Report” for the fourth week of May, 'Mercy for None' recorded a 27% awareness rate and a 17% viewing intention rate three weeks ahead of its launch, topping the list of upcoming releases for the second consecutive week. Trailing behind were Disney+’s 'Nine Puzzle' in second and Wavve’s 'ONE: High School Heroes' in third. Notably, 'Mercy for None' outperformed 'Nine Puzzle,' a highly anticipated Disney+ blockbuster starring Son Suk Ku and Kim Da Mi, reportedly produced with a budget of 30 billion KRW (approx. 21.7 million USD).
Set to premiere globally via Netflix on June 6 at 4 PM KST, 'Mercy for None' is an eight-part drama based on a popular webtoon of the same name. It tells the story of Nam Gi Jun, who once belonged to a massive organization known as Gwangjang. After severing ties by crippling his own Achilles heel, he returns 11 years later following the sudden death of his younger brother Nam Gi Seok, who had risen to the organization’s No. 2 position. Gi Jun is drawn back into the criminal underworld as he uncovers the truth behind his brother’s death and embarks on a brutal path of revenge.
The teaser poster released on May 22 shows So Ji Sub with a clenched fist and a cold, steely expression. Blood on his face and hands hints at the merciless revenge to come, while his emotionless gaze captures the essence of his character. The striking tagline, “Once you start, it ends in death,” paired with the blood-red title, emphasizes the drama’s grim tone and heightens anticipation for Gi Jun’s relentless vengeance.
The official trailer, also released on the 22nd, begins with Gi Jun attending his brother’s funeral, marking the start of his revenge. Scenes of fierce hand-to-hand combat and his signature use of a baseball bat showcase a variety of action sequences that have raised viewer expectations.
Veteran actor Heo Joon Ho delivers the chilling line, “Anyone who causes trouble must pay the price,” illustrating the brutal code of the 'Mercy for None' world and amplifying curiosity about the chaos Gi Jun will unleash upon his return to settle old scores.
The trailer also introduces key characters: Gong Myung as Goo Jun Mo, heir to the Bongsan gang, wearing a blood-smeared smile; Choo Young Woo as prosecutor Lee Geum Son, revealing his hidden desires; Ahn Kil Kang as Bongsan’s wrathful boss Goo Bong San; Jo Han Chul as Choi Sung Chul, Lee Joo Woon’s right-hand man; and Cha Seung Won as Cha Young Do, the powerful figure pulling the strings behind Gwangjang. Their intense presence adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.
The drama is based on the acclaimed webtoon by Oh Se Hyung and Kim Kyoon Tae, which was praised on Naver Webtoon as “the most complete noir webtoon ever.” After previewing the Netflix adaptation, the original creators shared congratulatory messages.
Oh Se Hyung posted an illustration of Gi Jun in leather gloves, writing, “As expected, it delivers,” and added, “Cheering for the newly reimagined Nam Gi Jun!” Kim Kyoon Tae shared a drawing of the Gi Jun–Gi Seok brothers smiling together, with a heartfelt message, “Please enjoy Netflix’s 'Mercy for None'!”
Director Choi Sung Eun, who helmed the drama, stated, “The original webtoon had such high quality and immersion that we focused on preserving its tone and manner during the adaptation process. We aimed to stay true to the revenge-centered narrative of Nam Gi Jun while adding unique elements for the series.” He emphasized that both fans of the webtoon and new viewers would find the series compelling.
With a powerhouse cast that includes So Ji Sub, Heo Joon Ho, Gong Myung, Choo Young Woo, Ahn Kil Kang, Lee Beom Soo, Jo Han Chul, Cha Seung Won, and Lee Jun Hyuk, all eyes are on whether 'Mercy for None' will take the global market by storm.
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