The Netflix series 'Mercy for None' achieved an impressive global milestone, ranking No. 2 worldwide in just three days after its release.
According to Netflix’s Tudum website on June 11, 'Mercy for None,' which premiered on June 6, recorded 4.9 million views between June 6–8, landing it at No. 2 on the global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows chart.
Even more remarkable is that the series entered the Top 10 in 44 countries, demonstrating explosive international interest. In South Korea, it reached No. 1 on Netflix just one day after its release and has maintained that position for five consecutive days.
'Mercy for None' is a noir action drama that tells the story of Gi Jun (played by So Ji Sub), a former gang member who once cut his own Achilles tendon to leave the underworld behind. He returns after 11 years to avenge the death of his younger brother, Gi Seok (portrayed by Lee Jun Hyuk), who had risen to the gang’s second-in-command.
The drama meticulously follows Gi Jun’s quest to uncover the truth and take revenge. Even before its release, the series generated buzz thanks to its star-studded cast, including So Ji Sub, Lee Jun Hyuk, Huh Joon Ho, Gong Myung, Choo Young Woo, Ahn Gil Kang, Lee Beom Soo, Jo Han Chul, and Cha Seung Won.
The show is based on the webtoon 'Gwangjang,' serialized on Naver Webtoon from 2020 to 2021. In the original, Gi Jun was a desperate fighter who limped through brutal battles. In contrast, the drama reimagines him as an “invincible” figure who dominates the criminal underworld with just his fists. By emphasizing fast-paced, thrilling action and dialing down the grit, the adaptation aims to appeal to a broader international audience.
The concept of “Gwangjang” also shifts from the original. While the webtoon used the term to reference a key battle in front of the National Assembly Plaza, the drama expands it into a metaphor for the entire dark underworld. Director Choi Sung Eun stated during the press conference that the show was created as “a reinterpretation that expands the scope of the original story.”
Gi Jun’s character also sees a major change. In the webtoon, he leads an ordinary life as a liquor deliveryman after leaving the gang. In the drama, however, he is portrayed as a hidden recluse working at a remote mountain campsite.
So Ji Sub commented on his role, saying, “Gi Jun is a character who expresses himself more through actions and glances than words. I tried to fill in the unspoken moments with depth.” His intense performance and charisma have captivated viewers.
The international press has responded enthusiastically. U.S. entertainment outlet Decider praised the show for its “unrelenting tension and tightly choreographed action sequences that make it impossible to stop watching.” Collider raved, calling it a “bloody revenge thriller worthy of being compared to 'John Wick'.”
Collider also highlighted the action choreography, noting that “instead of gunfights, the show relies on close combat to heighten intimacy and realism, reminiscent of Oldboy’s iconic hallway fight scene.” They added, “The fight scenes are raw, bloody, and intense. So Ji Sub channels his inner ‘Michael Myers’ as he takes down dozens of enemies.”
Korean viewers have also praised the drama’s stylish action, comparing it to Keanu Reeves’s 'John Wick' and Ma Dong Suk from the 'The Roundup' film series.
Alongside the success of 'Mercy for None,' other Korean dramas on Netflix have also ranked highly. ENA’s 'Tastefully Yours' came in 3rd with 3.5 million views, tvN’s 'Our Unwritten Seoul' placed 6th with 2.2 million views, MBC’s 'Oh My Ghost Clients' ranked 8th with 1.1 million, and JTBC’s 'Good Boy' came in 9th with 1 million views.
Showcasing the essence of cold-blooded, hard-boiled noir action, 'Mercy for None' captivates both domestic and international audiences with its genre appeal and standout performances. The drama has proven the global power of Korean content, making a massive impact just three days after its release.
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