Netflix's Mercy for None actor So Ji Sub breaks silence on backlash over ‘ruining' the adaptation, reveals losing 15 kgs for the role

Indian Express

13-06-2025

South Korean actor So Ji Sub, who made his acting comeback with his first Netflix project Mercy For None, recently opened up about his return to the dark action genre that's now earned him the title of Korea's John Wick. The noir-action series, based on the popular webtoon Plaza Wars, sparked backlash from the moment its teaser dropped. And once the full series landed, many accused the OTT and the makers of ruining the experience with a weak storyline. Sitting down for an interview in Seoul, So didn't shy away from the criticism. He also shared how he dropped weight to transform into the character and thanked the public for crowning him with the new action-hero tag, drawing comparisons to Keanu Reeves' iconic role.
Also read: Mercy for None Review: So Ji Sub's sad eyes are the only redemption in Netflix's flawed adaptation
'I didn't take on this project to ruin the original work,' the Confession star said during an interview in Jongno-gu, Seoul (Via KBIZOOm). When asked about concerns raised by loyal webtoon fans, the actor added, 'If anything, I hoped to make something even better.' In Mercy for None, So plays Ki Jun, a former gangster who got his Achilles tendon slashed as punishment for disrupting the underworld balance. Years later, he limps his way back into the crime world to avenge his brother's death. Surprisingly, So admitted he had no idea the show was based on a webtoon when he first signed on. 'I only received the script. Later, I found out I was actually the top fan pick to play Ki Jun,' he said.
The series director Choi Sung Eun earlier revealed how she jumped on the fans' pick without second-guessing. Despite a bit of hesitation, she quickly realised in their first meeting that So was the perfect fit. Addressing fans' frustration over changes, he added, 'Adaptations will always be a little different, but I tried my best to stay true to the original heart of the story.'
Also read: Mercy For None ending explained: 7 burning questions answered in So Ji Sub's dark Netflix noir
Early reviews of Mercy for None dubbed So as the Korean John Wick, and he truly lived up to it, with his gritty tone, lead's dagger glare, emotionally driven character, and hard punches delivered with stoic precision. When the comparison with John Wick came up, So couldn't help but laugh. 'It's flattering. I never aimed for that, but I'm honoured,' he said. 'Korean noir is quite rare these days. I hope Gwangjang can help spark more noir productions in Korea. Every country has its own strengths when it comes to noir. Korea doesn't use guns as much, so the impact feels different. You can really feel the energy through direct, close-range fights.' Since its June 6 release, Mercy for None has stormed into Netflix's Top 10 in 44 countries, peaking at No. 2 globally in the non-English TV category. 'This was my first Netflix project,' So said. 'It felt like stepping into a completely new world.' It's been 13 years since So last touched the noir-action genre, so returning to the same, to mark his comeback, almost felt like 'pulling a cheat code.'
The role demanded serious physical preparations too. The actor revealed losing 15 kgs for his character. 'Before starting the diet, I weighed 95 kg. By the end, I was in the 70s. I lost it the old-school way — restricting calories, eating chicken breasts. It wasn't easy. I love eating and gain weight easily, even when I barely eat.' Speaking about his action sequences, the actor told Korea Times, 'Acting brings joy, but it's equally challenging. My style doesn't usually swing wildly with emotions, so I focus on the small details.' So added, that while it might feel like he is repeating himself with every action, in reality, he just tries to show a new and fresh side of himself.