Netflix's new action-thriller show just got another intense trailer — and it looks perfect for 'John Wick' fans
Netflix just dropped the official trailer for its upcoming Korean action-thriller 'Mercy for None,' and it looks like the kind of gritty, revenge-fueled story that fans of 'John Wick' will eat up.
Premiering June 6, 2025, this show marks So Ji-sub's big return to action after over a decade away from the genre. He plays Ki-jun, a former gangster who went to extreme lengths, like 'severing his own Achilles tendon,' to escape the criminal underworld.
But when his younger brother Ki-seok (Lee Jun-hyuk), now second-in-command in their old gang, dies under mysterious circumstances, Ki-jun has no choice but to dive back into that dangerous life he tried to leave behind.
The trailer opens with Ki-jun standing over his brother's casket, making it clear that this story is very personal. From that point on, we watch a man consumed by grief, gearing up for revenge with nothing left to lose. With a bloodied baseball bat in hand, Ki-jun engages in several fast-paced action scenes that had me cringing.
The rest of the trailer introduces a cast of powerful, dangerous players who seem ready to either help or stand in his way.
'Mercy for None' looks like it's going to be a popular watch for anyone who loves a good mix of brutal action and drama. And not to mention it comes out on the same day as the 'John Wick' spinoff 'Ballerina.'
If the trailer's anything to go by, this one's definitely earning a spot on my must-watch list next month.
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Along with the new trailer and release date, Netflix also dropped a synopsis, which reads:
'The series follows Ki-jun, a former underworld figure who severed his own Achilles tendon to leave that life behind 11 years ago. When his brother Ki-seok, once the second-in-command of their organization, is found dead, Ki-jun returns to uncover the truth behind his brother's death.'
'Mercy for None' is actually based on the popular webtoon 'Plaza Wars,' written by Oh Se-hyung and illustrated by Kim Gyun-tae. For fans of the original digital comic, the Netflix live-action series offers a new way to experience the story, and it looks like it will stay true to the webtoon's dark and violent themes. The 90 seconds of footage was quick to prove that.
Starring alongside So Ji-sub is a stacked cast that includes Huh Joon-ho, Gong Myoung, Choo Young Woo, An Kil-kang, Tiger Lee, and Cho Han-cheul — plus special appearances from Cha Seung Won and Lee Jun-hyuk to round things out.
'Mercy for None' is one of those action-thrillers that Netflix just can't seem to get enough of, and I'm sure viewers won't complain considering most movies and shows in this genre crack the top 10 list at some point.
Dropping on June 6, this limited Korean series will have eight episodes to binge-watch — and like most of Netflix's originals, they'll likely drop all at once.
The show is directed by Choi Sung-eun, who's known for creating intense stories with morally complex characters, like in 'Plaza.' Writer Yoo Ki-sung also worked on 'The Devil Judge,' which was full of unexpected twists that kept you guessing. So with both of them on board, you can expect 'Mercy for None' to be a genuinely intense watch, even if the revenge story feels familiar.
I'm definitely looking forward to 'Mercy for None' especially since I really enjoyed 'Karma,' another thriller adapted from a webtoon. Plus, anything that involves impressive fighting sequences has my attention, and I'm always up for a new binge-watch on Netflix.
Stream "Mercy for None" on Netflix starting June 6.
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Business Insider
an hour ago
- Business Insider
Addison Rae and the art of the rebrand
The business of being Addison Rae was booming. It was March 2021, and the then-20-year-old had recently become the world's top-earning TikTok star, dancing and lip-syncing her way to nearly 80 million followers and a vast portfolio of brand deals. She'd dropped out of school at Louisiana State University to sign with an agent and move to LA, was preparing to launch her own cosmetics line, and had already secured a second season of her Spotify-exclusive podcast. That summer, she'd make her film debut in Netflix's "He's All That," a role that would lead to a multimillion-dollar deal with the streamer. There was only one thing left to do: Become a pop star. But when the single and music video for Rae's debut single " Obsessed" dropped that month, listeners were anything but. The song was panned as phoned-in influencer slop. "This is proof that nowadays it's so easy to get into the music industry by using the clout you have," one YouTube commenter wrote. Critics weren't much kinder. "'Obsessed' proves she should stick to lip syncing," Langa Chinyoka wrote for entertainment blog Popdust. While the song's reception was almost unanimously negative, the real inciting factor was Rae's audacity to release original music at all: How dare an influencer best known as a purveyor of corny TikTok dance trends envision herself as an actual artist worthy of any stage bigger than an iPhone? Back then, no one could have predicted Rae's debut album, "Addison," would arrive Friday amid a flurry of praise from pop heads and critics alike. Four years after "Obsessed" became a spectacular flop, Rae has masterfully rebranded as the music industry's newest "It" Girl. This time, her strategy is working: her face is back on major magazine covers, she's collaborating and associating with pioneering pop stars like Charli XCX and Rosalía, and is being anointed " the new pop princess" by fans on social media. Against all odds, Rae has pulled off a rare pivot, trading a massive but unenthusiastic audience of passive social media scrollers for critical acclaim and a passionate niche of die-hard fans. As Walden Green wrote for Pitchfork, "Addison Rae has achieved something arguably more impressive than success: coolness." How did she do it? Act I: Flipping the script Rae is hardly the first celebrity to switch lanes, but the transition from TikToker to bona fide celebrity is particularly difficult — just ask Charli D'Amelio or Bella Poarch, both of whom boasted more followers than Rae in 2020, but have so far failed to parlay social-media fame into traditional Hollywood prestige. Lili Colwell, the vice president of digital at Night, a talent representation platform for online creators, said her clients face greater stigma when transitioning into a new discipline, as skeptics often assume that influencers are lazy trend hoppers, not creative forces in their own right. "They don't give these people enough credit," Colwell said. "They're like, 'Oh, they have no talent.'" Growing an audience on TikTok demands a constant churn of content. Rae recently told The New York Times' Popcast she was posting "ridiculous amounts of videos" at her peak popularity, sometimes up to 12 videos per day. Meanwhile, carving a fruitful path in the music industry demands discernment and a distinct point of view. The biggest stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé deploy tightly controlled communications strategies to keep their brand identities compelling and consistent. Tara Goodwin, a PR expert and founder of Goodwin Consulting, said for Rae to be taken seriously beyond social media, it was essential that she rejected TikTok's ethos of oversaturation and began sharing with more intention. "On TikTok, she had random posts all the time, never any rhyme or reason," Goodwin said. "Now, it's very curated, it's very strategic." In May 2025, Rae only shared 12 videos on TikTok for the entire month, mostly to promote music videos that were painstakingly styled, shot, and edited — a far cry from the off-the-cuff, low-effort clips that defined her early days on the app. Now, if she's going to lip sync or dance, it's to her own songs. Taking a step back from algorithmic ubiquity not only gave Rae more control over her narrative but also added a crucial layer of mystique to her persona — a key element in transforming her reputation from regular Louisiana girl with a knack for nailing TikTok dances to an aspirational, slightly unknowable celebrity and artist. "She's releasing bits and pieces to intrigue the audience and make them want more," Goodwin said of Rae's current social media strategy. "She's actually now creating a story." Online and in interviews, Rae has managed to sell her rebrand as an earnest progression in her creative coming-of-age. She told The New York Times that, after her TikToker days of hustling for mass appeal and millions of followers, she can finally afford to take risks. "I have this luxury now to be able to play and explore," she said. The fact that it's taken four years for Rae to re-emerge with a different, more adventurous musical persona only makes this arc more convincing. Her evolution didn't happen overnight; instead, Rae's dogged commitment to her new vision is a selling point. "She's no longer just an influencer making music — she's a pop artist who happens to come from an influencer background." Sara Andréasson, PR expert Rae has proudly told news outlets about how she convinced Columbia Records to give her another chance after the failure of "Obsessed" by presenting an elaborate mood board that laid out her new sound and aesthetic in buzzwords ("intense," "glitter"), colors (aquamarine, hot pink), and iconic pop performances. She has been working to personify that character ever since, with every carefully selected public appearance, red carpet look, and new song revealing another layer of her new self-mythology. Sara Andréasson, cofounder of Michele Marie PR, told Business Insider that this strategy has created demand and curiosity. "She's no longer just an influencer making music — she's a pop artist who happens to come from an influencer background." Act II: Finding a backer During her TikTok reign, Rae told BI, "You are who you hang out with." Though she was speaking at the time about how close she was with her family, the statement has become a key tenet of the Rae Rebrand. Rae's music earned its first major stamp of approval from the alt-pop star Charli XCX, who, after hitting it off with Rae in a studio session, asked to contribute a verse to "2 Die 4," a ringtone-era throwback track that was included on Rae's 2023 EP "AR." Before Charli XCX had her major crossover moment in the summer of last year with the ubiquitous acid-green rollout of her album "Brat," the British singer was known as a platinum-selling songwriter for other artists and an ahead-of-the-curve pop prophet in her own right. Her interest in supporting and collaborating with Rae, whom she'd also recruit for the remix of her "Brat" single, "Von Dutch," around the same time, legitimized Rae's artistic pursuits. DJ Louie XIV, a music critic and host of the Pop Pantheon podcast, said he's "keen to ascribe agency" to Rae, even if it could seem like her fame has been propelled by her shrewd choice of collaborators. It's not that he believes Charli is pulling the strings — it's that he trusts her eye for talent. "Maybe I'm buying the hype," he told BI, "but I think if Charli sees something in her, that means something to me." Rae's connection to Charli introduced her to a wider audience, made her more chic by association, and staved off doubts about her staying power. As Brat Summer raged on, Rae took a page out of Charli's cool-girl playbook, crashing parties and smoking cigarettes with club kids, and winning respect from celebrated songwriters like Lorde and Lana Del Rey. To top it off, she generated buzz when she joined Charli onstage for surprise performances during the singer's tour stops at Madison Square Garden and Coachella, and cheekily announced her album release date via a pair of pink underwear while performing the "Aquamarine" remix with Arca at the festival. Act III: Dressing the part Having good style is relatively easy; making your fashion serve a narrative purpose is harder. Rae is largely focused on the latter, using her outfits to signal her new priorities. Gone are the Brandy Melville sweatpants and backward baseball caps that made her look laid-back and accessible, like the average girl at Erewhon. Instead, she's worked closely with Interview magazine fashion director Dara Allen to execute a series of looks that aren't simply pretty or well-fitted, but edgy, flamboyant, and evocative. Rae savvily uses her clothing to evoke movie stars and pop icons and project herself into that lineage, landing a series of indelible fashion moments, from her pap walk in a baby tee accessorized with Britney Spears' memoir to the white satin lingerie set she wore for her VMAs red carpet debut, which Vogue described as "'Swan Lake' meets Las Vegas showgirl." Andréasson, who has experience dressing A-list celebrities for events, said Rae's style evolution stands out for its use of surrealism and storytelling. Rae in 2021. Gotham/GC Images Rae in 2024. XNY/Star Max/GC Images "She does a great job avoiding the costumey elements of nostalgia and instead reinterprets it with modern tailoring and fresh beauty choices," Andréasson said. "Nostalgia only works when it's recontextualized, and Addison seems to understand that." In a media landscape where rewearing a historic Marilyn Monroe gown or recreating a memorable look from a '90s sitcom are easy ways to score headlines, Rae has avoided the plug-and-play approach. Her style may be full of references, but crucially, she doesn't mimic other celebrities or copy exact outfits. Instead, she prefers to arouse a broader feeling of familiarity. For example, Rae cited the 2006 friendship comedy "Aquamarine" as an inspiration for her song of the same name and her mermaid-inspired look for the 2024 CFDA Awards — not in terms of the movie's content or plot, but in how watching it made her feel. "I wanted to find what aquamarine meant to me," she said. Act IV: Living up to the hype Rae's flair for refracting nostalgia through her own original lens is evident in her new music as much as in her aesthetic. Her debut album "Addison" is full of dreamy, mid-tempo pop that flirts with its influences, from Madonna's "Ray of Light" and Björk's "Post" to Spears' "Blackout" and Del Rey's "Born to Die." As the tracklist dances between decades, genres, and moods, Rae's personal touch fills the gaps. This kaleidescopic technique isn't always radio-friendly, but Rae no longer seems to be aiming for immediate chart success (none of the album's five singles have yet cracked the Billboard Hot 100's top 40, with "Diet Pepsi" peaking the highest at No. 54). And why should she? If there's anyone who knows the drawbacks of an abrupt rise to fame without a sensible plan to sustain it, it's Rae. Instead, she and her team are executing a strategy that prioritizes artistic legitimacy and real staying power, something Rae hinted at in a recent interview with Elle. "I feel like I've surpassed Addison Rae," she said. "It's just Addison now." Going mononymous is a shorthand for prestige: think Madonna, Cher, Beyoncé. Rae hasn't earned that level of name recognition yet, but if her journey thus far is any indication, her ambition, marketing savvy, and willingness to play the long game are not to be underestimated — at least, not anymore. "Back in the '50s, people were discovered in Hollywood by sitting at a lunch counter on a stool. TikTok was her stool," Andréasson said. "It's going to fade away, and all of the new things that she's doing are what she's going to be known for. That's just going to be a postscript in the Addison story."
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Milwaukee sicko Maxwell Anderson found guilty of murdering, dismembering college student Sade Robinson after first date
A Wisconsin sicko was found guilty of killing and dismembering a 19-year-old college co-ed on their first date in a grisly scene eerily similar to a Netflix documentary he watched days earlier. Maxwell Anderson, 34, sat stone-faced as Judge Laura Crivello read the guilty verdicts in the April 2024 murder of Sade Carleena Robinson after the jury discussed for less than an hour Friday afternoon. Robinson was studying criminal justice at Milwaukee Area Technical College when she met Anderson for dinner on April 1, 2024. Robinson, who was described as being excited for the date, went out to a restaurant and a bar with Anderson before returning to his Milwaukee home. She was reported missing on April 2 when she didn't show up for her shift at a pizzeria. Police conducted a welfare check at Robinson's home on April 3, but found no trace of her. 7 Maxwell Anderson appears in court during his murder trial in Milwaukee, Wisc. on June 5, 2025. AP Robinson's sawed-off leg was found on the shores of Lake Michigan that same day the police visited her residence. Prosecutors used graphic and bloodied photos from Anderson's phone to prove he was the teen's killer. One deleted image recovered by detectives captured Anderson holding Robinson's chopped-off right breast, described as 'his trophy' by one juror. 'This is his trophy in a way,' juror Melissa Blascoe told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 'Those pictures will be in my mind for quite some time.' 7 Sade Robinson was brutally murdered and dismembered by Maxwell Anderson after their date on April 1, 2024. Sade Robinson/Facebook Along with the leg that matched Robinson's DNA, authorities also found additional body parts, including a foot and human flesh scattered throughout the city. Her right breast is among other parts of her body that haven't been recovered. The jury was provided with additional evidence after the hearing that Anderson and Robinson were inside his home the night she was murdered when her killer turned on the Netflix animated series 'Love, Death & Robots.' In the second season finale, a dismembered corpse is discovered on the beach, similar to Robinson's body. 'I was like, oh, … that's disgusting because that could have been where he got some of his ideas or fantasies,' Blascoe told the outlet. 7 Prosecutors provide evidence pictures to the courtroom including a knife and sheath. AP 7 Maxwell Anderson arrives to court wearing an orange prisoner jumpsuit on April 22, 2024. AP Police found a 'sex dungeon' in Anderson's home after his arrest. In his basement, the creep had 'a sex sling, restraints and handcuffs,' a police source told the Post last April. Other photos on Anderson's phone included pictures of the college student inside his home, described as graphic and disturbing. 'That was pretty damning evidence that shook everyone,' Blascoe said. 'I physically felt like I was gonna throw up at that point. I know a lot of people were shaking and crying.' Some of the photos captured Anderson groping Robinson as she lay face down on his couch. Prosecutors said Robinson was incapacitated at that point and could not have resisted. She said the photos were a turning point in the trials as they physically put Robinson inside the home of her soon-to-be killer. After the brutal killing, Anderson drove Robinson's 2020 Honda Civic around Milwaukee for some time before parking it in North Milwaukee and lighting it on fire. 'He was just making circles around the city and probably just kind of panicking,' Blascoe said. It took the jury 45 minutes to reach a guilty verdict, with the majority of the discussion focusing on the technicalities of the law. 'Everyone agreed pretty early on in the morning that he was guilty,' juror Melissa Blascoe told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 7 Body parts belonging to Sade Robinson were discovered scattered around Milwaukee in the days after her death. Sheena Scarbrough/Facebook 7 Security footage captured Sade Robinson leaving her apartment building on April 1, 2024. AP The pack of 15 jurors debated on the type of homicide Anderson committed – intentional or reckless. He was ultimately found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse and arson. Robinson was remembered by her family, who attended the hearing Friday. 'She will forever be remembered as an angel,' said Sheena Scarbrough, Robinson's mother said outside the courthouse. 'My baby solved her own case. That's how I raised my kids. We don't give up. We are fighters. I demanded justice. I stand tall, I stand affirmative. Sade will continue to walk with me daily and right beside me.' 7 Anderson faces a mandatory life sentence, but Judge Laura Crivello could sentence him to additional extended supervision. AP Anderson is believed to have planned Robinson's killing for months, creating a space covered in a plastic tarp. 'He intended to kill Sade Robinson,' a police source recalled Anderson telling him, according to Fox 6 Milwaukee. No motive for the killing was revealed during the trial. Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15. He faces a mandatory life sentence, but Judge Laura Crivello could sentence him to additional extended supervision. With Post wires
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
I just discovered this forgotten Netflix survival thriller movie — and I'm kicking myself for missing it the first time
When it comes to new Netflix movies, I consider myself pretty on the ball. After all, it's literally my job to be aware of the latest release on the streaming service. However, I'll admit to dropping the proverbial ball when it comes to 'Nowhere.' This Spanish survival thriller landed on Netflix back in September 2023, and clearly, I must have been busy that day, because it came and went without me noticing. I apologize for the oversight. Earlier this week, while combing through the Netflix library for an article on the best single-location movies on the platform, I stumbled upon this original movie, and based on the intriguing poster alone, I immediately added it to the top of my watchlist. Having now streamed the movie, I'm pleased I happened to (belatedly) discover it, because this thriller is an extremely intense ride, anchored by a phenomenal leading performance. It's by no means perfect, but I was hooked for the entire runtime. So, if you're looking for a Netflix movie to give you a jolt of excitement over the weekend, 'Nowhere' is certainly one to consider. Need more details? Let's dive into why this survival thriller is so effective. Set in a dystopian future, where climate change, overpopulation and dwindling resources have plunged the world into chaos, Mia (Anna Castillo) and Nico (Tamar Novas) are a husband and wife attempting to flee Spain after it's been taken over by a ruthless regime. Nico and a heavily pregnant Mia pay a group of smugglers to help them cross the border and escape to Ireland on a cargo ship, one of the few remaining countries with a still-functioning democratic society. They are instructed to hide in large shipping containers with dozens of others also looking to flee. However, they are soon separated into different containers ahead of crossing a military checkpoint. The situation escalates further when Mia's container is knocked overboard during a violent storm, and she finds herself alone, trapped in the container as it drifts in the ocean and slowly fills up with water. Mia must attempt to survive and find a way to be reunited with Nico, not just for herself, but for her unborn child as well. 'Nowhere' is a rare survival thriller that made me shiver. The thought of being trapped in a slowly sinking shipping container is pure nightmare fuel. The fact that the movie's protagonist is also pregnant and due to give birth at any moment only adds to the sense of hopelessness in the situation. It's intense, but also makes for thrilling viewing. Much of the movie's strength comes from Mia herself and the performance of Anna Castillo. While Mia is a vulnerable character and initially seems to despair in her horrific situation, this misery soon gives way to a powerful drive to survive. Ultimately, Mia is a very capable heroine. Castillo is fantastic, showcasing both sides of the character in some impressively subtle ways. The narrative largely follows the usual survival thriller tropes. Mia's survival hinges on her solving a series of problems, from a lack of food to finding a way to call for help, to the biggest hurdle, the fact that the container is slowly filling up with seawater and will sink in a matter of days. And while this structure isn't unique, your eagerness to see Mia survive keeps you hooked until the end. Like many flicks in the genre, 'Nowhere' touches on Mia's tragic backstory, which helps to contextualize her survival efforts, and is used effectively in one quite spooky sequence in the film's second half. Yes, this probably all sounds routine if you've watched similar films, but it's impactful nevertheless. The first act, where we see Mia and a group of fellow refugees stopped at a military checkpoint, is another supremely well-crafted sequence. Director Albert Pintó wrings every ounce of suspense as an officer slowly inspects the container while the hidden passenger holds their breath, praying they're not discovered. To show the brutality of the ruling government, an especially blood-chilling moment of violence is included, but it feels pretty unnecessary and little more than cheap shock value. The movie really didn't need to go that far. I would have liked a little more explanation of how the movie's (fictional) totalitarian government came to power. Of course, such an extended exploration of the movie's dystopian future isn't necessarily meant to tell Mia's story, but I was left with unanswered questions, which was a little unsatisfying. Plus, there's a certain amount of narrative convenience you'll need to excuse if you want to enjoy the movie to its fullest. Those who love picking at plot holes might find themselves tearing "Nowhere" apart. While 'Nowhere' isn't looking to reinvent the survival genre, it hits all the genre beats with aplomb. The material, which veers into melodrama, is elevated by Anna Castillo, and the ending brings things to an appropriately bittersweet conclusion. I'm very pleased that I happened to come across this movie while browsing Netflix's extensive library. For any genre fans out there, I encourage you to also circle back if you missed the movie back in 2023. I don't think you'll regret streaming this intense thriller that showcases the powerful urge for self-preservation that only comes to the surface during do-or-die situations. Set in a grisly vision of the future (one that feels alarmingly plausible) 'Nowhere' is a reminder that even in the bleakest of times, there is always a reason to keep battling on, and that's a timely message that resonates now, and I suspect will continue to for years to come. Not totally sold on 'Nowhere,' or did you already stream this movie when it released in 2023? Then here's a roundup of everything new on Netflix in June 2025, with plenty of freshly arrived picks.
