Latest news with #SoJi-sub
Korea Herald
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Legendary webtoon comes to life
Netflix Korea's 'Mercy for None' brings popular webtoon to Netflix, with So Ji-sub as main lead Two icons converge in Netflix Korea's latest crime noir series as one of the country's most widely beloved webtoons gets the live-action treatment with fan-favorite actor So Ji-sub stepping into the lead role. Titled 'Mercy for None,' the series follows Ki-joon (So Ji-sub), a former gangster who resurfaces after an 11-year disappearance to avenge his brother's death. Adapted from the wildly popular Naver Webtoon of the same name, which ran from 2020 to 2021, the series builds on the source material's reputation as one of Korea's most anticipated noir-action titles this year. So's casting as Ki-joon was a dream come true for longtime fans of the original comic, who had long envisioned him as the perfect fit for the ruthless fighter, according to the series' director. 'So Ji-sub was the casting that fans of the original webtoon wanted most for the live-action adaptation. I was really glad that he agreed to take the role,' said director Choi Seong-eun at a press conference held Thursday in Jung-gu, Seoul. 'Even I wasn't sure at first what kind of image or expression that actor would bring to the character Ki-joon. But on the first day I met him, I felt that he would be able to convey Ki-joon's emotions well. I was given the opportunity to create freely in a rich environment with truly great ingredients.' Known for his performances in past hit dramas such as "I'm Sorry, I Love You" (2004) and "Master's Sun" (2013), So returns to the action genre for the first time in over a decade, following his role in the 2012 feature "A Company Man." 'Mercy for None' also marks his debut in an streaming original series. Discussing the action-driven narrative, So explained his approach to the role's physicality. 'The director told us not to include unnecessary action. He said it would be better not to throw in action just for the sake of it during transitional scenes. When it comes to revenge, are we going to subdue these people or punish them? There's a difference, and we tried to make that distinction,' he said. 'For each character, I thought of the action as a form of dialogue spoken through the body. The director said it would be great if the characters' energy and emotional flow could be felt when they fight. He also said the action should have a narrative arc —beginning, development, twist and conclusion. He wanted the intensity of the action to build gradually and reach a climax. We talked about a lot of things beyond that too, and fortunately, I think all of that was well reflected in the final piece.' Director Choi emphasized that the emotional stakes were central to staging the combat. 'For the action scenes as well, Ki-joon's emotions were the most important. If the emotions weren't convincing, it could come across as just a physical clash. I directed it so that the collision of emotions would manifest as action.' 'Mercy for None' premiered Friday on Netflix.
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
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. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 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.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mercy For None OTT Release Date: When and where to watch SO JI-SUB & Huh Joon-ho's noir action-filled K-drama
Mercy For None OTT Release Date: Brace Yourself, this isn't your regular Korean show. If you thought K-dramas were all love triangles, cute cafe dates, and dreamy soundtracks, think again. On June 6, a storm is coming in the form of Mercy For None, only on Netflix- a gritty, revenge-fueled noir action series that promises to hit you hard and leave no heart unshaken. The drama marks SO JI-SUB's long-awaited return to full-blown action after a whopping 13 years. And he's not alone; powerhouses like Huh Joon-ho, Gong Myoung, Choo Young Woo, and An Kil-kang are joining him, with Cha Seung Won and Lee Jun-hyuk making special appearances. What's the story? So Ji-sub plays Ki-jun, a man who once ruled the underworld but walked away from it literally cutting his own Achilles tendon to escape that world. He's been gone for 11 years. Silent. Invisible. Until his younger brother Ki-seok, once the second-in-command of their crime organisation, turns up dead. Now, Ki-jun is back, and he's not here to cry. He's here to find out who killed his brother and why. No police or courtroom, but just fists, fury, and a baseball bat that does all the talking. Mercy For None's teaser is out now We see Ki-jun standing in a dim alley, surrounded by bodies. Blood on the walls. Bat in hand. Face emotionless. Quick flashes reveal Ki-jun tearing through anyone who dares to stop him - gunfire, brutal face-offs, and strong determination. There's no running this time. Only a cold, calculated climb back into a world he left behind, all for justice. Or maybe revenge. At this point, does it even matter? Meet the cast of Mercy For None Apart from So Ji-sub's brooding return, Mercy For None features some major names from the Korean acting universe, including Huh Joon-ho, Gong Myoung, Choo Young Woo, Tiger Lee, Cho Han-cheul, and the legendary An Kil-kang. A special shoutout to Cha Seung-Won and Lee Jun-hyuk, whose surprise roles already have fans buzzing. With Mercy For None, So Ji-sub reminds us why he's still one of Korea's most bankable action stars. So, will Ki-jun find the truth? Or lose himself all over again? Find out on June 6 only on Netflix.
