Latest news with #MercyForNone
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Netflix's Mercy for None actor So Ji Sub breaks silence on backlash over ‘ruining' the adaptation, reveals losing 15 kgs for the role
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.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix gangster drama hailed 'the new John Wick' rockets up the charts as fans rave over 'crazy fight scenes and bloody action'
A Netflix gangster drama hailed 'the new John Wick ' has rocketed up the charts, with fans raving over its 'crazy fight scenes and bloody action'. Mercy For None, which hit the streamer on June 6, follows a former gangster (So Ji-sub) who returns to the criminal underworld seeking revenge after his brother is murdered. The South Korean seven-part series is based on a webtoon - a digital comic, written for reading on a smartphone - called Plaza Wars: Mercy For None, by O Se-hyung and Kim Gyun-tae. It has clearly already made an impact on Netflix fans, as the programme has surged through the charts to make it into the platform's top ten TV shows. The show was released on the same day as Ballerina, the spin-off from Keanu Reeves ' John Wick action film franchise, starring Ana de Armas - and fans took to X to say it rivals the major action movie series. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It has clearly already made an impact on Netflix fans, as the programme has surged through the charts to make it into the platform's top ten TV shows One user said of the noir series: 'Mercy For None was an insane ride. 'A very fast-paced, bloody, action-packed thriller drama with great performances from the ensemble cast and intense crazy fight scenes. It was so good!' Another added: 'It feels like I'm watching a Korean version of John Wick but I love the crazy fights, blood everywhere and revenge! 'And honestly, I'm loving every second of it.' Someone else commented: 'Mercy For None is a compelling addition to the Korean noir genre, featuring a standout performance by So Ji-sub and a storyline rich in suspense and emotional intensity.' Netflix news site Tudum explained further about the magnetic protagonist: 'Eleven years after going into hiding, an ex-gangster returns to Seoul's criminal [underbelly] to find out the truth about his brother's death - and get revenge. 'His weapon of choice? A baseball bat.' The critics were just as impressed with the pulpy action series as the fans. The show was released on the same day as Ballerina, the spin-off from Keanu Reeves ' John Wick action film franchise, starring Ana de Armas - and fans took to X to say it rivals the major action movie series The critics were just as impressed with the pulpy action series as the fans Film news site Collider said: 'Mercy For None lands its blood-soaked action sequences and sufficiently surprising plot to stay engaging, alongside a solid set of central performances... 'Bones crack, bodies fly and blood stains the walls of many villains' hideaways.' K-pop news site Soompi added: 'From brutal hand-to-hand combat to wielding his signature baseball bat and mastering blade fights, So Ji-sub delivers an electrifying performance that sets a new standard for action storytelling.' Streaming review site Decider said it was well worth viewers' time: 'Stream it. The action and revenge story in Mercy For None is enough to keep up watching and the episode are well-paced.' But it did also note: 'We really need to see more context about the rivalry between the gangs in order to really get invested in this story.' Mercy For None joins Netflix's extensive catalogue of South Korean dramas, many of which have proved highly popular with fans. Another of them, Our Unwritten Seoul, which hit the streamer last month, got viewers 'really hooked', gushing 'it's my favourite show of 2025'. Netflix's synopsis of the ten-part series reads: 'Twin sisters, whose similarities end with their looks, swap identities amid personal struggles - embarking on a journey to rediscover love and life.' Netflix's synopsis of the ten-part series reads: 'Twin sisters, whose similarities end with their looks, swap identities amid personal struggles - embarking on a journey to rediscover love and life' From as early as the release of episode two, fans rushed to discussion website Reddit to praise the show, saying how much they enjoyed it. One said: 'I can already tell this drama will be my new 2025 favorite. I was a tad worried it would be too depressing, but it has a good sense of hopefulness and humor that I'm looking forward to.' 'Just finished episode two and this is my favourite drama now. Sometimes it just clicks. My favourite part is the different perspectives of the twins. 'You can really tell them apart and I love Park Bo Young as an actress, she really has a depth that conveys this.'
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
South Korean gangster drama hailed 'best revenge series' soars up Netflix chart
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Netflix's newest South Korean revenge thriller, Mercy For None, is already being praised by fans. The seven-episode series follows a 'former gangster' who 'returns to the underworld' after his brother is murdered, fuelled by 'power, ambition and revenge'. The synopsis continues: 'Gi-jun (So Ji-Sub), who's been living in exile since he left the underworld over a decade ago, reenters the mob scene to get revenge against anyone and everyone involved in his brother's murder.' The show is based on the webtoon Plaza Wars: Mercy for None by O Se-hyung and Kim Gyun-tae and has been adapted to screen by Yoo Ki-seong. It has clearly already made an impression on eager viewers, catapulting into the top 10 TV shows on Netflix this week – and the reviews reflect its well-deserved popularity. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'From brutal hand-to-hand combat to wielding his signature baseball bat and mastering blade fights, bones crack, bodies fly, and blood stains the walls of many villains' hideaways. So Ji-Sub delivers an electrifying performance that sets a new standard for action storytelling. 'Mercy for None lands its blood-soaked action sequences and sufficiently surprising plotting to stay engaging,' Google reviewer Gunta Sharmila shared. 'This is the first time in a while that I've truly enjoyed an action-themed series, and Mercy for None completely exceeded my expectations. From the opening scene to the final episode, it delivers a gripping, emotionally intense experience that goes far beyond the typical revenge drama,' Jahazeel Ramos agreed. 'The best revenge series sooo far! Since I'm a fan of the thriller action genre, I absolutely binge-watched it in one day. Definitely would recommend this,' Shejal Ray echoed. Over on X, user kdramamiss added: 'Mercy For None was an insane ride, a very fast paced, bloody action packed thriller drama with great performances from the ensemble cast and intense crazy fight scenes it was so good!' 'It feels like I'm watching a Korean version of John Wick but I love the crazy fights, blood everywhere, and revenge! And honestly, I'm loving every second of it,' te3_tia said. More Trending It is not the first South Korean revenge thriller to garner special attention on the streamer. Earlier this year, fans raved about the K-drama Karma, which followed the 'intertwined lives of six individuals' who were 'plunged into a cycle of retribution'. So if you are looking for your next bite of the revenge apple, make Mercy For None your next watch. View More » Mercy For None is now streaming on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: WWE fans 'in tears' over beloved star's powerful transformation on Raw MORE: 'Best vampire movie in history' added to Netflix to celebrate 40th anniversary MORE: Netflix fans say 'WWE is saved' after best episode of the year
Mint
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Mercy For None review: So Ji-sub leads Netflix's gritty revenge drama that hits hard but lacks originality and depth
Netflix's latest K-drama 'Mercy For None' lives up to its title — there's truly no mercy, especially from its lead character, Nam Gi-jun. A former gangster turned avenger, Gi-jun (So Ji-sub) sets out on a relentless path of vengeance after the death of his younger brother, Gi-seok (Lee Joon-hyuk). From the first scene to the last, Gi-jun has one goal: make those responsible for his brother's death pay, no matter the cost. The premise is as straightforward as it gets: younger brother dies in suspicious circumstances, older brother seeks revenge, and a blood-soaked trail of justice follows. The show is set firmly in the criminal underworld, dominated by two major gangs — Ju-woon and Bong-san — who maintain an uneasy truce until that balance is shattered. Gu Jun-mo (Gong Myung), the arrogant and short-tempered son of Gu Bong-san, orders the killing of Gi-seok, triggering the central conflict. Watch the show's trailer here: So Ji-sub plays Nam Gi-jun with his signature stoicism, a trait fans of 'Doctor Lawyer' or 'A Company Man' will recognise. He's ice-cold, ruthless, and unwavering — a man whose pain fuels his cruelty. If you were even remotely involved in Gi-seok's death, you're either dead, or barely holding on with broken ribs. While the story lacks originality, the performances add weight. Gong Myung is a surprising standout as Gu Jun-mo. Known mostly for his soft, romantic roles, Myung turns menacing here — his violent outbursts chilling and unpredictable. Choo Young-woo also delivers a strong performance as the hidden mastermind, Lee Geum-son. His transformation from a reluctant prosecutor to a cold-blooded heir to a crime empire is one of the show's few satisfying twists. The action choreography is one of 'Mercy For None's clear strengths. The scenes are slick, brutal, and impressively shot. Two moments, in particular, stand out. The first is a chaotic brawl in a computer cafe — our first glimpse at how terrifyingly efficient Gi-jun can be in combat even with a missing Achilles Heel. The second is the final scene, where Gi-jun, bloodied and broken, sits at his remote campsite and imagines his brother beside him. He breaks down, overwhelmed with grief, and dies quietly. It's the only moment we see his vulnerability, and it lands with genuine emotion — though it feels a little too late. Unfortunately, 'Mercy For None' falls into the trap of overdoing the hero's invincibility. Gi-jun takes more beatings, stabbings, and bullets than any man should, yet keeps going like he's made of steel. During the final face-off with Lee Geum-son, he's shot twice and still manages to make it to his secluded campsite. It stretches believability to the limit and gives the show a slightly over-the-top, almost Bollywood-style flair that doesn't quite fit the otherwise gritty tone. In the end, 'Mercy For None' is a visually polished, well-acted revenge drama that doesn't bring much new to the genre. It delivers brutal fights and emotional beats, but the story is too thin and predictable to leave a real mark. So Ji-sub is compelling as ever, and Gong Myung is a revelation in his role — but the show doesn't do enough with its characters to elevate itself beyond average. Verdict: Watch it if you're a fan of dark dramas, but don't expect it to break new ground. 2.5 out of 5 stars for this tale of revenge.
Pink Villa
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
So Ji Sub's Mercy for None Ending Explained: Was Nam Gi Jun able to find his brother's killer and take revenge? Find out
Mercy for None is South Korean noir action drama, centred around So Ji Sub's revenge arc. The noir action series was released globally on Netflix on June 6. The plot included an ex-gangster's return to the underworld after 11 long years, to uncover the truth behind his younger sibling's murder. To know whether he succeeded in his mission, read the article till the end. Why was Nam Gi Seok killed? Mercy For None 's story was set against the backdrop of two powerful criminal organizations, Bongsan Group and Juwoon Group. The former is led by Lee Ju Woon (Heo Joon Ho) and the latter by Koo Bong San (Ahn Kil Kang). Their respective sons, Lee Geum Son (Choo Young Woo) and Koo Jun Mo (Gong Myung) dream of taking over their father's roles someday. However, things get tense as Lee Ju Woon announces managing director Nam Gi Seok (Lee Jun Hyuk) as his successor. Nam Gi Seok then uses his newly-gained influence to slap Koo Jun Mo and put the inefficient lad in his place. Koo Jun Mo feels extremely humiliated and the next thing we know is that Nam Gi Seok is lying dead in a parking lot. Was Nam Gi Jun able to seek revenge for brother Nam Gi Seok's death? Due to the conflict between Nam Gi Seok and Koo Jun Mo, Nam Gi Jun (So Ji Sub) took the latter to be his sibling's murdered. He, thus, kills Koo Jun Mo, but guess what? He isn't Nam Gi Seok's murderer. This was all meticulously planned by Lee Geum Son, who aimed to hit three birds with one stone. He was the one who ordered a hitman to slay Nam Gi Seok, which would force Nam Gi Jun to come out of exile. As per the evil man's plot, Nam Gi Jun would kill Koo Jun Mo and then, would get killed by Lee Geum Son's men. In this way, he would the rival group's successor and the rivals in his own organisation would all be eliminated, making him gain absolute power. But, alas, his dreams remained unfulfilled as Nam Gi Jun connected the dots and reached him. His life came to end with Nam Gi Jun stabbing him and leaving him to die in the very chair he desired to conquer. The protagonist's revenge was thus fulfilled, culminating in a gruesome yet satisfying conclusion to the 7-episode mini drama.
