Netflix’s Mercy For None, which dropped on June 6, 2025, is a gritty South Korean thriller that dives deep into the world of revenge, gangs, and betrayal. Directed by Choi Sung-eun and based on the webtoon Plaza Wars by Oh Se-hyung and Kim Kyun-tae, this seven-episode series stars So Ji-sub as Nam Gi-jun, a former gangster who comes back to Seoul’s underworld to avenge his brother’s death. It’s got intense action, a killer cast, and a dark, moody vibe that pulls you in. But does it live up to the hype of other K-dramas like The Glory or Bloodhounds? Mostly, yeah—but it trips up a bit on the story. Here’s why.
A Revenge Story You’ve Kinda Seen Before
The show follows Nam Gi-jun, a tough-as-nails ex-gangster who blew up his own life (and his Achilles tendon) to leave the criminal world behind and protect his younger brother, Nam Gi-seok (Lee Jun-hyuk). Fast-forward a decade, and Gi-seok’s been murdered, so Gi-jun limps back into Seoul, baseball bat in hand, ready to crack skulls and get answers. The backdrop is a tense truce between two rival gangs, Juwoon and Bongsan, with secrets and double-crosses everywhere.
Right from the jump, Mercy For None grabs you with its dark, fast-paced energy. If you love revenge stories like John Wick or K-dramas like The Man from Nowhere, you’ll eat this up. It’s got that same “one guy against the world” vibe, but it leans hard into familiar tropes, so don’t expect any big surprises. The plot’s solid, but it can feel a little too predictable at times.
So Ji-sub Is a Total Badass
Let’s talk about So Ji-sub, because he’s the heart and soul of this show. As Gi-jun, he’s a quiet, brooding beast who says more with a glare than most actors do with a monologue. The guy’s got this raw intensity—whether he’s smashing heads or just staring into the distance, you feel his pain and rage. His limp from that old injury makes him seem human, even when he’s mowing down bad guys like a machine. Fans are already calling this one of So Ji-sub’s best roles since A Company Man, and I get why—he carries the whole series.
The rest of the cast is no slouch either. Lee Jun-hyuk is great as Gi-seok, the ambitious brother whose death kicks everything off, even if he’s not around long. Gong Myung steals scenes as Gu Jun-mo, the cocky heir to the Bongsan gang, who’s all fire and attitude next to Gi-jun’s cool-headed grit. Huh Joon-ho and An Kil-kang, playing the rival gang bosses, bring some heavy-hitter energy, like dads caught up in a messed-up world. Choo Young-woo’s shady prosecutor is cool but doesn’t get enough screen time to really shine.
Fights That’ll Leave You Speechless
The action in Mercy For None is straight-up brutal and awesome. The fight scenes are raw—think tight, bloody brawls in alleys or a packed computer cafe, with punches and knife swings that hit hard. So Ji-sub’s fight style is all about power and precision, and the way he moves with that limp makes every scene feel real. The camera work’s snappy, and the sound of bones crunching? Oof, it’s intense. There’s a basement fight early on that’s pure chaos, and the big finale showdown is a bloody masterpiece. Sure, Gi-jun tanks a few too many stabs and bullets to be totally believable, but the choreography’s so good you won’t care.
Where It Falls Short
Here’s the thing: as much as I loved the action, the story doesn’t always keep up. The plot gets tangled with too many betrayals and side stories, especially early on, and it can be hard to follow. The big reveal about who killed Gi-seok—Lee Geum-son, the Ju-woon heir—should hit harder, but you kinda see it coming. There’s a lot of double-crossing, which fits the vibe but gets old fast. I also wanted more from Gi-jun’s backstory or his bond with his brother to make the revenge feel deeper.
The characters, outside of Gi-jun and Jun-mo, don’t get much room to grow. Most feel like stock gangster types, and there’s barely any women in the mix, which makes the show feel super macho in a way that’s intense but kinda one-note. It tries to dig into themes like family and guilt, especially with the gang bosses, but it doesn’t go far enough to really stick with you.
An Ending That Hits but Doesn’t Wow
Without spoiling too much, the finale wraps things up in a way that feels right for Gi-jun. After tearing through the underworld, he gets a quiet, bittersweet moment that’s more about closure than victory. It’s emotional, sure, but it’s not exactly a gut-punch. The show sets up the ending from the start, so it lands softly instead of blowing you away.
Looks and Feels Like a Noir Dream
The production is slick as hell. Seoul’s neon streets and grimy backrooms look gorgeous, with moody lighting that screams noir. The sound design—every punch, every scream—makes you feel like you’re in the fight. Episodes clock in at 30 to 44 minutes, so it’s a quick binge, but the non-stop violence might wear you out if you’re not ready for it.
The Bottom Line
Mercy For None is a bloody, thrilling ride that’s perfect if you’re into action-packed K-dramas or just want to watch So Ji-sub wreck shop. The fights are insane, the cast is on point, and the vibe is dark and cool. But the story’s a bit too familiar, and the characters could use more depth to really make it unforgettable. It’s not Oldboy or Bloodhounds, but it’s a damn good time if you’re in the mood for revenge with a side of baseball bat justice.
Rating: 7.5/10
Catch it on Netflix for a wild, bloody weekend binge.