Netflix drops first look at new action-thriller series — and it already sounds like a gripping binge-watch

Tom's Guide

3 days ago

Perfectly timed for a mid-summer adrenaline boost, Netflix has dropped the first-look images and a teaser for its upcoming Korean action‑thriller series 'Trigger,' set to premiere July 25, 2025.
The teaser introduces a world where illegal firearms flood gun‑restricted South Korea, upending the peace as two men find themselves at the heart of the chaos. As someone who lives for intense stories rooted in realism, 'Trigger' has officially been added to my summer must‑watch list.
Leading the charge is veteran actor Kim Nam‑gil, taking on the role of Lee Do, a man forced to confront an unrelenting underworld. He's joined by Kim Young‑kwang as Moon Baek, whose allegiance and ambitions could tip the scales.
The first teaser alone includes blazing gunfire, tense alleyway standoffs, and the intense focus etched across Kim's face as he wanders through a cloud of smoke. It's clear Netflix is going all-in on a high-adrenaline vibe with 'Trigger.'
We're still waiting on a full trailer, but based on the premise and visuals so far, this looks like a gritty, fast-paced thriller with serious global potential. And if, like me, you're into explosive showdowns and characters operating on the edge, 'Trigger' is already shaping up to be a must-watch this July.
So, here's your all‑access pass to what we know so far about 'Trigger' before it lands on Netflix next month.
Netflix also dropped a small logline for the show, which reads: 'Illegal firearms appear and shooting incidents continue to occur in previously gun-free Korea, and two men pick up their guns for different reasons.'
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Lee Do (Kim Nam-gil) is a former sniper turned relentless detective, who's on a mission to track down the source of a deadly wave of illegal firearms. Opposite him is Moon Baek (Kim Young-kwang), a slippery, unpredictable character who keeps his true intentions well hidden behind a laid-back persona.
With two seasoned action-thriller stars leading the charge, it's no surprise that excitement for 'Trigger' is already building fast.
Plus, this is classed as a limited series, which means it's perfect for a quick, satisfying binge. You can dive in and power through the entire thriller without any long waits, and I know Netflix viewers will appreciate having the full adrenaline rush all at once.
Adding to the anticipation is writer-director Kwon Oh-seung, whose work on the thriller 'Midnight' (a standout at the Fantasia International Film Festival) earned him plenty of acclaim.
When speaking to Netflix, Oh-seung said: 'It is a story about a situation that we all have imagined at least once. This series explores guns from a different perspective, putting them at the center of the story.'
The teaser trailer reveals a tense world where mysterious firearms start appearing all over the country, sparking widespread unrest. Caught in the middle of this turmoil, Lee Do begins digging into what's really going on behind the scenes, as the sudden spread of guns in South Korea turns society upside down.
A thriller should always get your heart racing, and if it doesn't, it's clearly doing something wrong. That's exactly why I love 'Midnight' since it keeps me tense and hooked every time I watch.
Hence why I'm very curious to see 'Trigger.' If it captures even a fraction of that same energy and visual flair, it's going to be an explosive thriller that action fans won't want to miss.
You can stream 'Trigger' on Netflix starting July 25.