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The Star
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
So Ji-sub responds to 'Mercy For None' backlash
'Mercy For None' marks So Ji-sub's long-awaited return to the action genre, 13 years after his turn as a corporate assassin in 'A Company Man'. Photo: Handout Adapting a hit webtoon into live action has become a go-to move for drama creators, lowering risk while guaranteeing a ready-made fanbase eager to leap from digital panels to episodic storytelling. It is no surprise that original screenplays are becoming the exception rather than the rule in today's drama landscape. Netflix Korea's tentpole series Mercy For None rode that wave, bringing one of the most critically acclaimed webtoons to life with a star-studded ensemble cast. Fans were especially thrilled by the casting of So Ji-sub as the lead — a longtime fan-favourite pick to embody the webtoon's ruthless protagonist. However, adapting beloved material comes with risks: Since its June 6 premiere, Mercy For None has faced backlash from loyal webtoon fans over major plot changes. So, a seasoned actor known for past hits such as I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004) and Master's Sun (2013), acknowledged the mixed reactions during a group interview held Thursday in Seoul's Samcheong-dong. 'When adapting a webtoon into a series, it's not like the intention is to harm it or make it worse,' said So. 'In some ways, there's an effort to create an even better piece, something that surpasses the original. Of course, once it's completed, there will inevitably be mixed opinions," he added. 'That's not something that can be controlled. But at the very least, I don't think the original (webtoon) is ever purchased with the intent to damage it.' In embodying his character, So reflected on the emotional depth he aimed to bring to Gi-jun, a cold-blooded former gangster on a path of vengeance following his brother's murder. "I naturally tried to capture the vibe that character gives off. Of course, I couldn't imitate every look or gesture, but I tried to hold that essence in my heart. I'm not sure if I fully succeeded, but that was my mindset." He added: "I hoped that Gi-jun's revenge for his brother, along with his desperate and pitiable sides, would come through." Mercy For None marks So's long-awaited return to the action genre, 13 years after his turn as a corporate assassin in A Company Man . With Korean audiences long accustomed to iconic action figures, from genre staples such as John Wick and local heroes like Detective Ma Seok-do from the hit The Outlaws franchise, he reflected on how he approached the physicality of his role in Mercy For None . 'There's more action in this series compared to others,' So said. 'To show Gi-jun's almost invincible nature, I thought it was essential to convey power and energy. If you look closely at my action style, I might get pushed back, but I never dodge by stepping away. I really tried to incorporate that.' He also pointed to the stripped-down dialogue as a key aspect of the performance. 'There's very little dialogue. I think we filled in those gaps with the help of the camera and the director's guidance. Personally, I actually prefer roles without much dialogue.' So's return to the noir-action space with Mercy For None marks a homecoming to a genre he holds close. 'I personally really enjoy the noir genre. It's something I want to keep doing, even as I get older. Above all, I heard that the script for Mercy For None came to me first, and I was especially grateful for that,' he said. 'When I reflect on myself, I think it's a genre I'm good at. My acting style doesn't involve dramatic emotional swings or a lot of expressive outbursts. I prefer roles that rely on physicality, subtle expressions or acting through the eyes. That's why I think noir suits me well.' – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
Korea Herald
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
So Ji-sub discusses 'Mercy for None,' iconic webtoon turned into series
Veteran K-drama star responds to 'Mercy for None' backlash, reflects on his passion for noir genre. Adapting a hit webtoon into live action has become a go-to move for drama creators, lowering risk while guaranteeing a ready-made fanbase eager to leap from digital panels to episodic storytelling. It is no surprise that original screenplays are becoming the exception rather than the rule in today's drama landscape. Netflix Korea's tentpole series 'Mercy for None' rode that wave, bringing one of the most critically acclaimed webtoons to life with a star-studded ensemble cast. Fans were especially thrilled by the casting of So Ji-sub as the lead — a longtime fan-favorite pick to embody the webtoon's ruthless protagonist. However, adapting beloved material comes with risks: Since its June 6 premiere, 'Mercy for None' has faced backlash from loyal webtoon fans over major plot changes. So, a veteran actor known for past hits such as "I'm Sorry, I Love You" (2004) and "Master's Sun" (2013), acknowledged the mixed reactions during a group interview held Thursday in Seoul's Samcheong-dong. 'When adapting a webtoon into a series, it's not like the intention is to harm it or make it worse,' said So. 'In some ways, there's an effort to create an even better piece, something that surpasses the original. Of course, once it's completed, there will inevitably be mixed opinions," he added. 'That's not something that can be controlled. But at the very least, I don't think the original (webtoon) is ever purchased with the intent to damage it.' In embodying his character, So reflected on the emotional depth he aimed to bring to Gi-jun, a cold-blooded former gangster on a path of vengeance following his brother's murder. "I naturally tried to capture the vibe that character gives off. Of course, I couldn't imitate every look or gesture, but I tried to hold that essence in my heart. I'm not sure if I fully succeeded, but that was my mindset." He added, "I hoped that Gi-jun's revenge for his brother, along with his desperate and pitiable sides, would come through." 'Mercy for None' marks So's long-awaited return to the action genre, 13 years after his turn as a corporate assassin in "A Company Man." With Korean audiences long accustomed to iconic action figures, from genre staples such as "John Wick" and local heroes like Detective Ma Seok-do from the hit "The Outlaws" franchise, he reflected on how he approached the physicality of his role in "Mercy for None." 'There's more action in this series compared to others,' So said. 'To show Gi-jun's almost invincible nature, I thought it was essential to convey power and energy. If you look closely at my action style, I might get pushed back, but I never dodge by stepping away. I really tried to incorporate that.' He also pointed to the stripped-down dialogue as a key aspect of the performance. 'There's very little dialogue. I think we filled in those gaps with the help of the camera and the director's guidance. Personally, I actually prefer roles without much dialogue.' So's return to the noir-action space with "Mercy for None" marks a homecoming to a genre he holds close. 'I personally really enjoy the noir genre. It's something I want to keep doing, even as I get older. Above all, I heard that the script for 'Mercy for None' came to me first, and I was especially grateful for that,' he said. 'When I reflect on myself, I think it's a genre I'm good at. My acting style doesn't involve dramatic emotional swings or a lot of expressive outbursts. I prefer roles that rely on physicality, subtle expressions or acting through the eyes. That's why I think noir suits me well.'
Mint
07-06-2025
- 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.
Korea Herald
05-06-2025
- 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.
