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The Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mercy for None: High-energy crime thriller on Netflix
Throwing as many similar sounding and confusing names at the screen as the punches and kicks, Mercy for None is the latest South Korean action-crime series to hit Netflix. Crime organisations Joowoon Group and Bongsan Group co-exist in harmony following an incident that split their original gang Beomyeongdong a decade ago. After Joowoon's leader Lee Joo-woon (Huh Joon-ho) names Nam Gi-seok (Lee Joon-hyuk) as his successor, the move sets off a cascade of events that lead to Gi-seok's brutal murder, which in turn brings his older brother Gi-jun (So Ji-sub) back to Seoul. Formerly the best fighter within Beomyeongdong, Gi-jun carves a path of revenge looking for his brother's killer, which eventually causes an all-out war between Joowoon and Bongsan, with various factions attempting to use Gi-jun's return as the fuel for their own ambition. Uninhibited testosterone Mercy for None has it all: good-looking South Korean men from the baby faces up to the gruff, more masculine variety, men in suits, spoiled Gen-Z brats as the kids of crime lords, dirty cops, foreign hitmen and of course, excellent close-quarters combat with everyone getting slashed, chopped, stabbed, shot, punched, kicked and thrown around. Choi Sung-eun's direction leaves little room for anything other than testosterone and adrenaline – to the point that none of the leads even have romantic interests, which makes Mercy for None stick out like a sore thumb from other South Korean productions. So much of the action and crime noir are thrown at the screen that Sung-eun and writer Yoo Ki-seong seemed to have forgotten a critical aspect that would have made their TV series better: there is no character development. Action over character development A lot of time is spent on Gi-jun easily punching his way through groups of people, but there are only a handful of scenes with him and his brother. They share maybe two big scenes, one at the start and the other just before the final episode ends, with one blink-or-you-will-miss-it scene somewhere in between that reveals Gi-seok wanting to retire from the gang life and be with his brother. Mercy for None fails to establish their relationship beyond surface-level exposition and in turn, makes it hard for audiences to root for him to avenge Gi-seok or even give him a personality beyond every named and unnamed character going 'Gi-jun is a badass' before promptly soiling themselves in fear whenever he shows up. This same problem extends to the other secondary main characters. The show juggles between so many characters and their myriad of personal motivations that run in tandem with Gi-jun's revenge plot to the point that Mercy for None has no time to just stay still and let the characters breathe. In a constant motion of hurtling forwards from one excellent action sequence to another, Mercy for None is a great thrill ride, possibly the best from South Korea among its ocean of generic zombie productions in the last five years, but it simply lacks the oomph factor to become as memorable as the country's older action productions such as I Saw the Devil, A Bittersweet Life, Oldboy or The Man from Nowhere. Mercy for None is streaming on Netflix.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Action-packed thrills
Throwing as many similar sounding and confusing names at the screen as the punches and kicks, Mercy for None is the latest South Korean action-crime series to hit Netflix. Crime organisations Joowoon Group and Bongsan Group co-exist in harmony following an incident that split their original gang Beomyeongdong a decade ago. After Joowoon's leader Lee Joo-woon (Huh Joon-ho) names Nam Gi-seok (Lee Joon-hyuk) as his successor, the move sets off a cascade of events that lead to Gi-seok's brutal murder, which in turn brings his older brother Gi-jun (So Ji-sub) back to Seoul. Formerly the best fighter within Beomyeongdong, Gi-jun carves a path of revenge looking for his brother's killer, which eventually causes an all-out war between Joowoon and Bongsan, with various factions attempting to use Gi-jun's return as the fuel for their own ambition. Uninhibited testosterone Mercy for None has it all: good-looking South Korean men from the baby faces up to the gruff, more masculine variety, men in suits, spoiled Gen-Z brats as the kids of crime lords, dirty cops, foreign hitmen and of course, excellent close-quarters combat with everyone getting slashed, chopped, stabbed, shot, punched, kicked and thrown around. Choi Sung-eun's direction leaves little room for anything other than testosterone and adrenaline – to the point that none of the leads even have romantic interests, which makes Mercy for None stick out like a sore thumb from other South Korean productions. So much of the action and crime noir are thrown at the screen that Sung-eun and writer Yoo Ki-seong seemed to have forgotten a critical aspect that would have made their TV series better: there is no character development. Action over character development A lot of time is spent on Gi-jun easily punching his way through groups of people, but there are only a handful of scenes with him and his brother. They share maybe two big scenes, one at the start and the other just before the final episode ends, with one blink-or-you-will-miss-it scene somewhere in between that reveals Gi-seok wanting to retire from the gang life and be with his brother. Mercy for None fails to establish their relationship beyond surface-level exposition and in turn, makes it hard for audiences to root for him to avenge Gi-seok or even give him a personality beyond every named and unnamed character going 'Gi-jun is a badass' before promptly soiling themselves in fear whenever he shows up. This same problem extends to the other secondary main characters. The show juggles between so many characters and their myriad of personal motivations that run in tandem with Gi-jun's revenge plot to the point that Mercy for None has no time to just stay still and let the characters breathe. In a constant motion of hurtling forwards from one excellent action sequence to another, Mercy for None is a great thrill ride, possibly the best from South Korea among its ocean of generic zombie productions in the last five years, but it simply lacks the oomph factor to become as memorable as the country's older action productions such as I Saw the Devil, A Bittersweet Life, Oldboy or The Man from Nowhere.
The Review Geek
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Mercy for None Season 1 Review – A gripping one-man journey of revenge
Season 1 Episode Guide Episode 1 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 2 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 3 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 4 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 5 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 6 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 7 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Whether it is the blood-soaked journey of Kill Bill or the gun-slinging extravaganza of John Wick, audiences have always loved watching a revenge-fuelled hero mow their way through a crowd of villains. There is a unique thrill to watching a formidable one-man army tear through enemies like it's nothing, all in the name of justice. Mercy for None follows in the same vein, giving us a gritty, action noir with gangsters, murders, and one man's quest for revenge. The 7-episode K-drama follows Nam Gi-jun, a gangster who was exiled 11 years ago and whose younger brother Gi-seok is now second in command. When Gi-seok is killed, Gi-jun takes it upon himself to expose the murderer and kill anyone who was involved. And so begins Gi-jun's violent warpath, as he sifts through the members and traitors of the two major gangs — Juwoon Group and Bongsan Group — and uncovers a larger conspiracy. Gi-jun is very much the hook here. From the outset, the exiled gangster is talked about with reverence and the other gang members even bow to him when he arrives at Gi-seok's funeral. He's often described as legendary and people exchange cryptic warnings about him. At one point, a character calls Gi-jun a God while describing how he single-handedly turned the tide during a gang war back in the past. This mythology around his character works really well and as the action kicks off, you're eager for Gi-jun's rivals to get what they deserve. Despite sporting an ankle injury — a token from his banishment — Gi-jun is practically invincible and takes down professional fighters and assassins. He is hit and stabbed and shot but none of that stops him. Every once in a while, he does fall down but that only makes it more satisfying to watch him get up again. When he comes across newer gang members, you gleefully wait for them to realise just who he is. This plot armour is quite apparent and you do have to suspend your disbelief to enjoy Gi-jun's crusade. But the action choreography is executed quite well and supplemented by the camerawork, which accentuates Gi-jun's moves. Dark sets and neon lighting often make the backdrop for these fights, making it a visual treat. And for lovers of gore, that last episode really ups the ante. So Ji-sub's performance is excellent as well. Rather than depicting Gi-jun as an angry, vengeful brother, he infuses the character with quiet determination and heartwrenchingly sad eyes. Gi-jun is grieving and he doesn't want to murder so many people but he will do it, because he must. While incredibly effective, his performance could be a tad monotonous for some people. Mercy for None Season 1's story doesn't live up to the level of its action sequences, though. The first few episodes are short, fast-paced and end with tantalising cliffhangers that hook you into the show by focusing on Gi-jun's fights. However, the latter half of the season unravels the larger conspiracy behind GI-seok's death. But in doing so, the episodes lose some of the former tight, gripping storytelling. What's more, there is a surprising lack of depth in the writing. For all the talk about the gang's business and power, we never actually find out what they do. The word illegal gets thrown around a lot but nobody bothers to expand on this. Similarly, there are supporting characters that seem to play very important roles, but we never dive into them. Many of the emotional beats center around Gi-jun fighting people who were once an important part of his life. It's clear that it pains him to hurt them but there's nothing to back these claims. We don't know or understand their relationship or its significance and the sentimentality, often played really well by a teary-eyed So Ji-sub, falls flat. I also have to mention that this is an entirely testosterone-driven drama that features exactly one woman who isn't an extra and even then, her role is minimal. Ultimately, your experience of this drama entirely hinges on whether the magic of So Ji-sub's Gi-jun and his superhero-like prowess works on you. If you're looking for a deep and complex take on the gangster drama, Mercy for None is not it. But if you enjoy watching one man shoot, slice, and hit his way through gangsters for the sake of his little brother, you will enjoy this K-drama and likely finish it all in one go.
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.
Time Magazine
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
Breaking Down the Violent Ending of Netflix K-Drama Mercy for None
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Mercy for None. Bloody and brutal, the backstabbing in Mercy For None is both figurative and literal. Based on a webtoon called Mercy For None: Plaza Wars, the Netflix noir follows the vengeance campaign of Nam Gi-jun (Doctor Lawyer 's So Ji-sub), a former key member of Seoul's criminal underworld. When Gi-jun's little brother, Nam Gi-seok (Vigilante 's Lee Jun-hyuk) is killed, he returns from exile to bring those responsible to justice. However, determining who is behind Gi-seok's murder is not so simple. Gi-seok had been caught up in the delicate web of power and deceit that holds Seoul's two major gangs—the Juwoon Group and the Bongsan Group—in place. While Gi-jun left his life of crime behind a decade ago, Gi-seok was in line to inherit the Jowoon Group from chairman Lee Ju-woon (Bloodhound 's Huh Joon-ho). Unbeknownst to Chairman Lee, his intention to pass the baton to Gi-seok would lead to Gi-seok's death and, in Gi-jun's vengeance, the deaths of an entire generation of the criminal community. Let's talk about the twisty and twisted ending of Mercy For None … The fall of Beomyeongdong Mercy For None 's story begins over a decade ago, when Seoul was ruled by one gang: Beomyeongdong. Controlled by Chairman Oh, Lee Ju-woon and Gu Bong-san (A Shop For Killers ' Ahn Kil-kang) were his right-hand men, and Gi-jun was their most effective fighter. Under this dream team, Beomyeongdong's power and wealth grew, leading to rumors that Chairman Oh was planning to pass the organization on to Ju-woon and Bong-san after his death. These rumors didn't sit well with Oh's son, Seung-won. He ordered hits on Bong-san and Ju-woon. Meanwhile, dirty cop Cha Yeong-do (Our Blues ' Cha Seung-won), known in the crime world by alias Mr. Kim, saw an opportunity to grow his control within the organization. He told Gi-seok (at that time, a rookie member of Beomyeongdong) that Oh Seung-won planned on killing his brother, Gi-jun. Gi-seok killed Seung-won, sending the organization into further chaos. In order to protect his brother, Gi-jun encouraged Ju-woon and Bong-san to stage a coup. He helped them overthrow Oh, and the gang was split into two: the Bongsan Group and the Juwoon Group. Still, someone had to pay for upsetting the balance. Gi-jun took the fall for it all, leading people to believe that it was him, and not his little brother, who killed Oh Seung-won. Ju-woon and Bong-san owed Gi-jun a lot, so they made a deal: If Gi-jun left the business and never came back, they would let him live. To prove his commitment, Gi-jun sliced his own Achilles tendon, diminishing his ability to fight, and disappeared into the countryside. Before he left, he made Ju-woon promise to look after Gi-seok. The Graveyard hit Initially, the death of Gi-seok is blamed on a group of young hooligans, who pick up the job of killing Gi-seok on The Graveyard, a kind of gig economy app for the criminal community. In the first episode, we see the ragtag group of wannabe gangsters attack Gi-seok in a parking garage, getting in some good hits, but ultimately not finishing the job. Later, we find out the hit was ordered by Chairman Gu's dangerously entitled son, Gu Jun-mo (Way Back Love 's Gong Myung). Gu Jun-mo is a thorn in his father's side, causing chaos within the Bongsang Group, and rarely facing accountability for his actions. When Jun-mo hires some foreign thugs to kill a fellow Bongsan manager encroaching on his share of the business, Chairman Gu asks old friend Chairman Lee for his help. He needs to make it clear to his son that his behavior is unacceptable, but thinks it will look bad if it comes from him. In exchange, Gu promises to help Lee with some of his land acquisition troubles. Lee agrees to the deal, and sends Gi-seok to rough Jun-mo up. Jun-mo takes out the hit on Gi-seok in retribution. When the truth of Jun-mo's hit against Gi-seok surfaces, the carefully maintained peace between the Bongsan Group and the Juwoon Group is threatened. They turn against one another, and Ju-woon comes out on top, with a little help from Ju-woon's prosecutor son, Lee Geum-son (The Trauma Code 's Choo Young-woo), who greenlights a raid on the Bongsan Group. Ju-woon kills Bong-san, the man who was once his colleague and friend, but his victory will be short-lived. Meanwhile, Gi-jun's rogue mission to find justice for his brother has led to Jun-mo's death. Gi-jun fights through dozens of men to do so, and kills Jun-mo even after realizing that it was not Jun-mo's hired thugs who dealt the killing blow on his brother. For Gi-jun, it is enough that Jun-mo tried. The plot behind Gi-seok's death Gi-seok's death was envisioned as the catalyst for a gang war. The person behind it all? Chairman Lee's son, Geum-son. For his whole life, Geum-son has been intentionally kept from the criminal world by his father, who wanted a better life for his son. When we meet Geum-son, he is a prosecutor in the Seoul Central District Attorney's office, living his life on the right side of the law. However, Geum-son dreams of running a criminal organization like his father, and will do anything to make it happen. He hatches a plan to take over both the Juwoon Group and the Bongsan Group. He recruits Cha Yeong-do, whose plan led to the fall of Beomyeongdong 11 years prior, to help. Together, they put into motion the death of Gi-seok, and the plan to pin it on Jun-mo. To ensure that Gi-seok actually dies, Geum-son sends assassin Shimane to finish him off. When the dust settles on the gang war that follows, Ju-woon has killed Bong-san, Yeong-do has killed Ju-woon, and Geum-son is in charge of the organization. Gi-jun's relentless rampage But Gi-jun doesn't care about power; he only cares about his brother. While Chairman Gu, Chairman Lee, Cha Yeong-do, Gu Jun-mo, and Lee Geum-son fight for control of the criminal organizations, Gi-jun cuts a relentless, ruthless path through their ranks. He kills Jun-mo, Shimane, Yeong-do, and eventually Geum-son for their roles in Gi-seok's death. Before Gi-jun kills Geum-son, they discuss the plot that would lead to so much death and destruction. Geum-son feels no remorse, but he also isn't sure if it was worth it. Gi-jun has leaked Yeong-do's recording of Geum-son, implicating him in the murder of Gi-seok, to the press. Geum-son has lost everything, including his father. 'Everyone feels that way,' Gi-jun tells him, offering insight but no mercy. 'They'll do anything to get there. But when they finally do, only emptiness is left. Because they can only go down from there.' Geum-son tries to shoot himself in the head, but Gi-jun stops him, hacking into his wrist. 'You don't get to die like that,' he tells Geum-son, before slicing his throat and killing Geum-son himself. How Mercy For None ends After Gi-jun kills Geum-son, he returns to the campground he runs. As he sits dying from the many bullet and stab wounds he accumulated during his rampage, he remembers his brother. Gi-seok visited Gi-jun shortly before his death, and they sat by the campfire. 'Should I just come work with you here?' He remembers Gi-seok asking—later, Gi-jun will find books on the business of camping that imply Gi-seok was really considering it. Gi-jun tells him to do it, and the brothers laugh together. They both already know that there is no leaving the organization behind—not really. Gi-jun dies, after having avenged his little brother, immune to the promises of power that swayed so many.
