Latest news with #GiJun
Indian Express
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mercy For None ending explained: 7 burning questions answered in So Ji Sub's dark Netflix noir
South Korean actor So Ji Sub made a comeback to the screen with Netflix's adaptation of the hit webtoon Plaza Wars. Interestingly, So's casting in this Korean thriller noir was a fan-driven move that director Choi Seong Eun wisely considered. The K-drama mini-series, which dropped on June 6, has already shot to the top of the platform's viewership charts and is racking up well-deserved praise from critics and fans alike. The story follows ex-gangster Nam Gi Jun as he returns to the bloody underworld to avenge his younger brother Gi Seok's death. With just seven episodes, the series packs a punch, and the plot is wildly unpredictable. So here's the full breakdown of what really went down at the end. Spoiler alert: If you haven't watched it yet, now's the time to hit pause. Ten years ago, when Gi Jun walked away from the crime scene with his Achilles tendon slashed, it wasn't just an injury; it was penance. He took the fall for killing Oh Seung Won, heir to Beomyeongdong, the Seoul-based gang that once ruled the underworld. Chairman Oh ran the empire with Lee Ju Woon and Gu Bong San as his left and right hands. And Gi Jun was their fiercest weapon. But when Oh decided to pass the throne to his right and left hands, his son Seung Won ordered hits on both. That's when Mr. Kim spotted a power vacuum. He whispered to Gi Seok, Gi Jun's younger brother, that Seung Won was planning to kill Gi Jun. Panicked, he made the first move and killed Seung Won. Also read: Mercy For None: 3 reasons you can't skip this Netflix webtoon adaptation serving up Korean noir action with So Ji Sub and Lee Jun Hyuk At first, it looked like Gi Seok was murdered by a bunch of street punks, hired through some shady hit-for-hire site called Graveyard. Turns out, it was Gu Bong San's hot-headed son behind the hit. The same spoiled brat who had his manager killed just for putting him in check. When Gi Jun found out, he went straight for the kill. Still, something didn't add up. How does a trained fighter like Gi Seok, who was next in line to replace Ju Woon, get dropped by a gang of amateurs? He didn't. Also read: BTS' RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook to greet fans at designated locations post-discharge; BIGHIT says, 'Refrain from visiting' When everyone believed Jun Mo was behind the killing, Gi Jun connected the dots and uncovered the real mastermind, Lee Geum Son, Ju Woon's own son. The gang boss had done everything to keep his son out of the dirty business and stayed easy, thinking Geum was doing fine as a Seoul prosecutor. What he didn't see coming was that his son craved power, not just over Ju Woon, but Bong San too. Geum joined hands with cop Cha Yeong Do. They planned to kill Gi Seok (using a professional assassin called Shimane, framed Jun Mo for the killing, brought Gi Jun back from hiding to make things easier for them, and let Gi Jun kill Jun Mo and then kill So Ji Sub's character. This would clear the path for Geum Son to control both gangs. As tension between the Juwoon and Bongsan groups explodes, Geum and his father set up a police raid on Bongsan. Lee ends up killing Bong San. But right after that, Cha Yeong Do kills Lee Ju Woon, and now, Geum Son is left in charge, just like he wanted. Gi Jun, who had made peace with his camping business after walking away from the crime scene, returns to Seoul, boiling with rage. He first kills Jun Mo. He knew Jun Mo wasn't the actual killer, but just the thought of him even considering killing his own brother was enough. Then he tracks down the real mastermind and wipes out everyone involved. Kills Shimane, the assassin. Kills Cha Yeong Do. And finally, goes after Geum Son. Before Gi Jun can finish him, Geum Son tries to take his own life. But Gi Jun doesn't let him off easy; he gives him a brutal ending, slicing his throat. After all the killing, Gi Jun returns to the countryside, badly wounded, with bullet holes all over, and eventually succumbs to his injuries. As he's dying, he remembers his last conversation with Gi Seok. They had talked about leaving the gang life behind and running a quiet camping site together.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mercy For None: 3 reasons you can't skip this Netflix webtoon adaptation serving up Korean noir action with So Ji Sub and Lee Jun Hyuk
Starring the iconic So Ji Sub, Netflix drops another Korean action noir masterclass into its growing K-content slate. The mini-series, based on the Naver webtoon, follows Gi Jun, a former gangster who vanished 11 years ago and now returns to avenge his brother's death. The webtoon (2020–2021) was an instant hit. The show's got all the right hooks, an impressive cast, emotionally-fuelled action, a plot that doesn't play by the rules, raw brawls, and a finale that'll stick with you. Ahead of the premiere, the series teased key details, not to be missed in the series. Also read: Good Boy first Impression: Don't be fooled by 'Pouty' Park Bo Gum, he's delivering career-best punches After Bloodhounds, The Glory, My Name, Beyond Evil and more, there's a new name in the noir binge club. Directed by Choi Seong Eun, the series brings together a high-powered lineup, led by So Ji-sub as Ki Jun. His casting is fan-picked. Webtoon loyalists had him in mind for the live-action from day one. The director admitted she was unsure at first, but after meeting him, she said, 'I felt he could carry Gi Jun's emotions. I had the space to create freely, with truly great ingredients.' His character in the series is quiet, limping, intense, and out for blood. You've seen So Ji Sub in I'm Sorry, I Love You and Master's Sun. Lee Jun Hyuk plays Ki Seok, the brother whose mysterious death sets everything off. Heo Joon Ho steps in as a gang boss and father figure to Seok. Gong Myoung brings in heat as the hot-headed heir of a rival gang, and Choo Young Woo slides into the role of a prosecutor who plays clean in public but is all rot underneath. Ahn Kil Kang, Lee Beom Soo, and Jo Han Chul round out the gang ensemble. And then there's Cha Seung-won, a total wildcard. You'll have to binge to find out. Also read: Popular Korean actor caught cheating, forced to quit shows after private photos explode online The unpredictable plot The best part of this genre often lies in its climax and plot twists, and Mercy for None checks both boxes. Ki Jun, who once cut his own Achilles tendon to cripple himself out of the crime world, is now limping back into it. His return is triggered by the shady death of his younger brother. But don't expect flashy, fast-paced action here. The director made it clear, they wanted the pace slow, the movements deliberate. No wasted punches. Just emotion-heavy sequences that keep pressing forward. 'I think it effectively conveys the character's struggle to forge ahead, no matter the odds,' he said. The show holds tight to the cold, sharp tone of the original webtoon, Plaza Wars. Two rival gangs, Ju Un and Bong San, battle for control, with old bosses and next-gen heirs in the mix. It's a world where mercy isn't just rare, it's a weakness. The K-drama has no flashy or stylised actions, with bodies flying in the air. No stylish punches or heroes walking out of explosions. Since action sits at the core, Mercy for None makes sure it's heavy, raw, and bruised. So Ji-sub said he treated fight scenes like dialogue. '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 told The Korea Herald. The idea was simple: if the emotion doesn't land, the action doesn't matter. So they let the rage, the guilt, the grief do the heavy lifting. Get ready for some intense basement brawls, back alley knife fights, and baseball bats. Mercy for None is streaming on Netflix.
Pink Villa
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
June 2025, 10 K-drama releases to check out: Mercy For None, Hunter With A Scalpel, Squid Game 3 and more
Hey K-drama fam! June is finally here, and we all know what that means — a brand-new lineup of dramas to get hooked on! From spicy revenge thrillers and dreamy fantasy romances to heartwarming stories that hit us right in the feels, there's something for every mood. Whether we're crying over plot twists or screaming at the screen over slow-burn chemistry, this month's releases are serving it all. So let's grab our snacks and dive into June's K-drama goodness together! Check out the list here: 1. Mercy For None Release Date: June 6, 2025 Platform: Netflix Synopsis: Nam Gi Jun, a former gangster, leaves his life of crime to avoid conflict with his brother, Gi Seok, who has joined a rival gang. Fifteen years later, Gi Seok is mysteriously murdered, pulling Gi Jun back into the underworld to seek vengeance. As he uncovers dark secrets, Gi Jun's journey becomes a relentless pursuit of justice. Cast: So Ji Sub, Huh Joon Ho, Choo Young Woo and more 2. A Woman Who Swallowed the Sun Release Date: June 9, 2025 Platform: MBC Synopsis: Baek Seol Hee, a single mother, seeks revenge against a powerful conglomerate family to protect her daughter. As she delves deeper into their secrets, Seol Hee confronts her past and the lengths she'll go to for justice. Cast: Jang Shin Young, Seo Ha Joon, and Jung Heon. Release Date: June 11, 2025 Platform: KBS2 Synopsis: An ordinary college student finds herself transported into her favorite romance novel, inhabiting the body of a minor character. She unexpectedly spends the night with the obsessive male lead, setting off a series of events that blur the lines between fiction and reality. Cast: Seo Hyun, Ok Taec Yeon, and Kwon Han Sol. 4. Our Movie Release Date: June 13, 2025 Platform: SBS Synopsis: Film director Lee Je Ha and aspiring actress Lee Da Eum, both grappling with personal health issues, collaborate on a movie project. As they work together, their shared vulnerabilities lead to a deepening bond, intertwining their real lives with the story they're creating. Cast: Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo Been, and Lee Seol. 5. Hunter With A Scalpel / Dark Legacy Release Date: June 16, 2025 Platform: U+ Mobile TV, Disney+ Synopsis: A prominent female forensic pathologist with antisocial personality disorder confronts the haunting legacy of her father, whom she killed. As she navigates threats to her honor and life, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her perception of justice. Cast: Park Ju Hyun, Park Yong Woo, Kang Hoon and more. 6. Salon De Holmes Release Date: June 16, 2025 Platform: ENA Synopsis: Four women from diverse backgrounds unite to tackle troublemakers in their community. Combining their unique skills, they form an unconventional detective team, bringing justice and camaraderie to their neighborhood. Cast: Lee Si Young, Jung Young Joo, Kim Da Som, Nam Gi Ae and more. 7. I Am a Running Mate Release Date: June 19, 2025 Platform: TVING Synopsis: Model student Se Hoon becomes a running mate in the school council election to rehabilitate his image after an embarrassing incident. As he navigates the complexities of high school politics, he learns about friendship, ambition, and self-discovery. Cast: Yoon Hyun Soo, Lee Jung Sic, Choi Woo Sung, Hong Hwa Yeon and more. 8. Head Over Heels Release Date: June 23, 2025 Platform: tvN Synopsis: High school shaman Seung-A foresees a tragic fate for her first love, Bae Geun Woo. Determined to alter destiny, she embarks on a journey to protect him, challenging the boundaries between fate and free will. Cast: Cho Yi Hyun, Choo Young Woo, Cha Kang Yoon and more. 9. Love Phobia Release Date: June 27, 2025 Platform: U+ Mobile TV, HiTV Synopsis: A VR dating company CEO who hates love crosses paths with a documentary writer unable to recognize emotions. As they confront hidden traumas. Joined by an AI-romance-loving programmer and an old-school writer, unexpected secrets lead to healing and connection. Cast: Yeon Woon, Kim Hyun In, Jo Yoon Seo and Choi Byung Chan. 10. Squid Game Season 3 Release Date: June 27, 2025 Platform: Netflix Synopsis: In the final season, Gi Hun returns to the deadly games, seeking to expose the truth behind the organization. As new challenges arise and alliances shift, he confronts moral dilemmas and the haunting legacy of the Front Man. The season promises shocking twists and a gripping conclusion. Cast: Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Wi Ha Joon, Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, Park Sung Hoon and more. June 2025 is packed with diverse K-dramas that cater to all tastes. Whether you're in the mood for intense thrillers, romantic fantasies, or heartwarming stories, this month's lineup has got you covered. So grab your favorite snacks, get comfy, and let the binge-watching begin!
