Netflix’s new K‑drama Mercy for None debuted globally on June 6, 2025. Written by Yoo Ki‑seong and directed by Choi Sung‑eun, it stars So Ji‑sub as Nam Gi‑jun, a former gangster returning to Seoul’s criminal underworld to avenge his younger brother’s death. With a thriller-meets-noir tone and built on a fan-favorite webtoon, the series has quickly become a hot topic among viewers and critics. This article explores Mercy for None’s (2025) premise, cast, filming, and what makes it stand out.
About the Series:
Mercy for None (2025) is a seven-episode action-noir drama (40–50 min each) based on the popular webtoon Plaza Wars: Mercy for None, written by Oh Se-hyung and illustrated by Kim Gyun-tae. The show adapts its layered revenge story and brutal gangland politics directly from the source material, staying close to its themes of loyalty, power, and betrayal. Fans of the webtoon will recognize key plot turns and character arcs brought to life with cinematic precision.
The plot centers on Nam Gi-jun, who once severed his Achilles tendon to leave his gangster past behind. When his younger brother Gi-seok is murdered, Gi-jun returns to the underworld wielding a baseball bat—ready to uncover the truth and face a city full of rivals, lies, and old ghosts.
Also Read: Mercy For None (Gwang-jang, Netflix TV Mini-Series, 2025) Recap & Ending Explained
Cast & Characters of ‘Mercy for None’:
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- So Ji‑sub as Nam Gi‑jun – The former gangster turned avenger. Critics say his method acting lets every fight scene carry emotional weight .
- Lee Jun‑hyuk as Nam Gi‑seok – Gi‑jun’s younger brother, whose death sparks the chain of events.
- Huh Joon‑ho as Lee Ju‑woon – Leader of the Juwoon Group.
- Ahn Kil‑kang as Gu Bong‑san – Head of the rival Bongsan Group.
- Gong Myoung as Gu Jun‑mo – Bong‑san’s hot-headed son who judges Gi‑seok.
- Choo Young‑woo as Lee Geum‑son – Ju‑woon’s son, a prosecutor with his own agenda.
- Tiger Lee as Sim Seong‑won – CEO of N.Clean, a firm that covers up crime scenes.
- Cho Han‑cheul as Choi Sung‑cheol – Assistant to Ju‑woon.
- Cha Seung‑won appears as Cha Yeong‑do (Mr. Kim) – A corrupt cop pulling strings behind the scenes.
Other supporting cast includes Lee Beom‑soo, Jo Han‑chul, and more.
Filming Locations:
The series is set entirely in Seoul, capturing its urban sprawl and gritty underbelly. While Netflix hasn’t publicly confirmed production cities, local coverage confirms filming was on-location in Seoul beginning in late 2023.
What Sets Mercy for None Apart?
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True noir tone: The tone is deliberately slow and deliberate, matching the lead’s emotional journey through each fight .
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Emotion‑driven action: Fight scenes are narrative—less spectacle, more raw tension and character.
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Standout cast: So Ji‑sub’s return to action after 13 years adds gravitas, while the supporting cast brings a layered darkness.
When and Where to Stream?
Mercy for None premiered June 6, 2025, at 16:00 KST and is available Saturday on Netflix worldwide. It’s also featured in Netflix’s June release slate for K-dramas.
