If you love watching Kdramas that focus on fights, revenge, action and amazing cast, then Netflix’s new Korean Drama, Mercy For None might interest you. A limited series of only 7 Episodes, Mercy For None is already one of the most talked about Kdrama right now. Adapted from the webtoon Plaza Wars, the series carries that hyper-stylized energy—think Oldboy meets John Wick, minus the guns, plus a limp.
But is it worth watching? Let’s find out.
What is ‘Mercy For None’ Kdrama About
Picture this: Nam Gi-jun (played with icy precision by So Ji-sub) was once the muscle behind one of South Korea’s most feared gangs. He left that life behind, literally crippling himself by severing his Achilles tendon in a symbolic and brutal farewell to violence. He has since lived in seclusion, running a quiet camping site, until tragedy calls him back.
His younger brother, Nam Gi-seok, is murdered under suspicious circumstances. Gi-jun doesn’t grieve. He retaliates.
From that point on, Mercy for None becomes a manhunt, one man against criminal empires, lies, betrayals, and a trail of blood that never quite dries. The two main gangs, Ju-woon and Bong-san, erupt in chaos as Gi-jun’s quiet storm unravels their fragile peace.
Why People Are Talking About This Kdrama
One of the biggest reasons Mercy for None has become a hot topic among K-drama fans is the amazing performance of So Ji-sub. Known for his brooding intensity, he steps fully into the skin of Nam Gi-jun, a former gangster turned avenger, delivering a restrained but powerful portrayal of grief-driven rage.
His cold stares and brutal efficiency in combat speak louder than any monologue could. What adds another layer of intrigue is the unexpected transformation of Gong Myung, who sheds his usual soft-boy image to become Gu Jun-mo, a volatile and menacing villain whose every scene crackles with unpredictability.
The show’s action choreography also stands out, offering a brutal and impressive style of fighting scenes. From close-quarter encounters in internet cafés to blood-streaked showdowns in shadowy alleys, each fight feels powerful and deliberately chaotic.
Adapted from the webtoon, the series maintains a gritty, graphic-novel vibe throughout, which fans of stylized violence and morally grey protagonists will likely appreciate.
These performances and action sequences, despite a familiar plot, are what keep people watching, discussing, and debating whether Mercy for None is just genre comfort food or something a little more memorable.
But Here is What’s bad…
Let’s be real. The story is nothing new. The “dead sibling, angry brother” trope has been played out in dramas, movies, and even music videos. Mercy for None doesn’t reinvent the genre, it leans on it. And this is what might make this drama less worthy.
While the performances are intense, the characters lack emotional depth. The show rarely pauses to ask why revenge consumes its lead. Even the central antagonist feels like a sketch rather than a fully realized villain.
And if you are hoping for balance or nuance, especially female characters, prepare to be disappointed. The drama almost entirely features male casts only. It is gritty, but occasionally to the point of monotony.
So… Is Mercy For None Worth Watching?
Yes—if you know what you’re signing up for.
Watch it for:
- So Ji-sub’s vengeance.
- Gong Myung’s surprising menace.
- High-quality, bone-breaking fight sequences.
- That quiet final scene that finally peels back Gi-jun’s mask.
But skip it if:
- You are craving originality or dynamic storyline.
- You need characters who evolve emotionally.
- You want something more than just a stylish revenge rampage.
Worth a Watch if you love action-heavy, emotionally restrained Korean thrillers with an old-school vengeance plot. Just don’t expect it to leave a lasting emotional scar. This one is more about the bruises.
You can watch it on Netflix.
