Netflix’s Mercy for None Review – Explosive Action & Men-Only Mayhem

 

🎥 Basic Info

• Title: Mercy for None (Korean: 광장)

• Genre: Action, Noir, Crime, Revenge

• Release Date: June 6, 2025

• Platform: Netflix Original Series

• Episodes: 7 episodes total

• Based on: The webtoon "Plaza Wars: Mercy for None" by Oh Se-hyung & Kim Kyun-tae

👥 Main Cast

• So Ji-sub as Nam Ki-joon (main lead)

• Heo Jun-ho as Lee Joo-woon (gang boss)

• Gong Myung as Koo Jun-mo (rival gang heir)

• Strong supporting cast: Lee Beom-soo, Jo Han-chul, Ahn Kil-kang, Choo Young-woo, Lee Jun-hyuk

🎭 Lead Role

So Ji-sub plays Nam Ki-joon, a former gangster who cut ties with the underworld 11 years ago. After the mysterious death of his younger brother, he returns to the bloody turf war of Seoul’s criminal underground. His restrained yet explosive performance captures the quiet rage and sorrow of a man on a mission.

🎬 Directed by Choi Sung-eun

Director Choi Sung-eun brings sharp visuals and emotional weight to this revenge drama. With fast-paced editing, urban tension, and psychological depth, she transforms a gritty webtoon into a gripping TV experience.

📖 Plot Summary

Nam Ki-joon left the gang life behind, even cutting his own Achilles tendon to do so. But when his brother dies under suspicious circumstances, he returns to face old enemies and new dangers. As he plunges deeper into revenge, the line between justice and brutality begins to blur.

👀 Viewer Thoughts

This drama is all about men, masculinity, and mayhem. Gritty action, brotherhood, betrayal, and the psychology of violence dominate every episode.

With phenomenal performances by So Ji-sub and Heo Jun-ho, and top-tier action choreography, the series is often compared to full-length films in quality. The only minor critique? The protagonist never seems to die—no matter what. But even that adds to the myth-like appeal of the story.

"Felt like watching a movie. Binge-worthy. My personal rating: 4.7 / 5"

🎞 More from So Ji-sub

• Always (Only You) – A classic romantic drama with emotional depth

• Oh My Venus – Light-hearted rom-com with transformation themes

• The Battleship Island, Rough Cut, A Company Man – Dark, intense, and unforgettable action roles