Latest news with #MercyforNone
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
So Ji Sub eyes another action role after Mercy for None? All about Manager Kim plot, character details and agency response
Veteran actor So Ji Sub might be gearing up for another intense action-packed role, this time as the lead in an upcoming drama Manager Kim. On June 20, industry insiders revealed that the star has been approached to headline the project. The reports sparked a wave of excitement among fans. Responding to the casting buzz, So Ji Sub 's agency 51K confirmed that the actor has indeed received the offer and is 'currently reviewing it.' His appearance hasn't been finalized. But the news alone is enough to generate anticipation, especially among fans of action thrillers and webtoon-based dramas. What is Manager Kim about? Manager Kim is a gritty action noir drama adapted from a widely read webtoon of the same name. It follows the story of a seemingly unremarkable office worker and devoted single father. His life is turned upside down when his daughter, Min Ji, vanishes without a trace. What begins as a desperate search soon takes a dramatic turn when it's revealed that this mild-mannered man is hiding a dangerous past. He's actually a former black-ops agent. With his old instincts kicking in, he plunges back into a shadowy world of violence and secrets. Kim is determined to uncover the truth and bring his daughter home, no matter the cost. If So Ji Sub accepts the role, he will portray the titular Manager Kim. It's a character that demands both emotional depth and physical intensity. And it's a perfect fit for the actor, known for his layered performances. Return to action genre after a decade This potential casting comes on the heels of So Ji Sub's return to the action genre in the 2025 Netflix series Mercy for None. This marked his first venture into high-stakes action in over a decade. That project was met with praise for his transformation and command of physical roles. It also reignited interest in seeing him take on more adrenaline-fueled characters. Before this, So Ji Sub was best known for his roles in iconic dramas such as The Master's Sun, Oh My Venus, Doctor Lawyer, I'm Sorry, I Love You, among others. Fan excitement builds Though nothing is confirmed yet, the mere possibility of So Ji Sub taking on another powerful role has created a buzz online. Fans have taken to forums and social media to share their excitement. Stay tuned as more updates unfold. For now, fans are keeping their fingers crossed.
Korea Herald
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
So Ji-sub discusses 'Mercy for None,' iconic webtoon turned into series
Veteran K-drama star responds to 'Mercy for None' backlash, reflects on his passion for noir genre. Adapting a hit webtoon into live action has become a go-to move for drama creators, lowering risk while guaranteeing a ready-made fanbase eager to leap from digital panels to episodic storytelling. It is no surprise that original screenplays are becoming the exception rather than the rule in today's drama landscape. Netflix Korea's tentpole series 'Mercy for None' rode that wave, bringing one of the most critically acclaimed webtoons to life with a star-studded ensemble cast. Fans were especially thrilled by the casting of So Ji-sub as the lead — a longtime fan-favorite pick to embody the webtoon's ruthless protagonist. However, adapting beloved material comes with risks: Since its June 6 premiere, 'Mercy for None' has faced backlash from loyal webtoon fans over major plot changes. So, a veteran actor known for past hits such as "I'm Sorry, I Love You" (2004) and "Master's Sun" (2013), acknowledged the mixed reactions during a group interview held Thursday in Seoul's Samcheong-dong. 'When adapting a webtoon into a series, it's not like the intention is to harm it or make it worse,' said So. 'In some ways, there's an effort to create an even better piece, something that surpasses the original. Of course, once it's completed, there will inevitably be mixed opinions," he added. 'That's not something that can be controlled. But at the very least, I don't think the original (webtoon) is ever purchased with the intent to damage it.' In embodying his character, So reflected on the emotional depth he aimed to bring to Gi-jun, a cold-blooded former gangster on a path of vengeance following his brother's murder. "I naturally tried to capture the vibe that character gives off. Of course, I couldn't imitate every look or gesture, but I tried to hold that essence in my heart. I'm not sure if I fully succeeded, but that was my mindset." He added, "I hoped that Gi-jun's revenge for his brother, along with his desperate and pitiable sides, would come through." 'Mercy for None' marks So's long-awaited return to the action genre, 13 years after his turn as a corporate assassin in "A Company Man." With Korean audiences long accustomed to iconic action figures, from genre staples such as "John Wick" and local heroes like Detective Ma Seok-do from the hit "The Outlaws" franchise, he reflected on how he approached the physicality of his role in "Mercy for None." 'There's more action in this series compared to others,' So said. 'To show Gi-jun's almost invincible nature, I thought it was essential to convey power and energy. If you look closely at my action style, I might get pushed back, but I never dodge by stepping away. I really tried to incorporate that.' He also pointed to the stripped-down dialogue as a key aspect of the performance. 'There's very little dialogue. I think we filled in those gaps with the help of the camera and the director's guidance. Personally, I actually prefer roles without much dialogue.' So's return to the noir-action space with "Mercy for None" marks a homecoming to a genre he holds close. 'I personally really enjoy the noir genre. It's something I want to keep doing, even as I get older. Above all, I heard that the script for 'Mercy for None' came to me first, and I was especially grateful for that,' he said. 'When I reflect on myself, I think it's a genre I'm good at. My acting style doesn't involve dramatic emotional swings or a lot of expressive outbursts. I prefer roles that rely on physicality, subtle expressions or acting through the eyes. That's why I think noir suits me well.'
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Netflix's Mercy for None actor So Ji Sub breaks silence on backlash over ‘ruining' the adaptation, reveals losing 15 kgs for the role
South Korean actor So Ji Sub, who made his acting comeback with his first Netflix project Mercy For None, recently opened up about his return to the dark action genre that's now earned him the title of Korea's John Wick. The noir-action series, based on the popular webtoon Plaza Wars, sparked backlash from the moment its teaser dropped. And once the full series landed, many accused the OTT and the makers of ruining the experience with a weak storyline. Sitting down for an interview in Seoul, So didn't shy away from the criticism. He also shared how he dropped weight to transform into the character and thanked the public for crowning him with the new action-hero tag, drawing comparisons to Keanu Reeves' iconic role. Also read: Mercy for None Review: So Ji Sub's sad eyes are the only redemption in Netflix's flawed adaptation 'I didn't take on this project to ruin the original work,' the Confession star said during an interview in Jongno-gu, Seoul (Via KBIZOOm). When asked about concerns raised by loyal webtoon fans, the actor added, 'If anything, I hoped to make something even better.' In Mercy for None, So plays Ki Jun, a former gangster who got his Achilles tendon slashed as punishment for disrupting the underworld balance. Years later, he limps his way back into the crime world to avenge his brother's death. Surprisingly, So admitted he had no idea the show was based on a webtoon when he first signed on. 'I only received the script. Later, I found out I was actually the top fan pick to play Ki Jun,' he said. The series director Choi Sung Eun earlier revealed how she jumped on the fans' pick without second-guessing. Despite a bit of hesitation, she quickly realised in their first meeting that So was the perfect fit. Addressing fans' frustration over changes, he added, 'Adaptations will always be a little different, but I tried my best to stay true to the original heart of the story.' Also read: Mercy For None ending explained: 7 burning questions answered in So Ji Sub's dark Netflix noir Early reviews of Mercy for None dubbed So as the Korean John Wick, and he truly lived up to it, with his gritty tone, lead's dagger glare, emotionally driven character, and hard punches delivered with stoic precision. When the comparison with John Wick came up, So couldn't help but laugh. 'It's flattering. I never aimed for that, but I'm honoured,' he said. 'Korean noir is quite rare these days. I hope Gwangjang can help spark more noir productions in Korea. Every country has its own strengths when it comes to noir. Korea doesn't use guns as much, so the impact feels different. You can really feel the energy through direct, close-range fights.' Since its June 6 release, Mercy for None has stormed into Netflix's Top 10 in 44 countries, peaking at No. 2 globally in the non-English TV category. 'This was my first Netflix project,' So said. 'It felt like stepping into a completely new world.' It's been 13 years since So last touched the noir-action genre, so returning to the same, to mark his comeback, almost felt like 'pulling a cheat code.' The role demanded serious physical preparations too. The actor revealed losing 15 kgs for his character. 'Before starting the diet, I weighed 95 kg. By the end, I was in the 70s. I lost it the old-school way — restricting calories, eating chicken breasts. It wasn't easy. I love eating and gain weight easily, even when I barely eat.' Speaking about his action sequences, the actor told Korea Times, 'Acting brings joy, but it's equally challenging. My style doesn't usually swing wildly with emotions, so I focus on the small details.' So added, that while it might feel like he is repeating himself with every action, in reality, he just tries to show a new and fresh side of himself.
Metro
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
South Korean gangster drama hailed 'best revenge series' soars up Netflix chart
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Netflix's newest South Korean revenge thriller, Mercy For None, is already being praised by fans. The seven-episode series follows a 'former gangster' who 'returns to the underworld' after his brother is murdered, fuelled by 'power, ambition and revenge'. The synopsis continues: 'Gi-jun (So Ji-Sub), who's been living in exile since he left the underworld over a decade ago, reenters the mob scene to get revenge against anyone and everyone involved in his brother's murder.' The show is based on the webtoon Plaza Wars: Mercy for None by O Se-hyung and Kim Gyun-tae and has been adapted to screen by Yoo Ki-seong. It has clearly already made an impression on eager viewers, catapulting into the top 10 TV shows on Netflix this week – and the reviews reflect its well-deserved popularity. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'From brutal hand-to-hand combat to wielding his signature baseball bat and mastering blade fights, bones crack, bodies fly, and blood stains the walls of many villains' hideaways. So Ji-Sub delivers an electrifying performance that sets a new standard for action storytelling. 'Mercy for None lands its blood-soaked action sequences and sufficiently surprising plotting to stay engaging,' Google reviewer Gunta Sharmila shared. 'This is the first time in a while that I've truly enjoyed an action-themed series, and Mercy for None completely exceeded my expectations. From the opening scene to the final episode, it delivers a gripping, emotionally intense experience that goes far beyond the typical revenge drama,' Jahazeel Ramos agreed. 'The best revenge series sooo far! Since I'm a fan of the thriller action genre, I absolutely binge-watched it in one day. Definitely would recommend this,' Shejal Ray echoed. Over on X, user kdramamiss added: 'Mercy For None was an insane ride, a very fast paced, bloody action packed thriller drama with great performances from the ensemble cast and intense crazy fight scenes it was so good!' 'It feels like I'm watching a Korean version of John Wick but I love the crazy fights, blood everywhere, and revenge! And honestly, I'm loving every second of it,' te3_tia said. More Trending It is not the first South Korean revenge thriller to garner special attention on the streamer. Earlier this year, fans raved about the K-drama Karma, which followed the 'intertwined lives of six individuals' who were 'plunged into a cycle of retribution'. So if you are looking for your next bite of the revenge apple, make Mercy For None your next watch. View More » Mercy For None is now streaming on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: WWE fans 'in tears' over beloved star's powerful transformation on Raw MORE: 'Best vampire movie in history' added to Netflix to celebrate 40th anniversary MORE: Netflix fans say 'WWE is saved' after best episode of the year
Tom's Guide
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new action-thriller show is a dark revenge tale perfect for 'John Wick' fans — and you can binge-watch it now
If you left the theater after watching 'Ballerina' and felt that familiar void only a pulse-pounding revenge thriller can fill, then 'Mercy for None' on Netflix might just be the perfect fix. This gritty Korean thriller that hits all the right notes for fans craving the kind of dark energy the 'John Wick' franchise is famous for (minus the Hollywood gloss). What surprises me though is that 'Mercy for None' hasn't even cracked Netflix's top 10 list yet after landing on the streamer on June 6. Honestly, I'm worried it'll slip through the cracks and get lost in the endless scroll of new releases, because it deserves way more attention than it's getting. The show follows a former ruthless enforcer who vanished after sabotaging himself, only to return when his brother is brutally murdered. With his baseball bat in hand, he tears through rival gangs and corrupt cops in a pulse-pounding quest for justice. So, if you're craving some brutal action with a strong emotional core, 'Mercy for None' is the hidden gem you didn't know you needed on your Netflix watchlist. Here's why you need to binge-watch it now. 'Mercy for None' follows Nam Gi-jun (So Ji-sub), a former ruthless mob enforcer who vanished 11 years ago after deliberately injuring himself to escape the criminal underworld. Living in exile, Gi-jun's quiet life is shattered when his younger brother, Nam Gi-seok (Lee Joon-hyuk), is found murdered under suspicious circumstances. Forced out of hiding, Gi-jun returns to Seoul determined to uncover who is responsible for his brother's death. As he investigates, Gi-jun becomes entangled in a fierce power struggle between two rival crime syndicates — the Juwoon Group and the Bongsan Group. Using a baseball bat as his weapon of choice, he violently confronts gangsters, corrupt law enforcement officers, and scheming heirs as he works his way through the tangled web of betrayal. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So Ji-sub owns 'Mercy for None' as a deeply wounded man hell-bent on revenge. It asks you to overlook a few unlikely moments, but overall, it's a tough, adrenaline-fueled thriller that delivers exactly what you want: a heartbroken guy brutally tossing gangsters around like ragdolls. And that's the best thing about the show. Anyone watching a revenge thriller is most likely looking for some brutal fighting sequences, and fortunately 'Mercy for None' delivers in that department, with the baseball bat feeling like a character all its own. There's actually an impressive scene in the first episode where Nam Gi-jun tears through a bunch of smug teens hanging out in a café and it's easily the show's most intense moment. Aside from the action, it's So Ji Sub's acting that kept me watching, especially with how calm and controlled he stays the whole way through. He comes back to find his brother murdered, and instead of breaking down or losing it, he just starts taking people out. There are no big speeches or dramatic outbursts either which is something I appreciate. It very much feels like an unofficial 'John Wick' spinoff and I think that's why I was instantly hooked. The only real thing that lets 'Mercy for None' down is the story. It's a simplistic revenge thriller so don't expect anything grand, and the first episode fails to offer proper context meaning I ended up feeling a little confused. The show gives you names on screen to help keep track of who's who, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's a lot you're left to piece together on your own. By the time Gi-jun starts his path of revenge, you're already knee-deep in a sea of serious-looking men in suits, and it's hard knowing their roles within each gang. It also would've been nice to see more of an emotional backstory for Nam Gi-jun but the show never fully delves into it. However, despite the weaker story, 'Mercy for None' still makes for a thrilling watch. There's enough brutal action to keep revenge fans satisfied, and the cinematography is incredibly dark and gritty, giving this a very bleak feel. 'Mercy for None' deserves to be on your Netflix watchlist, not just because it somehow got overshadowed by other newly released shows at the beginning of the month, but because it's an intense kind of revenge story perfect for 'John Wick' fans. The pacing is solid, the action scenes are choreographed with real weight, and there is plenty of tension from start to finish to keep you clicking 'next episode.' Plus, there are only seven episodes, meaning you can probably binge-watch the entire show in just one weekend. I'm holding onto hope that 'Mercy for None' might crack the top 10 list at some point, but even if it doesn't, I hope enough viewers will notice it on the homepage and give it a chance. So, if you're after a show to binge that serves up a raw, bloody story of vengeance with a mob enforcer coming back from exile to settle scores, this is it. You can stream 'Mercy for None' on Netflix now. For more streaming recommendations, see what else got added to Netflix in June 2025.
