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The Review Geek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Upcoming K-dramas to Watch in June 2025
Here is your monthly update on K-dramas! June 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for K-drama fans, with a diverse slate of new releases ranging from gritty crime thrillers and historical fantasies to heartwarming romances and even one unique take on Sherlock Holmes. Expect names like So Ji-sub, Ok Taec-yeon, Jeon Yeo-been, and Choo Young-woo on your screens. Whether you're in the mood for action-filled tales of revenge, universe-bending love stories, or schoolyard dramas, this month promises something for every kind of viewer. Most anticipated of all is Squid Game 3, the final season of the iconic K-drama. Read on to learn more about the K-dramas and their release date, plot, cast, and where to watch them. Without further ado, here are all the exciting new K-dramas releasing in June 2025: Release Date: 6th June Lead Cast: So Ji-sub, Huh Joon-ho, Ahn Kil-kang, Lee Bum-soo, Gong Myung, Choo Young-woo, Jo Han-chul Network: Netflix Plot: An adaptation of a webtoon named Plaza Wars, this gritty crime drama set in Seoul's underbelly follows Gi-jun, one of the underworld's fiercest. However, he retires due to a certain incident. Years later, his brother Gi-seok's ruthless murder reignites Gi-jun's thirst for vengeance and he's convinced the culprit lurks close. Release Date: 11th June Lead Cast: Seohyun, Ok Taec-yeon, Kwon Han-sol, Seo Bum-june, Ji Hye-won Where to Watch: Viki, KBS2 Plot: The series follows a college student known as K who suddenly finds herself transported into a historical romance novel. Stuck in the body of a minor noble character named Seon-chaek, she ends up spending a night with the male lead, a royal named Lee Beon. Lee Beon then insists they get married and K is tasked with keeping the story intact and making sure he falls for the female lead instead of her. Release Date: 13th June Lead Cast: Nam Koong-min, Jeon Yeo-been Where to Watch: Disney+ Plot: The Korean drama follows Lee Je-ha, a film director who feels overshadowed by his father's success and is struggling to make his second film. He decides to make a film about a person with a terminal illness and ends up meeting Lee Da-eum in the process, an aspiring actress who suffers from a rare disease. The drama will have 12 episodes and will air every Friday and Saturday. Salon de Holmes Release Date: 16th June Lead Cast: Lee Si-young, Jung Young-joo, Kim Da-som, Nam Gi-ae Where to Watch: ENA Plot: Salon de Holmes is a comedy action drama that revolves around four women who live in the same apartment complex. They team up in order to deal with a range of villains, from people who don't park properly and refuse to separate their waste to darker, more sinister criminals. Release Date: 16th June Lead Cast: Park Ju-hyun, Park Yong-woo, Kang Hoon Where to Watch: Disney+ Plot: Hunter with a Scalpel centers its story on the past coming back to haunt a forensic pathologist considered to be the top of her field. The father she presumed dead all these years has returned to threaten everything she worked for, and with everything on the line, she has no choice but to face her past to save her future. I Am a Running Mate Release Date: 19th June Lead Cast: Yoon Hyun-soo, Lee Jung-sic, Choi Woo-sung Where to Watch: TVING Plot: I Am a Running Mate is a high school drama following the life of model student Noh Se-hoon. His reputation takes a hit when an unfortunate incident earns him the nickname 'Erector'. Determined to retrieve his dignity, he decides to become a running mate for the school's student council and gets involved in a flurry of competition. Head Over Heels Release Date: 23rd June Lead Cast: Cho Yi-hun, Cha Kang-yoon, Choo Young-woo, Choo Ja-hyun Where to Watch: tvN Plot: A fantasy romance drama, Head Over Heels revolves around a young woman who moonlights as a shaman. When she realises her first love is bound for an early death, she decides to save him from his destiny. This is a 12-episode drama that will air every Monday and Tuesday. Squid Game 3 Release Date: 27th June Lead Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon and more Where to Watch: Netflix Plot: The third and final season of Squid Game will release this year as well! Helmed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the final instalment of the thriller series will continue to follow Seong Gi-hun's fight to shut down the games once and for all. Love Phobia Release Date: 27th June Lead Cast: Yeon Woo, Kim Hyun-jin, Jo Yoon-seo, Choi Byung-chan Where to Watch: U+ Mobile TV Plot: Love Phobia gives us another opposites-attract story between an unlikely pair. On the one hand is Yoon Bi-ah, the CEO of an AI-powered dating app who is emotionally detached. On the other hand is Han Sun-ho, a novelist who is all about emotions and feelings. This drama will have 8 episodes. Which Korean drama are you most looking forward to in the month of June? Which do you think could become the best of 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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.
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.
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new action-thriller show just got another intense trailer — and it looks perfect for 'John Wick' fans
Netflix just dropped the official trailer for its upcoming Korean action-thriller 'Mercy for None,' and it looks like the kind of gritty, revenge-fueled story that fans of 'John Wick' will eat up. Premiering June 6, 2025, this show marks So Ji-sub's big return to action after over a decade away from the genre. He plays Ki-jun, a former gangster who went to extreme lengths, like 'severing his own Achilles tendon,' to escape the criminal underworld. But when his younger brother Ki-seok (Lee Jun-hyuk), now second-in-command in their old gang, dies under mysterious circumstances, Ki-jun has no choice but to dive back into that dangerous life he tried to leave behind. The trailer opens with Ki-jun standing over his brother's casket, making it clear that this story is very personal. From that point on, we watch a man consumed by grief, gearing up for revenge with nothing left to lose. With a bloodied baseball bat in hand, Ki-jun engages in several fast-paced action scenes that had me cringing. The rest of the trailer introduces a cast of powerful, dangerous players who seem ready to either help or stand in his way. 'Mercy for None' looks like it's going to be a popular watch for anyone who loves a good mix of brutal action and drama. And not to mention it comes out on the same day as the 'John Wick' spinoff 'Ballerina.' If the trailer's anything to go by, this one's definitely earning a spot on my must-watch list next month. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Along with the new trailer and release date, Netflix also dropped a synopsis, which reads: 'The series follows Ki-jun, a former underworld figure who severed his own Achilles tendon to leave that life behind 11 years ago. When his brother Ki-seok, once the second-in-command of their organization, is found dead, Ki-jun returns to uncover the truth behind his brother's death.' 'Mercy for None' is actually based on the popular webtoon 'Plaza Wars,' written by Oh Se-hyung and illustrated by Kim Gyun-tae. For fans of the original digital comic, the Netflix live-action series offers a new way to experience the story, and it looks like it will stay true to the webtoon's dark and violent themes. The 90 seconds of footage was quick to prove that. Starring alongside So Ji-sub is a stacked cast that includes Huh Joon-ho, Gong Myoung, Choo Young Woo, An Kil-kang, Tiger Lee, and Cho Han-cheul — plus special appearances from Cha Seung Won and Lee Jun-hyuk to round things out. 'Mercy for None' is one of those action-thrillers that Netflix just can't seem to get enough of, and I'm sure viewers won't complain considering most movies and shows in this genre crack the top 10 list at some point. Dropping on June 6, this limited Korean series will have eight episodes to binge-watch — and like most of Netflix's originals, they'll likely drop all at once. The show is directed by Choi Sung-eun, who's known for creating intense stories with morally complex characters, like in 'Plaza.' Writer Yoo Ki-sung also worked on 'The Devil Judge,' which was full of unexpected twists that kept you guessing. So with both of them on board, you can expect 'Mercy for None' to be a genuinely intense watch, even if the revenge story feels familiar. I'm definitely looking forward to 'Mercy for None' especially since I really enjoyed 'Karma,' another thriller adapted from a webtoon. Plus, anything that involves impressive fighting sequences has my attention, and I'm always up for a new binge-watch on Netflix. Stream "Mercy for None" on Netflix starting June 6.
