Latest news with #SoJiSub
Pink Villa
14 hours 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.
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.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix gangster drama hailed 'the new John Wick' rockets up the charts as fans rave over 'crazy fight scenes and bloody action'
A Netflix gangster drama hailed 'the new John Wick ' has rocketed up the charts, with fans raving over its 'crazy fight scenes and bloody action'. Mercy For None, which hit the streamer on June 6, follows a former gangster (So Ji-sub) who returns to the criminal underworld seeking revenge after his brother is murdered. The South Korean seven-part series is based on a webtoon - a digital comic, written for reading on a smartphone - called Plaza Wars: Mercy For None, by O Se-hyung and Kim Gyun-tae. It has clearly already made an impact on Netflix fans, as the programme has surged through the charts to make it into the platform's top ten TV shows. The show was released on the same day as Ballerina, the spin-off from Keanu Reeves ' John Wick action film franchise, starring Ana de Armas - and fans took to X to say it rivals the major action movie series. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It has clearly already made an impact on Netflix fans, as the programme has surged through the charts to make it into the platform's top ten TV shows One user said of the noir series: '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!' Another added: '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.' Someone else commented: 'Mercy For None is a compelling addition to the Korean noir genre, featuring a standout performance by So Ji-sub and a storyline rich in suspense and emotional intensity.' Netflix news site Tudum explained further about the magnetic protagonist: 'Eleven years after going into hiding, an ex-gangster returns to Seoul's criminal [underbelly] to find out the truth about his brother's death - and get revenge. 'His weapon of choice? A baseball bat.' The critics were just as impressed with the pulpy action series as the fans. The show was released on the same day as Ballerina, the spin-off from Keanu Reeves ' John Wick action film franchise, starring Ana de Armas - and fans took to X to say it rivals the major action movie series The critics were just as impressed with the pulpy action series as the fans Film news site Collider said: 'Mercy For None lands its blood-soaked action sequences and sufficiently surprising plot to stay engaging, alongside a solid set of central performances... 'Bones crack, bodies fly and blood stains the walls of many villains' hideaways.' K-pop news site Soompi added: 'From brutal hand-to-hand combat to wielding his signature baseball bat and mastering blade fights, So Ji-sub delivers an electrifying performance that sets a new standard for action storytelling.' Streaming review site Decider said it was well worth viewers' time: 'Stream it. The action and revenge story in Mercy For None is enough to keep up watching and the episode are well-paced.' But it did also note: 'We really need to see more context about the rivalry between the gangs in order to really get invested in this story.' Mercy For None joins Netflix's extensive catalogue of South Korean dramas, many of which have proved highly popular with fans. Another of them, Our Unwritten Seoul, which hit the streamer last month, got viewers 'really hooked', gushing 'it's my favourite show of 2025'. Netflix's synopsis of the ten-part series reads: 'Twin sisters, whose similarities end with their looks, swap identities amid personal struggles - embarking on a journey to rediscover love and life.' Netflix's synopsis of the ten-part series reads: 'Twin sisters, whose similarities end with their looks, swap identities amid personal struggles - embarking on a journey to rediscover love and life' From as early as the release of episode two, fans rushed to discussion website Reddit to praise the show, saying how much they enjoyed it. One said: 'I can already tell this drama will be my new 2025 favorite. I was a tad worried it would be too depressing, but it has a good sense of hopefulness and humor that I'm looking forward to.' 'Just finished episode two and this is my favourite drama now. Sometimes it just clicks. My favourite part is the different perspectives of the twins. 'You can really tell them apart and I love Park Bo Young as an actress, she really has a depth that conveys this.'
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Taecyeon shares how he 'had to stay with 2PM' and shares why he joined ‘Oh My Venus' actor So Ji Sub's management agency
In a recent interview, Taecyeon revealed why he joined a new agency and all about how he had to stay near 2PM. The idol went for an interview alongside actor So Ji Sub, where he got candid about his life and talked all about how he came to shift his agency. Taecyeon reveals why he shifted agencies While on the show alongside actor So Ji Sub and host Shin Dong Yup, singer Taecyeon was asked about why he managed to make such a big decision to change management agencies. Taecyeon is now operating under the same label that houses So Ji Sub. While starring on the popular online variety show 'Zzanbro,' the singer revealed how his preset 'conditions' became a big part of his shifting agencies. He stated that 'I used to be with JYP Entertainment. When I started looking for a new agency, I had several conditions in mind—and one of them was that I wanted to continue as a member of 2PM. There were quite a few companies that didn't like that. Many said, 'If you're going to keep doing that, then you should officially retire from idols and fully transition to acting.'' He then mentioned how the CEO of his current company reassured him and provided him with the belief that joining this agency would align with his goals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Help Can Change Lives HelpAge India Donate Now Undo He shared that 'He told me, 'We're fine with you continuing music. So Ji Sub does it too. We never stop our actors from pursuing what they want.' That gave me the biggest reassurance.' So Ji Sub talks about his career in music So Ji Sub, who is mainly known for his powerful and extravagant acting skills, also has the skills of a musician. During the show he talked about his career with music and what he actually does. He shared that 'There's a reason I love hip-hop and keep releasing songs. I like to sing when I meet fans—but I'm actually a bit tone-deaf. I used to cover other songs, but eventually I wanted to perform my own. That's how I ended up with nine albums. I never perform elsewhere—only in front of my fans.'
