Mercy for None, a Netflix original South Korean action noir series, premiered on June 6, 2025, with high expectations. Directed by Choi Sung-eun and based on a Naver webtoon by Lee Yoon-kyun and Bae Jin-soo, the series features So Ji-sub as Nam Gi-jun, a former fighter drawn back to a lawless zone known as “The Square” to uncover the truth behind his brother’s mysterious death.
With a star-studded cast including Heo Jun-ho, Cha Seung-won, Gong Myung, and Lee Jun-hyuk, the series promised a gripping noir experience, especially as So Ji-sub returned to the action genre for the first time since A Company Man (2012). However, despite the hype and strong source material, Mercy for None ultimately falters under the weight of its own ambitions.
A Solid Premise That Fails to Deliver
The original webtoon, which ran from 2020 to 2021 over 62 episodes, was praised for its gritty action and tight storytelling. Netflix’s adaptation spans seven episodes, extending the revenge narrative into a broader exploration of power dynamics between two dominant factions, Gu Bong-san and Nam Gi-jun.
The story opens powerfully: After a fierce turf war, Nam Gi-jun severs his own Achilles tendon and leaves the Square. Eleven years later, the mysterious death of his brother Nam Gi-seok pulls him back into a violent struggle for vengeance. The setup is compelling, the world-building intriguing—but the execution soon begins to crumble.
Action Noir Without Narrative Weight
The early episodes lean heavily into stylized action, with Nam Gi-jun launching brutal assaults against those connected to Nam Gi-seok’s death. While visually engaging, this focus on action comes at the expense of deeper narrative development. There’s minimal character motivation beyond the revenge trope, and little emotional grounding to sustain interest beyond the bloodshed.
Ironically, the emotional core of Nam Gi-jun’s journey—which the creators claimed was central to the action sequences—gets lost in the noise. As the revenge arc progresses, its emotional urgency dissipates, replaced by scenes of unrelenting violence that feel increasingly empty.
Weak Plot and Inconsistent Pacing
As the show transitions to the broader conflict between Bong-san, Gi-jun, and law enforcement, the story becomes even more fragmented. Expository dialogue replaces meaningful character development, and momentum stalls in the midsection. When the plot twist does arrive in the latter half, it lacks credibility—poor foreshadowing and narrative misalignment strip it of impact.
The power struggle storyline, meant to raise the stakes, falls flat. Without solid narrative groundwork, it’s difficult for viewers to invest emotionally in the shifting alliances and betrayals.
A Hollow Ending to a Shaky Tale
In the end, Mercy for None feels like a structure built without a foundation. The finale, which could have packed emotional weight, instead comes across as hollow and unsatisfying. The lack of context and coherence makes it difficult to feel the intended catharsis or closure.
Despite strong performances, impressive visuals, and a promising premise, Mercy for None ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of action without substance.
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