3 Reasons Why So Ji Sub And Lee Jun Hyuk's Noir Action Drama “Mercy For None” Is A Must-Watch

Jun 06, 2025

Ahead of its premiere today, Netflix’s “Mercy for None” has unveiled key highlights to watch for!

Based on a popular webtoon, “Mercy for None” is a noir action drama that follows the story of Ki Jun (So Ji Sub), a former gangster who cut his own Achilles heel and left the underworld behind. 11 years after severing ties with his gang, he returns to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of his younger brother Ki Seok (Lee Jun Hyuk).

As the premiere approaches, here are three reasons to tune in:

1. A Powerhouse Cast

“Mercy for None” is packed with acclaimed actors, heightening expectations for the series.

So Ji Sub makes a powerful return to the noir action genre as Nam Ki Jun, a cold and composed man on a path of ruthless revenge for his brother’s death. Heo Joon Ho plays Lee Joo Woon, one of the underworld’s two major bosses—a fatherly figure to Ki Seok who suspects foul play but wants to resolve matters quietly.

Gong Myoung plays Koo Jun Mo, the son of rival boss Koo Bong San—a ruthless character with a need to win at any cost. Choo Young Woo stars as Lee Geum Son, Joo Woon’s son and a current prosecutor, who outwardly distances himself from his father but secretly harbors dark ambitions.

Ahn Kil Kang takes on Koo Bong San, a powerful figure willing to do anything for his son. Lee Beom Soo plays Shim Sung Won, who handles the gang’s dirty work, while Jo Han Chul appears as Choi Sung Cheol, Joo Woon’s right-hand man—both delivering gritty, scene-stealing performances.

Adding to the intrigue is Cha Seung Won as Cha Young Do, a mysterious figure unaffiliated with either gang, and Lee Jun Hyuk as Ki Seok, Ki Jun’s younger brother whose death sets the entire revenge plot in motion.

Together, this ensemble delivers a hard-hitting performance that drives the series’ emotional and dramatic core.

2. An Unpredictable Plot

“Mercy for None” is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name, which gained a loyal fanbase and was praised as one of the most well-crafted noir webtoons to date. While the series stays faithful to the webtoon’s worldbuilding and core storyline, director Choi Sung Eun adds a fresh layer by enhancing the characters’ arcs and personalities.

“The story centers on Ki Jun’s revenge,” the director shared, “but I wanted every character to have their own motivations and backstories. Discovering the conflicts, desires, and emotional layers of the characters surrounding Ki Jun will be one of the key viewing points.”

3. Hard-Hitting Noir Action

Along with these key viewing points, Netflix has also released a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s action sequences, including bare-knuckle brawls of So Ji Sub and Lee Jun Hyuk, along with intense scenes in locations like underground hideouts and parking garages.

At the heart of the action is Ki Jun’s emotionally charged journey—returning to the world he left behind with no room for compromise or regret. So Ji Sub brings that intensity to life, focusing on raw emotion over flashy choreography to express Ki Jun’s grief and rage.

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.

Watch the video below!