In a pulse-pounding glimpse into a world spiraling into chaos, Netflix has unveiled the first teaser for its highly anticipated South Korean action-thriller series, Trigger, set to premiere on July 25, 2025. The electrifying preview, released today, showcases a fierce showdown between two formidable leads, Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, as they navigate a nation suddenly flooded with illegal firearms.
The teaser opens with a stark portrayal of South Korea, a country historically known for its stringent gun control—boasting only about 0.1 guns per 100 people compared to the U.S.'s 120.5—now grappling with an unprecedented surge in gun-related crimes. Against this backdrop, Kim Nam-gil’s character, Lee Do, a former military sniper turned resolute police officer, emerges as a beacon of justice. His steely determination to curb the rising tide of violence is palpable as he expertly wields his firearm, showcasing precision honed by years of training. In contrast, Kim Young-kwang’s Oh Jin-woo, a cunning arms broker, exudes a charismatic yet menacing presence, thriving in the chaos that the influx of weapons has unleashed. The teaser’s rapid cuts of gunfire, tense standoffs, and urban unrest hint at a cat-and-mouse game that will keep viewers on edge.
Directed by Kwon Oh-seung and written by Park Jung-woo, this 10-episode series promises a high-stakes narrative brimming with intense action, moral dilemmas, and complex characters. Accompanying the teaser is a striking new poster, featuring Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang staring intensely at a box filled with firearms, with the tagline "Firearms are flooding into a gun-free country," hinting at the series' central conflict.
Supporting the lead duo is a talented ensemble cast, including Woo Ji-hyun as Cha Eun-joo, a tenacious prosecutor driven by her pursuit of truth, and Kim Won-hae as Park Hong-il, a seasoned detective whose loyalty is tested in the face of mounting corruption. Their performances, teased in fleeting yet impactful moments, suggest layered dynamics that will deepen the series’ emotional and narrative complexity. The production’s cinematic quality, evident in the teaser’s sleek visuals and heart-pounding score, underscores Netflix’s commitment to delivering a premium viewing experience. The new poster, shared via Netflix Korea’s X account, amplifies the tension with its vivid imagery, reinforcing the series’ bold premise.
What is Trigger about?
Trigger dives into a chilling “what-if” scenario: a South Korea where guns, once virtually absent, become ubiquitous due to an influx of illegal firearms from unknown sources. The series follows Lee Do, a principled police officer with a military background, as he spearheads efforts to dismantle the networks fueling the crisis. His investigation pits him against Oh Jin-woo, a shrewd arms dealer whose motives blur the line between opportunism and ideology. As the two men clash, the series explores themes of justice, morality, and the societal impact of unchecked violence. With each episode, Trigger promises to unravel the mystery behind the weapons’ origins while delving into the personal stakes driving its characters.
The narrative is grounded in a richly detailed world where law enforcement, prosecutors, and criminals navigate a landscape altered by fear and power. Lee Do’s sniper skills and unyielding sense of duty contrast sharply with Oh Jin-woo’s manipulative charm, setting the stage for a psychological and physical battle. The inclusion of characters like Cha Eun-joo and Park Hong-il adds further intrigue, as their investigations reveal corruption and conspiracies that threaten to destabilize the nation. With its blend of action-packed sequences and thought-provoking drama, Trigger aims to captivate audiences while shedding light on the fragility of societal order.
As Netflix continues to expand its slate of Korean content, Trigger stands out as a bold addition to the genre, following in the footsteps of global hits like Squid Game and Mercy for None. The series’ July 25 release date positions it as a highlight of Netflix’s summer lineup, alongside titles like Happy Gilmore 2 and Untamed. The teaser release today coincides with growing global discussions on gun violence, including recent U.N. reports highlighting a 20% rise in firearm-related incidents worldwide since 2019, adding timely relevance to the series’ narrative. With its gripping premise, stellar cast, and polished production, Trigger is poised to be a binge-worthy spectacle that will resonate with viewers worldwide.
For those eager to witness Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang’s explosive face-off, Trigger promises an unforgettable journey into a South Korea on the brink. Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025, when this action-packed thriller lands on Netflix, ready to pull the trigger on a new era of Korean drama.
