Netflix has released the first trailer for the highly anticipated Korean action-crime series Mercy for None, showcasing So Ji-sub in a relentless quest for justice. The gripping teaser promises a gritty, high-stakes narrative set in the unforgiving underworld of Busan’s criminal landscape.
Directed by Choi Won-suk and penned by Lee Soo-yeon, Mercy for None follows Baek Joong-do (So Ji-sub), a former gang member turned butcher, whose quiet life is shattered when his friend Kang Tae-ho (Lee Jun-hyuk) is brutally murdered. The trailer reveals Joong-do’s transformation as he takes up arms to avenge Tae-ho’s death, navigating a web of betrayal and violence. The series, based on the acclaimed webtoon Underworld by Lee Won-sik and Kim Hyung-min, blends intense action with emotional depth, highlighting Joong-do’s struggle against his former allies.
Joining So Ji-sub is a stellar ensemble cast, including Ahn Kil-kang as Son Kyung-tae, a cunning gang leader, and Lee Bum-soo as Yoon Hyung-gil, a ruthless crime boss. Rising stars Park Si-wan and Heo Jun-ho also feature, adding fresh dynamics to the series’ intricate power struggles. The trailer, packed with visceral fight sequences and dramatic confrontations, has already sparked buzz for its cinematic quality and So Ji-sub’s commanding performance.
Netflix also released a teaser visual for Mercy for None, which perfectly captures its dark tone, featuring a gritty aesthetic. So Ji-sub stands prominently in a suit, exuding intensity, with blood splattered on the ground, hinting at violent conflict. The background shows a concrete wall with the Korean word "광장" (Gwangjang, meaning "plaza") scrawled in white, tying to the show' title and setting.
Several figures are slumped against the wall, suggesting a recent fight or ambush, adding to the tension. The poster also confirms its release date: June 6, 2025. The overall composition mirrors the webtoon Underworld’s raw energy, which the series adapts, focusing on revenge in Busan’s criminal underworld.
So Ji-sub’s Storied Career in Korean Entertainment
So Ji-sub, a household name in South Korea, brings a wealth of experience to his role in Mercy for None. Renowned for his versatility, he has captivated audiences across genres in both film and television. He first gained widespread recognition with the romantic drama I’m Sorry, I Love You (2004), where his portrayal of a tragic, emotionally complex character earned critical acclaim. So Ji-sub solidified his status as a leading man in the action-packed Cain and Abel (2009), showcasing his ability to balance intensity and vulnerability.
On the big screen, So Ji-sub has delivered memorable performances in films like Rough Cut (2008), where he played a gangster-turned-actor, earning praise for his raw, nuanced acting. His role in the historical epic The Battleship Island (2017) further demonstrated his range, portraying a charismatic band leader amidst a harrowing wartime narrative. More recently, he starred in the sci-fi thriller Alienoid (2022), proving his adaptability in high-concept projects. With Mercy for None, So Ji-sub returns to the gritty, action-driven roles that have defined much of his career, promising another compelling performance.
Mercy for None is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Netflix on June 6, 2025. Fans of Korean crime dramas and So Ji-sub’s intense, brooding roles are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a standout addition to the genre.
Source: Netflix
