Noticias

Netflix’s new K‑drama Mercy for None debuted globally on June 6, 2025. Written by Yoo Ki‑seong and directed by Choi Sung‑eun, it stars So Ji‑sub as Nam Gi‑jun, a former gangster returning to Seoul’s criminal underworld to avenge his younger brother’s death. With a thriller-meets-noir tone and built on a fan-favorite webtoon, the series has quickly become a hot topic among viewers and critics. This article explores Mercy for None’s (2025) premise, cast, filming, and what makes it stand out.

About the Series:

Mercy for None (2025) is a seven-episode action-noir drama (40–50 min each) based on the popular webtoon Plaza Wars: Mercy for None, written by Oh Se-hyung and illustrated by Kim Gyun-tae. The show adapts its layered revenge story and brutal gangland politics directly from the source material, staying close to its themes of loyalty, power, and betrayal. Fans of the webtoon will recognize key plot turns...

A man leaves a world of violence, severing his own Achilles tendon as a permanent declaration of his exit. For eleven years, Nam Gi-jun lives a life of peace. That peace is shattered when his younger brother is murdered, pulling the legendary gangster back into the grim, neon-soaked underworld of rival gangs he fought to escape.

His return is not a negotiation; it is a reckoning. Gi-jun’s quiet retirement is over, and his quest for answers sets him on a violent collision course with the city’s most powerful and dangerous figures. The promise he made to himself is now secondary to the promise of retribution for his brother.

The Stoic Juggernaut

So Ji-sub’s performance as Nam Gi-jun is a study in physical expression. He is a man of few words, whose profound sadness and simmering rage are communicated through the weight of his posture and the brutal efficiency of his actions.

Korean star So Ji-sub returns with another incredible series after headlining shows like Doctor Lawyer, Phantom, My Secret Terrius, and more. He will star as the lead in Netflix’s upcoming series Mercy for None. The series is a John Wick-esque action thriller, which sees Ji-sub play an ex-criminal who gets back into the underworld after a tragedy.

Early reviews have praised the show for building on the style that was first originated by Keanu Reeves’ John Wick and standing out amidst the countless copycats of the action franchise. So Ji-sub’s performance and the action choreography have been termed as the highlight, with some even comparing it to Oldboy and Halloween.

So Ji-sub shines in the John Wick-inspired Netflix series Mercy for None So Ji-sub in Mercy for None | Credits: Netflix

Netflix’s Korean offerings have been incredible and have captured the attention of not just the...

Eleven years after going into hiding, an ex-gangster returns to Seoul’s criminal to find out the truth about his brother’s death — and get revenge. His weapon of choice? A baseball bat. Based on a webtoon, the action K-drama Mercy for None stars So Ji-sub, Huh Joon-ho, Gong Myoung, andAn Kil-kang. It was directed by Choi Sung-eun (Little Sister). Read on to find out everything else you need to know about the series.

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In Seoul, two powerful organizations run the city’s criminal underworld: Bongsan Group and Juwoon Group. Juwoon’s leader, Lee Ju-woon (Huh), has just named his successor: senior managing director Nam Gi-seok (Lee Jun-hyuk). Upon hearing the news, an empowered Gi-seok pays a visit to Bongsan managing director Gu Jun-mo (Gong), the good-for-nothing son of the group’s CEO, Gu Bong-san (An). Jun-mo’s...

Netflix has revealed its 2025 slate of Korean films and television series, with the streamer cranking up the production of K-content to feed insatiable global demand.

In the scripted sphere, Netflix will debut a whopping 21 series in 2025. Of course, the crown jewel is the third and final season of Squid Game, that launches on June 27. Other highlights include the lavish period drama Dear Hongrang; the pulsating medical drama The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call; the Hospital Playlist spinoff Resident Playbook; the 80s set comedy Aema; and the action thriller Trigger.

Netflix Korea has quickly established itself as a leader in unscripted television and 2025 will see eight shows either debut or return to the streamer. Culinary Class Wars returns for its second season after breaking out and finding a worldwide audience, also Physical: 100 returns and expands into an international competition series with Physical: Asia. There are also new seasons of Single’s Inferno,...

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Vigilante is a South Korean action crime thriller drama series created by Moon Yoo-seok. Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Kim Gyu-sam, the Disney+ series follows Kim Ji-yong, a student at the police academy whose mother was killed by a criminal in his childhood. Now he secretly goes out at night as a vigilante to kill criminals. Vigilante stars Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Joon-hyuk, and Kim So-jin. So, if you loved the bloody action, intensely thrilling story, and compelling characters in Vigilante here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Killing Vote (Prime Video) Credit – Sbs

The Killing Vote is a South Korean legal crime drama series directed by Park Shin-woo from a screenplay by Jo Yoon-young. Based on Kakao Webtoon National Death Penalty Vote by Uhm Se-yoon and Jung Yi-pum,...

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Doubt is a South Korean psychological crime thriller drama series directed by Song Yeon-hwa from a screenplay by Han Ah-young. The Mbc TV series follows Korea’s best criminal profiler who faces a dilemma after he discovers that his daughter might be connected to a murder case. Doubt stars Han Suk-kyu and Chae Won-bin in the lead roles with Han Ye-ri, Oh Yeon-soo, Noh Jae-won, Yoon Kyung-ho, Kim Jeong-jin, Yoo Eui-tae, Lee Shin-ki, and Han Su-a starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the intensely thrilling story, complex arcs, and compelling characters in Doubt here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Defending Jacob (Apple TV+) Credit – Apple TV+

Defending Jacob is a crime thriller drama miniseries created by Mark Bomback. Based on the 2012 novel of the same name by author William Landay, the Apple...

The Frog is a South Korean psychological mystery crime thriller series written by Son Ho-young. The Netflix series tells its story in two different periods of time, the first one is of Gu Sang-jun, a middle-aged man running a motel in the countryside in the year 2000, and the second one is of Jeon Young-ha, the owner of a pension house in the forest in 2021 as both of them face unexpected incidents after a mysterious guest arrives. The Frog stars Kim Yoon-seok, Yoon Kye-sang, Go Min-si, Lee Jung-eun, and Ha Yoon-Kyung in the main roles. So, if you loved the thrilling story, complex and dark characters, and surprising twists in The Frog here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Hell Is Other People (Pluto TV)

Hell Is Other People is a psychological thriller series written by Jung Yi-do. Based on the Naver webtoon series of the same name by Kim Yong-ki,...

“My Name is Loh Kiwan” is adapted from the homonymous book by Cho Hae-jin, which won the 2013 31th Sin Dong-yup (Korean poet) Prize for Literature. After its release on Netflix this month, the movie topped their global weekly chart for non-English movies between March 4-10, after racking in over 5 million views and making a mark in 31 countries like Peru, Portugal, Turkey and Malaysia.

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The film is about the plight of Loh Kiwan, a North Korean defector who flees to China with his mother. While there, he becomes a fugitive due to an incident and soon the police come knocking at his door. During the chase that follows, he manages to get away but his mother is not that lucky and tragically killed. This eventually prompts him to defect again and this time to Belgium for another fresh start.

But...

My Name is Loh Kiwan boasts a small but powerful cast, with star performances that draw viewers in. Based on a book by Cho Haejin, the film tells a realistic yet poignant story that leaves a lasting impact. The diverse characters, brought to life by talented actors, set the stage for My Name is Loh Kiwan to become a standout K-drama.

Netflix's My Name is Loh Kiwan has a relatively small cast, but there is more than enough star power to go around. My Name is Loh Kiwan is based on the book by Cho Haejin, and it offers a very realistic yet deeply sad story. By the ending of My Name is Loh Kiwan, viewers will find themselves invested in many of its characters. While the story itself goes a long way in making its characters compelling, the actors themselves and their skills are the main driving force.

Loh Kiwan and Lee Marie find happiness together, overcoming their struggles and past traumas in a heartwarming ending. The film delves into the harsh reality faced by refugees and houseless individuals, shedding light on the challenges they endure. My Name is Loh Kiwan highlights the importance of perseverance and never giving up on life, even in the face of immense hardships.

Netflix's K-drama My Name Is Loh Kiwan can be brutally tragic, but it luckily makes up for all its heartbreak with a much lighter ending. My Name is Loh Kiwan is not based on a true story, though its plot and characters are quite realistic. The film follows Loh Kiwan, a North Korean defector, as he adjusts to life as a houseless person in Belgium and awaits his official refugee status. The movie stars Song Joong-ki as Loh Kiwan and Choi Sung-eun as Lee Marie, a mismatched, down...

Warning: Minor spoilers for My Name is Loh Kiwan.

My Name is Loh Kiwan is not based on a true story but a fictional narrative from a short novel. Both Director Kim Hee-jin and the novel's author likely drew some inspiration from real-life stories of immigrants to add depth to the character's experiences. The movie is based on a book called I Met Loh Kiwan, told from the perspective of TV host Kim as they investigate Loh's story.

My Name is Loh Kiwan tells the story of a North Korean defector as he tries to build a new life in China and then Belgium, raising the question of whether the Netflix Korean movie is based on a true story. My Name is Loh Kiwan marks the directorial debut of Kim Hee-jin and stars Song Joong-ki (Vincenzo) as the titular character, Choi Sung-eun (The Sound of Magic) as co-lead character Lee Marie,...

The long road to escaping North Korea is marked with peril — threats of death and deportation, living as a refugee, finding oneself without a home. In My Name Is Loh Kiwan,a defector is desperate for survival when he meets a former professional athlete who’s lost her will to live. The drama film delves into the pair’s unlikely bond amidst near-impossible challenges. Kim Hee-jin’s feature directorial debut stars Song Joong-ki, Choi Sung-eun, and Cho Han-cheul.

Stream it now.

Check it out at the top of this page.

Thirtysomething Kiwan (Song) defected from North Korea in 2019 with his mother. They make it to China, where defectors are harshly criminalized. When the police come looking for Kiwan, he ends up being brutally separated from his mother. Eventually, Kiwan escapes China and ends up in Brussels — a place wholly unfamiliar to him — where he becomes homeless and struggles to stay...

Me llamo Loh Kiwan es una película escrita y dirigida por Kim Hee-jin y protagonizada por Song Joong-ki y Choi Sung-eun. Está basada en la novela de Hae Ji Cho.

¿Os apetece una película llena de romanticismo con una historia personal dramática a más no poder? “Me llamo Loh Kiwan” viene a cumplir vuestros más lacrimógenos sueños con esta historia cursi, lacrimógena y llena, llenísima de romanticismo.

La historia de un inmigrante norcoreano que, tras perder a su familia y ya como inmigrante en Bélgica, encuentra el amor… y un nuevo drama.

Una película que transita entre la tragedia de la inmigración, la crisis política y romance trágico. ¿Queríais algo alegre? Pues no.

Eso sí, si os van los dramas, estáis de enhorabuena.

Sobre la película

Una película que deja claras sus intenciones en cada secuencia: todas las situaciones están deliberadamente expuestas para producir acumulación de sentimientos a la manera trágica.

My Name Is Loh Kiwan is a movie written and directed by Kim Hee-jin starring Song Joong-ki and Choi Sung-eun. It is based on the novel by Hae Ji Cho.

Are you in the mood for a movie full of romance with a personal and dramatic story? “My Name Is Loh Kiwan” is here to fulfill your most tearful dreams with this cheesy, tear-jerking and extremely romantic story. It tells the story of a North Korean immigrant who, after losing his family and becoming an immigrant in Belgium, finds love… and a new drama. The film touches upon the tragedies of immigration, political crisis, and tragic romance. Were you looking for something cheerful? Well, this is not it. But if you’re into dramas, then you’re in luck.

About the movie

Each scene in the film is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of tragedy and emotion. From the...

My Name Is Loh Kiwan is a movie written and directed by Kim Hee-jin starring Song Joong-ki and Choi Sung-eun. It is based on the novel by Hae Ji Cho.

Are you in the mood for a movie full of romance with a personal and dramatic story? “My Name Is Loh Kiwan” is here to fulfill your most tearful dreams with this cheesy, tear-jerking and extremely romantic story. It tells the story of a North Korean immigrant who, after losing his family and becoming an immigrant in Belgium, finds love… and a new drama. The film touches upon the tragedies of immigration, political crisis, and tragic romance. Were you looking for something cheerful? Well, this is not it. But if you’re into dramas, then you’re in luck.

About the movie

Each scene in the film is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of tragedy and emotion. From the...

As March quickly approaches, Netflix has a solid selection of original movies headed to the platform next month. The streaming service is known for making quality originals, and the offerings set for release in the coming weeks are no exception. As such, viewers should be excited. With a range of genres in the mix, there’s something for every Netflix subscriber.

Fans of science fiction films, as well as Adam Sandler, will most definitely want to check out his latest offering on the platform. However, for those who enjoy Korean dramas, the streaming service has you covered with a title that should certainly be added to your watchlist. Fantasy lovers will not want to miss Millie Bobby Brown fighting a dragon in her newest movie, while lovers of romantic comedies will enjoy Lindsay Lohan searching and hopefully finding her soulmate. Finally, every viewer will undoubtedly be inspired by Regina King...

Apart from a couple cameos in “Hostage: Missing Celebrity” and “Hunt”, actor Ju Ji-hoon has mostly been absent from the big screen since “Dark Figure of Crime” in 2018. That is finally set to change as he is due to star alongside Park Sung-woong in director Kim Kyeong-won’s upcoming “Gentleman”.

Synopsis

Hyeon-soo, a CEO of a private detective agency, visits a pension with a client asking for her dog. While waiting outside of pension, he is falsely accused of kidnapping the client. During the arrest Hyeon-soo, a serious car accident occurs and people misunderstand Hyeon-soo as a prosecutor instead of a suspect. To find the real criminal, Hyeon-soo pretends to be a prosecutor. Hwa-jin, an elite prosecutor but demoted to the provinces while trying to catch a law firm conglomerate Do-hoon, meets Hyeon-soo. Hwa-jin finds out this case is related to Do-hoon, and she begins cooperating with Hyeon-soo. While cooperating,...

Ji Hyun-Soo (Ju Ji-Hoon), the owner of a private detective agency, is hired to find a pet dog. While visiting the vacation home of his client, Hyun-Soo is attacked and hit over the head. When he wakes up, his client is gone, and he is accused of kidnapping them. During his time in police custody, Hyun-Soo gets involved in a car accident and is somehow mistaken for a prosecutor. This leads him to meet Prosecutor Kim Hwa-Jin (Choi Sung-Eun), and the pair soon figure out that the CEO of a major law firm is behind the disappearance...

An inspired and resolute debut for Korean Director Namkoong Sun, “Ten Months” illustrates the disproportionate burdens that an unwanted pregnancy lays on women, and the lack of options affecting the lives involved in it. So far “Ten Months” has earned 2 nominations at the Hawaii International Film Festival 2021 and the New York Asian Film Festival 2021.

“Ten Months” is screening as part of Women Direct. Korean Indies! – Korean Women Independent Film Series at the Hong Kong Arts Centre

In a sweltering hot Korean summer, 29-yer-old Mi-rae (Choi Sung-eun) is looking for reasons for her sickness. A never-ending hangover? Acid reflux? Liver problems? The bewildered pharmacist is surprised Mi-rae cannot see the obvious: she must be pregnant. It takes her 15 pregnancy tests to understand that “might” be the case, although she cannot fathom how it could have possibly happened. Denial is still strongly in place, even when Doctor Ong Joong (Baek Hyun-jin) shows...