Mercy for None kdrama review

K-Drama Review: Mercy for None – A Brutal Tale of Brotherhood and Betrayal

Netflix’s Mercy for None (literal title: Plaza) delivers an intense, action-packed crime drama that plunges viewers into the dark and violent world of gang rivalries.

Led by So Ji-Sub in a gripping role, the series explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the cost of escaping one’s past.

Profile of Mercy for None

  • Title: Mercy for None (Plaza)
  • Director: Choi Sung-Eun
  • Writers: Oh Se-Hyeong (webcomic), Kim Kyun-Tae (webcomic), Yoo Ki-Sung
  • Network: Netflix
  • Episodes: TBA
  • Release Date: 2025
  • Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller
  • Language: Korean

Plot: Mercy for None

Nam Gi-Jun (So Ji-Sub) was once a notorious member of the Bongsan Gang, rising to power under the leadership of Gu Bong-San (Ahn Kil-Kang). After years of brutal turf wars, he abandoned that life to protect his younger brother, Nam Gi-Seok (Lee Jun-Hyuk), who had aligned himself with the rival Joowoon Gang. To sever ties completely, Gi-Jun inflicted a permanent injury on himself, leaving behind the world of violence.

Eleven years later, he lives a quiet life, working in the legitimate businesses connected to his former gang. But his peace is shattered when Nam Gi-Seok—now a high-ranking Joowoon Gang member—is suddenly killed. Determined to uncover the truth, Gi-Jun is forced to return to the underworld, facing old enemies and a city filled with betrayals.

Main Cast

  • So Ji-Sub as Nam Gi-Jun – A former gangster seeking vengeance for his brother’s mysterious death.
  • Heo Jun-Ho as Lee Joo-Woon – The ruthless leader of the Joowoon Gang.
  • Ahn Kil-Kang as Gu Bong-San – The powerful head of the Bongsan Gang.
  • Lee Beom-Soo as Sim Sung-Won – A cunning strategist with shifting loyalties.
  • Gong Myung as Joon-Mo – A young man caught in the middle of the gang war.
  • Choo Yeong-Woo as Geum-Son – A rising gangster with his own ambitions.
  • Jo Han-Chul as Sung-Cheol – A key figure who holds crucial secrets.
  • Cha Seung-Won as Teacher Kim – A mentor-like figure with hidden motives.
  • Lee Jun-Hyuk as Nam Gi-Seok – The younger brother whose death sparks the war.

Who Should Watch Mercy for None?

  • Fans of gritty, action-heavy crime dramas like My Name, A Model Family, or Narco-Saints.
  • Viewers who love stories about revenge, loyalty, and complex power struggles.
  • Those looking for a character-driven thriller with intense fight sequences and emotional depth.

Why You Should Watch Mercy for None

  • So Ji-Sub’s commanding performance: He brings both raw intensity and deep emotional layers to Nam Gi-Jun’s journey.
  • Intriguing gang dynamics: The battle between the Bongsan and Joowoon gangs creates a high-stakes world full of deception.
  • Brutal and realistic action: Expect well-choreographed fight scenes and suspenseful confrontations.
  • A gripping revenge plot: The mystery behind Nam Gi-Seok’s death keeps the tension high.

Final Verdict

Mercy for None is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of noir-style crime dramas. With a powerful lead performance, thrilling action sequences, and a story driven by revenge and redemption, this Netflix series is set to be one of the most intense K-dramas of 2025.

If you love hard-hitting thrillers with morally complex characters, Mercy for None should be on your watchlist.