Top Star Returns After 13 Years — This 19+ K-Drama Is Already No.1 Before Premiere

Even before its official release, the upcoming Netflix original series Mercy for None (Korean title: Gwangjang) is dominating the charts.

According to Consumer Insight’s OTT K-Original Content Viewer Evaluation Report for the third week of May 2025, the series recorded a 25% awareness rate and a 16% viewing intention rate—ranking No.1 among unreleased titles.

Mercy for None follows Gi-jun (played by So Ji-sub), a former gang member who returns to his old organization after the mysterious death of his younger brother Gi-seok (played by Lee Jun-hyuk). What unfolds is a noir-style revenge thriller, packed with high-stakes action and dark secrets. The drama is based on a popular Naver webtoon.

This marks So Ji-sub’s long-awaited return to action after 13 years since A Company Man. The preview video released back in February has already garnered over 1.38 million views, while the official teaser, dropped on May 9, has surpassed 860,000 views. Due to its intense violence and graphic action scenes, the series has received a 19+ rating in Korea.

The world of Mercy for None is divided between two rival factions: Juwon and Bongsan. Recently released stills highlight the Juwon organization, beginning with a striking image of Juwon boss Lee Juwon (played by Huh Joon-ho) mourning at Gi-seok’s funeral. A father figure to the Gi-jun brothers, Juwon had once considered Gi-seok his successor, and his grief hints at complex decisions to come.

Veteran actor Huh Joon-ho, known for roles in Kingdom, Bloodhounds, and Escape from Mogadishu, is set to deliver another powerful performance as the layered, charismatic leader. His son, Lee Geum-son (played by Chu Young-woo), is a prosecutor who has distanced himself from the organization, pursuing a life of law over legacy. Chu brings cool ambition to the role of Geum-son, a character caught between blood ties and personal values.

Choi Sung-chul (played by Jo Han-chul) is Juwon’s right-hand man and the organization’s true strategist. As Gi-jun returns and tension rises, Sung-chul works behind the scenes to stabilize the group, taking on most of the operational risk. Jo Han-chul, known for his versatile performances in JeonRan, and Gyeongseong Creature, adds gravity as the figure quietly driving the narrative.

Meanwhile, Nam Gi-seok (played by Lee Jun-hyuk) was the one who transformed the gang into a corporate-style enterprise after Gi-jun’s departure. As Juwon’s de facto second-in-command, his unexpected and brutal death sparks the entire chain of events. Lee, praised for his nuanced performances in Love Scout, commands attention once again with quiet intensity and deep emotion.

Mercy for None will premiere globally on Netflix on June 6. With top-tier actors, dark storytelling, and intense action, this series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated K-thrillers of the year.

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