Crazy obsession looks good on So Ji Sub as he plays a brooding, merciless thug in the new webtoon turned Netflix series Mercy For None. A violent K-drama that takes the action to a whole new level.
The series revolves around a retired gang organization member who found his way out when his younger brother seemingly couldn’t. After an unexpected visit from his brother, Nam Gi Seok (Lee Jun Hyuk), Nam Ki Jun (So Ji Sub) convinces him to go through with quitting the gang, but feels something is amiss. Nam Ki Jun soon discovers that Nam Gi Seok was murdered and the story of how he died doesn’t sit right with him. In a bloodbath-filled pursuit, Nam Ki Jun seeks revenge and quite literally doesn’t stop until everyone he trusts, hates, and even cares for is killed.
Don’t let the slow pace of episode one fool you – seemingly a typical exaggerated gangster thriller, the series accelerates to the intense plot points and will keep you glued to the screen. Each episode introduced some new on-screen threat and the little details viewers hyper-focused on before evolved into a new, bigger picture. From merciless gang leaders like Koo Bong San and Lee Joo Woon to petty conceited power-hungry brats Koo Jun Mo (Gong Myung) and Lee Keum Soo (Choo Young Woo), the casting was phenomenal.
Each role was excellent, even if some characters had shorter screen time than others. All well-written and posing some sort of threat to Nam Ki Jun, Koo Jun Mo felt like the main villain you loved to hate and inevitably stole the show. In the end, Cha Seung Won, who played the manipulative weakling Cha Yeong Do, is an unexpectedly cunning mastermind, playing chess among the organizations as he sat comfortably in his police position. Not only was he manipulating Korea’s justice system and abusing his powers, but Cha Seung Won also betrayed the gang leaders and broke the rules by stirring up misunderstandings and controversies from the sidelines. His deviant character and smug attitude established a buildup of complex emotions that are satisfyingly purged when Nam Ki Jun has his final showdown with him.
Although the scoring was simple, it was impactful when needed. Solemn moments felt deep and action-packed scenes more riveting. Comparatively, the first two episodes’ fights felt unfair. Weak Hero Class felt more realistic as even the main character would take a punch and didn’t seem like an unstoppable force. Yet, there is something attractive about Nam Ki Jun kicking butt and going unscathed. As the show progressed, Nam Ki Jun undergoes plenty of beatings of his own, but giving up was never an option and he makes it clear with every person he takes out. Well-choreographed fights that utilized both martial arts and weaponry dazzled and pleased viewers every time. However, some slash-thriller scenes are slightly gory and will definitely make some viewers squint and cringe from the second-hand pain.
The story is cruel and barbaric, but underneath it all, the plot provokes questions. Just how corrupt can a “perfect society” be? Are politicians, the police force and leaders truly operating as they please? Is Korea’s power-hungry society and wealthy dominance a bigger threat than we believed? The show is thrilling for both the mind and the eyes, despite the crystal clear plot and lack of mystery.
In the end, Mercy For None is an exceptional drama. So Ji Sub shed his classic handsome K-drama star image to become a ruthless killer. His stoic demeanor and powerful acting made him chilling to watch. Albeit the series is short and Nam Ki Jun got his happy ending in a twisted way, the series is a worthy binge. If you’re a fan of action and craving a show that goes over the edge, Mercy For None will have you praying for a season two. (8.5/10)
