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
Netflix’s Korean offerings have been incredible and have captured the attention of not just the East Asian country but also a global audience. Shows like Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead thrived internationally while the K-Drama boom has still not subsided. Now, the streamer is coming out with an action thriller named Mercy for None.
Starring So Ji-sub, the actor and hip-hop artist known for his roles in Doctor Lawyer, Always, and A Company Man, the upcoming Netflix series is a John Wick-inspired action thriller. The series sees So Ji-sub play a former gangster who returns to the criminal enterprise he left after the death of his younger brother.
Ji-sub’s performance has been positively described by several early reviews of the show. The actor’s performance as a sad yet vengeful ex-gangster going crazy over his enemies has gained a lot of appreciation. His ruthless fighting against hordes of gang members was compared to Michael Myers of Halloween and Oldboy (via Collider).
Another common praise that Mercy for None is receiving is that it does not take the John Wick style as it is, and builds on it. The prospect of a lone man fighting multiple gangsters was popularized by Keanu Reeves’ action franchise, but the lack of gun fu and prominence for hand-to-hand combat in Mercy for None was appreciated.
Mercy for None director appreciated So Ji-sub for being the perfect actor to embody the part
The trailer for Netflix’s Mercy for None sees So Ji-sub take on multiple criminal organizations and their deranged bosses as he tries to find his brother’s killer. Ji-sub’s Nam Ki-jun is a sad and vulnerable, yet dangerous man who has to navigate his grief while avenging his brother. It is a complex emotion that only gifted actors portray well.
Based on the manga of the same name, Mercy for None’s director Choi Sung Eun mentioned that he was worried about who would be able to pull off the main character, but appreciated So Ji-sub for performing accurately to the manga. He said (via All K Pop),
Especially, So Ji-sub was the casting choice most desired by fans of the original work. I’m glad he accepted the role. Personally, I was very curious about how So Ji Sub would portray Nam Ki Joon’s expressions and emotions. The other actors were also the best possible casting choices. As a director, having such talented ‘ingredients’ allowed me great creative freedom in making the show.
While most reviews commended the action and So Ji-sub’s performance, they criticized the writing as weak and lacking in character development.
Mercy for None is now available to stream on Netflix (USA).
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