"I Will Have No Mercy" tops Netflix worldwide and steals the spotlight

The Korean drama Mercy for None, starring So Ji-sub, achieved remarkable success after topping the list of the top 10 non-English-language series on Netflix on June 18.

The series "I Will Have No Mercy" achieves widespread international success.

The series has received widespread acclaim worldwide, thanks to its powerful plot that combines action and drama within a suspenseful, dark setting, making it one of the most prominent new Korean works to captivate viewers.

Record numbers and global interaction

In its second week alone, the series garnered over 7.6 million views and entered the top 10 global series charts in 75 countries, including France, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. It also topped viewership charts in nine different countries, reflecting its overwhelming popularity both domestically and internationally. Audiences and critics praised So Ji-sub's outstanding performance, particularly his portrayal of Nam Ki-joon, with his emotional depth and impressive inner strength, set in a world engulfed in crime and revenge.

Audience reactions and praise for the direction

Viewers' opinions varied between those who considered the work a visual masterpiece in terms of cinematography, especially in the night scenes, and those who likened it to a James Bond film in terms of quality and direction. One wrote: “If it were up to me, I would hand over all the directing awards to a director who will spare no one… the lighting, the angles, everything is perfect.” Another commented: “The drama, the action, the loyalty, and even the karma in the events were all 10/10.” Many of the comments agreed that the work brought back a sense of nostalgia for old-school action dramas, thanks to its focus on plot details, imagery, and high-quality acting.

A dark story of revenge and conflict.

The series tells the story of Nam Ki-joon, a former member of the Bongsan criminal gang, who decides to leave the world of crime after his younger brother joins a rival gang known as Joo-won. As a final sign of his decision, he cuts his tendon to ensure he never returns. However, he is forced to return 11 years later when his brother is mysteriously killed. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, Gi-joon returns to the underworld, beginning a journey of violence and revelations, amidst bloody conflicts and shifting power balances.

The show's cast and its release on Netflix

The series stars an elite Korean cast alongside So Ji-sub, including Heo Joon-ho, Lee Beom-soo, Jung Myung, Choi Won-young, and Song Won-cha, and is directed by Choi Sung-eun. The series consists of only seven episodes and is currently available on Netflix, making it an ideal choice for fans of short, intense series.