Netflix’s ‘Mercy for None (Gwangjang)’ Episode 1: Brutal Noir, Family Tragedy, and Korean Fandom Reactions

A New Era for Korean Noir: The Arrival of ‘Gwangjang’

Did you know? On June 6, 2025, Netflix dropped all eight episodes of ‘Gwangjang’ (Mercy for None), instantly igniting buzz among K-drama fans worldwide. The drama is based on the acclaimed Naver webtoon by Oh Se-hyung and Kim Kyun-tae, famous for its brutal depiction of the Korean underworld and the tragic story of two brothers. The first episode wastes no time, plunging viewers into a world of violence, betrayal, and revenge. The show’s gritty cinematography and relentless pacing set a new standard for Korean noir, reminiscent of classics like ‘New World’ and ‘The Outlaws’.

Episode 1 Recap: Blood, Betrayal, and the Return of a Legend

The premiere opens with Nam Gi-jun (played by So Ji-sub), a legendary fighter who once ruled the streets, now living a quiet life after severing ties with his criminal past. But tragedy strikes: his younger brother, Nam Ki-seok (Lee Jun-hyuk), the second-in-command of the ‘Juun’ syndicate, is murdered under mysterious circumstances. Gi-jun is pulled back into the world he tried to escape, determined to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death. The episode masterfully balances explosive action sequences—like the infamous ‘plaza fight’—with emotional flashbacks that reveal the brothers’ complex relationship. Fans praised the choreography and the raw, physical acting, especially So Ji-sub’s stoic, haunted performance.

Webtoon Roots: Faithful Adaptation or Missed Opportunity?

Here’s something international fans might not know: ‘Gwangjang’ is adapted from a webtoon that’s considered a cult classic in Korea’s digital comics scene. The original webtoon was lauded for its concise storytelling and intense, realistic action. However, many Korean netizens and bloggers have pointed out that the drama takes significant liberties with the source material. For example, the iconic ‘plaza duel’—a symbolic showdown in the webtoon—is only briefly referenced in Episode 1 before the narrative shifts focus. Some viewers feel the adaptation sacrifices the webtoon’s unique flavor for a more conventional revenge plot, sparking heated debates on platforms like Naver and Daum.

Stellar Cast: Veteran Actors and Rising Stars

The casting of ‘Gwangjang’ is a major talking point. So Ji-sub’s comeback to noir after years away from the genre is a highlight, but he’s not alone. He’s joined by Heo Jun-ho (as syndicate boss Lee Joo-woon), Gong Myung (as rival heir Koo Jun-mo), and Choo Young-woo (as prosecutor Lee Geum-son). Special appearances by Cha Seung-won and Lee Jun-hyuk add star power and depth. Korean viewers are especially excited about the chemistry between veteran actors and newer faces, with many praising the ensemble’s ability to convey the moral ambiguity and emotional weight of the story.

Episode 1 Reviews: Divided Opinions and Hot Takes

Reactions to the first episode are intense and polarized. On Naver and Tistory blogs, some reviewers rave about the show’s relentless pace, brutal fight scenes, and the emotional core of Gi-jun’s quest for justice. Others criticize the adaptation for straying too far from the webtoon, with comments like ‘It’s just another revenge drama’ and ‘The original’s magic is lost’. Community platforms like TheQoo and DCInside are buzzing with debates, with roughly 60% positive and 40% negative sentiment. Positive comments highlight the ‘cinematic visuals’ and ‘So Ji-sub’s charisma’, while negatives focus on the ‘predictable plot’ and ‘lack of webtoon authenticity’.

Cultural Insights: Why ‘Gwangjang’ Resonates in Korea

To truly appreciate ‘Gwangjang’, it helps to understand the cultural fascination with noir and ‘jopok’ (gangster) dramas in Korea. These stories often explore themes of loyalty, family, and the price of power—reflecting social anxieties about hierarchy and justice. The ‘plaza’ itself is a loaded symbol in Korean history, representing both public confrontation and the struggle for truth. The drama’s use of this setting taps into collective memories of real-life protests and political upheaval, giving its violence a deeper resonance for Korean viewers. For international fans, this adds a layer of meaning that goes beyond surface-level action.

Netizen and Community Reactions: The Good, the Bad, and the Viral

On Daum and Naver, the most upvoted comments praise the show’s ‘movie-like quality’ and ‘uncompromising tone’. One popular comment reads, ‘So Ji-sub was born for this role—his eyes say everything’. On the flip side, critics complain about the ‘overly dark atmosphere’ and ‘unnecessary changes from the webtoon’. On Instiz and FM Korea, memes about the ‘plaza fight’ and So Ji-sub’s intense stare are already going viral. The fandom is clearly engaged, with passionate defenses and sharp critiques fueling the drama’s trending status.

What International Fans Should Know: Fandom, Genre, and Expectations

If you’re new to Korean noir, be prepared for a different rhythm compared to Western crime dramas. ‘Gwangjang’ is less about solving a mystery and more about the psychological toll of violence and revenge. The fandom is vocal and deeply invested in the source material, so adaptation choices are scrutinized. Korean viewers often value authenticity and emotional realism, which explains some of the backlash against the show’s changes. Still, the drama’s global release on Netflix means it’s reaching new audiences who may appreciate its style and themes in fresh ways.

Final Thoughts: Is ‘Gwangjang’ Worth Watching?

Episode 1 of ‘Gwangjang’ is a bold, uncompromising introduction to a world where loyalty is deadly and the past never stays buried. While the adaptation has sparked controversy among hardcore webtoon fans, its high production values, stellar cast, and relentless pacing make it a must-watch for fans of dark, character-driven dramas. Whether you’re here for the action, the family tragedy, or the cultural insight, ‘Gwangjang’ promises a ride you won’t forget. What did you think of the premiere? Let us know in the comments!