Netflix’s latest K-drama, “Mercy for None,” premieres today and is already stirring up buzz among fans of dark, emotionally charged thrillers.
Based on a highly acclaimed Naver webtoon, this noir action series plunges viewers into a grim underworld of crime, loyalty, and revenge.
With a powerful ensemble cast, emotionally driven plot, and raw, visceral action, “Mercy for None” is poised to be one of 2025’s most talked-about dramas.
Here’s an in-depth look at why this series is a must-watch.
A Powerhouse Cast Anchoring the Drama
At the center of “Mercy for None” is So Ji Sub, making a powerful return to the noir genre as Nam Ki Jun—a former gangster who literally severed ties with the underworld by cutting his own Achilles heel.
Now, 11 years later, he’s pulled back into the shadows by the sudden, mysterious death of his younger brother, Ki Seok (played by Lee Jun Hyuk).
Mercy for None (Credit: YouTube)
The pain of loss and a thirst for answers drive Ki Jun on a path of unrelenting vengeance, and So Ji Sub’s performance is both emotionally nuanced and physically intense.
Joining him is a who’s who of respected Korean actors:
- Lee Jun Hyuk brings intensity and depth to Ki Seok, whose tragic end triggers the entire narrative.
- Heo Joon Ho plays Lee Joo Woon, a powerful gang boss who was a father figure to Ki Seok and now must navigate the uneasy fallout of his death.
- Gong Myoung transforms into Koo Jun Mo, an ambitious and ruthless heir to a rival gang, whose thirst for power knows no bounds.
- Choo Young Woo intrigues as Lee Geum Son, a prosecutor who pretends to reject his gangster roots but secretly harbors dark ambitions.
- Cha Seung Won appears as the enigmatic Cha Young Do—a wildcard not affiliated with either side, adding mystery to the unfolding power struggles.
With veteran actors like Ahn Kil Kang, Lee Beom Soo, and Jo Han Chul rounding out the ensemble, every character is brought to life with striking gravitas and layered emotion.
A Tightly Woven, Unpredictable Plot
While revenge might be the central engine of the story, “Mercy for None” isn’t just a straightforward tale of justice—it’s a deep psychological exploration of characters broken by grief, power, and trauma.
Based on the popular webtoon, the show retains its source material’s gripping intensity and moral ambiguity, while enhancing the characters with fresh story arcs under director Choi Sung Eun’s vision.
Rather than focusing solely on Ki Jun, the series dives into the individual motives of every key player.
Each character has their own secrets, fears, and personal vendettas, creating a layered narrative web full of unexpected twists, shifting loyalties, and emotional conflicts.
From hidden betrayals within the gangs to personal moral dilemmas, “Mercy for None” promises a slow-burning plot that rewards viewers with rich storytelling and emotional payoffs.
Director Choi puts it best:
“The story centers on Ki Jun’s revenge, but I wanted every character to have their own motivations and backstories. Discovering the conflicts, desires, and emotional layers of the characters surrounding Ki Jun will be one of the key viewing points.”
Brutal, Character-Driven Action
Where most action dramas rely on flashy choreography or stylized violence, “Mercy for None” takes a more grounded approach—delivering raw, gut-wrenching physical confrontations that serve the emotional weight of the story.
So Ji Sub’s Ki Jun doesn’t fight to show off skills—he fights because he’s broken, angry, and desperate.
From bare-knuckle brawls to improvised weapon fights in dimly lit hideouts and underground garages, the action scenes are visceral and unrelenting.
Netflix recently released behind-the-scenes footage that showcases the gritty realism of these fight sequences—choreographed with emotional realism rather than glamor.
So Ji Sub’s use of a baseball bat and blade work adds a memorable signature to his character, elevating each fight scene into a moment of storytelling, not just spectacle.
These action beats are more than adrenaline—they’re an extension of the characters’ emotional states.
Whether it’s Ki Jun’s grief, Koo Jun Mo’s arrogance, or Geum Son’s conflicted rage, every blow carries narrative weight.
Final Thoughts: A Dark, Deeply Human Thriller Worth Watching
“Mercy for None” is more than just a revenge thriller—it’s a meditation on grief, loyalty, and the price of power.
It asks how far a man will go for justice, and whether redemption is ever possible in a world drenched in blood.
Between its rich characters, unpredictable storytelling, and emotionally grounded action, this drama promises to leave a lasting impact.
If you’re a fan of character-driven thrillers like My Name, Beyond Evil, or The Outlaws film series, “Mercy for None” should shoot to the top of your watchlist.
Premieres June 6 at 4 p.m. KST on Netflix. Set your reminders—you don’t want to miss it.
Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Netflix’s “Wednesday,” has captured hearts worldwide with her performances and enigmatic screen presence. As one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents, the 21-year-old actress has naturally sparked curiosity about her personal life, particularly her romantic relationships. Despite her rising fame and constant media attention, Ortega has maintained a remarkably private stance when it comes to her dating life, leaving fans and media outlets to speculate about her relationship status.
The actress, who transitioned from Disney Channel star to leading lady, has been the subject of numerous dating rumors throughout her career. From fellow actors to musicians and even veteran Hollywood stars, Ortega’s name has been romantically linked to various celebrities, though she has rarely confirmed or denied these speculations publicly. Her approach to privacy reflects a mature understanding of fame’s complexities and her desire to separate her professional achievements from her personal relationships.
Currently, as of 2025, Jenna Ortega appears to be single and not romantically involved with anyone. The actress has been vocal about prioritizing her career over romantic relationships, stating in interviews that the idea of dating often stresses her out. Her commitment to maintaining privacy around her love life stems from a belief that too much personal information can affect how audiences perceive her performances. This deliberate choice to keep her romantic life away from the spotlight demonstrates her professional maturity and understanding of the entertainment industry’s demands.
Current Relationship Status
Jenna Ortega (Image via Getty)
Jenna Ortega is currently single and not dating anyone as of 2025. The actress has been consistently clear about her preference to keep her romantic life private, explaining in a 2024 interview with Vanity Fair that she doesn’t plan on speaking about her love life publicly because “that’s mine.” She believes that when audiences know too much about someone’s personal life, it affects their ability to see the actor as different characters on screen.
In a 2023 interview with Elle Magazine, Ortega revealed that she might be “too obsessed” with work and that thinking about relationships stresses her out. She explained that being vulnerable with someone and having them see her for all that she is feels overwhelming, especially given her current focus on her burgeoning career. This dedication to her craft has clearly paid off, with the actress taking on increasingly prominent roles in major productions.
Past Dating Rumors and Alleged Relationships
Jacob Sartorius
One of the earliest dating rumors surrounding Jenna Ortega involved social media star and singer Jacob Sartorius. The speculation began after Ortega appeared in Sartorius’s music video for “Chapstick,” where they portrayed a young couple enjoying a romantic date in New York City. The chemistry displayed in the video led fans to believe there might be something more than friendship between them.
However, Sartorius quickly clarified the nature of their relationship in an interview with J-14, stating, “We’re really good friends, and she’s really nice. It was really fun to film the video. She’s really nice, so we had good chemistry on camera and off.” This clarification put an end to the dating rumors, though their friendship appeared to continue beyond the music video collaboration.
Asher Angel
In 2018, Ortega was romantically linked with fellow Disney Channel star Asher Angel. The rumors intensified when they attended the Just Jared Annual Halloween Party together, dressed as celebrity couple Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson, who were dating at the time. Their costume choice seemed to hint at a romantic relationship, leading fans and media to speculate about their status.
Neither Ortega nor Angel publicly confirmed or denied their relationship, leaving the nature of their connection ambiguous. However, in a 2023 appearance on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Ortega hinted at a past relationship when she said, “I was in a relationship for a couple of years, but I stopped it when things got too hectic. And it had nothing to do with them, it was just strictly—I just couldn’t manage all the things.” Many fans interpreted this as a reference to her rumored relationship with Angel.
Percy Hynes White
Percy Hynes (Image via Getty)
Following the massive success of “Wednesday,” fans began shipping Ortega with her co-star Percy Hynes White, who played Xavier Thorpe in the series. The on-screen chemistry between their characters led to widespread speculation about a real-life romance. These rumors gained additional traction when it was announced that both actors would be working together on another project, “Winter, Spring Summer or Fall.”
Despite the intense fan interest and media speculation, both Ortega and White have remained completely silent about any potential romantic involvement. Their professional relationship appears to be just that—professional—though neither has explicitly addressed the rumors publicly.
Devin Booker
One of the more unusual rumors linked Ortega to NBA star Devin Booker, who was previously in a relationship with model Kendall Jenner. The speculation began when a photo allegedly showing Ortega and Booker together went viral on social media platforms. Fans quickly became excited about the potential pairing between the actress and the basketball player.
However, this rumor was quickly debunked when it was revealed that the photo had been digitally manipulated using Photoshop. The fake image had been so convincing that it fooled many fans initially, but closer examination revealed the digital manipulation, putting an end to the speculation.
The Johnny Depp Controversy
Perhaps the most bizarre and persistent rumor surrounding Ortega’s dating life involved veteran actor Johnny Depp. Despite their significant age difference—Depp is 61 while Ortega is 21—rumors began circulating that they were in a serious relationship. These rumors likely stemmed from the fact that both actors have worked with director Tim Burton, though they have never actually worked together directly.
The rumors became so widespread that they even reached the set of Ortega’s film “Death of a Unicorn,” where co-star Richard E. Grant asked her about the alleged relationship. In a BuzzFeed interview, Ortega addressed these rumors directly, calling them “so insane” and clarifying that she had never even met Johnny Depp.
Interestingly, Ortega also revealed that many of the quotes attributed to her denying the relationship were fabricated by media outlets. She stated, “I never spoke on that. I never said anything like that. Articles really do just make up their own quotes, but I thought that that was pretty hilarious.” This revelation highlights the challenges celebrities face with misinformation and false reporting about their personal lives.
Ortega’s Philosophy on Privacy
Jenna Ortega (Image via Getty)
Jenna Ortega’s approach to keeping her personal life private reflects a mature understanding of fame and its impact on both her career and personal well-being. In her 2024 Vanity Fair interview, she explained that knowing too much about someone’s personal life can negatively affect how audiences perceive their performances. This perspective shows her commitment to her craft and her desire to be seen as a versatile actress rather than a celebrity whose personal life overshadows her professional work.
The actress has also spoken about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, noting that her fans literally watched her go through puberty and develop into the woman she is today. This unique experience of having her formative years documented and scrutinized has likely contributed to her desire for privacy in her adult relationships.
