| Netflix Release Date | June 6, 2025 |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Genre | Action, Crime, Thriller, Noir |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
| Rating | TV-MA |
| Creators | Based on the webtoon Plaza Wars by Oh Se-hyung and Kim Kyun-tae |
| Directed by | Choi Sung-eun |
| Starring | So Ji-sub, Lee Jun-hyuk (guest role) |
Series Premise
Mercy For None (also known as Gwangjang) follows former gangster Nam Gi-jun (So Ji-sub), who left the underworld after mutilating himself to avoid conflict with his brother, a rising gang leader.
Eleven years later, his brother dies under suspicious circumstances, pulling Gi-jun back into a brutal world of crime, vengeance, and betrayal. As he seeks the truth, he embarks on a chilling path of revenge through the heart of Korea’s criminal underworld.
Age Rating: Why Is Mercy For None Rated TV-MA?
Violence & Peril: The series features intense and graphic violence, in keeping with its noir revenge theme. Expect realistic portrayals of physical assault, brutal fight sequences, torture, stabbings, and potential bloodshed. Flashbacks or gang confrontations may be psychologically disturbing and emotionally triggering for younger viewers.
Language: Strong language and repeated profanity are likely, including explicit Korean curse words and translated equivalents. This is consistent with the show’s gritty tone and adult-oriented themes.
Sexual Content: No explicit sexual content or nudity has been confirmed ahead of the release. However, given the show’s mature tone, such scenes may appear later. This section will be updated post-premiere.
Mature Themes: The story explores revenge, grief, organized crime, manipulation, and betrayal. The psychological toll of violence and familial trauma is a central element. Viewers may encounter disturbing emotional material not suitable for teens.
Substance Use: Scenes may include depictions of alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use, particularly within criminal settings. This aligns with typical portrayals of gang activity in Korean noir media.
Is Mercy For None Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The mature subject matter, graphic violence, and adult themes make the series completely inappropriate for younger viewers.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Even mature teens are likely to find the content disturbing. With its dark tone, intense action, and violent atmosphere, the show is best reserved for adult viewers (16+). The psychological weight of the narrative may be too heavy for teenage audiences.
Only suitable for adult viewers or fans of Korean noir thrillers due to its graphic intensity and thematic depth.
What Parents Can Do
Parents should be aware that Mercy For None contains serious, adult themes and disturbing imagery that may be emotionally intense or inappropriate for children and teens.
If teens express interest in the series, parents are encouraged to preview the first episode and discuss the themes of revenge, trauma, and crime in a constructive way.
Consider alternative age-appropriate Korean dramas for younger viewers.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: How violent is the series?
A: Very. The action is gritty, graphic, and intense, with realistic physical violence and emotionally disturbing scenes tied to the revenge narrative.
Q: Is this series based on a true story?
A: No, Mercy For None is based on the webtoon Plaza Wars and is a fictional story set in the Korean criminal underworld.
Q: Can teens watch it if they’re into action shows?
A: Despite the action appeal, the series is rated TV-MA on Netflix and is not suitable for most teens due to extreme violence and mature themes.