{"id":813,"date":"2025-06-17T16:32:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T16:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/knewstoday.com\/?p=813"},"modified":"2025-06-17T16:52:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T16:52:49","slug":"so-ji-sub-discusses-mercy-for-none-iconic-webtoon-turned-into-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/knewstoday.com\/?p=813","title":{"rendered":"So Ji-sub discusses ‘Mercy for None,’ iconic webtoon turned into series"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veteran K-drama star responds to ‘Mercy for None’ backlash, reflects on his passion for noir genre<\/p>

\"So
So Ji-sub (Netflix)<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Adapting a hit webtoon into live action has become a go-to move for drama creators, lowering risk while guaranteeing a ready-made fanbase eager to leap from digital panels to episodic storytelling. It is no surprise that original screenplays are becoming the exception rather than the rule in today\u2019s drama landscape.<\/p>

Netflix Korea\u2019s tentpole series \u201cMercy for None\u201d rode that wave, bringing one of the most critically acclaimed webtoons to life with a star-studded ensemble cast. Fans were especially thrilled by the casting of So Ji-sub as the lead \u2014 a longtime fan-favorite pick to embody the webtoon\u2019s ruthless protagonist.<\/p>

However, adapting beloved material comes with risks: Since its June 6 premiere, \u201cMercy for None\u201d has faced backlash from loyal webtoon fans over major plot changes.<\/p>

So, a veteran actor known for past hits such as “I\u2019m Sorry, I Love You” (2004) and “Master\u2019s Sun” (2013), acknowledged the mixed reactions during a group interview held Thursday in Seoul\u2019s Samcheong-dong.<\/p>

\u201cWhen adapting a webtoon into a series, it\u2019s not like the intention is to harm it or make it worse,\u201d said So.<\/p>

\u201cIn some ways, there\u2019s an effort to create an even better piece, something that surpasses the original. Of course, once it\u2019s completed, there will inevitably be mixed opinions,” he added. \u201cThat\u2019s not something that can be controlled. But at the very least, I don\u2019t think the original (webtoon) is ever purchased with the intent to damage it.\u201d<\/p>

\""Mercy
“Mercy for None,” starring So Ji-sub (left) and Huh Joon-ho (Netflix)<\/figcaption><\/figure>

In embodying his character, So reflected on the emotional depth he aimed to bring to Gi-jun, a cold-blooded former gangster on a path of vengeance following his brother\u2019s murder.<\/p>

“I naturally tried to capture the vibe that character gives off. Of course, I couldn\u2019t imitate every look or gesture, but I tried to hold that essence in my heart. I\u2019m not sure if I fully succeeded, but that was my mindset.” He added, “I hoped that Gi-jun\u2019s revenge for his brother, along with his desperate and pitiable sides, would come through.”<\/p>

\u201cMercy for None\u201d marks So\u2019s long-awaited return to the action genre, 13 years after his turn as a corporate assassin in “A Company Man.”<\/p>

With Korean audiences long accustomed to iconic action figures, from genre staples such as “John Wick” and local heroes like Detective Ma Seok-do from the hit “The Outlaws” franchise, he reflected on how he approached the physicality of his role in “Mercy for None.”<\/p>

\u201cThere\u2019s more action in this series compared to others,\u201d So said. \u201cTo show Gi-jun\u2019s almost invincible nature, I thought it was essential to convey power and energy. If you look closely at my action style, I might get pushed back, but I never dodge by stepping away. I really tried to incorporate that.\u201d<\/p>

He also pointed to the stripped-down dialogue as a key aspect of the performance. \u201cThere\u2019s very little dialogue. I think we filled in those gaps with the help of the camera and the director\u2019s guidance. Personally, I actually prefer roles without much dialogue.\u201d<\/p>

\""Mercy
“Mercy for None,” starring So Ji-sub (Netflix)<\/figcaption><\/figure>

So\u2019s return to the noir-action space with “Mercy for None” marks a homecoming to a genre he holds close. \u201cI personally really enjoy the noir genre. It\u2019s something I want to keep doing, even as I get older. Above all, I heard that the script for ‘Mercy for None’ came to me first, and I was especially grateful for that,\u201d he said.<\/p>

\u201cWhen I reflect on myself, I think it\u2019s a genre I\u2019m good at. My acting style doesn\u2019t involve dramatic emotional swings or a lot of expressive outbursts. I prefer roles that rely on physicality, subtle expressions or acting through the eyes. That\u2019s why I think noir suits me well.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Veteran K-drama star responds to ‘Mercy for None’ backlash, reflects on his passion for noir genre Adapting a hit webtoon into live action has become a go-to move for drama creators, lowering risk while guaranteeing a ready-made fanbase eager to leap from digital panels to episodic storytelling. It is no surprise that original screenplays are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[66,61],"tags":[117,92,116],"class_list":{"0":"post-813","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-interiors","8":"category-design","9":"tag-huh-joon-ho","10":"tag-k-drama","11":"tag-so-ji-sub"},"yoast_head":"\nSo Ji-sub discusses 'Mercy for None,' iconic webtoon turned into series - KNEWS TODAY<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/knewstoday.com\/?p=813\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"So Ji-sub discusses 'Mercy for None,' iconic webtoon turned into series - KNEWS TODAY\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Veteran K-drama star responds to ‘Mercy for None’ backlash, reflects on his passion for noir genre Adapting a hit webtoon into live action has become a go-to move for drama creators, lowering risk while guaranteeing a ready-made fanbase eager to leap from digital panels to episodic storytelling. 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