InterviewSo Ji-sub channels John Wick in Netflix's 'Mercy for None'

Actor So Ji-sub / Courtesy of Netflix

Actor So Ji-sub returned to the noir genre with the Netflix series "Mercy for None," some 13 years after "A Company Man" (2012). Showcasing the cold and intense essence of noir action, he delivers hard-boiled action that earned him praise from domestic and international viewers as the "John Wick of Korea."

The 47-year-old actor expressed his personal affinity for film noir, noting that he particularly enjoys "the energy that comes from characters clashing."

"It seems like a lot of noir genre scripts are coming out, but they are actually rare. Maybe one or two come out in a year, so I was grateful when the script came to me," he said Thursday during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul.

"It feels like I'm pulling out a cheat code after a long time. I chose the noir genre because I wanted to try something that suits me."

He expressed gratitude for the comparisons to John Wick, but clarified the difference from the "John Wick" film series.

"If the 'John Wick' series primarily features gun action from a distance, 'Mercy for None' is about close-quarters combat. I believe each country's noir films have their own unique strengths. For Korea, I think the absence of guns creates a different kind of impact. The advantage lies in the direct, close-quarters combat, where you can really feel the raw energy."

The seven-part action series revolves around Nam Gi-jun (So), who voluntarily severed his Achilles tendon and left the world of The Plaza. He returns after 11 years following the death of his younger brother, Gi-seok (Lee Jun-hyuk), who was second-in-command of Juwoon Group, one of two powerful organizations running Seoul's criminal underworld. Then he uncovers the forces behind his brother's death to exact revenge.

A scene from Netflix series "Mercy for None" / Courtesy of Netflix

The series is based on the popular webtoon of the same name, which boasts a strong fan base. It remains true to the original in some context, but also presents its own unique charms and thrills.

Regarding the differences in action sequences from the webtoon, the actor explained that he wanted Gi-jun's fighting style to be "straightforward, action that can be paused but only moves forward."

"I wanted Gi-jun to pursue his brutal revenge directly; he might pause, but he never retreats. In the original webtoon's one-against-many scenes, Gi-jun struggles with one person before moving on. However, from a filming perspective, that would leave the people standing behind idle or hesitant. So in this drama, he needs to encounter increasingly stronger opponents."

This year celebrating the 30th anniversary since his debut, he said that acting gets harder with time.

"Acting brings joy, but it's equally challenging. My acting style doesn't typically involve wide emotional swings, so I focus on subtle details. Because of that, it sometimes looks like I'm just replicating myself with each new role. I want to show a fresh side, but it feels like I'm not," he said.

Although it's a continuous struggle, So recognizes there's a certain charm to his style.

"I haven't quite figured out myself," he said. "Now, it's time to show that I can 'do well' through my work."