So Ji-sub Marks 30 Years with Netflix Hit “Mercy for None,” Proves “So Gan-ji” Never Goes Out of Style
In the ever-evolving landscape of Korean entertainment, few stars manage to retain the same iconic allure for three decades. So Ji Sub, long dubbed “So Gan-ji” (a Korean slang term for effortless style and cool), has done just that—and his latest Netflix series Mercy for None is proof that his reign is far from over.
The noir action drama, which premiered under the Korean title 광장 (Mercy for None), features So as Gi-jun, a hardened hitman fueled by vengeance. Drawing from the physical intensity and minimal dialogue that has become his hallmark, So brings a quiet ferocity to the role. “Action that relies on eye contact and body movement is something I believe I do best,” he said in a recent interview.
Since its release, Mercy for None has been making global waves. As of June 18, it recorded 7.6 million watch hours in its second week, topping Netflix’s Global Non-English Series chart and breaking into the Top 10 in 75 countries—including South Korea, Germany, France, and Malaysia.
Though comparisons have been made to John Wick, So is quick to differentiate. “It’s an honor, but our story is different. Mercy for None focuses on brutal, close-quarters combat—not gun-heavy shootouts,” he clarified. One standout scene in episode 4, featuring a brutal showdown with MMA fighter Kim Tae-in, tested So’s physical limits. “When he hit me, it felt like being struck with a weapon,” he laughed.
In preparation for the physically demanding role, So dropped from 95 kg to the mid-70s. The leaner frame suited the sharp, gritty tone of the drama, which intentionally stripped away glamor to focus on raw masculinity. “None of these characters are clean-cut heroes, and we didn’t want to present them as such,” he explained.
Beyond his on-screen roles, So Ji-sub has quietly influenced Korea’s arthouse cinema scene. Since 2014, he has supported Challan, an indie film distributor, helping bring films like Hereditary and The Zone of Interest to Korean audiences. “I’m just here to help, even in a small way,” he said modestly.
Reflecting on his 30-year journey, from his breakout role in I’m Sorry, I Love You (2004) to becoming a global Netflix star, So remains humble. “It’s not easy. Sometimes it feels like I’m repeating myself. But I keep walking forward, step by step. Maybe there’s a charm I haven’t figured out yet.”
With Mercy for None, So Ji-sub has once again proven that charisma doesn’t fade with time—it evolves. And for So Ganji, that evolution continues, stylishly and silently dominating screens across the world.