So Ji-sub Responds to Webtoon Fans’ Intense Backlash Over Netflix’s “Mercy for None”

At an interview held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, So Ji Sub candidly addressed concerns raised by loyal webtoon readers. “I didn’t take on this project to ruin the original work,” he emphasized. “If anything, I hoped to make something even better.”

Mercy for None tells the story of Ki-jun (played by So), a former top enforcer who vanished from the violent world of “the Plaza” after suffering a devastating Achilles tendon injury. Eleven years later, he resurfaces to uncover the truth about his brother’s death and exact revenge. The Netflix series is based on Plaza Wars, a Naver webtoon highly praised for its storytelling and dark noir tone.

Returning to the noir-action genre after 13 years, So revealed that he initially didn’t know the show was adapted from a webtoon. “I only received the script at first. Later, I found out I was actually the top fan pick to play Ki-jun,” he said.

As online debate intensified following the teaser release, So addressed the backlash. “While adaptations inevitably differ, I tried my best to stay true to the heart of the original through the script,” he explained. Director Choi Sung-eun also assured that the creative team made efforts to preserve the tone and essence of the webtoon.

When asked about comparisons to John Wick, So Ji-sub laughed and replied, _”It’s flattering. I never aimed for that, but I’m honored.” _Portraying a character with a severed Achilles tendon came with challenges. “Oddly enough, not using my leg was easier in some ways,” he shared. “The action scenes were tough, but I reminded myself not to retreat, even when things got intense.”

So expressed a strong passion for the action genre: “I only took a break because I wasn’t getting the right scripts. I’ve always wanted to do more.” Since its release on June 6, Mercy for None has quickly climbed the ranks, entering Netflix’s Top 10 series chart in 44 countries and hitting No.2 globally in the non-English TV category.

“This was my first Netflix project,” So said. “It felt like stepping into a completely new world of opportunities.”

With his dedicated performance and thoughtful response to criticism, So Ji-sub proves he’s committed not just to the role—but to respecting the story that fans hold dear.