Mercy For None Ending Explained: Who Killed Nam Gi-seok and Did Gi-jun Get Revenge?

Mercy For None, the gritty Netflix K-drama, has left viewers stunned with its brutal and emotional finale. The seven-episode series follows Nam Gi-jun (So Ji-sub), a former gangster who returns to Seoul’s underworld to avenge his brother’s murder. The ending ties up major plotlines but leaves no room for a happy resolution.

The story begins when Nam Gi-seok (Lee Jun-hyuk), Gi-jun’s younger brother, is killed in a parking garage. Gi-jun, who had left the criminal world years ago, comes back to find the truth. His journey exposes a web of betrayal involving two rival gangs—the Juwoon Group and the Bongsan Group.

At first, Gu Jun-mo (Gong Myung), the reckless son of Bongsan’s leader, seems responsible for Gi-seok’s death. However, the real mastermind is Lee Geum-son (Choo Young-woo), the son of Juwoon’s boss. Geum-son, a prosecutor by day, secretly orchestrates the murder to trigger a gang war and take control of both organizations.

Gi-jun’s revenge is relentless. He kills Jun-mo, the assassin Kaneyama, and corrupt cop Cha Yeong-do (Cha Seung-won). In the final showdown, he confronts Geum-son, who admits his crimes but shows no remorse. Geum-son tries to shoot himself, but Gi-jun stops him, ensuring he dies painfully.

“너, 네가 문제야.”

망나니 구준모를 향한 남기석의 일침.
<광장>, 6월 6일 공개. 오직 넷플릭스에서. pic.twitter.com/IP7eMuOHoi

— Netflix Korea｜넷플릭스 코리아 (@NetflixKR) June 4, 2025

The series ends with Gi-jun sitting by a campfire, imagining his brother beside him. He dies from his wounds, finally at peace after avenging Gi-seok. The finale suggests no chance for Season 2, as the story reaches a definitive conclusion.

“You don’t get to die like that,” Gi-jun tells Geum-son before killing him. This line captures the show’s theme—justice without mercy.

누구든지 일을 저질렀으면 대가를 치러야 해.

광장의 규칙이 깨졌고, 시작을 했다면 끝을 내야 한다.
누아르 액션 시리즈 <광장> 6월 6일 공개. 오직 넷플릭스에서. pic.twitter.com/AkIHoKLUwX

— Netflix Korea｜넷플릭스 코리아 (@NetflixKR) May 22, 2025

Mercy For None is based on the webtoon Plaza Wars: Mercy for None. The adaptation stays true to its dark, violent tone. Fans praised So Ji-sub’s intense performance and the show’s unpredictable twists.

“The ending was heartbreaking but fitting. Gi-jun got revenge, but at what cost?” one viewer commented online.

The drama’s success lies in its tight storytelling and strong cast. With all major characters dead or defeated, the series leaves no loose ends. Netflix has not announced plans for a second season, and the finale suggests none is needed.

Also Read: So Ji-sub Returns to Action in Netflix Thriller Mercy for None After 13 Years; Premieres June 6

Credits: Sources from Time, Netflix Tudum.

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