Shocking Ending of Netflix’s Mercy for None Revealed!
In Mercy For None, the betrayals are as brutal and intense as they come, with both literal and metaphorical stabs. This Netflix noir series is based on a webtoon called Mercy For None: Plaza Wars, which tells the story of So Ji-sub’s character, Nam Gi-jun, a former high-ranking member of Seoul’s criminal underworld from Doctor Lawyer. After his younger brother, Nam Gi-seok (from Vigilante), is murdered, Gi-jun leaves his exile to seek vengeance against those responsible.
Determining who killed Gi-seok isn’t straightforward due to his connections with Seoul’s two dominant criminal organizations, the Juwoon Group and the Bongsan Group. Gi-jun abandoned a life in crime over a decade ago, but Gi-seok was on track to take over the Juwoon Group from chairman Lee Ju-woon (from the series ‘Bloodhound’). This puts him right in the middle of the intricate power struggle and deceit that these groups are entangled in.
Without Chairman Lee realizing it, his decision to hand over leadership to Gi-seok would ultimately result in Gi-seok’s demise. This tragic turn of events sparked a vendetta within Gi-jun, leading to the loss of an entire generation in the criminal underworld as depicted in the gripping finale of Mercy For None. Let’s delve into the intricate and dark conclusion of this captivating series…
The fall of Beomyeongdong
The tale of Mercy For None unfolds more than a decade past, in a time when Seoul was under the iron fist of a single gang known as Beomyeongdong. This powerful entity was overseen by Chairman Oh, with Lee Ju-woon and Gu Bong-san (from A Shop For Killers, played by Ahn Kil-kang) serving as his trusted lieutenants. Among them, Gi-jun stood out as the most formidable fighter. Under this influential trio, Beomyeongdong’s influence and wealth expanded significantly, fueling whispers that Chairman Oh intended to bequeath the organization to Ju-woon and Bong-san upon his demise. This prospect displeased Oh’s son, Seung-won, who retaliated by ordering attacks against Bong-san and Ju-woon.
While underworld figure Cha Yeong-do (Cha Seung-won from “Our Blues”), also known as Mr. Kim, saw a chance to expand his influence within the criminal syndicate, he informed Gi-seok (a newcomer in Beomyeongdong at that time) about Oh Seung-won’s intention to eliminate his brother, Gi-jun. Consequently, Gi-seok took action against Seung-won, leading to turmoil within the organization. To safeguard his sibling, Gi-jun motivated Ju-woon and Bong-san to lead a rebellion. He assisted them in overthrowing Oh, resulting in the criminal group splitting into two factions: the Bongsan Group and the Juwoon Group.
As a devoted cinephile, I’d rephrase that scene as follows: In the end, someone had to bear the consequences for disrupting the harmony. Gi-jun stepped up and took the blame for everything, leading others to assume it was him, not his younger brother, who committed the crime against Oh Seung-won. Ju-woon and Bong-san owed Gi-jun a significant debt, so they struck a bargain: If Gi-jun abandoned his life in the underworld, they would ensure his survival. To demonstrate his resolve, Gi-jun self-inflicted a wound on his Achilles tendon, impairing his combat abilities, and vanished into the wilderness. Before he departed, he asked Ju-woon to look after Gi-seok.
The Graveyard hit
At first, it appears that a gang of rowdy teenagers is responsible for Gi-seok’s death, as they had taken up a contract to kill him through The Graveyard, an app used for criminal tasks within the underworld. In the opening episode, we witness this group of aspiring thugs assaulting Gi-seok in a parking garage, landing several powerful blows; however, they fail to complete the job. It is later revealed that the hit was actually orchestrated by Gu Jun-mo, the spoiled son of Chairman Gu, who is known for his role in ‘Way Back Love’ as Gong Myung.
Gu Jun-mo frequently creates turmoil within the Bongsang Group, escaping consequences for his actions. When he hires foreign ruffians to eliminate a fellow Bongsan manager threatening his business interests, Chairman Gu seeks assistance from longtime friend Chairman Lee. He wishes to convey to his son that his conduct is unacceptable, yet fears it would reflect poorly if the message comes directly from him. In return for Lee’s aid, Chairman Gu offers to assist with some of Lee’s land acquisition issues. Lee concurs to the arrangement, dispatching Gi-seok to confront Jun-mo. In response, Jun-mo orders a hit on Gi-seok as retaliation.
The revelation of Jun-mo’s alleged wrongdoing towards Gi-seok could potentially disrupt the harmonious relationship between the Bongsan Group and the Juwoon Group. This tension escalates as they clash with each other, with Ju-woon emerging victorious, thanks in part to his prosecutor son, Lee Geum-son (portrayed by Choo Young-woo from “The Trauma Code”), who authorizes a raid on the Bongsan Group. However, Ju-woon’s triumph will not last long as he ends up killing his former colleague and friend, Bong-san.
In the process of Gi-jun’s relentless pursuit for justice concerning his brother, unfortunately, Jun-mo lost his life. Despite recognizing that it wasn’t Jun-mo’s henchmen who ultimately killed Gi-jun’s brother, Gi-jun still confronted and ended Jun-mo’s life. For Gi-jun, the crucial point was that Jun-mo attempted to help.
The plot behind Gi-seok’s death
It was planned that Gi-seok’s death would spark a violent gang conflict. The mastermind behind this tragic event? Chairman Lee’s son, Geum-son. Throughout his life, Geum-son had been carefully shielded from the criminal underworld by his father, who aspired for a more honorable life for his child. Initially, we find Geum-son as a prosecutor in the Seoul Central District Attorney’s office, diligently upholding the law.
Yet, Geum-son harbors ambitions of leading a criminal empire similar to his father’s, and is prepared to go to great lengths to achieve this goal. He devises a scheme to seize control of both the Juwoon Group and the Bongsan Group. To aid him in this endeavor, he enlists the services of Cha Yeong-do, whose strategy was instrumental in the collapse of Beomyeongdong 11 years ago. In cahoots, they set in motion the demise of Gi-seok, framing Jun-mo for the crime. To guarantee that Gi-seok is indeed eliminated, Geum-son dispatches assassin Shimane to carry out the task.
After the heated gang war subsides, it’s revealed that Ju-woon was the one who took Bong-san’s life, but then Yeong-do avenged Bong-san by killing Ju-woon. Interestingly, Geum-son managed to maintain control over the organization throughout this conflict.
Gi-jun’s relentless rampage
Instead of power, it’s Gi-jun’s brother that holds his focus; the struggle for control among Chairman Gu, Chairman Lee, Cha Yeong-do, Gu Jun-mo, and Lee Geum-son over the criminal organizations is irrelevant to him. With unyielding determination and merciless actions, Gi-jun systematically eliminates his adversaries – Jun-mo, Shimane, Yeong-do, and ultimately, Geum-son – as they were involved in Gi-seok’s demise.
Prior to Gi-jun taking Geum-son’s life, they deliberate over a plan that would ultimately result in widespread devastation and loss. Despite this, Geum-son harbors no regret, but is uncertain if the outcome was truly justified. In retaliation, Gi-jun has exposed a recording of Geum-son incriminated in the murder of Gi-seok to the media. As a result, Geum-son stands to lose everything, including his fatherly relationship.
Gi-jun sympathizes with Geum-son’s sentiment, yet shows no compassion, “Everyone feels the same.” He warns him about the ruthless journey ahead, revealing that even when they reach their destination, it leaves them hollow because there is only one way to go from there – down. In a tragic turn of events, Geum-son attempts suicide by shooting himself in the head, but Gi-jun prevents it. He tells Geum-son, “You don’t have the right to end your life that way.” Instead, he takes matters into his own hands, fatally wounding Geum-son by cutting his throat.
How Mercy For None ends
Following my brutal confrontation with Geum-son that left me wounded and battered, I find myself back at the very campground I call home. As the life ebbs away from me, my thoughts drift to my cherished brother.
Shortly before his passing, Gi-seok paid a visit to Gi-jun, and they found themselves by the crackling campfire. Gi-seok inquired, “Perhaps I could join you here permanently?” The books on camping entrepreneurship that Gi-seok would later discover suggest he was indeed contemplating this move. Gi-jun gave his approval, and the brothers shared a hearty laugh. Both were aware that departing from their organization wasn’t truly an option.
Gi-jun passes away, having fulfilled his duty of vengeance for his younger sibling, remaining unfazed by the alluring offers of power that led others astray.
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2025-06-06 22:06