Hello, everyone! How’s everything going? I’m back with a review of the drama Trigger (streaming on Netflix), which debuts on July 25, 2025, and is set to be one of the year’s most gripping Korean thrillers!
This 10-part series lands on Netflix with a spine-chilling concept: what if guns began to circulate freely in South Korea, a nation traditionally without firearms? Featuring Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, this production delves into a dystopian scenario where chaos erupts as illegal weapons flood into a country known for its strict gun control.
Labelled as a noir action thriller, the series is directed by Kwon Oh-seung and guarantees a compelling story of two men on opposite sides of the law, grappling with the harsh aftermath of this newfound armed society. Filming wrapped up between October 2023 and July 2024, ensuring top-notch cinematic quality.
Storyline Summary
Trigger’s storyline unfolds in a South Korea where buying, selling, or owning guns is strictly banned, and firearm-related crimes are nearly nonexistent. However, this changes drastically when illegal firearms start pouring into the nation from unknown origins, turning a peaceful society into a hub of urban chaos.
The narrative follows two main characters as they race against time to resolve the crisis before it shatters societal stability. The drama not only features physical action but also delves into the psychological and social ramifications for a society previously unexposed to large-scale gun violence.
Yi-Do: The Tenacious Detective
Kim Nam-gil, renowned for his memorable roles in “Moving” and “The Fiery Priest,” portrays Yi-Do, a principled and tenacious detective. His past military experience as a sniper becomes crucial in confronting the nation’s new armed reality.
Yi-Do is determined to stop a series of gun-related incidents, persistently chasing the source of the illegal firearms. His journey in the series depicts a man who must apply his military expertise to shield civilian life, leading to an inner conflict between his war-time training and his peacekeeping mission.
Moon-Baek: The Enigmatic Broker
Kim Young-kwang, who captivated audiences in “EvilLive,” embodies Moon-Baek, a pivotal figure in the clandestine world of arms dealing. He appears laid-back but is actually someone who meticulously strategizes his moves before execution.
Moon-Baek symbolizes the darker aspect of the societal change depicted in the series. His intricate personality swings between superficial charm and strategic coldness, crafting an intriguing antagonist who challenges the conventional notions of right and wrong. The dynamic between him and Yi-Do is destined to be one of the series’ major highlights.
The Ultimate Clash
The climax of Trigger is expected to showcase the direct clash between Yi-Do and Moon-Baek, two individuals who handle weapons for entirely different reasons. The escalating tension throughout the series culminates in a confrontation that is both physical and ideological, concerning South Korea’s future.
The series promises moments of high-stakes action while examining the tragic outcomes of a society losing control over gun violence. The final showdown is not just between the protagonists but also between two contrasting visions of handling the turmoil that has engulfed the nation.
Netflix Triumph
As one of Netflix Korea’s most ambitious original projects for 2025, Trigger launches with great anticipation. Featuring a stellar cast led by Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, with Park Hoon in a supporting role, the daring storyline exploring gun violence in a typically peaceful society is bound to attract both Korean and international viewers, offering a fresh perspective on universal themes of safety and justice.
For those who enjoy action thrillers with substantial social commentary, Trigger is a must-watch series on Netflix.
Trigger delivers a gripping story about the effects of gun violence on a peaceful society, blending top-tier action with profound social insights.
Series Information:
Number of Episodes: 10 episodes
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 7.1
Genre: Action Thriller, Noir, Suspense
Main Cast: Kim Nam-gil (Yi-Do), Kim Young-kwang (Moon-Baek), Park Hoon
Antagonist: Moon-Baek (Kim Young-kwang) and the unidentified source of illegal firearms