Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Trigger (available on Netflix), which premieres on July 25, 2025, and promises to be one of the most intense Korean thrillers of the year!
This 10-episode series arrives on Netflix with a chilling premise: what if firearms started circulating freely in South Korea, a country traditionally gun-free? Starring Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, the production explores a dystopian scenario where chaos ensues when illegal weapons flood the streets of a nation that has always maintained strict gun control.
Classified as a noir action thriller, the series is directed by Kwon Oh-seung and promises an intense narrative about two men on opposite sides of the law who must deal with the devastating consequences of this new armed reality. The production had its filming completed between October 2023 and July 2024, ensuring high-level cinematic quality.
Plot Overview
Trigger’s plot unfolds in a South Korea where the purchase, sale, or possession of guns is strictly prohibited and there are almost no crimes involving firearms. However, everything changes rapidly when illegal weapons begin flooding the country through an unknown source, transforming a peaceful nation into a scene of urban chaos.
The story follows two protagonists in a race against time to solve the crisis before it completely destroys social stability. The drama explores not only physical action but also the psychological and social implications of a society that has never dealt with large-scale gun violence.
Yi-Do: The Determined Detective
Kim Nam-gil, known for his striking roles in “Moving” and “The Fiery Priest,” plays Yi-Do, an upright and determined detective. In his past, he served in the military as a sniper, an experience that now becomes crucial for facing the country’s new armed reality.
Yi-Do struggles to prevent a series of gun incidents and relentlessly pursues the source of illegal firearms. His trajectory in the series shows a man who must use his military skills to protect civilian society, creating an internal conflict between his training for war and his mission to maintain peace.
Moon-Baek: The Mysterious Broker
Kim Young-kwang, who impressed in “EvilLive,” brings to life Moon-Baek, a key figure in the world of underground arms brokers. He acts like an easy-going person, but he is someone who meticulously plans his actions before putting them into practice.
Moon-Baek represents the dark side of the social transformation that the series portrays. His complex personality oscillates between superficial charm and calculated coldness, creating a fascinating antagonist who challenges traditional perceptions of good and evil. The dynamic between him and Yi-Do promises to be one of the narrative’s highlights.
The Final Confrontation
Trigger’s climax should explore the direct confrontation between Yi-Do and Moon-Baek, two men who wield guns for completely opposite reasons. The growing tension throughout the series culminates in a battle that is not only physical but ideological about South Korea’s future.
The series promises moments of intense action while exploring the devastating consequences of a society that loses control over gun violence. The final confrontation is not just between the protagonists, but between two different visions of how to deal with the chaos that has settled in the country.
Success on Netflix
As one of Netflix Korea’s most ambitious original productions for 2025, Trigger arrives with high expectations. The series features a top-tier cast led by Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, plus Park Hoon in the supporting cast. The bold premise of exploring gun violence in a traditionally peaceful society promises to attract both Korean and international audiences, offering a unique perspective on universal themes of security and justice.
If you love action thrillers with deep social critique, Trigger is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
Trigger offers an intense narrative about the consequences of gun violence in a peaceful society, combining high-level action with deep social reflections.
Series Details:
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 unknown source of illegal weapons