Netflix's action disaster thriller series 'TRIGGER', released on July 25, 2025, depicts the chaos that ensues when mysterious illegal firearms are delivered by package to South Korea, a gun-free nation. Starring Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang as two men who pick up guns for different reasons, this big-budget Netflix production with a 30 billion won budget has become a hot topic.
Complete Guide to Netflix's TRIGGER - Characters and Story Overview
Series Introduction and Basic Information
Netflix original series 'TRIGGER' is a 10-episode action disaster thriller directed and written by Kwon Oh-seung, with Kim Jae-hoon as co-director. Featuring the unique directorial style of director Kwon Oh-seung, who gained international attention with the film 'Midnight', this work presents a fresh setting with gun incidents that are unimaginable in Korean society.
📺 Release Date: July 25, 2025
🎬 Genre: Action, Disaster, Thriller
📹 Episodes: 10 episodes (Complete)
💰 Production Budget: Approximately 30 billion won
🌏 Rating: 19+ (Mature)
Main Story and Setting
In South Korea, where gun possession is strictly prohibited by law, mysterious illegal firearms suddenly begin to be delivered to ordinary citizens through package delivery. What was considered a safe daily life falls into chaos due to firearms, and gun incidents occur consecutively across the nation.
In this situation, former special forces sniper turned detective Lee Do sets out to track down the masterminds behind these incidents, and in the process, encounters a suspicious arms broker named Moon Baek. The two men pick up guns with their own beliefs and purposes, confronting a massive conspiracy that shakes South Korea.
The drama explores human nature and social structure under the premise "What if everyone had a gun?", deeply examining the stories of people who chose guns and what their individual 'triggers' were in each episode.
Main Characters and Cast
Lee Do - Kim Nam-gil
Character Profile: A current police officer and former special forces sniper, Lee Do is a character overflowing with a sense of justice. Having experience as a sniper during his military service, he possesses expert knowledge about firearms and actively steps forward to resolve gun incidents.
Personality & Traits: He holds a firm belief that guns should absolutely never be used, and due to his past military experience, he knows better than anyone the horror of firearms. Based on his sharp investigative skills and excellent action abilities, he uncovers the truth behind incidents.
Role in Series: As the protagonist who leads the entire drama, the gun incident investigation and his conflicting yet cooperative relationship with Moon Baek forms the main storyline.
Moon Baek - Kim Young-kwang
Character Profile: A mysterious figure who works as a global illegal arms broker. A character with dual personalities who appears relaxed on the surface but meticulously plans and executes schemes, he is one of the key figures in the gun influx incident.
Personality & Traits: Both cunning and calculating, he is described as an angel-and-devil-like presence to Lee Do. As a character who poses questions to people, he presents various perspectives on gun ownership and creates tension in the drama.
Role in Series: As the co-protagonist alongside Lee Do, his identity and true purpose are gradually revealed, playing a key role in driving the story's twists.
Jo Hyeon-sik - Kim Won-hae
Character Profile: Lee Do's superior and father-figure, playing an important role at the police station. This marks the fifth collaboration between Kim Won-hae and Kim Nam-gil following the 'Hot Stove League' series, showcasing solid chemistry.
Role in Series: Acts as reliable support for Lee Do and serves as an important ally during the gun incident investigation process.
Gu Jeong-man - Park Hoon
Character Profile: A character who serves as the cleanup squad leader in Moon Baek's organization, marking the second collaboration with director Kwon Oh-seung following the film 'Midnight'.
Role in Series: As one of the key figures in the gun distribution organization, he plays an important role in story development.
Oh Gyeong-suk - Gil Hae-yeon
Character Profile: A mother who lost her son in an industrial accident and is conducting a one-person protest. She is one of the people who received guns, representing a character that shows everyone's desperate circumstances.
Role in Series: Takes charge of one of the episodic stories of gun holders, playing an important role in expressing the desperation of the characters.
Lead Actors' Filmography
Kim Nam-gil Major Works
TV Dramas:
- Queen Seondeok (2009) - Bidam ⭐ Baeksang Arts Awards Best New Actor
- The Fiery Priest Series (2019, 2024) - Kim Hae-il ⭐ SBS Drama Awards Grand Prize
- Through the Darkness (2022) - Song Ha-young ⭐ SBS Drama Awards Grand Prize
- Island (2022) - Johan (Netflix)
- The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2021) - Hong Gil-dong (Netflix)
Films:
- The Scoundrels (2010)
- The Pirates (2014)
- The Odd Family: Zombie On Sale (2019)
- Parallel Theory (2010)
Kim Young-kwang Major Works
TV Dramas:
- Pinocchio (2014) - Seo Beom-jo
- Gogh, The Starry Night (2016) - Kang Tae-ho
- The Man Living in Our House (2016) - Go Nan-gil
- Lookout (2017) - Jang Do-han
- Nine Room (2018) - Ki Yu-jin
- Love at First Sight (2019) - Do Min-ik
- Hello, Me! (2021) - Han Yu-hyeon
- Somebody (2022) - Kim Mo-gang (Netflix)
- Tell Me That You Love Me (2023) - Yoon Dong-jin (Disney+)
- Call It Love (2023) - Seo Do-young
Films:
- On Your Wedding Day (2018) ⭐ Baeksang Arts Awards Best New Actor (Film)
- Mission Possible (2021)
- Wonderful Ghost (2018)
Modeling Career: Debuted in 2006 Singles Seoul Collection, First Asian model for Dior Homme
Series Features and Strengths
🎯 Fresh Subject Matter: Presents an original story unlike any before with the setting of illegal guns being delivered for free in gun-free Korea.
🎬 Spectacular Action: Features outstanding action sequences where Kim Nam-gil's excellent action performance is well-connected with the characters' emotional aspects.
🎭 Deep Characters: Each episode meticulously portrays the stories and motivations of people who chose guns, enhancing immersion.
📹 Excellent Cinematography: High-quality visuals and direction worthy of the 30 billion won production budget, with high visual completion.
🌟 Solid Casting: The combination of seasoned actors including Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang elevates the work's completion to another level.
Viewer Response and Reviews
'TRIGGER' proved its explosive popularity by taking the #1 spot on Netflix's 'Trending Now' immediately after release. Viewers poured out praise saying "Finally a proper Korean drama after a long time," "More interesting than Squid Game," and "Kim Nam-gil's action is always reliable."
Particularly, the fresh subject matter, solid script, and actors' performances harmoniously blend together, receiving praise for having an addictive quality that makes viewers want to watch continuously. American media also praised it as "a tension-filled journey of illegal guns suddenly spreading in an unprepared country," successfully unfolding the central theme with a fresh concept.
However, some pointed out that the realism somewhat declines after the mid-section, and expressed regret that the identity of the gun supplier is revealed too early.
Viewing Information and Related Details
📱 How to Watch: Netflix exclusive release (All 10 episodes released simultaneously)
🌍 Language Support: Korean (original), English, Japanese and other multilingual subtitles and dubbing support
⚠️ Content Warning: Rated 19+ and contains gun violence and violent scenes
🎵 Related Information: Some promotional events were canceled due to the aftermath of the Incheon gun incident, but the production team clearly stated that the work and real incidents are separate matters
🔮 Season 2 Prospects: While there's no official announcement yet, expectations for a follow-up season are rising based on viewers' enthusiastic response
Conclusion and Recommendation Points
Netflix's 'TRIGGER' is a masterpiece that stands out with its fresh gun-themed setting rarely seen in Korean dramas and the outstanding performances of Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang. Beyond being a simple action drama, it poses the heavy question "What if we were given guns?" while deeply exploring human nature and social structure.
Particularly, Kim Nam-gil's excellent action performance, Kim Young-kwang's distinctive transformation, and director Kwon Oh-seung's unique direction blend together to complete an immersive story. It's strongly recommended not only for viewers who enjoy action genres but also for those who prefer dramas with social messages.
With a total of 10 episodes at an appropriate length, various characters' stories unfold in each episode, making it possible to watch without getting bored. As it's considered one of Netflix's biggest talking points in the second half of 2025, we recommend not missing out and watching it.
Related Tags:
#Netflix
#Trigger
#KimNamGil
#KimYoungKwang
#ActionDrama
#DisasterThriller
#GunAction
#KwonOhSeung
#2025Drama
#KoreanDrama
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