Netflix's "Trigger": A Gripping K-Drama That Aims for the Heart of Gun Violence
Netflix's latest Korean thriller "Trigger" arrived on July 25, 2025, delivering a dystopic K-drama about gun violence in an up-until-now gun-free South Korea. Created and directed by Kwon Oh-seung (known for "Midnight"), this 10-episode limited series explores what happens when illegal firearms flood into a nation with some of the world's strictest gun laws.
What Makes "Trigger" Stand Out
As illegal firearms flood into a gun-free South Korea, a resolute cop and a mysterious partner join forces to stop the chaos from sweeping the nation. The series tackles a particularly relevant and chilling premise: South Korea, a country where gun ownership is almost entirely prohibited and gun crimes are virtually nonexistent, suddenly faces an influx of illegal weapons.
The story centers on two men—one a righteous police officer, the other a cunning arms dealer—who wield weapons for vastly different reasons. This character-driven approach gives the series its emotional weight, exploring how different people respond to the presence of deadly weapons in their society.
Critical Reception and Viewer Response
The series has received mixed to positive reviews from audiences and critics. Netflix's "Trigger" is a tense and immersive series that grabs your attention from the very first episode. The storytelling is sharp, the characters are well-developed, and the pacing never lets up. However, some viewers have noted that while the series doesn't disappoint, it may not be groundbreaking either.
Across 10 anxiety-inducing episodes, we follow the escalating crisis as the characters navigate this new and dangerous reality. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of how such a scenario might unfold in South Korean society.
⚠️ SPOILER SECTION ⚠️
Read at your own risk - major plot details below
The series builds to an intense climax involving the two main characters, Lee Do (the police officer) and Moon Baek (the arms dealer). In the smoky plaza, as scared people point guns at one another, Baek taunts Do. "What I want is a single gun shot … that will make these people start shooting at each other" He wants Lee Do to be the one to pull the trigger.
This final confrontation serves as both the literal and metaphorical "trigger" of the series - forcing the protagonist to make an impossible choice that could either save lives or unleash complete chaos. The ending explores themes of moral compromise and the ripple effects of violence in a society unprepared for such brutality.
The series doesn't shy away from showing the psychological toll that the presence of firearms takes on ordinary citizens, law enforcement, and society as a whole.
FAQ
Where can I watch "Trigger"?
Trigger is exclusively available on Netflix worldwide. Released on Netflix on July 25, 2025, all 10 episodes are available for streaming with a Netflix subscription.
Who are the main actors?
The series features a stellar cast of Korean actors:
- Kim Nam-gil as Lee Do (the police officer) - known from Karma and The Fiery Priest
- Kim Young-kwang as Moon Baek (the arms dealer) - from Somebody
- Park Hoon in a supporting role
- Kim Won-hae as the station chief
- Lee Suk and Kim Joong-hee - both from Squid Game
Will there be a Season 2?
Unfortunately, a Trigger Season 2 looks unlikely. This is because it is touted as a limited miniseries, which usually has little to no chances of renewal. The series is listed as a "Limited Series" on Netflix, which typically means it was designed as a complete, standalone story.
However, fans shouldn't give up hope entirely - if the series performs exceptionally well, Netflix has been known to revisit "limited" series for additional seasons.
Is it based on a book or true events?
Trigger is an original screenplay and not based on a book. It's entirely fictional, though it draws on real concerns about gun violence and social stability.
What's the runtime?
The series consists of 10 episodes, with the typical K-drama episode length of approximately 60 minutes each.
What age rating does it have?
The series is rated TV-MA, indicating it's intended for mature audiences due to its violent content and themes.
Final Verdict
"Trigger" succeeds in creating a tense, thought-provoking thriller that examines gun violence through a uniquely Korean lens. While it may not reinvent the crime thriller genre, it offers solid performances, particularly from Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, and tackles its serious subject matter with appropriate gravity. For fans of Korean crime dramas and social thrillers, it's definitely worth the watch.