Netflix’s ‘Trigger’: The Korean ‘John Wick’ Tackling Gun Violence Head-On

The sudden crackle of gunfire shatters the familiar streets of Seoul. A country where firearms were once virtually nonexistent now faces an epidemic of violence as illegal weapons flood its borders. This chilling premise powers Netflix’s explosive new K-drama Trigger, a series delivering John Wick-level action while aiming squarely at America’s gun crisis. Premiering July 25, 2025, the show has already earned a rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score based on early reviews, positioning itself as both a thrill ride and a stark social warning.

‘Trigger’ Ignites a New Era of Korean Action

South Korea’s strict gun laws—resulting in near-zero annual firearm homicides according to 2023 UN Office on Drugs and Crime data—form the backdrop for Trigger‘s dystopian twist. The 10-episode series opens with a mass shooting that sends shockwaves through society. As mysterious shipments of high-powered weapons reach civilians, volatile social tensions explode. Former military sniper-turned-detective Lee Do (Kim Nam-Gil) races against time, partnering with an unlikely ally who secretly orchestrates the chaos. The show’s tagline—”Firearms are flooding into a gun-free country“—mirrors global anxieties about unchecked weapon proliferation. Netflix‘s investment in Korean productions continues paying dividends, with Trigger showcasing cinematic gunplay rivaling Hollywood’s best.

Why ‘Trigger’ Resonates with ‘John Wick’ Fans

The parallels are undeniable:

• Visceral Combat: Expertly choreographed shootouts and hand-to-hand sequences
• Stylized Violence: Slick cinematography elevating brutal action
• Relentless Pace: Non-stop momentum from opening scene to finale

Yet Trigger diverges sharply in purpose. Where the John Wick franchise revels in revenge fantasy through increasingly elaborate set pieces, Trigger weaponizes its violence to critique real-world policy. As firearms land in the hands of South Korea’s disenfranchised, minor grievances escalate into deadly confrontations—a direct commentary on U.S. gun culture where firearms are the leading cause of death for children (CDC, 2024). The series argues that lax gun laws transform everyday frustrations into potential massacres.

Beyond Bullets: ‘Trigger’s’ Social Impact

Trigger‘s brilliance lies in framing gun violence as a symptom of deeper societal fractures. While John Wick‘s body count serves spectacle, Trigger examines why ordinary people turn to guns. Director Kwon Oh-seung explained to The Korea Herald: “We show characters reaching their breaking point—the final straw where a noisy neighbor or workplace slight justifies pulling a trigger.” This psychological exploration creates uncomfortable parallels with America’s epidemic of mass shootings.

The series avoids simplistic solutions, instead highlighting how weapon accessibility amplifies existing inequalities. A 2025 UCLA study cited in the show’s press materials notes that nations with strict gun laws see 90% fewer firearm deaths than those with liberal access—a statistic Trigger brings to terrifying life. Though criticized for occasionally glorifying the violence it condemns, its core message remains: Arm an aggrieved population, and carnage follows.

Netflix’s Trigger redefines action storytelling by transforming John Wick‘s aesthetic into a devastating critique of gun culture. Beyond breathtaking fight sequences, the series forces viewers to confront a chilling reality: When weapons outnumber wisdom, no society is immune to collapse. As Lee Do battles both criminals and systemic failure, Trigger becomes essential viewing—stream all episodes starting July 25.

Must Know

What’s the plot of Netflix’s Trigger?
Trigger depicts a gun-free South Korea overwhelmed by illegal firearms. When marginalized citizens gain access to weapons, societal tensions explode into violence. A detective and criminal form an uneasy alliance to stop the crisis while hiding their conflicting agendas.

How does Trigger compare to John Wick?
Both feature stylized, high-octane gunfights and skilled protagonists. However, Trigger critiques gun proliferation’s societal impact, while John Wick focuses primarily on revenge fantasy within a criminal underworld.

Is Trigger based on real events?
No. It’s a fictional cautionary tale inspired by global gun violence disparities. South Korea’s actual gun homicide rate remains extremely low due to strict laws, contrasting sharply with nations like the U.S.

What rating does Trigger have?
Early reviews awarded Trigger a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics praise its action choreography and social commentary, though some note graphic violence.

Who stars in Trigger?
Kim Nam-Gil (The Pirates) leads as detective Lee Do. Kim Young-Kwang (The Secret Life of My Secretary) co-stars as criminal mastermind Moon Baek, with Woo Ji-hyeon and Kim Won-hae in supporting roles.