Netflix Drama ‘Gwangjang’ Trailer Released – Mixed Reactions from Fans
Netflix has released a preview trailer for the upcoming drama ‘Gwangjang’, based on the popular Naver webtoon of the same name. However, fan reactions to the two-minute preview have been quite divided. While some fans express concerns that the drama fails to capture the original webtoon's atmosphere, others urge patience, saying that final judgment should be reserved until the full series is released.
The fact that such a short teaser has already sparked controversy highlights just how beloved the original webtoon is. ‘Gwangjang’ was serialized on Naver Webtoon from September 2020 to October 2021, earning an impressive average rating of 9.9 out of 10 across 63 episodes. The webtoon captivated readers with its dark tone, intense storytelling, and realistic characters, making it a major success.
Plot of the Original Webtoon ‘Gwangjang’
‘Gwangjang’ is a hard-boiled noir story set in Seoul, South Korea. The narrative begins with a brutal conflict between two gangs in front of the National Assembly Square 15 years ago.
The protagonist, Nam Gi-jun, was once a rising star in one of Seoul's most powerful gangs, Heungnampa. However, to protect his younger brother, he deliberately severed his Achilles tendon and left the organization. Since then, he has lived a quiet life, distancing himself from violence. But when he learns that his brother has been murdered under mysterious circumstances, he returns to Seoul, determined to uncover the truth.
As Nam Gi-jun digs deeper, he realizes that his brother’s death was not an accident but part of a much larger conspiracy. He finds himself drawn back into the criminal underworld of Gwangjang, facing old acquaintances and new enemies while uncovering betrayals and political schemes.
Netflix Drama ‘Gwangjang’ – Cast and Characters
- Nam Gi-jun (Played by So Ji-sub)
A former rising star of the powerful Heungnampa gang, Nam Gi-jun left the organization to protect his younger brother. However, upon learning of his brother’s unexpected death, he returns to the underworld to uncover the truth. - Nam Gi-seok (Played by Lee Jun-hyuk)
Nam Gi-jun’s younger brother, who worked under Chairman Lee Yong-jun of Ju-woon Corporation. Tasked with overseeing the restaurant THE BOSS, a subsidiary of a rival gang, he ends up clashing with its owner, Gu Jun, and is killed in an attack. His death is the catalyst that forces Nam Gi-jun back into action. - Kim Chun-seok (Played by Ahn Se-ho)
Once Nam Gi-jun’s closest subordinate, Kim Chun-seok is now an executive at Bongsan Corporation. While he has considerable physical strength, he is not as powerful as the Nam brothers. Though he deeply respects Nam Gi-jun, he does not directly interfere in his actions, instead following his final request to simply watch over him. - Choi Sung-cheol (Played by Jo Han-chul)
The sales director of Ju-woon Corporation, Choi Sung-cheol appears laid-back and relaxed but is, in reality, highly perceptive and quick to assess situations. After Gi-seok’s death, he asserts his dominance over Chun Hae-beom, solidifying his leadership. He is one of Nam Gi-jun’s closest allies. - Shim Sung-won (Played by Lee Beom-soo)
The CEO of the N-Clean cleaning service, which operates as a front for handling underground crime scene cleanups. Though initially an antagonist, he ends up working for Nam Gi-jun after being brutally disciplined by him. He later erases all traces of a massacre at Gu Jun’s restaurant, solidifying his reputation for thorough and professional cleanups. - Gu Bong-san (Played by Ahn Gil-kang)
The honorary chairman of Bongsan Corporation, Gu Bong-san is the father of Gu Seok-dong and the grandfather of Gu Jun. Nam Gi-jun once served under him with absolute loyalty. However, when conflict arises, Gu Bong-san laments how his sons have turned Nam Gi-jun into an enemy, ultimately facilitating the deadly battle at Gwangjang. - Lee Ju-woon (Played by Heo Jun-ho)
The honorary chairman of Ju-woon Corporation, he is the father of Lee Yong-jun and grandfather of Lee Geum-seon. He personally admires Nam Gi-jun, even stating that seeing him reminds him of his younger, more spirited self. When Nam Gi-jun proposes a final showdown at Gwangjang, Lee Ju-woon agrees without hesitation, setting the stage for the brutal confrontation.
Fan Expectations and Concerns
One of the biggest concerns among fans is whether the drama will faithfully capture the webtoon’s dark, realistic tone. ‘Gwangjang’ is not just an action story—it is a deep and layered narrative that explores power struggles, betrayals, and human conflicts within the criminal underworld. If the drama focuses too much on action without maintaining the emotional depth of the original, fans may feel disappointed. Another major concern is romanticization. Many K-dramas tend to force in unnecessary romance plots, but ‘Gwangjang’ is known for its lack of romantic elements, focusing instead on its hard-boiled storytelling. Netflix has stated that they aim to stay true to the original webtoon, but fans remain cautiously optimistic. However, there are also high expectations. With a well-structured plot and compelling characters, ‘Gwangjang’ has all the elements of a visually stunning and narratively powerful drama. If done right, it could offer something unique to viewers who enjoy gritty, noir-style storytelling, much like DC movies over Marvel’s typical action-packed films.
Will ‘Gwangjang’ Be a Success?
‘Gwangjang’ is not just a crime-action series—it is a story driven by its intense characters, deep conflicts, and psychological tension. Its success will largely depend on whether Netflix can preserve the raw essence of the original webtoon while bringing its world to life through a gripping live-action adaptation.
Netflix’s original drama ‘Gwangjang’ is set to be released in the first half of 2025, and anticipation is building to see how it will be received by audiences worldwide.
