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Trigger Netflix Brings a Korean Thriller About Guns and Tension
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4 weeks 2 days
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Fransisca Rani
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Fransisca Rani writes for OTT Korea, covering Korean entertainment including K-dramas, K-pop, and celebrity culture. Known for her attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of trending topics, she transforms complex updates into engaging and easy-to-read articles. Her work highlights cultural moments and stories that resonate with global audiences.

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When guns arrive in a gun-free society, chaos quietly knocks on the door.
Trigger isn’t just an action thriller — it’s a chilling reflection of what could happen when fear and empathy collide.
Backed by a 30 billion won production, this Netflix original dares to ask: what would you do if the trigger landed in your hands?

Netflix 'Trigger'

Netflix Korea is set to drop its newest original series Trigger on July 25, releasing all episodes at once. But even before its premiere, the drama has already sparked intense buzz—both for its sensitive theme and unavoidable controversy.

Set in an alternate South Korea where illegal firearms mysteriously arrive in people’s hands via package deliveries, Trigger explores the collapse of a once-safe society. The tension heightened after a real-life incident occurred in Incheon just a day before the press conference, where a man reportedly shot his own son with a homemade gun. Public concerns quickly turned toward the drama’s relevance.

At the press conference held at Hotel Naru Seoul, director Kwon Oh-seung addressed the situation delicately:

“I feel deeply sorry about what happened. But Trigger is not about glorifying guns. It’s about empathy and responsibility in times of crisis,” he stated.

He emphasized that the show tells a different kind of story—one that pushes viewers to think beyond violence.


A Massive Production and Gripping Narrative

Chosun Biz - Photo from the Trigger press conference held on July 22, 2025

With a jaw-dropping production cost of 30 billion KRW, Trigger stands among Netflix Korea’s most ambitious projects. Directed by Kwon Oh-seung (Midnight) and Kim Jae-hoon, the drama blends action, suspense, and a sharp social message.

Kim Nam-gil plays Lee Do, a cop haunted by the past but driven by justice. Meanwhile, Kim Young-kwang takes on the role of Moon Baek, a mysterious helper who appears at a shooting scene with unclear motives. Their entangled paths drive the chaos that unfolds.

Director Kwon shared his vision:

I imagined what would happen if guns suddenly became accessible in this frustrating reality. In Trigger, guns aren’t just tools—they’re the core of the story.”


Public Worries and a Canceled Fan Event

Given its heavy subject, Trigger has earned a 19+ rating and mixed reactions. Some viewers praise its fresh angle, while others express concern about the impact of portraying gun violence—especially in a country where guns are strictly banned.

Netflix canceled the scheduled Trigger Talk & Shot fan event livestream without explanation. The timing—right after the real-world shooting—left many speculating that the cancellation was a thoughtful response to public sentiment.


What Fans Are Saying About Trigger: Reddit Reacts

Screenshot of the community on Reddit

Despite the controversy, international fans—especially from Reddit communities—are hyped for the premiere.

Comments like:

“All episodes being dropped at once? Definitely seems like my kind of series!”

“Thanks for the reminder. It’s definitely Trigger for me. Excited!”

show how anticipation is building fast. Many are drawn in by the edgy storyline, high-quality production, and powerhouse casting.


Trigger Trailer That Hits Hard

Kim Nam Gil (left) and Kim Young Kwang - Netflix 'Trigger'

The official trailer of Trigger, now shared widely on Twitter, sends chills with its closing line:

“What would happen if everyone in Korea had a gun?”

It opens with unsettling visuals of bullets and firearms scattered across the nation, alongside rapid gunfire and confused faces. One emotional line sticks with viewers: “Everyone has a trigger in their heart.”


Are You Ready to Pull the Trigger?

Trigger isn’t just another crime drama. It’s a deep dive into what happens when ordinary people are handed power they were never meant to hold. With its bold concept, top-tier cast, and cinematic scale, Trigger is set to become one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2025.

Get ready for a wild ride—packed with action, moral conflict, and intense psychological drama. And once you watch it, don’t forget to share your thoughts. After all, maybe everyone really does have a trigger. The question is: who pulls it first?

Sources: Korean entertainment news from NAVER, Daum, and Chosun (July 2025), including press interviews with the cast and directors. Viewer comments were also gathered from Reddit threads and Twitter reactions following the release of the official trailer.

Picture

Member for

4 weeks 2 days
Real name
Fransisca Rani
Bio
Fransisca Rani writes for OTT Korea, covering Korean entertainment including K-dramas, K-pop, and celebrity culture. Known for her attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of trending topics, she transforms complex updates into engaging and easy-to-read articles. Her work highlights cultural moments and stories that resonate with global audiences.

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10 Responses

Linda_Turner's avatar

Oh my stars, this sounds so intense!!!
I’ll need to watch it with the lights on and my stress tea ready! :anxious_face_with_sweat:
Though I might fast-forward the shooting scenes. My nerves can’t take it like my Squid Game days! :see_no_evil_monkey:
Praying for wisdom for everyone involved. :two_hearts:
P.S. Kim Nam-gil’s eyes in that trailer? Chills, but the good kind! :eyes::sparkles:

NaRi_Min's avatar

Netflix really pushing their luck with this one, huh? A drama about illegal guns right after a real-life shooting? :head_shaking_horizontally:
‘Not glorifying violence’??? this is just shock value disguised as ‘social commentary.’ And canceling the fan event last minute? Cowards! :anger_symbol:
Either commit to your edgy concept or don’t bother. Kim Nam-gil better save this mess with his acting, because the timing alone makes this drama feel exploitative. 30 billion won budget, but can’t even read the room properly. Typical, meh

Anisa_Nadya's avatar

OMG, Trigger looks SO intense but in the best way possible! :scream: Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang in one drama? That’s like a dream cast already! :sparkling_heart: I get why people are worried, but the director’s explanation makes sense—it’s about empathy, not glorifying violence. And that trailer? CHILLS. Literally counting down the days till July 25! :tada:

Sunti_Tawan's avatar

Whoa, a drama about guns in Korea? That’s wilddd :fire: But Kim Nam-gil as a tortured cop? SIGN ME UP. Also low-key curious how they’ll pull this off. Hope the action scenes slap! :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

Haruka_Tanaka's avatar

The premise of Trigger is so unsettling yet fascinating—it reminds me of those psychological J-dramas that make you question human nature. Kim Nam-gil’s intensity paired with this dystopian concept? Perfection. But I do hope they handle the gun violence carefully, especially after that tragic real-life incident… The trailer’s rawness already gave me chills. This might be 2025’s most thought-provoking drama :thought_balloon: #TriggerDrama

Nabila_Putri's avatar

I’m super hyped for this drama to drop! I’m even ready to lock in a whole year of Netflix just for it! So fingers crossed all the public drama won’t mess with its ratings.

Nabila_Putri's avatar

Totally feel you on this. The timing really couldn’t be worse, and trying to pass it off as “social commentary” just feels tone-deaf. Canceling the fan event last minute only made it look like they’re not ready to face the backlash they knew was coming. Honestly, with a budget that huge, you’d expect better judgment. At this point, we’re all just hoping Kim Nam-gil can carry the whole thing and give it ‘some’ redemption.

Ni_Paramita's avatar

Right?! It’s such a bold move, especially with everything going on lately. But Kim Nam-gil never misses, and if anyone can pull off a gritty, layered role like this, it’s him. Fingers crossed the action scenes go hard! :fire:

Fajar_Rizky's avatar

Finally, a K-drama that’s packed with real action and suspense! Been craving something like this. But wait… is this even a good choice for a movie date? :joy:

Riko_Ramadhan's avatar

The premise sounds solid :100:political tension, urban chaos, and two ex-cops with clashing ideologies? That’s my kind of drama. I just hope the execution lives up to the hype and doesn’t fall into the usual cliché traps.

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