Netflix’s ‘Trigger’ Explores Gun Violence in a Gun-Free Society

Netflix Korea’s newest original series, “Trigger,” held its press conference on Tuesday in a subdued mood, just one day after a shocking incident in Songdo International City where a father allegedly shot and killed his son using a homemade gun.

Set in a fictional present-day South Korea, where gun ownership remains prohibited, the series explores the fallout when ordinary citizens begin receiving mysterious packages containing firearms—a premise that resonates even more deeply in light of recent events.

Director Kwon Oh-seung revealed that the series was born out of a personal question: what might unfold if guns suddenly became accessible in a society with long-standing strict gun control?

“Recent events have highlighted the unfortunate conflicts and divisions within Korean society. I found myself wondering: what if someone exploited this instability by distributing guns? How would people react? This curiosity sparked the idea for our project,” Kwon explained during the event in Seoul’s Mapo District.

Addressing the recent tragedy, Kwon also responded to concerns about potential parallels between the drama and current events, emphasizing the clear distinction between the show’s narrative and the real-life violence that has shaken the nation.

“I deeply regret the tragic events that have occurred. However, I believe ‘Trigger’ offers a different perspective. The way characters interact with guns in our series leads to unique approaches and outcomes. We hope viewers can distinguish between the painful realities and our fictional narrative,” he stated.

“Empathy is the cornerstone of this series. While the story allows viewers to connect with characters who take up arms, it ultimately conveys that such choices are not the answer.”

Renowned for his action-packed roles in “The Fiery Priest” and “The Pirates,” Kim Nam-gil approaches his character Yi-do not as a typical action hero, but as a man wrestling with moral dilemmas. In “Trigger,” Yi-do is a local police officer racing to uncover the source of illegal gun deliveries.

“I aimed for a more nuanced approach rather than relying on gratuitous action scenes,” Kim explained. “My character has long grappled with the question of whether wielding a gun is truly the best way to protect others. This internal conflict drives him to explore alternative methods of safeguarding people.”

“The result is a more understated portrayal of action. I believe viewers will find Yi-do’s scenes distinct from typical gun-heavy action sequences,” Kim added.

The director emphasized that the project deliberately avoids glorifying gun use, instead weaving together personal narratives to deliver a powerful message about empathy and responsibility.

“Through ‘Trigger,’ we hope to remind viewers that by understanding and empathizing with those around us, we can avoid making extreme choices,” Kwon explained.

He concluded with a poignant observation: “This series should help people appreciate that South Korea’s safety is directly linked to its strict gun control.”

“Trigger” debuts Friday on Netflix.