Is “Trigger” on Netflix Worth Watching? Why Kim Young Kwang’s Villain Role Shocks Fans!
- Disha Paul
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Netflix’s new K-drama, Trigger, is creating waves globally, despite being ironically banned in South Korea. Released on July 25, 2025, the series quickly surged into Netflix’s Global Top 10 (non-English category), all while being on the verge of a ban in its own country.
With a chilling question at its core, "What happens when everyone has access to guns?" the show is sparking debates and fan discussions like no other.
But is Trigger worth watching? Here’s what makes it so compelling.
The Premise: What Happens If Everyone Has a Gun?
Set in a fictional South Korea, Trigger opens with illegal guns mysteriously delivered to everyday people—no explanations, no warnings.
Enter Lee Do (Kim Nam-Gil), a former military sniper turned detective tasked with uncovering the source of the weapons. Opposing him is Moon Baek (Kim Young-Kwang), a charming yet dangerous arms dealer with a personal vendetta.
As violence spreads, each episode zooms in on ordinary citizens, bullied teens, exhausted workers, grieving parents pushed to the edge. The question quickly shifts from “who’s behind it” to “what are we all capable of?”
The Real-World Backlash: A Drama Too Close to Home?
While Trigger dominated international charts, it faced backlash in South Korea, where it remains unavailable on local platforms.
Following a real-life shooting in Incheon, the show’s promotional event was cancelled, and producers clarified that the storyline was fictional and unrelated. Still, the timing struck a nerve.
In a culture where gun ownership is taboo, the premise didn’t just feel bold—it felt dangerous.
Kim Young Kwang’s Villain Role Has Fans Shocked—and Kinda Obsessed
Moon Baek isn’t your average K-drama villain. Kim Young Kwang brings him to life with a calm, almost soft-spoken charm that hides something much darker. His motives are personal, his actions cold, and yet... fans can’t look away.
On social media, people are loving the twist:
“Why do I lowkey want the villain to win? I’ve never felt this conflicted watching a drama!”
Another fan commented:
“This is the first time I’ve watched a K-drama and felt the villain is just as compelling as the main character… I kind of just want to make them friends.”
His revenge isn’t just evil, it’s emotional. That’s what makes his character so shocking and powerful. Kim Young Kwang plays him in a calm but scary way, and that mix is what stays with you long after watching.
It’s rare for a villain to steal the spotlight, but Kim Young Kwang does it effortlessly.
What Critics and Fans Are Saying
Despite the controversy, Trigger is being celebrated abroad for its daring storytelling. Here’s what audiences and critics are saying:
What Worked:
High-stakes drama: The psychological tension is relentless.
Strong performances: Both Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang bring depth to complex roles.
Bold themes: Gun culture, social decay, and trauma are explored with rare honesty.
What Didn’t:
Pacing issues: Critics noted that the middle episodes dragged.
Shallow subplots: Some characters felt underused or stereotypical.
No real resolution: The ending left many viewers unsatisfied, with no clear answers to the core moral question.
On Reddit, fans called it a “necessary chaos”—a rare Korean drama that forces you to sit with discomfort.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds a rare 100% score, despite divided opinions on the writing.
Final Verdict: Is Trigger Worth Your Time?
If you’re looking for something different from your usual K-drama fare, Trigger offers a unique blend of thriller, social commentary, and emotional suspense.
It’s not perfect. But it dares to go where few Korean dramas do, asking what justice, morality, and survival look like when everyone’s armed.
Some say it’s a wake-up call. Others think it’s an overreach. Either way, Trigger refuses to be ignored.
About the Drama:
Title: Trigger
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Genre: Political thriller, dystopia, crime
Starring: Kim Nam-Gil, Kim Young-Kwang
Streaming On: Netflix
Want to Join the Debate?
Have you started watching Trigger yet? Do you think a gun-toting South Korea feels too real or too far-fetched?
Comment down below. Let’s talk.
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