Netflix has long been a stronghold for thrillers, but recently the platform has been dropping them at an even faster pace, and it’s no surprise given how much viewers crave thrills. I’m actually glad to see more Korean content getting the chance to shine in the genre, so when I saw the first trailer for “Trigger,” I added it straight to my watchlist.
And fortunately, “Trigger” did not disappoint in the slightest. This action-thriller is a tense ride centered on the sudden spread of illegal firearms in a country unprepared for them. It’s a fresh concept and one that succeeds in its central themes. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a story that tackles gun violence quite like this.
With 10 episodes now streaming on Netflix, there’s much to dive into, and “Trigger” makes for a compelling binge-watch. It’s packed with ideas about how violence can unravel even the most orderly societies. Plus, action fans will find plenty to enjoy in its explosive sequences.
If you’re curious to know more, here’s my take on “Trigger” and why it deserves a spot on your Netflix watchlist.
What is ‘Trigger’ about?
“Trigger” is set in a version of Korea where guns are virtually nonexistent. The story begins when illegal firearms start appearing across the country, causing a rapid surge in violent crimes.
Former military sniper turned detective Lee Do (Kim Nam-gil) is called in to lead the investigation. Focused, relentless, and haunted by his past, Lee Do is determined to trace the origin of the weapons and stop the spread before things spiral further out of control.
His search leads him to Moon Baek (Kim Young-kwang), a charismatic and elusive arms dealer whose motivations remain unclear. As Lee Do digs deeper, the two men become locked in a high-stakes game of pursuit and deception.
‘Trigger’ is a pulse-pounding ride into sudden chaos
South Korea has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world, with civilian firearm ownership heavily restricted, making the sudden influx of illegal guns in “Trigger” all the more shocking and impactful.
Unlike many Korean dramas where guns serve mainly as props or plot tools, “Trigger” explores the deeper significance of firearms depending on who holds them. The story focuses less on the act of shooting and more on the reasons behind why these weapons fall into certain hands. Simply put, it's about the people who are facing deeply personal issues.
“Trigger” opens with Jeong-tae (Woo Ji-hyun), a long-time civil service exam student, quietly minding his own business on a train when a man begins asking passengers if they want to buy some guns. Two girls scream as he waves one around, but the man laughs and reveals it’s just a gun-shaped lighter. He then casually delivers a bit of exposition: Guns are illegal in South Korea.
Soon after, Jeong-tae asks a man to move from a seat reserved for pregnant women and is met with hostility. He’s someone who follows the rules and the growing number of people who don’t eventually push him to a breaking point. Within the first 10 minutes, there's a shocking moment that had me staring at the screen, wide-eyed, with my hand over my mouth.
But Jeong-tae isn’t the only one on the brink. Kyeong-sook reflects the struggle faced by those without power when trying to raise their voice. Gyu-jin’s story highlights the impossible choices school violence victims must make to escape a never-ending pattern of abuse.
Jeon Won-sung stands as a warning about how twisted ideologies can lead people to justify dangerous actions in the name of justice. Meanwhile, Jung-man captures the frustration and fury of those pushed to the margins in a society divided by class and opportunity.
“Trigger” essentially shows us what people in these situations might do if they were given guns and how society responds. That includes Lee Do, a former military sniper turned police detective tasked with tracing the source of an illegal firearms surge in South Korea, and Moon Baek, a charming arms dealer with a secretive agenda.
There’s a lot to like about “Trigger,” and it’s clever how the episodes naturally introduce you to the characters, their struggles, and why they eventually accept a gun into their lives. Director Kwon Oh-seung does a great job weaving these stories together without losing sight of Lee Do, who remains the central focus and driving force behind stopping the surge of illegal firearms.
As you can probably tell by now, I really enjoyed the storytelling in this series, and I found the narrative especially fresh. Plus, all the characters feel distinct, with talented actors giving them genuine emotional weight.
But beyond the story, “Trigger” is also an adrenaline-pumping watch, packed with plenty of action to keep you invested when the pace slows down. Keep in mind, the action isn’t there purely for thrills. As Oh-seung made clear from the start, “Trigger” is all about consequences and what drives people to pull that trigger.
You need to stream ‘Trigger’ on Netflix
Asking what would happen if guns were suddenly legal in a country like South Korea is a challenging question, but “Trigger” takes that idea and runs with it in surprisingly thoughtful ways.
The series is much more than just an action-thriller that centers around gun violence, and that’s exactly why I enjoyed it so much. It’s a smart, layered look at how ordinary people react when pushed to the edge, and how the weight of a gun shifts everything. It’s the storytelling that stands out most, bringing a cast of believable characters to life through emotionally driven choices.
While “Trigger” delivers plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments, it never forgets to show the lasting consequences of violence. It’s one of the strongest thrillers I’ve seen in a while, and it deserves a spot in the top 10.
You can stream “Trigger” on Netflix now. For more streaming recommendations, see what else is new on Netflix in July 2025.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
