5 Shocking Facts About John Na: Unmasking The Mysterious Figure In Netflix's 'Mr. Plankton'

The character known as John Na in the 2024 Netflix K-Drama sensation, Mr. Plankton, has quickly become one of the most intriguing and conversation-starting figures in recent Korean television. As of December 2025, the buzz surrounding this mysterious, often-silent character is less about his on-screen actions and more about the man who portrays him—American actor Alex Landi—and a surprising cultural trivia point embedded right in his name.

This deep dive will unmask the man behind the sunglasses, provide a complete profile of the actor, and break down why the name "John Na" is causing such a stir among Korean viewers, adding a layer of hidden, dark humor to the critically acclaimed series. The character's role as the enigmatic subordinate to the powerful Beom Ho-Ja is critical to the plot, making his background essential for any fan to understand the full scope of the show's narrative.

Alex Landi: The Full Biography of the Actor Behind John Na

The man who brings the mysterious John Na to life is Alex Landi, an accomplished American actor and model with a distinctive Korean-Italian heritage. His casting in Mr. Plankton marks a significant career milestone, as it is his first major role in a South Korean drama, bridging the gap between Hollywood and the global K-Drama scene.

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Landi’s career before this role was already notable, establishing him as a groundbreaking figure in American television. His most famous role remains his portrayal of Dr. Nico Kim on the long-running ABC medical drama, Grey's Anatomy.

Complete Profile and Key Facts

• Full Name: Alex Landi
• Date of Birth: September 28, 1992
• Age: 33 (as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: New York City, USA
• Ethnicity: Korean-Italian descent
• Career Beginnings: Landi initially aspired to be a professional tennis player before transitioning to acting and modeling.
• Breakthrough Role: Dr. Nico Kim in Grey's Anatomy (2018–2022). He made history as the first openly gay male surgeon and the first male Asian surgeon on the show.
• K-Drama Debut: John Na in Mr. Plankton (2024).
• Other Works (Selected): Appeared in *Insatiable* (2019) and *American Horror Story: Double Feature* (2021).

Landi’s unique background and experience in both American and now Korean productions make him a standout figure. His portrayal of John Na, a character who is often reserved and communicates primarily through his presence, showcases a different facet of his acting range compared to his high-profile role as the eloquent Dr. Nico Kim.

The Enigmatic Role of John Na in 'Mr. Plankton'

John Na is introduced in the K-Drama Mr. Plankton as a mysterious and highly capable figure who arrives from America. He serves as a subordinate to the powerful and manipulative Beom Ho-Ja (played by Kim Hae-Sook), the mother of the lead character, Hae-Jo.

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His character is designed to be an enigma. He is often seen in sunglasses, maintaining a stoic and professional demeanor, fulfilling the role of a "sunglass-cool bodyguard" or a fixer for Beom Ho-Ja.

A Catalyst for the Main Plot

Despite his limited dialogue, John Na is far from a minor character. Reviewers and fans agree that he plays a key role in advancing the plot and adding significant depth to the story.

His primary function is to execute the directives of Beom Ho-Ja, often involving complex and high-stakes situations that directly impact the lives of the main protagonists, Hae-Jo (played by Woo Do-Hwan) and Jo Jae Mi (played by Lee Yu-Mi). John Na's presence is a constant reminder of the overarching power structure and the forces working against the main couple.

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The complexity of his character lies in the subtle nuances Landi brings to the role, suggesting a deeper, perhaps conflicted, personality beneath the cool exterior. His involvement in the family's dark history and his relationship with Beom Ho-Ja are crucial elements that drive the dramatic tension of the series, which was written by Jo Yong, known for the hit drama *It's Okay to Not Be Okay*.

The Viral Controversy: Why John Na's Name is a Korean Curse Word

One of the most fascinating and widely discussed aspects of the character is a piece of cultural trivia that has gone viral among international and Korean K-Drama fans: the character's name, John Na, is a homophone for a common and strong Korean curse word.

The 'Lost in Translation' Humor

In Korean, the name "John Na" is pronounced very similarly, if not identically, to the phrase "존나" (jon-na), which is a slang term equivalent to "f*cking" or "very" (in an exaggerated, often vulgar way) in English.

This linguistic coincidence creates an unintentional layer of dark comedy and controversy, particularly in scenes where other characters repeatedly call his name. Every time a character says "John Na," they are, in effect, cursing at him in Korean. This detail is a prime example of a "lost in translation" moment that only native or knowledgeable Korean speakers would immediately catch.

The writer, Jo Yong, and the director, Hong Jong-chan, may have intentionally used this name to add a subversive edge to the character, given the show's mix of romantic comedy and darker, more serious themes. The name itself becomes a subtle, running gag for the Korean audience, adding to the show's unique charm and making John Na an even more memorable entity.

The Impact of John Na on the Global K-Drama Landscape

The casting of a Korean-American actor like Alex Landi in a prominent K-Drama role is a significant moment for the global entertainment industry. It highlights the increasing cross-pollination between Hollywood and South Korea, a trend driven by the massive worldwide success of platforms like Netflix and the global popularity of K-Content.

John Na's character acts as a cultural bridge. He is an American-based figure returning to Korea, mirroring Alex Landi's own heritage and career path. This representation is important for the Korean diaspora, seeing an actor of their background featured so prominently in a major Korean production. The character, who is a subordinate to the powerful Beom Ho-Ja, brings an American perspective and a different style of acting to the ensemble cast, which also includes stars like Oh Jung-se.

Furthermore, the viral discussion around the name "John Na" has inadvertently boosted the show's topical authority and online presence, turning a simple character name into a piece of must-know K-Drama trivia. This blend of compelling plot, diverse casting, and unexpected cultural Easter eggs ensures that the mysterious figure of John Na will be remembered long after the final credits roll on Mr. Plankton.