There are plenty of K-Dramas that feature a vengeful lead, one of which is The Glory, a Netflix revenge tragedy that follows Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo), a former victim of school violence who seeks revenge on her bullies after taking up a job as a homeroom teacher at the elementary school of her bully's child. Due to its depth, unabashed ability to face worrisome issues in schools, and very well-written screenplay, the series was at the top of the trending charts.
What makes revenge K-Dramas so intoxicating to watch is due to its compelling and fascinating main characters who are more than willing to do anything to achieve their goals. Whether it's a displeased wife or a wrongly framed heir, the leads of some of the best vengeance K-Dramas are headstrong, fascinating, and resilient. With countless similar-themed shows made each year in Korean cinema, the concept of retribution is not new to the small screen. There are, therefore, many options for those who want to watch K-Dramas that are centered around retributive justice.
15 'The Penthouse: War in Life' (2020 - 2021)
Creator: Kim Soon-ok
While some K-Dramas are adored by viewers for their relatable narratives, some shows take things to the next level. The K-Drama The Penthouse: War in Life shines the spotlight on the residents of a luxury apartment tower named Hera Palace. Some of the characters, including Shim Su-ryeon (Lee Ji-ah), who wants to take revenge on her manipulative and cruel husband, as well as Oh Yoon-hee (Kim Yoo-jin ), who wants to avenge herself from the person who framed her for murder.
The plot of The Penthouse is borderline absurd and unrealistic, especially as it looks like it only features the squabbles between ultra-rich characters at first glance. But with each episode, more details about the story get revealed, uncovering the greed and ambition of the show’s characters. Despite its many melodramatic plot twists, The Penthouse is a must-watch K-Drama streaming now that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
14 'The World of the Married' (2020)
Creator: Kang Eun-kyung
Based on the popular British series Doctor Foster, The World of the Married is one of the most-watched K-dramas due to its intense scenes and thrilling twists. In the show, the life of a doctor named Ji Sun-woo (Kim Hee-ae) is suddenly overturned when she discovers her husband’s unfaithfulness. The affair becomes more complicated when Sun-woo becomes the doctor assigned to her husband’s mistress.
The show became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea due to its raw and moving plot that’s full of betrayal and revenge. Sun-woo, fed up with all her husband’s lies and her friends’ complicity, decides to take matters into her own hands. In one of the highly emotional scenes in the show, Sun-woo exposes her husband’s affair in front of his mistress' parents, resulting in a jolting confrontation. Despite what she experienced, Sun-woo gets her vengeance on those who hurt her due to her intelligence and self-restraint.
13 'Vincenzo' (2021 - )
Created by Studio Dragon
Vincenzo follows the titular character, a mafia consigliere (Song Joong Ki) who escapes to South Korea in order to reclaim 1.5 tons of gold hidden in Geumga Plaza's basement. Vincenzo must use his skills to retake the building and regain his money because a firm has unlawfully acquired ownership of it.
For fans of Western mafia flicks with a hint of Asian culture, the show is a thrilling K-drama that strikes the perfect mix between mind games and action. However, even without the explicit reference to revenge, the show's atmosphere is nonetheless rife with it; as a result, it strongly recalls The Glory. Moreover, the series is praised for its well-crafted plot, intriguing storylines, and unexpected twists. If viewers appreciate shows with intricate narratives and clever storytelling, Vincenzo might be worth watching.
Vincenzo
*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
- Release Date
- February 20, 2021
- Cast
- Song Joong-ki , Jeon Yeo-been , Taecyeon , Kwak Dong-yeon
- Seasons
- 1
12 'Taxi Driver' (2021 - )
Directed by Park Joon-woo, Lee-dan
Taxi Driver follows Kim Do-gi (Lee Je-hoon), a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, who lost his mother when he was a small boy. He now drives a taxi for an organization that provides a "retribution-call" service to its customers who have experienced wrongdoing and aids them in exacting revenge because he was unable to exact revenge on the person who killed his mother.
Fans may find the show compelling, thought-provoking, and incredibly poignant with numerous moral conflicts, especially among paid killers with a purpose. Moreover, The Glory enthusiasts will enjoy the show's action-packed pace. Taxi Driver also delves into social issues and injustices, providing commentary on corruption, privilege, and the flaws within the legal system, reminding viewers of The Glory.
11 'Reborn Rich' (2022)
Directed by Jung Dae-yoon
In order to cover up a tax fraud scheme, a member of the Soonyang family betrayed and killed Yoon Hyun-woo (Song Joong-ki), a devoted higher-up employee working for the chaebol Soonyang Group. Later, in 1987, Hyun-woo awakens to find himself in the body of Jin Do-jun, the youngest grandchild of the Soonyang family, having undergone reincarnation. He plans a hostile takeover of Soonyang Group as the first step in his retaliation, taking advantage of the current situation.
With a compelling plot, top-notch acting, and one of the greatest TV finales that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled, Reborn Rich expertly blends science fiction with a thriller. The show covers the highly complex political and market competitions, the shadowy corners of the tycoon world, and the historical context of the time through each of the lead's life milestones. Though the show doesn't have much in common with The Glory besides the revenge theme, Reborn Rich is a must-watch for fans of the sci-fi/thriller genre.
10 'Lawless Lawyer' (2018)
Created by Studio Dragon
Lawless Lawyer revolves around Bong Sang-pil (Lee Joon-gi), a skilled lawyer who adopts unorthodox methods to achieve justice. Sang-pil used to be a gangster, but after witnessing the corruption and injustices within the legal system, he becomes a lawyer to fight against those who abuse their power. Sang-pil returns to his hometown, where he becomes involved in a series of legal cases that are interconnected with his past.
Lawless Lawyer revolves around the traditional good-versus-evil theme as it follows a guy on a quest for justice, much like The Glory. With its excellent portrayal of its characters and their difficulties, Lawless Lawyer brilliantly captivates viewers. The series also delves into crime and corruption within both the legal and criminal worlds. Sang-pil's fight for justice often involves confronting powerful individuals with hidden agendas.
9 'The Innocent Man' (2012)
Created by Jeong Seong-hyo
A show based on the novel Nice Guy by Jung Kyung-Yoon, The Innocent Man follows a young man named Kang Ma-ru (Song Joong-ki), who is falsely accused of a crime and ends up serving time in prison. After his release, Ma-ru sets out to clear his name and seek revenge against those who wronged him, including his former girlfriend who betrayed him and married a wealthy man.
The Innocent Man’s execution is nonetheless fresh and unique even though the plot isn't particularly noteworthy or novel since it explores how a person's actions and motivations are influenced by their need for power and their rage. It also explores the corrupt world of business and politics in South Korea in a very realistic manner, much like how it was portrayed in The Glory. The Innocent Man also includes a romantic storyline that is both passionate and tumultuous in a very upsetting situation, reminding viewers of Moon Dong-eun and Joo Yeo-jeong's (Lee Do-hyun) relationship.
8 'Rugal' (2020)
Directed by Kang Cheol-woo, Lee Jung-soo
Based on a webtoon of the same name, Rugal follows Kang Ki-Beom (Choi Jin-hyuk), a detective who is targeted by a criminal organization known as Argos. Kang's wife is murdered by hitmen sent by Argos as punishment for his actions, and Kang is blinded and falsely accused of the crime. Later, the NIS enlists Kang to join the "Rugal" task team, whose members possess biotechnology that grants them superhuman skills. Kang sets out to clear his name and avenge his wife’s death.
Due to the series' use of violence, the show might not be suitable for everyone. Moreover, while thrives beyond the revenge theme, Rugal also explores justice revenge, and the consequences of playing God with technology. It also delves into the characters' struggle with their own pasts and the weight of their responsibilities, which can remind viewers of The Glory.
7 'Remarriage and Desires' (2022)
Directed by Kim Jeong-min
Remarriage and Desires follow Seo Hye-Seung (Kim Hee-sun), a middle-class housewife in Gangnam who loses everything in an instant when her husband demands a divorce. Hye-Seung, determined to thwart his intentions, enlists the aid of a matchmaking service and poses a threat to the new lover of his ex-husband.
The concept of having the trajectory of your life changed in a matter of minutes is explored in the show, along with the desire to emotionally harm the person who changed it. Instead of involving killings, payback, or adhering to the "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" rule, Remarriage and Desires proves that psychological vengeance is the best type of retaliation, a method that is used fluently in the binge-worthy 2023 Netflix show.
6 'Secret Love' (2013)
Created by Kwak ki won
Secret Love centers on the selfless and devoted Kang Yoo-jung (Hwang Jung-eum), who assumes responsibility for her boyfriend Ahn Do-hoon's (Bae Soo-bin) hit-and-run and ends up in jail in his stead. Nevertheless, once inside, her boyfriend, who is now motivated by ambition and a desire for power, dumps her. As Yoo-jung is released from prison, she decides to make Do-hoon pay for his misdeeds by joining forces with the girlfriend of whom was injured in the previous accident.
The subject of retribution is a common one in K-drama, but Secret Love handled it admirably by the time it was published thanks to its compelling plot, excellent acting, and poignant moments. In addition, the idea of women working together on the small screen remains relevant, making it worthwhile to explore. Moreover, if viewers enjoy romantic dramas with emotional depth and intricate storytelling, Secret Love is likely to provide a compelling narrative centered around love, relationships, and personal struggles.
5 'Eve' (2022)
Directed by Park Bong-seop
Following the death of her scientist father, Eve follows Lee Ra-el (Seo Ye-Ji) who sets out on a dangerous quest to exact revenge on one of the wealthiest families in South Korea, LY Group, for having planned his assassination. Over 13 years, she suppresses all of her resentment and rage as she develops a strategy to bring down the said company.
Eve follows a conventional theme seen in the essential revenge movies, yet it doesn't feel dated or clichéd because of its creative ways. Nevertheless, with the feminist revolution currently underway, the theme of women pitted against one another feels out of place. Yet, the show strongly evokes comparisons with The Glory, particularly in the way women in Eve engage in combat against each other.
4 'Military Prosecutor Doberman' (2022)
Directed by Jin Chang-gyu
Military Prosecutor Doberman chronicles the life of Do Bae-man (Ahn Bo-hyun), a military prosecutor for gambling. He seeks to make use of his abilities to earn money and enjoy a peaceful retirement. However, his perspective shifts when he meets Cha Woo-in (Jo Bo-ah), the wealthy family's daughter and a prosecutor seeking retribution. Military Prosecutor Doberman offers a unique and daring perspective on courtroom and military drama with some tender and funny moments.
It's also one of the K-dramas that will send viewers on an action-packed rollercoaster of vengeance and may strongly resemble The Glory. Military Prosecutor Doberman also addresses the shortcomings of the justice system, highlighting instances where wealthy individuals evade consequences for their crimes through financial means, leaving less fortunate individuals to bear the full weight of the repercussions, reminding viewers of the Netflix show.
3 'My Name' (2021)
Directed by Kim Jin-min
My Name follows a young lady named Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) who, after witnessing her father being murdered in cold blood, decides to take matters into her own hands. She adopts a new identity, becomes an undercover police officer, and infiltrates the criminal organization responsible for her father's death. As she navigates the dangerous and complex world of organized crime, Ji-woo faces moral dilemmas and struggles with her dual identity.
My Name features inventive viewpoints and is largely made up of oppressive, dark themes that fiercely mirror reality. Also, the movie's suspenseful action scenes are heart-pounding, due to how realistically they are described. Although lacking Moon Dong-eun’s rigorous planning, Yoon Ji-woo is as daring and astute and will not let the audience down. The show also explores the dark and often dangerous world of organized crime and delves into the intricacies of undercover police work and the challenges faced by those attempting to dismantle criminal networks.
My Name
*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
- Release Date
- October 15, 2021
- Cast
- Hee-soon Park , Ahn Bo-Hyun , Han So-hee , Kim Sang-Ho
- Seasons
- 1
2 'Graceful Family' (2019)
Directed by Han Chul-Soo
Graceful Family follows Mo Seok-hee (Im Soo-hyang), who is the heiress of MC Group, a large and powerful conglomerate. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her mother is murdered, and she is framed for the crime. Seok-hee ends up in prison for several years, and during her time behind bars, she plans her revenge against those responsible for her mother's death. Upon her release, Seok-hee returns to the MC Group with a new identity and joins forces with Heo Yoon-do (Lee Jang-woo), a lawyer with a troubled past.
The show is incredibly captivating to watch and provides a glimpse into the many secrets kept by a wealthy, dysfunctional family. Moreover, Mo Seok-hee gets a lot of assistance on her journey, just like Moon Dong-eun in The Glory. The show also delves into the complex relationships within a wealthy and influential family, highlighting the power struggles, secrets, and betrayals that often accompany such dynamics.
1 'Revenge of Others' (2022)
Directed by Kim Yoo-jin
Revenge of Others centers on Chan-mi (Shin Ye-eun), a high school student who is distraught by the passing of her twin brother Soo-heon (Park Solomon). She then looks for the truth about her brother's passing and wants retribution from those to blame.
Revenge of Others could be the most like The Glory since it courageously addresses the repercussions of bullying and school violence. Also, it does not hold back from criticizing the flawed legal system and how it impacts victims who are begging for justice. While the wealthy and powerful use their affluence to subvert the truth, the poor are denied justice. Moreover, the show is stylish and has that early '00s teen horror charm – set in a creepy, gothic school, with bullies that invoke unimaginable fear among their peers.