glory is Netflix’s recently released revenge tragedy that follows Moon Dong-eun (Hye-kyo song), a former victim of school violence who seeks revenge on her bullies after taking a job as a teacher at her bullied child’s elementary school.
Due to its depth, relentless ability to deal with troubling issues in schools and a very well written script, the series is soon topping the trending charts. With countless similar themed shows made every year in Korean cinema, the concept of punishment is not new to cinema. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to pass the time while they recover from the Season 1 finale.
Updated July 6, 2023, by Jessie Nguyen:
The theme of punishment has never been out of fashion, and interest in this genre is only growing over the years. glorya hit South Korean show on Netflix, has recently raised excitement among viewers and awakened their curiosity for other comparable shows.
13 ‘Rugal’ (2020)
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 killed by assassins sent by Argos as punishment for his actions, and Kang is blinded and falsely accused of the crime. Later, the NIS forces Kang to join the “Rugal” task force, whose members possess biotechnology that gives them superhuman abilities. Kang sets out to clear his name and avenge his wife’s death.
Due to the use of violence, the show may not be suitable for everyone. Moreover, as it flourishes beyond the theme of revenge, Rugal also explores the vengeance of justice and the consequences of playing God with technology. It also delves into the complexities between the characters as they struggle with their pasts and the weight of their responsibilities, which can remind viewers of glory.
Watch on Netflix
12 “Vincenzo” (2021 – )
Vincenzo follows the titular character, a mobster (Song Joong Ki) who escapes to South Korea to recover 1.5 tons of gold hidden in the basement of Geumga Plaza. Vincenzo must use his skills to reclaim the building and get his money back because a firm has illegally acquired its ownership.
For fans of western mafia movies with a hint of Asian culture, the show is an exciting K-drama that creates the perfect mix between mind games and action. However, even without the obvious reference to revenge, the atmosphere of the play is still filled with it; as a result, she remembers strongly glory.
Watch on Netflix
11 “Remarriage and Wishes” (2022)
Remarriage and wishes follow SEO Hye-Seung (Kim Hee-sun), a middle-class housewife in Gangnam who loses everything in an instant when her husband files for divorce. Hye-Seung, determined to thwart his goals, enlists the help of a matchmaking service and poses a threat to his ex-husband’s new lover.
The concept of changing the trajectory of life in minutes is explored in the show, along with the desire to emotionally damage the person who changed it. Instead of involving murders, paybacks, or following the “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” rule, Remarriage and wishes proves that psychological revenge is the best kind of revenge, a method used fluently in the Netflix show 2023.
Watch on Netflix
10 ‘Eve’ (2022)
After the death of her scientist father, EVE follows Lee Ra-el (Seo Ye-Ji) who embarks on a dangerous quest to get revenge on one of the richest families in South Korea, the LY Group, for planning his murder. Over 13 years, she suppresses all her resentment and rage as she develops a strategy to take down the company in question.
EVE follows a conventional theme seen in quintessential revenge movies, yet doesn’t feel dated or clichéd due to its creative ways. However, with the feminist revolution currently underway, the theme of women pitted against each other seems out of place.
9 “The Innocent Man” (2012)
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 in prison. After his release, Ma-ru decides to clear his name and seek revenge on those who wronged him, including his ex-girlfriend who cheated on him and married a rich man.
The Innocent ManIts execution is still fresh and unique even though the plot isn’t particularly relevant or new, as it explores how a person’s actions and motivations are influenced by their need for power and their anger. It also explores the corrupt world of business and politics in South Korea in a very realistic way.
8 “Taxi Driver” (2021)
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. Now he drives a taxi for an organization that provides a “call-out” service to its clients who have experienced wrongdoing and helps them get revenge because he was unable to take revenge on the person who killed his mother.
Fans may find the show compelling, sensitive, and incredibly moving with multiple moral conflicts, especially among hitmen with a purpose. For more, glory enthusiasts will enjoy the action-packed pace of the show.
7 “Reborn Rich” (2022)
To cover up a tax fraud scheme, a member of the Soonyang family betrayed and killed Yoon Hyun-woo (Song Joong-ki), a dedicated senior employee working for the Chaebol Soonyang Group. Later, in 1987, Hyun-woo wakes up to find himself in the body of Jin Do-jun, the youngest grandson of the Soonyang family, after undergoing reincarnation. He plans a hostile takeover of the Soonyang Group as the first step in his revenge, taking advantage of the current situation.
With a compelling plot, top-notch acting and one of the best TV finales that will stay with you long after the headlines hit, Reborn Rich skillfully blends science fiction with a thriller. The show covers the very complex political and market competitions, the dark corners of the tycoon’s world and the historical context of the time through each of the moments of the leader’s life.
Check it out on Wiki
6 ‘Doberman Military Prosecutor’ (2022)
Military Prosecutor Doberman tells the life of Do Bae-man (Ahn Bo-hyun), a military gambling prosecutor. He wants to use his skills to earn money and enjoy a comfortable retirement. However, his perspective changes when he meets Cha Woo (Yo Bo-ah), the daughter of a wealthy family and a prosecutor seeking revenge.
The program offers a unique and bold 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 revenge rollercoaster, and it might look a lot like glory.
Check it out on Wiki
5 “My Name” (2021)
my name follows a young lady named Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) who, after her father’s murder, decides to join a gang to avenge her father’s killer. She then puts her trust in a powerful crime boss and later infiltrates the police force as a gang thief.
my name it features inventive perspectives and mostly consists of oppressive, dark themes that harshly reflect reality. Also, the suspenseful action scenes of the film are heart-pounding, because of how realistically they are depicted. Although he lacks the rigorous planning of Moon Dong-eun, Yoon Ji-woo is just as bold and witty and will not disappoint the audience.
Watch on Netflix
4 “Illegal Lawyer” (2018)
Lawyer without law centers on gangster lawyer Bong Sang-pil (Lee Joon-Gi) and suspended lawyer Ha Jae-yi (Seo Ye-Ji) working together to avenge their mothers’ murders. Sang-pil saw his mother being murdered when he was a child and has since sought to find and punish those responsible.
With the excellent portrayal of the characters and their difficulties, Lawyer without law it brilliantly amazes the viewers. It revolves around the traditional theme of good versus evil as it follows a boy on a quest for justice, much like glory.
Watch on Netflix
3 “Secret Love” (2013)
Secret love centers on the selfless and dedicated Kang Yoo-jung (Hwang Jung-eum), who takes responsibility for her boyfriend Ahn Do-hoon (Bae Soo-bin) hit and run and ends up in jail instead. However, once inside, her lover, who is now motivated by ambition and a desire for power, abandons her. As Yoo-jung is released from prison, she decides to make Do-hun pay for his misdeeds by joining forces with his girlfriend who was injured in the previous accident.
The theme of payback is common in K-drama, but Secret love handled it admirably at the time it was released thanks to its compelling plot, brilliant acting and poignant moments. Additionally, the idea of women working together on the small screen remains relevant, making it worth exploring.
2 “Pleasant Family” (2019)
Elegant family centers on Mo Seok-hee (I’m Soo-hyang), who is troubled by her mother’s unsolved death and is determined to learn the truth. She starts looking into it and discovers that one of her family members killed her mother, so she devises a scheme to catch the killer.
The show is incredibly fascinating to watch and offers a glimpse into the many secrets held by a rich and dysfunctional family. In addition, Mo Seok-hee gets a lot of help on her journey, just like Moon Dong-eun in Glory.
1 “The Revenge of Others” (2022)
Revenge of others focuses on Chan-mi (Shin Ye-eun), a high school student who is troubled by the death of her twin brother Soo-heon (Solomon Park). She then seeks the truth about her brother’s death and demands retribution from those responsible.
Revenge of others may be the most popular glory as it bravely tackles the consequences of bullying and violence at school. Also, he does not hold back from criticizing the flawed legal system and how it affects victims seeking justice. While the rich and powerful use their wealth to subvert the truth, the poor are denied justice.
Watch on Hulu
