Hey, folks! Hope you’re doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama The Glory, which has emerged as one of Netflix’s most intense and highly praised Korean series, presenting a gripping tale of strategic vengeance and psychological conflict.
The Glory hit Netflix in December 2022 with its first part comprising 8 episodes, followed by a second part in March 2023 with another 8 episodes, making a total of 16 episodes, each around 55 minutes long. This original Korean series from Netflix was penned by Kim Eun-sook, the renowned writer behind shows like Goblin and Descendants of the Sun.
This psychological thriller of revenge centers on Moon Dong-eun, a former victim of bullying, who carefully orchestrates her retribution against her bullies 18 years after her traumatic experience. Blending psychological drama, thriller, and social critique, the series provides an unyielding exploration of bullying, trauma, and the lengths to which one will go to seek justice.
The series’ dark and deliberate storytelling style fosters an atmosphere of unending tension, delving into themes of class disparity, systemic inadequacies, and the enduring effects of childhood trauma on adulthood.
Eighteen Years of Strategic Vengeance
The Glory follows Moon Dong-eun, who suffered harsh bullying and mistreatment during her high school years, including being burned with hair straighteners by a group of affluent peers. After dropping out and enduring years of poverty, she meticulously crafts her revenge, taking up a position as an elementary school teacher to get close to the daughter of her main bully, Park Yeon-jin.
The narrative unfolds through parallel timelines, unveiling the horrific abuse Dong-eun faced as a teen while showcasing her current-day execution of a complex revenge scheme. Each episode peels back another layer of her plan as she systematically dismantles the lives of those who wronged her, exploiting their secrets and vulnerabilities.
The series examines how trauma influences identity and delves into the moral intricacies of revenge, questioning whether Dong-eun’s actions represent justice or if they have made her as destructive as her former tormentors.
Moon Dong-eun’s Evolution
Song Hye-kyo delivers a standout performance as Moon Dong-eun, portraying a woman whose trauma has transformed her into a calculating force of revenge. Her character’s journey stretches from a powerless victim to a meticulous strategist who has spent nearly two decades preparing for her moment of justice.
Dong-eun’s transformation highlights the psychological effects of severe bullying and how trauma can simultaneously destroy and drive. Song Hye-kyo adeptly conveys the character’s emotional detachment while offering glimpses of the pain fueling her actions, crafting a multifaceted protagonist who is both sympathetic and morally complex.
Park Yeon-jin’s Downfall
Lim Ji-yeon plays Park Yeon-jin, the main antagonist who has evolved from a sadistic teen into an ostensibly successful weather forecaster and mother. Her character symbolizes the privilege and impunity that permitted her past cruelty to remain unpunished, enjoying a comfortable life while her victim suffered.
Yeon-jin’s gradual realization that her past has returned to haunt her generates riveting dramatic tension. As Dong-eun’s plan unfolds, viewers witness Yeon-jin’s carefully constructed life unraveling, forcing her to face the repercussions of her past actions.
The Ultimate Showdown and Justice
The series builds toward a climactic face-off where Dong-eun’s intricate revenge plan reaches its peak. This confrontation involves not only a personal reckoning between victim and bully but also the exposure of corruption, murder, and systemic failures that allowed the original abuse to persist.
The final episodes expertly balance psychological tension with emotional release as each perpetrator faces consequences uniquely suited to their offenses. The resolution examines whether revenge truly provides peace and healing, or if it merely continues cycles of violence and suffering.
Allies in the Quest for Revenge
The Glory features engaging supporting characters who assist Dong-eun in her mission for revenge, including Joo Yeo-jeong (Lee Do-hyun), a plastic surgeon with his own troubled history who becomes romantically involved with Dong-eun, and Kang Hyeon-nam (Yeom Hye-ran), a struggling mother who acts as Dong-eun’s informant.
These characters add depth to the revenge narrative, illustrating how trauma forges unexpected alliances and how the pursuit of justice can unite individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Triumph on Netflix
The Glory became a worldwide sensation on Netflix, topping the charts in numerous countries and igniting global discussions about bullying, class disparity, and justice systems. The series was critically acclaimed for its unflinching depiction of school violence and its sophisticated take on revenge stories. Song Hye-kyo’s portrayal was particularly lauded for its emotional intensity and subtlety, marking a triumphant return to television after focusing on film roles. The show’s success underscored the global demand for Korean content that addresses serious societal issues while providing captivating entertainment, further solidifying Netflix’s role as a platform for international storytelling.
If you’re a fan of dark psychological thrillers that explore themes of justice, revenge, and the enduring effects of trauma, The Glory is an ideal series to binge-watch on Netflix.
A skillfully crafted revenge saga that delves into the darkest facets of human cruelty while delivering one of the most fulfilling justice narratives in recent television.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 16 (Part 1: 8 episodes, Part 2: 8 episodes)
- Platform: Netflix
- Rating: 8.8/10 (IMDb)
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Revenge Drama, Crime
- Protagonists: Song Hye-kyo (Moon Dong-eun), Lee Do-hyun (Joo Yeo-jeong)
- Antagonist: Lim Ji-yeon (Park Yeon-jin) and her group of former bullies including Choi Hye-jeong, Son Myeong-oh, and Lee Sa-ra