The most relieving drama I've watched to date
In a country where "convicts are innocent until proven guilty," perpetuators of horrific school bullying can often get away with serious crimes such as assault and, at times, manslaughter without receiving a big punishment due to either their wealth or their age. In many Korean dramas centered around revenge, the victim(s) often get revenge by breaking laws and causing harm upon their perpetuators.What was so refreshing for me while watching this drama was that the victim did not physically do anything to achieve her goals -- all she did was trick them psychologically to turn themselves against each other and bring their downfalls to themselves, whether that be by confinement or by death. In South Korea, there are many cases where teachers look away as rich students prey on the poor. I found it exciting that, despite a very obvious difference between their social status, the FL was able to bring them down without even touching them.
I want to get kudos to the magnificient directing, writing, acting, and editing that went into this masterpiece. I'm glad that I was able to witness how Kim Eun Sook developed as a writer, from "The Heirs" to "The Glory," and how Song Hye Kyo matured as an actress. I am excited about all future works that these two women will bring in the future.
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Review of part 1 and 2 as a whole
The Glory, this Korean drama series struck a nerve on many occasions. The subject matter of bullying is not new. However, the production of this series brings to light the matter in a very strong way.The Glory covers several issues masterfully with incredible acting, and a storytelling.
It portrays the devastating consequences of bullying and resilience's power. The series also highlights the courage of Moon Eun and her resurgence and courage to stand up to the bullies, and the power of trust and love.
In the series Moon Eun (Song Hye Kyo) endures hardship on many levels. Her childhood lacks love and support. The bullying she endures from her terrible schoolmates and their perceived entitlements manipulates her social status, knowing she has little to no support.
Bullying scenes are intense and don't pull any punches. You immediately feel for the main character and seek justice for her. Even the school administration is no help. One of the main ring leaders of the bullies is Yeon Jin (Im Ji Yeon) She is heartless and evil in many ways. As well as betraying her own family by her adulterous ways, she causes mental and physical pain to others. The character of Yeon Jin is one I despise yet cannot forget. Because she represents such evil, you want her punished for her crimes. The abuse by her can be seen as an example of the consequences of such behavior. Her character is very well portrayed by Im Yeon. Her performance deservedly earned her an award. (And she is on my list of favorite actresses) :)
A great feature of this series is the story telling structure. I can see why the director received many praises and a Baeksang award. Moon Eun's revenge plan has a lot of depth. In itself, the use of Mrs. Kang Nam (Yeom Hye Ran) and Yeo Jung (Lee Do Hyun) as her assistants is remarkable. Kang Nam has also been a victim. A revenge plot involves her abusive spouse becoming a chess piece. As she struggles to escape her abusive spouse, Nam's growing friendship with Kang Nam motivates her to help Moon Eun.
There is more to Yeo Jung's story than just a love interest for Moon Eun. It's different for Jung's family unit, they are more successful than Moon's upbringing. It is tragic that Jung's father was murdered. As a result of the development of this backstory, a new revenge narrative is bred against the psychopath who murdered his father.
All of these characters and stories are very well woven together in The Glory. As a result of Moon's years of planning, the bullies slowly destroyed themselves by just being themselves. one by one. Of course, with Moon's help. The message was powerful about how your own actions can ultimately lead to your downfall. Moon's journey of self-discovery and transformation also played an important role in making the bullies pay.
Part 1 was slightly slower than part 2 but overall, the series was pretty enjoyable.
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"I may be the one who set up the board, but they're the ones who destroyed themselves."
The Glory was a drama that I couldn't stop thinking about in between waiting for part 2 to come out. I binged it all in 2 days and it did not disappoint! A dark, emotional drama that will have you kicking your feet, cheering for the "underdog" and smiling with Dong-Eun as her revenge is playing out. I will say there are super heavy scenes in this drama (mostly the first part but some flashbacks in part 2), so keep that in mind before you start a watch. TW: bullying, child death, suicide mention/attempt, etc.Part 2 was everything I needed it to be and more. Dong-Eun set up her revenge perfectly and every decision lead to one of her bullies' downfall without lifting a finger of her own. Every piece of information is crucial and when it's put out in the open, the group turns on each other all the while knowing Dong-Eun is the one behind it all with help from her sidekicks, Dr. Joo Yeo-Jung and Kang Hyung-Nam. Even they are not the only people helping as it becomes more apparent that Dong-Eun has saved a lot of people in her life who feel the need to pay it back. She has help from all sides and that leads to her finally finding her happiness.
There are so many plot twists and pieces of the puzzle that even I didn't see coming that made this drama even more entertaining to watch. While you're constantly guessing along with the bullies as to how something happened, Dong-Eun is already onto her next target. One thing that I did find super realistic is how none of them felt sorry for her in the slightest. They knew what they did was evil, but felt that they would have no consequences because of their statuses. It was a masterpiece to watch it all crumble down piece by piece, person by person, until Yeon-Jin was a shell of her former self like Dong-Eun felt. She didn't care about anyone but herself and in the end, that's all she has left.
Props to the actors/actresses in this drama because everyone played their part fantastically. Even background characters such as Dong-Eun's coworker were acting their asses off. Im Je-Yeon played Yeon-Jin so well that watching the flip switch within her character was amazing. She could go from staring daggers to screaming and acting psychotic in a split-second. Kim Hi Eo-Ra and Cha Joo Young also stood out to me in particular and I couldn't get enough of them on my screen.
I did need a little more added on Joo Yeo-Jung's revenge because his storyline interested me so much too, but I was okay with what we got even if it was a small portion. I'm hoping that the ending left it open enough to where we could possibly get a whole series/season on that. I need more of Dong-Eun, Yeo-Jung and Hyung-Nam together. Especially Dong-Eun and Yeo-Jung. I knew from Part 1 that I would want them together and I'm so glad that it naturally blossomed. He didn't push for her to love him back and waited for her to feel and say it on her own. I loved that he was the definition of "If he wanted to, he would." Him and Do-Young were stand up guys and I'm glad that they walked away happy too.
This ending did not skip over ANYONE and they all got what karma was coming to them. Every person that they victimized was working behind Dong-Eun and she did it no questions asked. Learning that they not only killed a girl after Dong-Eun, but kept going with bullying people after was sick and added another layer to the story. It made it more satisfying when they all were brought down and So-Hee working behind them in spirit. I'm glad that she got the justice she deserved and wasn't left behind in the fallout. I did wish that we could've seen more of a happy ending with Hyung-Nam, but knowing her child is studying abroad safe was enough for me. I'm glad we got to watch hers and Dong-Eun's friendship blossom and that she got her somewhat happy ending.
I would recommend this drama to literally anyone. After finishing part 2, this one is definitely going on the favorites list. Every moment is a rollercoaster that never slows down until you get to the end smiling and cheering.
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THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PART 1&2.I almost passed on this drama because I thought it would be gory and senseless like "My Name," which I dropped, but I'm glad I didn't. Although I did not find this "super amazing" like most people, The Glory, as a story of revenge and redemption, was quite good. I had trouble stomaching the violence that was shown in the first few episodes, and the scenes where Moon Dong Eun was subjected to a curling iron, but this made me so angry that I really wanted to see the comeuppance due to the perpetrators.
Song Hye Kyo is great as the long-suffering victim who is intent on bringing hell on Park Yeon In and her band of bullies. It was oddly satisfying to see how the FL calculates through her revenge plot, not by directly going after the bullies, but by infiltrating those who are around them for years. We see Dong Eun's practiced patience as she waits for opportunities like she does in the game of Go. But sometimes, this waiting gives way to frustration, especially when her plans are thwarted by the very people who are supposed to have your back (ahem, your mother-phuker).
As a thriller, melodrama, The Glory delivers, but if you are expecting romance, it falls flat. Despite the presence of Lee Do Hyun as a romantic partner for Song Hye Kyo's character, Joo Yeo Jung is at most a love-sick puppy following after the woman of his dreams. They are only lumped together for convenience's sake and their kiss was underwhelming. Moon Dong Eun had better chemistry with Yeon Jin's husband, Ha Do Young, but of course, the plotline won't allow such a scandalous pairing. In the end, the perpetrators' supposedly got their just deserts, but I can't help feeling that somewhere down the line, the vicious cycle of revenge will continue again.
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Slow, sweet, sweet revenge done right
It was worth the build up and wait. If part 1, was slow-paced and taking the time to introduce all assholes and to prepare for the world of pain awaiting them. Then part 2 has delivered and then some. The show itself, this time, seemed well-paced. Especially when compared to part 1, as it takes some patience to get through the bullying past. And yet the promised revenge came slow and sure.This is a pure revenge story, so if that's what you're looking for, no need to look further. And they wrapped up so well with all the characters that there's no frustrating incomplete feeling at all. Yet with a proper set up in case they want to go for a part 3 which I'd be totally down for!
A 9/10 for setting up the right expectations and then meeting all of them.
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Gripping and yet disturbing
Gripping? YES!! It’s one of those where you have to binge watch. I waited for quite awhile to watch both seasons at one go. Also, you have to be in the right frame of mind (ready to watch a revenge drama) to fully appreciate it.Disturbing because the scenes are quite graphic. It’s rated 18+ and has lots of vulgar language, sex scenes, and multiple violent scenes including using hot curling iron and domestic abuse. Most of these scenes I had to fast forward, because I myself couldn’t stand to watch. I couldn’t understand why and how those bullies could get away with it; plus the home room teacher who just slaps the victim multiple times in the staff room! I read that this drama was based on a true story. I’m not sure how justice was carried out, but if it was not, the police and education system in Korea need to buck up!!
The two actors that stole the show imo were Lee Do Hyun and Shin Ye Eun. LDH played the ML, a young doctor who lost his father in a very tragic way. Haunted by the perpetrator, he was living in hell and wanted to help the FL (song Hye kyo) with her revenge plan. He managed to pull off a variety of personalities in this drama- the professional doc, the caring and protective man and (this is the best part!) the devil in him who will seek revenge and dreams of killing the murderer. His acting was top notch!
Shin Ye Eun played the teenage Park Yeonjin, who is the ring leader of the 5 person bully gang. I read that the director chose this actress because of her smile, and man was he spot on! Her eyes and smile in the most eerie and condescending manner gave me the chills just watching her! Her acting was just right, unlike Lim Yi Jeon who played the adult Yeonjin, whom I felt overacted wayyy too much. In fact the 5 gang bullies were quite ridiculous and overacting most of the time imo. Too much cursing, shouting and throwing rich kid/ can’t get my way tantrums.
Another character I liked was Ha do Yeong, the husband of Yeonjin. He in all his sophistication did everything right- gave her many chances to repent, and be remorseful of her past actions- but all he saw was the devil in his wife. I’m glad he had a happy ending.
The production and music background was just fantastic! Very modern and updated, chic and sophisticated. The music is like those you will find in US dramas, extremely compelling and draws you in. There were times where the plot became quite predictable, whereby the good guys “always win” and even when it seems they were losing, they were somehow one step ahead. Haha..
It’s a very good recommended watch. Again, be in the right frame of mind when you start this. The first episode is the most difficult as it has 90% of the bullying school scenes. :)
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Song hye kyo just nailed it!!
Even tho i have watched worse things than this it was still hard for me to watch. I didn't finish it in one setting i took a break in between which caused me to forgot alot of things but somehow i completed it and it was worth it. It's was fun seeing Song hye kyo on the screen again.(sorry im pasting this again mdl wont let me post a review if it's not of 500words just ignore it)
Even tho i have watched worse things than this it was still hard for me to watch. I didn't finish it in one setting i took a break in between which caused me to forgot alot of things but somehow i completed it and it was worth it. It's was fun seeing Song hye kyo on the screen again.
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Perfect!
Just finished the drama and it was perfect! The ending satisfies me, their chemistry was just amazing. the revenge. Ugh! Don't even get me started! This kind of revenge is so good in a humane way. Revenging that will not make her go to jail thrills me.The second lead guy(kinda) was hot ngl🙈
I'm happy that Korean dramas have this kind of show now because sometimes when you watch a certain genre of drama, there are always those bitchy characters and I really want them to experience a source of pain and struggle. This drama helped me see that 🤣✌️.
It gives me VINCENZO. Which is good as well. That drama has more and better chemistry and interaction, however, on Dong Eun’s side It was acceptable and understandable as she went through pain and trauma that makes her not trust people.
The twist though. Omgod. I just love it! I did get lost as I forgot some scenes from the last “season”, but I'm more on the revenge moments so.
The antagonist people though! The way they portray it as a character was tremendous! The main bad girl, holy. I love her expression and emotion even though she's a pain in the ass in the drama. I first saw her in the drama MONEY HEIST. And I love her there. In this drama that she portrays, pissess me, but it shows how good of an actor she is!. I actually ship the two-second main lead people together.. And the third guy... Damn he's a keeper haha.
Anyways, I love the friendship of the antagonist people. I love their betrayal of each other. It shows that in reality, regardless of how close you are with people, and how long you've known them, they will always backstab you and gaslight you. Good drama! Worth the time and pain!❤️🫶❤️
3/15/23
5:42 pm
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SATISFYING!!!!
It was a great revenge drama. Whenever I felt the plan is falling out I was glad it did not. SHK's portrayal was really good and I am happy she 'BLOOMED' in the last episode and spring came into her life. The old scarred Dong-Eun transformed into a beautiful flower and she could pursue her attending classes in architecture. I think she should open a company for taking good revenge...HAHA!The revenge for Yeon Jin was satisfying nothing is better than taking away the dream she has always aspired for. Everyone was repaid two-fold by their karma. The acting of every character was super. I hated Yeon jin but Im Ji Yeon deserves applause man!
I only hated that they divided it into two parts like this...part 1 was used for the introduction and building up the plot for part 2 but I don't feel it's necessary to divide it into two parts!
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It is everything what we need in a revenge drama.
Song Hye kyo is a queen and she has proven this yet again especially after all those dramas that came before it and she was taunted for her acting. I felt her every emotion in this drama. Her pain, agony, guilt and her efforts to hold back her anger. It was a long journey for her character to achieve what she wanted and unlike many dramas where it all ends with revenge, I loved it that she felt remorse for everything. That makes a difference between a pure evil and a pure hearted human being. I couldn't hold back my tears in which she remembered her past when she was not involved in bullying.The story continues from where we left and it felt great to see karma hit all those bullies who made her life a living hell. But big applause to all the negative characters of this drama. Their acting was so good that I hated them to the core. It was satisfactory the way it ended. The music was great, cinematography was mesmerizing and as I said acting was top notch even those adorable kids.
Now that I have said all the good things, it's time for all the negative points.
First of all I felt no depth in all the negative characters. They were just pure evil. There was no grey side in them. I could understand if they had some traumatic past that turned them into this kind of people but we don't see anything that could explain their psychotic behaviour. The same goes for the man who killed ML's father. I mean the REASON!!! It was so dumb that I still cannot digest it. If he had some sort of past with him or anything along those lines I could atleast teeny tiny bit understand that behaviour but seriously 😒... Correct me if I am wrong but as far as I have read even Psychopaths don't kill someone who tries to save their lives. I dunno perhaps I was expecting little bit more from his story as he looked pretty interesting character and could add extra depth in ML's story. ML's character was fine and pure relief tbh whenever he came on screen it was like a fresh breath in all the dark and emotional mayhem of FL's life.
Another psychotic character was FL's mother. I just can't....sigh. Why just WHY was she so damn annoying. Not an ounce of love towards her very own child. What was the reason? Nothing! She just doesn't care at all. I really thought towards the end she might change. I thought when she will see her scars and all she would change just for once but ...nope no character development.
I didn't see any guilt in any negative character in this drama.
There is one more thing that I found really unnecessary and people might not agree with this. But I really want to point it out because it seems that it has become a trend in many Kdramas to have all those s*x scenes. I just don't see in what manner do they add anything in the storyline. Not that I find it bad or something but I am so tired seeing naked people in most of the western dramas these days already. Coming from an Asian family these kind of scenes are big no if you want to watch shows with your family. I love watching kdramas with my fam and just because of such scenes I just can't do that.
To conclude it all it is definitely one heck of a drama that you would not like to ignore. I am so happy that Song Hye kyo chose this role. She was amazing in this.
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A good revenge show
The story flow is smooth and keeps you hooked till the end. Most roles were delivered decently.It’s a breakthrough role for Song Hye-kyo and she seemed to do her best. Hope she will take on more challenging roles like this. Been a fan of Lee Do-huyn since Hotel del Luna. A bit sad that he only plays a supporting role here. Still find several of his scenes mesmerizing. Impressed with Jung Sung Il here, very captivating with minimal acts. Yeom Hye-ran does not disappoint, hope she gets some awards from this role.
Besides, the romance part is not convincing in my opinion. Have to say I like the revenge formula of the writer. Overall an enjoyable show to binge watch if you are in the mood for revenge genre.
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