This review may contain spoilers
Justice Is Served!
***I am reviewing Parts 1 and 2 here***The best revenge is when the person ends up digging their own grave. Moon Dong Eun is literally a master of strategy and orchestrating a revenge that sees these monsters taking each other out. What makes this so satisfying is that she uses their own acts of violence and cover-ups against them. In short, this may be one of the best stories of revenge I’ve yet seen, in which the revenge actually does feel more like justice. Moon Dong Eun doesn’t use acts of violence against them. She nudges. She prods. She pokes just enough to let them do the damage themselves. In some ways, the K-Drama “My Name” felt more like a revenge story than this one. That is not to say that “The Glory” is somehow inferior. It isn’t at all. And because Moon Dong Eun is able to create justice—disguised as revenge—I didn’t feel one shred of sympathy of those who ultimately caused and created their own downfall.
This story takes bullying to an extreme level. Not necessarily one that is unbelievable. In today’s world of bullying, it’s sad that nothing seems to shock or surprise us anymore. The first half of the first episode is tough to watch as we see Dong Eun enduring horrendous torture as her nemesis, Yeon Jin, take great delight on burning her with a curling iron. It doesn’t take long for the viewer to realize that Yeon Jin isn’t a typical bully. She’s a sadist, who is also very likely a psychopath. These days the terms “psychopath” and “sociopath” are now under the term “Antisocial Personality Disorder.” Yeon Jin doesn’t feel a shred of guilt or remorse for her actions. She smiles and even cackles with delight as she torments the girls at the school. Bullies rarely act alone, as Yeon Jin has five friends, including two boys, who also take pleasure in raping the girls. In short, these five people may be five of the most sadistic and diabolical bullies I’ve seen. Bullies are cowards, and it often takes someone of real strength and courage to fight back. By the time the first couple of episodes are over, you really can’t wait to see what Dong Eun has planned.
At first, Dong Eun’s plans don’t seem to be doing too much. But, ah! Just like the master tactician on a chessboard who moves his pawns to set up his other pieces, or in this series where the game of “Go” is used as means of illustrating Dong Eun’s plans, we see that her plans are carefully thought out as she sets each one of the five perpetrators up. She’s also like a master Judo or Akido fighter—using her opponent’s momentum against them. In other words, she knows the weaknesses of each of the five and how to exploit them perfectly so that they end up actually fighting against each other. By the time the second season begins, you can’t help but begin to marvel at Dong Eun and how she can weave such a complex tapestry to orchestrate a nearly flawless revenge!
If Dong Eun has a blind spot, it has to do with her alcoholic mother. Just because you give birth to a child or make a child, doesn’t make you a parent. Only a true parent raises their child properly with love and wisdom. And I found it a bit frustrating that Dong Eun gave in to her mother, yet again. But fortunately, she quickly realizes her mistake and rectifies it. No parent like that has any business being a part of their child’s life. None.
We quickly see how the rich and powerful believe that they are untouchable. Yeon Jin learns this at an early age from her own mother. And it’s quite obvious that the parents of the other four were likely no different. Spoiling a child is also a form of abuse, but as I said, we don’t feel sympathy for Yeon Jin and her sadistic cohorts! As each one of them falls, it’s hard not to feel that sense of justice because that is exactly what it is. In some ways, the other four get off somewhat easily compared to Yeon Jin, but that’s all right. Seeing Dong Eun speaking to Yeon Jin in prison was sheer perfection as Dong Eun gently smiles and outlines exactly how Yeon Jin trapped herself as well as the life she now has to look forward to. And the bully becomes the bullied as Yeon Jin now finds herself the target of her cellmates. Yes, justice is sweet!
This series is definitely hardcore, compared to most K-dramas I’ve seen. It’s dark, gritty, and it certainly doesn’t pull any of its punches. The writer really illustrates the point that nobody gets away with anything. Ultimately, the truth will always come out and justice will be served.
Performances in this series were all first-rate. I hadn’t seen Hye Kyo Song since “Descendants of the Sun.” I thought she did an incredible job of playing a character that was so different from the previous one. And I’ve been seeing Yeom Hye Ran in so many series lately! And that’s good because she’s an amazing and versatile character actress! She is fantastic at playing Dong Eun’s sidekick and intelligence gatherer as follows the five around taking photos. I also loved how she played Yeon Jin—which was almost even more satisfying than what Dong Eun had cooked up! I was waiting for someone to smack Yeon Jin a couple of times!
This series may not be for everyone, given its very dark theme, but frankly, it is a necessary one that doesn’t try to dilute the effects of bullying. People have no idea how many children take that abuse into their adult lives—both physical and emotional. Isn’t any wonder that Dong Eun has to take matters into her own hands when the judicial system, the parents, and the schools, fail to help protect them? It may have taken Dong Eun 18 years, but finally, justice is served!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Satisfying ending...but...
Initially i was going to score this season a lower score- the ending was satisfying to a degree, but lacked that OOMPH factor for me. I wanted MORE. More vengeance, more gore. I felt what Yeon jin got at the end was too mild for my liking. BUT after much thought, i decided the ending was immaculate. The revenge was sophisticated, well thought out and ended with no blood on her hands. characters were dealt with accordingly in my opinion. Not every revenge story needs to end with death, and for characters like Yeonjin- death is too easy.All actors played their role with no fault. cinematography was simple yet amazing. The writing style made you coming back for more.
Also, whoever casted the younger versions of the cast did amazing!
Was this review helpful to you?
So great !
This drama was so great !!! (Part 1 & 2) story/plot, casting, characters, acting, directing/production, OST… Everything was perfect !Song Hye Kyo and Im Ji Yeon were too good, very impressive ! (of course all other actors were good too).
Binge watched and rewatched !
OMG I really loved it !!!
Was this review helpful to you?
A mess that's finally over - I think
The second part of the season is where we finally get to the meat of everything - the action. With that being said, the drama was very chaotic. The focus this season is on all the side characters. For one, we see the bullying gang all get their fair share of karma. Honestly. they are all a screaming mess. There's not one scene we saw where they weren't cursing one another off.Dongeun is becoming more of this almighty main lead with plot armor who's just conveniently there at every scene, watching her plan unfold successfully. If you're wondering how she plans all this, not much is shown. We just watch and accept!
The storytelling is unique, in that in jumps back and forth a lot to convey something. I particularly like the landlord backstory the most.
Luckily, this time around, I watched the whole drama in 2x speed. Otherwise, this drama would have been another slow burn.
I can see Netflix milking another season with the cliffhanger. But they also really tied a ribbon with this ending the way they concluded it with even the random romance.
Was this review helpful to you?
PERFECT ENDING. PERFECT REALISATION. EVE COULD NEVER
This drama managed to do what EVE couldn't (and if the writers of The glory had worked on the script for eve, we could have had a decent ending, but...anyway)I am PERFECTLY SATISFIED with this ending.
She knocked them all down. step by step. This drama is a masterpiece. the story. acting. the emotions and even the villains in their roles were impressive.
I'm glad they ended up together. some find that she had more chemistry with the dad (and in this sense, it's true, but precisely, if the script had explored this chemistry, we would have had an Eve-like ending, once again
so: I'm glad she's done with him. I find them adorable and they HAVE chemistry too.
in short: THANK YOU. I totally would have liked a season 2 just for more blood and because I already miss them but this ending is just perfect.
(Sorry for my english, im french 😂🤝🏾)
Was this review helpful to you?
OMG I bawllleed my eyes out. This is the best revenge drama. Anyone on the fence about either starting this or thinking about dropping it, you really need to watch this to the end. Out of all the revenge dramas I've seen, this one stands out from the usual preachy ones about not seeking revenge and forgiving the people. Usually from ass "holier than thou" characters who have lived happy lives and have never experienced what any of these victims have gone through.
The cast banged this one out. The characters are amazing, and each had a meaningful purpose in this story. The contrast between the moms. The stories of each of the victims. The reveal of that one character I was not expecting. I don't often see a story have this many characters, and yet flawlessly integrate their stories in. Wow. Just wow.
The last episode is the GOAT. It exceeded any theories and expectations I had.
I'm usually not a fan of romances and ended up loving this couple. Now I know that it's not the genre that I dislike. It's the usual type of storylines and characters that I'm not a fan of. If you are the same, then you know what I'm talking about.
My only regret here is that I didn't get to watch both parts straight through. I didn't know this was split into two parts, when I started the first. So I waited months for part two like many others. I understand it's marketing needed to generate hype, but I think it would have packed a bigger emotional punch had I gotten the opportunity to watch both parts all the way through. So anyone just finding about the drama now, you're lucky.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Dong Eun's Retribution End
The first season left us wanting more and this season did not disappoint.During this season everyone gets what is coming for them.
They all destroyed each other.
From Son Myeong Oh's death to Yeojin's imprisonment. Yeojin got what she deserved as a villain she was not very smart, and even I could be a better villain than her (I don't wish to be a villain). I mean the shaman said to stay away from people with O in their names and many people she knows have O's in their names. Her mother, husband, some of her so-called friends and even her daughter (Ye Sol did not deserve this I am happy that she and Do Young left). She deserved it.
I can't wait for the next season. So happy Dong Eun and Yeo Jung ended up together.
Was this review helpful to you?
"So what happened after he climbed the tower and rescued her........she rescues him right back"
Quoting from the ending dialogue in the movie "Pretty Woman" sums up Yeo Jung's total dedication to help the woman he loved and in return, Dong Eun rescued him back from the dark place he was living in. This was a love story between two people who found each other amidst all the tragedies they experienced in their life. They rose from the ashes of pain and suffering that nearly brought them to end their life. Dong Eun also realized in the end that there are also very good people around her like her landlady, Hyun Nam and Yeo Jung's mother.This was a story of Dong Eun who took revenge on the people who caused her physical and mental pain and along the way she also helped those who were abused and suffering like Hyun Nam and her daughter and most especially, the man she learned to love, Yeo Jung. This is what I took away from this drama in that it showed the different sides of Dong Eun, her vengeful side and the real person beneath the facade...a kind and gentle human being who just wanted to live a normal life.
SHK impressed me as the tragic heroine of this drama as well as LDH who turned out to be, in my opinion, one of the best actors who played opposite her. They had great chemistry and come awards night, I won't be surprised if they get The Best Couple Award. Kudos to the rest of the cast who also did an excellent job.
Overall, great drama worth rewatching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Revenge is sweet
LIKEWhat Sa Ra did to Hye Jeong which was beyond my expectation
What Jae Joon did to Jeong Ho because of Ye Sol
How Do Young protected Ye Sol
That moment after Dong Eun finally gotten her revenge, I would have made the same decision as her.
The surprised Yeong Cheon when he saw Yeo Jung at the end.
DISLIKE
Nothing really.
MUSIC
Until the End - Kelley McRae
REWATCH VALUE
Yes as revenge was very satisfying.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
"I Will Be Your Executioner"
After waking up at 4 am to watch this, I can 100% agree that this was WORTH the wait! Part 1 really did a great job setting the foundation and putting the pieces into place. As you go through episodes 9 - 12 you are waiting for the ball to drop and for Dong Eun finally, get to work. From Coconut Head teacher to Yeon Jin, it was so SATISFIED watching episodes 13 - 16 because each episode kept picking off each villain. From the friends turning on each other to Yeon Jin's Mother turning on her and losing everything ( even her daughter and mother). The moments between Dong Eun & Yeo Jung were so warming during the revenge era and I was so HAPPY the "cheat with the husband plot" was not used!! They really got to help one other heal through the Hell they went through. Hyun Nam finally got to have peace and her daughter got to be safe and secure in the US. The cinematography was amazing and you really got to see how everything and everyone got connected and justice truly got served to each of the friends. Lastly, I am so happy the romantic was sealed and wrapped up in Episode 16. It made the most sense and they executed it the right way!For me, this is a drama I could watch over and that SAYS a lot because those first few episodes in part 1 were hard, but I feel like the message is loud and clear: that bullying affects both the bully and victim especially because for the victim because its a moment that they will carry forever. The pain, suffering, and guilty of other victims.
So if you haven't watched this drama when it aired in March 2023, and you're reading this, do yourself a favor and WATCH IT! Give Song Hye Kyo and Lee Do Hyun and the whole cast, all the love for this well-crafted story of revenge, healing, and hope for life. I'm sure it will go down as a Top Kdrama of 2023 for you too!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
The Glory Season 2: A Blossoming Story of Revenge and Redemption
The second season of The Glory takes the story of Moon Dong-eun to a whole new level as she finally gets the revenge she has been seeking for years. The show is directed by Ahn Gil-ho and features a talented cast that includes Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Im Ji-yeon, Park Sung-hoon, Yeom Hye-ran, and Jung Sung-il.The story follows Moon Dong-eun, a young woman who dropped out of school after being severely bullied by her classmates. While her bullies went on to lead happy lives, Moon Dong-eun spent years planning the ultimate revenge. She becomes the homeroom teacher of one of her bullies' children and sets her plan in motion.
The season is packed with exciting twists and turns as Moon Dong-eun's revenge plan unfolds. The show does an excellent job of developing each character's story and bringing out their emotions. The antagonists are portrayed as mad and cruel, but the show also highlights their victims' grief and their helpless pleas.
Moon Dong-eun's character development in this season is remarkable. She brings out more emotions and deals with challenges with ease. Her far-sightedness and intricate planning are commendable, and her journey from a cold-hearted woman to a character with emotions is awe-inspiring.
The cast has done justice to the well-written script, and each character has a story that cannot be ignored. Lee Do-hyun, who plays Joo Yeo-jung, brings out some of the most unexpected twists in the show. Im Ji-yeon's portrayal of the antagonist, Park Yeon-jin, is also commendable.
In conclusion, The Glory Season 2 is a must-watch for Kdrama and thriller lovers. It is a satisfying revenge story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. As Moon Dong Eun says in the show, "I didn’t grow up to be a good person. But one day, one spring, I will fully bloom." Watch the show to find out how she blooms and achieves her revenge.
Was this review helpful to you?
