Top 10 Korean Dramas For ‘The Glory’ Fans
In the vast realm of Korean dramas, few have etched a mark as profound as Kim Eun-Sook’s recent masterpiece, The Glory. With fans on the edge of their seats for news of its next season, the yearning for narratives that grip the soul, evoke intense emotions, and present captivating characters remains palpable. Here’s a guide to 10 enthralling Korean dramas that echo The Glory’s themes of revenge, bullying, and spellbinding storytelling.
1. Taxi Driver (2021)
Lee Jee-Hoon takes the spotlight in this pulse-pounding series, where a seemingly ordinary taxi service unfolds an extraordinary purpose. Guided by Kim Do-Ki, the Rainbow Taxi Company introduces a unique “revenge call” service, empowering clients to seek justice firsthand. Over two action-packed seasons, Taxi Driver explores revenge, bullying, sexual harassment, and abuse of power, crafting a compelling narrative seamlessly aligned with The Glory.
2. Save Me (2017)
Director Kim Sung Soo escorts viewers through a dark odyssey in this action-packed thriller based on Jo Geum-San’s webcomic, Sesang Bakeuro. As a family pursues a fresh start, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister cult in a small town. Save Me delves into extreme bullying, the repercussions on victims, and the chilling aftermath of involvement with a pseudo-religious cult. The star-studded cast, including Seo Yea-Ji, Taec-Yeon, and Woo Do-Hwan, amplifies the depth of this gripping narrative.
3. My Name (2021)
Han So-Hee leads in this noir-esque drama where revenge takes center stage. Yoon Ji-Woo, embodied by Han So-Hee, infiltrates the world of mafia boss Choi Mujin to unravel the truth behind her father’s murder. My Name, an eight-episode Netflix series, keeps its audience on the edge with a tight grip, unraveling dark secrets that challenge Ji-Woo’s perception of those closest to her. The intensity and depth of My Name make it a fitting companion for those yearning for The Glory’s emotional rollercoaster.
4. Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
Park Ji-Hoon, the ex-WannaOne member and soloist, shines in this action-packed drama based on Seo Pae-Seu and Kim Jin-Seok’s webcomic, Yakhanyoungwoong. Weak Hero Class 1 follows Yeon Si-Eun, portrayed by Park Ji-Hoon, a seemingly weak student who, armed with intellect and logic, stands against bullies alongside friends An Soo-Ho and Oh Beom-Seok. The series illuminates school bullying and the extraordinary lengths students go to adapt to challenging environments, resonating with The Glory’s exploration of similar themes.
5. Class of Lies (2019)
OCN, renowned for delivering top-notch thriller dramas, presents Class of Lies, featuring Yoon Kyun Sang as elite lawyer Ki Moo-Hyeok. In this gripping narrative, Moo-Hyeok’s fall from grace after a high school murder case propels him to go undercover as a substitute teacher. Unveiling the dark secrets of an elite high school, Class of Lies weaves together murder, revenge, and bullying, creating a storyline that captivates and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
6. Itaewon Class (2020)
Based on Jo Gwang-Jin’s webcomic, Itaewon Class offers one of the best underdog stories in the K-drama landscape. Park Seo-Joon takes on the role of Park Sae-Ro-Yi, seeking revenge for his father’s murder. The series unfolds as Sae-Ro-Yi opens a restaurant in Itaewon, aiming to rival the restaurant chain owned by his father’s former employer and murderer. Itaewon Class stands out not only for its revenge narrative but also for its diverse characters, making it a must-watch for fans of The Glory.
7. Beautiful World (2019)
Despite its misleading title, Beautiful World confronts dark themes such as bullying, suicide, and sexual harassment. Choo Ja-Hyun and Park Hee-Soon lead the cast in this heart-wrenching tale of a couple seeking justice for their son’s mysterious injury. The series compels viewers to confront feelings of helplessness as the parents strive to uncover the truth, resonating with the emotional depth found in The Glory.
8. The World of the Married (2020)
This drama plunges into broken marriages, scandals, and revenge. Kim Hee-Ae portrays doctor Ji Sun-Woo, seemingly living a perfect life until her husband’s dangerous affair unravels. The World of the Married explores the repercussions of betrayal as Sun-Woo embarks on a dark path seeking revenge, creating a compelling narrative that parallels the emotional intensity of The Glory.
9. Hotel del Luna (2019)
IU and Yeo Jin-Goo headline this fantasy horror series promising a unique blend of horror, comedy, betrayal, and a sprinkle of romance. Hotel del Luna revolves around a hotel serving as a resting spot for spirits. IU’s character, Jang Man-Wol, harbors a deep-seated betrayal from her past, and viewers witness the intricate layers of her revenge arc. The series offers a refreshing take on supernatural elements, adding an extra layer of intrigue for those captivated by The Glory.
10. Reborn Rich (2022)
Starring Song Joong-Ki, Reborn Rich unfolds the tale of Yoon Hyeon-Woo, betrayed by the conglomerate family he served. Accused of embezzlement and shot, Hyeon-Woo finds himself reborn as the youngest grandson of the conglomerate family. The drama follows Hyeon-Woo’s journey to take revenge on the family by seizing control of the company. Directed by Jung Dae-Yoon, known for dramas like W: Two Worlds Apart and She Was Pretty, Reborn Rich offers a fresh perspective on the classic revenge narrative, making it a compelling watch for fans of The Glory.
Final Thoughts
As The Glory continues to etch its indelible mark on K-drama enthusiasts, these 10 series stand as companions ready to sweep viewers away on a journey of revenge, betrayal, and justice. Each drama unfolds a unique narrative, weaves a tapestry of emotions, and presents characters that resonate long after the screen fades to black. For those yearning to fill the void left by The Glory, these Korean dramas promise not only to entertain but to immerse audiences in worlds where justice prevails, emotions run deep, and the pursuit of revenge takes unexpected turns.
Embark on a Korean drama odyssey with these captivating series, where every episode is a step closer to unraveling the complexities of human emotions.