Top 25 Revenge Dramas

There are plenty of K-Dramas that feature a vengeful lead, one of which is The Glory, a Netflix revenge tragedy that follows Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo), a former victim of school violence who seeks revenge on her bullies after taking up a job as a homeroom teacher at the elementary school of her bully's child. Due to its depth, unabashed ability to face worrisome issues in schools, and very well-written screenplay, the series was at the top of the trending charts.

What makes revenge K-Dramas so intoxicating to watch is due to its compelling and fascinating main characters who are more than willing to do anything to achieve their goals. Whether it's a displeased wife or a wrongly framed heir, the leads of some of the best vengeance K-Dramas are headstrong, fascinating, and resilient. With countless similar-themed shows made each year in Korean cinema, the concept of retribution is not new to the small screen. There are, therefore, many options for those who want to watch K-Dramas that are centered around retributive justice.

25'The Whirlwind' (2024)

Directed by Kim Yong-wan

In The Whirlwind, Prime Minister Park Dong-Ho (Sul Kyung-Gu) has had it with the corrupt president. Unfortunately, he’s powerless against the nation’s leader, who has strong ties to a web of “chaebols,” a.k.a. powerful family-owned corporations yielding massive control over society. Playing by the law won’t do, so Dong-Ho turns to desperate methods: assassination.

The Whirlwind is a classic tale of good versus bad, but what makes it interesting is the blurring of the two binaries. On one hand, the supposedly “good” democratic government turns out to be dishonest. On the other hand, the only way to bring justice is by turning to “bad” methods. —Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Rating: TV-14
• Genres: Drama, War & Politics, Thriller
• Release Date: 2024
• Network: Netflix

Tags: #TheWhirlwind #PoliticalDrama #NetflixOriginal #Corruption #Assassination #KimHeeAe #SulKyungGu #PowerStruggle

24'Voice' (2017–2021)

Directed by Kim Hong-sun, Kim Sang-hoon, Lee Seung-yeong, Nam Ki-hoon, Shin Yong-whee

Voice revolves around the fast-paced chaos that surrounds Seoul's 112 emergency call center. In a line of work that demands a sharp ear and the ability to pick up clues from calls, Kwang Kwon-joo (Lee Ha-na) is at the top of her game. With her heightened hearing senses, she is paired with Do Kang-woo (Lee Jin-wook), a brooding ex-violent crimes detective with a haunted past.

Voice shows how something as simple as sound can work well as a powerful tool to prevent individuals harboring vengeful intentions. Together, they chase down serial killers and tackle grotesque cases in real time. —Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genres: Crime, Drama
• Release Date: 2017–2025

Tags: #VoiceKdrama #CrimeThriller #EmergencyCall #LeeHaNa #SerialKiller #Investigation #Suspense

23'The Worst of Evil' (2023)

Directed by Han Dong-wook

The Worst of Evil begins with police officer Park Jun-Mo (Ji Chang-Wook) caught up in a drug ring that involves South Korea, China, and Japan. His job is to infiltrate the criminal organization and get to the root of their business. He’s not alone — joining him is none other than his wife and fellow police officer Yu Eui-Jeong (Lim Se-Mi).

True to its title, nobody is innocent in The Worst of Evil — not even the good guys. With constantly changing moral compasses, fans are left curious about what these flawed characters will do next. —Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
• Release Date: 2023

Tags: #TheWorstOfEvil #Undercover #JiChangWook #DrugCartel #CrimeDrama #DisneyPlus #MoralAmbiguity

22'Celebrity' (2024)

Directed by Kim Cheol-kyu

Celebrity starts with Seo A-Ri (Park Gyu-Young) jumping on the social media influencer bandwagon. At first, the prospects look too good to be true. A couple of photos here, a few videos there, Seo A-Ri soon emerges as a rising public figure — at least in the virtual world. But when A-Ri makes a couple of risky moves to up her popularity, she painfully discovers the dark side of her newfound fame.

Clout can be intoxicating, and that’s the thesis of Celebrity. The fear of being irrelevant pushes A-Ri to do questionable things and stay on top, not realizing that ironically, those choices lead to her downfall. —Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genres: Drama, Thriller
• Release Date: 2023

Tags: #CelebrityKdrama #SocialMedia #Influencer #ParkGyuYoung #DarkSideOfFame #Netflix #PsychologicalThriller

21'Payback: Money and Power' (2023)

Directed by Lee Won-tae

Successful money trader Eun Yong goes for the ultimate gamble in Payback: Money and Power. Upon his return to South Korea, Eun Yong and his crew are determined to protect his nephew, a prosecutor fighting a corrupt legal system. As they take on a powerful financial cartel that has the law in its pocket, Eun Yong uses his knowledge of money and networks to fight back.

Payback: Money and Power is frustrating to watch only because it mirrors real life. Although the K-Drama offers a sobering, bleak truth, Eun Yong and his team only double down on their pursuit of justice. —Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Genres: Drama, Mystery
• Release Date: 2023
• Network: SBS

Tags: #PaybackMoneyAndPower #FinancialThriller #Corruption #LeeSunKyun #LegalDrama #SBS #RevengePlot

20'Itaewon Class' (2020)

Created by Gwang Jin

The crowded streets of Seoul’s Itaewon are about to get bloodier. Itaewon Class follows Park Sae Ro Yi (Park Seo-Joon), a determined ex-con who’s out to avenge his father’s wrongful death at the hands of a powerful family. After clashing with Jang Geun Won, the arrogant son of restaurant mogul CEO Jang Dae Hee, Sae Ro Yi loses everything - his school, father, and freedom.

Fresh out of prison, he’s determined to dismantle the Jang family empire by building his own bar, DanBam, into a success. Sae Ro Yi soon learns that while revenge can be intoxicating, there’s more to life outside of vengeance. — Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Rating: Not Rated
• Genres: Drama
• Release Date: 2020

Tags: #ItaewonClass #ParkSeoJoon #RevengeDrama #UnderdogStory #BusinessRivalry #KimDaMi #NetflixKdrama

19'The Judge from Hell' (2024)

Directed by Park Jin-pyo

The Judge from Hell’s message is simple: Justice is dead. In a world where the line between good and bad becomes blurry, Justitia lays down her lawful judgment without hesitation. A ruthless demon judge fresh out of Hell, Justitia is booted to Earth after wrongly condemning Judge Kang Bit-na (Park Shin-Hye) to eternal torment.

Justitia’s laser-focused on her mission, but Detective Han Da-on (Kim Jae-young) - a tenacious cop with dark secrets - starts sniffing around her bizarre judgment. With Justitia’s cold, calculating edge and bone-chilling precision, Justitia literally scorches down on those who have wronged fellow humans. — Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Genres: Crime, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
• Release Date: 2024
• Network: SBS

Tags: #TheJudgeFromHell #FantasyDrama #Supernatural #ParkShinHye #DemonJudge #Justice #DarkComedy

18'Marry My Husband' (2024)

Directed by Park Won-guk and Han Jin-seon

Filled with double-crossing second chances and satisfying karmic payback, Marry My Husband follows Kang Ji-won (Park Min-Young), a devoted wife and the sole breadwinner of her less-than-hopeful household. Living together with her deadbeat husband, Park Min-hwan (Lee Yi-Kyung), and his overbearing mother, Ji-won’s spirit is constantly drained.

When she confronts them, she’s met with a betrayal that ends in her murder. But fate has other plans: she wakes up 10 years in the past, now equipped with bitter foresight. With a steely resolve, Ji-Won plots to rewrite her future. — Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Comedy
• Release Date: 2024

Tags: #MarryMyHusband #TimeTravel #Reincarnation #ParkMinYoung #Betrayal #RomanceDrama #KarmicJustice

17'Again My Life' (2022)

Directed by Han Chul-soo and Kim Yong-min

Courtroom thriller meets the supernatural in Again My Life. Kim Hee-Woo (Lee Joon-Gi) stars as an underdog, a high school student barely scraping by academically. But his fierce drive transforms him into a firebrand prosecutor, relentless in his pursuit of justice.

Now resurrected in his 18-year-old body and his memories intact, Hee-Woo is back with a renewed thirst for vengeance. This time, he’s ready to play the long game, armed with the wisdom of his “first life” to outsmart his enemies. — Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Genres: Crime, Action, Drama
• Release Date: 2022

Tags: #AgainMyLife #LeeJoonGi #Reincarnation #LegalThriller #SecondChance #PoliticalCorruption #ActionDrama

16'Doctor Prisoner' (2019)

Directed by Hwang In-hyuk

The scalpel is sharp, but the mind is sharp in Doctor Prisoner. Na Yi-Je (Namkoong Min) is a doctor with unmatched skills and an unbreakable sense of justice. But when he’s framed for a botched surgery he didn’t cause, he’s forced out of the hospital, tainted by scandal. Yi-Je doesn’t get mad; he gets even.

Surely enough, Yi-Je reinvents himself as the prison’s head doctor, where he rubs shoulders with high-profile inmates. Min’s icy charisma and relentless pursuit of revenge give the thrust to this story, as he maneuvers through a maze of corruption with eagled-eyed precision. — Dyah Ayu Larasati

Details:

• Rating: Not Rated
• Genres: Drama, Crime
• Release Date: 2019
• Network: KBS2

Tags: #DoctorPrisoner #MedicalDrama #NamkoongMin #PrisonLife #RevengePlot #KBSDrama #CrimeThriller

15'The Penthouse: War in Life' (2020–2021)

Created by Kim Soon-ok

While some K-Dramas are adored by viewers for their relatable narratives, some shows take things to the next level. The K-Drama The Penthouse: War in Life shines the spotlight on the residents of a luxury apartment tower named Hera Palace. Some of the characters, including Shim Su-ryeon (Lee Ji-ah), who wants to take revenge on her manipulative and cruel husband.

The plot of The Penthouse is borderline absurd and unrealistic, especially as it looks like it only features the squabbles between ultra-rich characters at first glance. But with each episode, more details about the story get revealed, uncovering the greed and ambition of the show’s characters. Despite its many melodramatic plot twists, The Penthouse is a must-watch K-Drama streaming now that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Details:

• Rating: Not Rated
• Genres: Drama, Mystery
• Release Date: 2020–2021

Tags: #ThePenthouse #MakjangDrama #WealthyFamily #LeeJiAh #Melodrama #Revenge #LuxuryLife

14'The World of the Married' (2020)

Created by Kang Eun-kyung

Based on the popular British series Doctor Foster, The World of the Married is one of the most-watched K-dramas due to its intense scenes and thrilling twists. In the show, the life of a doctor named Ji Sun-woo (Kim Hee-ae) is suddenly overturned when she discovers her husband’s unfaithfulness.

The show became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea due to its raw and moving plot that’s full of betrayal and revenge. Sun-woo, fed up with all her husband’s lies and her friends’ complicity, decides to take matters into her own hands. Despite what she experienced, Sun-woo gets her vengeance on those who hurt her due to her intelligence and self-restraint.

Details:

• Genres: Drama
• Release Date: 2020
• Network: JTBC

Tags: #TheWorldOfTheMarried #Infidelity #KimHeeAe #MarriageDrama #Betrayal #PsychologicalThriller #JTBC

13'Vincenzo' (2021–)

Created by Studio Dragon

Vincenzo follows the titular character, a mafia consigliere (Song Joong Ki) who escapes to South Korea in order to reclaim 1.5 tons of gold hidden in Geumga Plaza's basement. Vincenzo must use his skills to retake the building and regain his money because a firm has unlawfully acquired ownership of it.

For fans of Western mafia flicks with a hint of Asian culture, the show is a thrilling K-drama that strikes the perfect mix between mind games and action. However, even without the explicit reference to revenge, the show's atmosphere is nonetheless rife with it; as a result, it strongly recalls The Glory.

Details:

• Release Date: 2021

Tags: #Vincenzo #SongJoongKi #MafiaDrama #DarkComedy #ActionDrama #NetflixOriginal #CrimeThriller

12'Taxi Driver' (2021–)

Directed by Park Joon-woo and Lee-dan

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. He now drives a taxi for an organization that provides a "retribution-call" service to its customers who have experienced wrongdoing and aids them in exacting revenge.

Fans may find the show compelling, thought-provoking, and incredibly poignant with numerous moral conflicts. Taxi Driver also delves into social issues and injustices, providing commentary on corruption, privilege, and the flaws within the legal system, reminding viewers of The Glory.

Details:

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genres: Crime, Drama, Action
• Release Date: 2021–2026
• Network: SBS

Tags: #TaxiDriver #LeeJeHoon #VigilanteJustice #CrimeDrama #ActionThriller #SocialJustice #SBSDrama

11'Reborn Rich' (2022)

Directed by Jung Dae-yoon

In order to cover up a tax fraud scheme, a member of the Soonyang family betrayed and killed Yoon Hyun-woo (Song Joong-ki), a devoted higher-up employee working for the chaebol Soonyang Group. Later, in 1987, Hyun-woo awakens to find himself in the body of Jin Do-jun, the youngest grandchild of the Soonyang family, having undergone reincarnation.

With a compelling plot, top-notch acting, and one of the greatest TV finales that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled, Reborn Rich expertly blends science fiction with a thriller. The show covers the highly complex political and market competitions, the shadowy corners of the tycoon world.

Details:

• Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Release Date: 2022
• Network: JTBC

Tags: #RebornRich #SongJoongKi #Reincarnation #BusinessDrama #Chaebol #FantasyDrama #JTBCDrama

10'Lawless Lawyer' (2018)

Created by Studio Dragon

Lawless Lawyer revolves around Bong Sang-pil (Lee Joon-gi), a skilled lawyer who adopts unorthodox methods to achieve justice. Sang-pil used to be a gangster, but after witnessing the corruption and injustices within the legal system, he becomes a lawyer to fight against those who abuse their power.

Lawless Lawyer revolves around the traditional good-versus-evil theme as it follows a guy on a quest for justice, much like The Glory. With its excellent portrayal of its characters and their difficulties, Lawless Lawyer brilliantly captivates viewers.

Details:

• Rating: TV-14
• Genres: Crime, Drama, Action, Romance
• Release Date: 2018
• Network: tvN

Tags: #LawlessLawyer #LeeJoonGi #LegalDrama #VigilanteJustice #CrimeThriller #tvNDrama #ActionDrama

9'The Innocent Man' (2012)

Created by Jeong Seong-hyo

A show 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 serving time in prison. After his release, Ma-ru sets out to clear his name and seek revenge against those who wronged him.

The Innocent Man’s execution is nonetheless fresh and unique. It also explores the corrupt world of business and politics in South Korea in a very realistic manner, much like how it was portrayed in The Glory.

Details:

• Rating: NR
• Genres: Drama, Crime, Romance
• Release Date: 2012
• Network: KBS2

Tags: #TheInnocentMan #SongJoongKi #WronglyAccused #RevengeDrama #RomanticDrama #KBSDrama #Melodrama

8'Rugal' (2020)

Directed by Kang Cheol-woo and Lee Jung-soo

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 murdered by hitmen sent by Argos as punishment for his actions, and Kang is blinded and falsely accused of the crime.

Due to the series' use of violence, the show might not be suitable for everyone. It also delves into the characters' struggle with their own pasts and the weight of their responsibilities, which can remind viewers of The Glory.

Details:

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genres: Crime, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, Action, Thriller
• Release Date: 2020
• Network: OCN

Tags: #Rugal #SciFiDrama #ActionThriller #ChoiJinHyuk #Superhuman #Revenge #OCNDrama

7'Remarriage and Desires' (2022)

Directed by Kim Jeong-min

Remarriage and Desires follow Seo Hye-Seung (Kim Hee-sun), a middle-class housewife in Gangnam who loses everything in an instant when her husband demands a divorce. Hye-Seung, determined to thwart his intentions, enlists the aid of a matchmaking service.

The concept of having the trajectory of your life changed in a matter of minutes is explored in the show, along with the desire to emotionally harm the person who changed it. Remarriage and Desires proves that psychological vengeance is the best type of retaliation, a method that is used fluently in the binge-worthy 2023 Netflix show.

Details:

• Rating: TV-14
• Genres: Drama
• Release Date: 2022
• Network: Netflix

Tags: #RemarriageAndDesires #KimHeeSun #DivorceDrama #PsychologicalRevenge #Matchmaking #NetflixOriginal #Drama

6'Secret Love' (2013)

Created by Kwak ki won

Secret Love centers on the selfless and devoted Kang Yoo-jung (Hwang Jung-eum), who assumes responsibility for her boyfriend Ahn Do-hoon's (Bae Soo-bin) hit-and-run and ends up in jail in his stead. Nevertheless, once inside, her boyfriend, who is now motivated by ambition and a desire for power, dumps her.

The subject of retribution is a common one in K-drama, but Secret Love handled it admirably by the time it was published thanks to its compelling plot, excellent acting, and poignant moments. In addition, the idea of women working together on the small screen remains relevant.

Details:

• Rating: NR
• Genres: Drama, Romance, Thriller
• Release Date: 2013
• Network: KBS2

Tags: #SecretLove #HwangJungEum #Sacrifice #RomanticDrama #Betrayal #KBSDrama #Melodrama

5'Eve' (2022)

Directed by Park Bong-seop

Following the death of her scientist father, Eve follows Lee Ra-el (Seo Ye-Ji) who sets out on a dangerous quest to exact revenge on one of the wealthiest families in South Korea, LY Group, for having planned his assassination. Over 13 years, she suppresses all of her resentment and rage as she develops a strategy to bring down the said company.

Eve follows a conventional theme seen in the essential revenge movies, yet it doesn't feel dated or clichéd because of its creative ways. The show strongly evokes comparisons with The Glory, particularly in the way women in Eve engage in combat against each other.

Details:

• Genres: Drama, Comedy
• Release Date: 2022

Tags: #EveKdrama #SeoYeJi #RevengePlot #WealthyFamily #Drama #PsychologicalThriller #FemaleLead

4'Military Prosecutor Doberman' (2022)

Directed by Jin Chang-gyu

Military Prosecutor Doberman chronicles the life of Do Bae-man (Ahn Bo-hyun), a military prosecutor for gambling. He seeks to make use of his abilities to earn money and enjoy a peaceful retirement. However, his perspective shifts when he meets Cha Woo-in (Jo Bo-ah), the wealthy family's daughter and a prosecutor seeking retribution.

With its excellent portrayal of its characters and their difficulties, Military Prosecutor Doberman brilliantly captivates viewers. It's also one of the K-dramas that will send viewers on an action-packed rollercoaster of vengeance and may strongly resemble The Glory.

Details:

• Genres: Drama, Crime
• Release Date: February 28, 2022

Tags: #MilitaryProsecutorDoberman #AhnBoHyun #MilitaryDrama #LegalThriller #ActionDrama #Revenge #CourtroomDrama

3'My Name' (2021)

Directed by Kim Jin-min

My Name follows a young lady named Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) who, after witnessing her father being murdered in cold blood, decides to take matters into her own hands. She adopts a new identity, becomes an undercover police officer, and infiltrates the criminal organization responsible for her father's death.

My Name features inventive viewpoints and is largely made up of oppressive, dark themes that fiercely mirror reality. Also, the movie's suspenseful action scenes are heart-pounding, due to how realistically they are described.

Details:

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
• Release Date: 2021

Tags: #MyName #HanSoHee #Undercover #ActionThriller #RevengeDrama #NetflixOriginal #CrimeDrama

2'Graceful Family' (2019)

Directed by Han Chul-Soo

Graceful Family follows Mo Seok-hee (Im Soo-hyang), who is the heiress of MC Group, a large and powerful conglomerate. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her mother is murdered, and she is framed for the crime. Seok-hee ends up in prison for several years, and during her time behind bars, she plans her revenge.

The show is incredibly captivating to watch and provides a glimpse into the many secrets kept by a wealthy, dysfunctional family. Moreover, Mo Seok-hee gets a lot of assistance on her journey, just like Moon Dong-eun in The Glory.

Details:

• Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance
• Release Date: 2019

Tags: #GracefulFamily #ImSooHyang #WealthyFamily #MurderMystery #RevengeDrama #FamilySecrets #Melodrama

1'Revenge of Others' (2022)

Directed by Kim Yoo-jin

Revenge of Others centers on Chan-mi (Shin Ye-eun), a high school student who is distraught by the passing of her twin brother Soo-heon (Park Solomon). She then looks for the truth about her brother's passing and wants retribution from those to blame.

Revenge of Others could be the most like The Glory since it courageously addresses the repercussions of bullying and school violence. Also, it does not hold back from criticizing the flawed legal system and how it impacts victims who are begging for justice.

Details:

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
• Release Date: 2022
• Network: Disney+

Tags: #RevengeOfOthers #SchoolBullying #ShinYeEun #TeenDrama #MysteryThriller #DisneyPlus #Justice

Each of these K-Dramas offers a unique take on the revenge genre, featuring compelling characters who navigate complex moral landscapes to achieve justice. Whether through political intrigue, supernatural elements, or raw human emotion, these series provide thrilling narratives that captivate audiences and explore the depths of retribution.

Main Tags: #KdramaRecommendations #BestRevengeKdramas #KoreanTVShows #DramaList #ThrillerKdramas #MustWatchKdramas #AsianDrama #TheGlory #RevengeKdrama #KoreanDrama #Vengeance #NetflixKdrama #SongHyeKyo