A dish of revenge is always better when it is cold-blooded, and that’s certainly the case in K-dramas. These captivating shows have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with their fascinating characters, engaging plots, and complex storylines. Among the many themes explored in K-dramas, revenge is one that has gained significant popularity. It seems that in the world of Korean drama, Karma may not always have the final say as these shows delve into the intricate and emotional world of vengeance. Get ready to dive into the top 10 Korean dramas with revenge plots.
1. The Glory (2022)
The Netflix Kdrama, “The Glory” has two seasons and tells the story of Moon Dong-eun, a high school student who was subjected to brutal bullying and school violence. This caused her to drop out of school and shattered her dream of becoming an architect. Moon Dong-eun was unable to escape the trauma of her past and spent years preparing herself to seek justice and revenge on her perpetrator and bystanders who were living their lives without remorse. She begins to unravel their lives and expose the dark secrets they have kept hidden. Throughout the series, we witness Dong-eun’s conflicting emotions as she questions the true meaning of forgiveness. Will her quest for vengeance heal her wounded soul?
2. Secret Love (2013)
The story revolves around Kang Yoo-Jung, a kind-hearted girl who takes the blame for her boyfriend, Ahn Do-hoon, in a hit-and-run case. After serving a 5-year prison sentence, Yoo-Jung hopes to build a happy life with her boyfriend. However, things take a turn for the worse when Ahn Do-hoon reveals his true colours and heartlessly abandons Yoo-Jung. Determined to seek justice and revenge, Yoo-Jung teams up with Se Yeon, the girlfriend of the injured man in the accident. Together, they devise a plan to expose the dark secrets of a powerful Chaebol family and seek revenge, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns in their lives.
3. Eve (2022)
Lee Ra El’s world collapses when her beloved father meets a tragic death. Consumed by grief and thirst for justice, she sets her sights on Kang-Yoon Kyum, the rich, influential CEO of the LY group whom she believes is behind her family’s tragedy. Ra El’s vengeful plan involves an intricate divorce strategy and engaging in a win-or-lose legal battle worth USD 1.6 billion, with Kang Yoon Kyum. However, it would be a lie to say that her path to vengeance is as smooth as it seems. As the drama unfolds, unexpected twists, dilemmas, and complexities arrive. Will she find the end she seeks, or will the dark shadows of revenge consume her in the end?
4. The Last Empress (2018)
“The Last Empress” paints a tale set in an alternate universe where Korea embraces a constitutional monarchy. The main character is Oh Sunny, a talented musical actress whose life takes a dramatic turn when she marries the young emperor and gets involved in a dangerous power struggle. As she uncovers sinister secrets within the palace, she becomes determined to seek revenge for the former empress’ death. Along the way, she falls in love with Na Wang Sik, a bodyguard who is seeking revenge for his mother’s death. Throughout the story, viewers are drawn into their struggles, betrayals, and forbidden romance.
5. Revenge of others (2022)
Chan Mi, a 19-year-old high school student and former shooter, is devastated as she witnesses the death of her twin brother. Unhelped by the police Chan Mi starts her journey, seeking revenge and the truth behind her brother’s unexpected death. In the plan, she teams up with Ji Soo Heon, a mysterious figure who seeks revenge for bullied students. Together, they come across the dark secrets of the students while creating a bond. Amongst the numerous suspects for her brother’s death, will she be able to find the true murderer?
6. City Hunter (2011)
In the busy city of Seoul, Lee Yoon Sung, a skilled graduate from MIT, lives an average life as a member of the international communications team at the Blue House. However, unbeknownst to his colleagues, he seeks revenge on five politicians who were responsible for a conspiracy that resulted in his father’s death. With the help of his surrogate father, Yoon Sung transforms into the fearsome “City Hunter,” seeking justice for the innocent and punishment for the corrupt. This exciting adaptation, inspired by the renowned Manga series, delves into the blurry boundary between heroism and vigilantism in the pursuit of truth and redemption.
7. Reborn Rich (2022)
Yoon Hyun Woo, a devoted and loyal secretary to the powerful Jin family, faces betrayal when he is framed for embezzlement and murdered tragically. However, a miraculous turn of events led to his reincarnation into the body of the youngest member of the Jin family. Driven by a desire for revenge, he plans to overthrow the heartless CEO and punish those who betrayed him.
8. My Name (2021)
Yoon Ji Woo is determined to avenge her father’s murder and decides to join the police force to track down the mysterious killer. She seeks guidance from crime boss Choi Moo Jin, who was her father’s friend. As she navigates through a complex network of lies and loyalty, Ji Woo must confront her inner demons and consider if seeking revenge will truly bring her peace or consume her entirely.
9. Taxi Driver (2021)
Vigilante Cabbie Kim Do-Gi seeks revenge and justice for his brutally murdered mother and becomes a member of the Rainbox Taxi Company. Together with his unconventional team, he sets out on a mission to take down criminals and scammers and target those who evade the law’s grasp.
10. The World Of The Married (2020)
Ji Sun Woo is an accomplished doctor who seems to have a perfect life, with a successful career, a loving husband named Lee Tae Oh, and a son. However, her world is turned upside down when she discovers that those she trusted the most, including her husband, have betrayed her. Specifically, she learns about Tae Oh’s affair with Da-Kyung. Fueled by betrayal, she plots a sweet revenge, unravelling secrets and emotions in the pursuit of justice.
