Although 2022 is drawing to an end, Netflix is keen to add as many series as possible to the December 2022 lineup. For the past few years, Netflix has been the leading platform for streaming Korean dramas worldwide, and we get a plethora of new additions every year. If you're looking for a Korean drama to conclude the year on a high note, Netflix has you covered.
The Glory is a revenge-drama series written by Kim Eun Sook and starring Song Hye Kyo from Descendants of the Sun and Lee Do Hyun from Sweet Home. The series production began in January 2021, and after more than a year of planning and filming, the drama announced the casting and revealed that it would be available to stream in the fall of 2022.
With each episode lasting over 60 minutes, the series has been confirmed to be produced for two seasons, each consisting of eight episodes. While you wait for the series, here's everything you need to know about The Glory, one of the most anticipated Korean dramas on the streaming platform.
The Glory: The Plot
According to the trailer released by Netflix, The Glory tells the story of Moon Dong Eun, a high school student who aspired to become an architect but was forced to drop out of school due to the violent bullying she endured at the hands of her peers. She eventually finds a job as a homeroom teacher at an elementary school, and as time goes on, she learns that the major bully who wrecked her life is now married and has a child who attends the same school.
The constant reminders of what happened drive her to begin her plan of retribution against the perpetrators through their kid. Can she exact revenge on the abuser? Or is she dooming herself to self-destruction? In any event, the outcome doesn't appear promising, as it could awaken Moon Dong Eun's hidden monster once again.
While we elaborated on the plot based on the trailer, here is Netflix's official synopsis.
"Years after surviving horrific abuse in high school, a woman puts an elaborate revenge scheme in motion to make the perpetrators pay for their crimes."
The Glory: The Cast & Crew
Song Hye Kyo is the leading actress playing Moon Dong Eun. Making her Hollywood debut in the movie Make Yourself At Home, Song Hye Kyo is currently the highest-paid Korean actress. She is best known for her role as Kang Mo Yeon in the classic drama Descendants of the Sun, but you may recognize her from the films Soonpoong Clinic, Rays of Sunshine, Encounter, and Autumn Tale. Song Hye Kyo gave her thoughts on the role in an interview with Soompi.
"This drama is my first thriller drama as well as my first revenge drama. Since the production's color and character are the opposite of what I've done up until this point, I'm looking forward to the new expressions and emotions that will come out while acting. Fortunately, writer Kim Eun Sook, who writes very strongly, and director Ahn Gil Ho, who I can trust and follow, are here, so I can really depend on them. I'm a person to whom the process is important. The results are of course really important too, but [the process] is relatively more important. Isn't a production something I can't do alone? The teamwork and rhythm between the director, writer, staff, and people working together are now more valuable."
In contrast, Lee Do Hyun plays the complex lead role of Joo Yeo Jung. His portrayal as Lee Eun Hyuk in the Netflix drama Sweet Home has earned him a dedicated fan base. The actor's reputation grew steadily with Hotel Del Luna. Prison Playbook, 18 Again, Beyond Evil, and Melancholia. Im Ji Yeon will be representing Moon Dong Eun's former tormentor. While she may not have had many fondly remembered roles for overseas audiences, fans will recognize her as Seoul in Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area and Dam Seo in The Royal Gambler.
While these three appear to have served most of the screen time, Park Sung Hoon, Yeom Hye Ran, and Jung Sung II will also have significant roles. Here's a glimpse at the supporting cast, which includes Kim Hi Eo Ra, Cha Joo Young, Kim Gun Woo, Lee Hae Young, Son Sook, and many more.
As previously stated, the drama is written by Kim Eun Sook, a numerous drama award winner. Secret Garden, Lee Min-ho's The Heirs, Descendants of the Sun, and The King: Eternal Monarch are among her award-winning Korean dramas. Even though she has mostly written romantic and fantasy dramas, it is reasonable to believe that the drama is in good hands given her experience as a screenwriter.
Ahn Gil Ho, the drama's director, is another intriguing addition to the crew. He is one of the few directors who has had all hits in his career and has worked on numerous well-known projects. He made his directorial debut with Park Yoo Chun's Rooftop Prince and has since directed other critically acclaimed dramas, including Stranger, Memories of Alhambra, Happiness.
Kim Joon Seok and Jung Se Rin, two of the finest music composers in the Korean television industry, appear to be in charge of the music department. While the former provided music for popular television shows and films such as Itaewon Class, Stranger, My Way, and The Penthouse 3: War in Life, the latter composed music for Stranger 2, Flower of Evil, Arthdal Chronicles, and Memories of Alhambra.
Release Date
According to the official website, The Glory, an upcoming revenge-themed drama, will release on Netflix on December 30, 2022.