Well, we can say that K-dramas are quite popular, and why not? Apart from their amazingly pretty cast, they bring a good plot, and the characters give their best. If we’re considering an example, then The Glory certainly deserves the limelight. But, not just for its plot, but the messages it gave the audience. So, let’s dive into what we learned from the show that made us rethink our lives!
The Plot
Beginning with the plot, The Glory surrounds a young girl, Moon Dong-eun, who is on a mission to seek revenge from none other than her school bullies. Mind you the show takes place in South Korea, where more than 30,000 cases of school bullying are reported annually.
However, we can see from the show that this level of bullying is simply unimaginable and unbearable for almost anyone. From being harassed to being burned with an iron rod on the entire body, Moon Dong-Eun suffers brutal bullying from a group of her classmates.
The main focus is on Park Yeon-jin who orchestrates the entire bullying alongside a number of other classmates, including Jeon Jae-joon, Lee Sa-ra, Choi Hye-jeong, Son Meyeong-oh, and Choi Hye-jeong.
With the extreme bullying, Moon Dong-eun tries to ask for help from school authorities. However, with the influence of the families of the bullies, she gets nothing. At last, she leaves the school, thinking of ending herself but finally realizing that she must live and get her revenge on those who did her wrong.
As the story moves forward, Moon Dong-eun finally sets her plan into action, composing herself throughout the journey. Finally, she gets to her goal; however, during her journey, she comes across her white knight, Joo Yeo-Jeong, who, upon his mother’s request, must save from a battle of his own.
The show is composed of suspense and thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every episode. Fortunately, it’s available on Netflix too or you can stream it online with the help of Xfinity Internet plans to get a lag and buffering-free experience.
The Will to Move On
In the beginning, we see how Park Yeon-jin and her group of bullies harassed Moon Dong-eun to the extent that she decided to end herself. From torturing her every day in school to even bullying her in her home, which by the way was just a small low-class motel room, Yeon-jin and her goons didn’t spare her any time.
When Moon Dong-eun sought help from the school administration, they too did the same. Later, the family of Yeon-jin bribed Moon Dong-eun’s mother to change the cause of her dropping out of school; another betrayal awaited Moon Dong-eun.
However, despite all this, she stayed alive. Even at times when she cried lying in the snow semi-naked to soothe her burns, she focused on achieving the only goal she had in her mind, revenge!
And you know what they say, the colder the revenge, the better, and why not? After what she had gone through and seeing that none of the kids had to face any problem or punishment, she knew she had to do it herself. That was her will to continue living, preparing for 18 years to take her revenge!
The Extent of Bullying and Its Repercussions
It’s not just in South Korea but the entire world, and it’s not just physical bullying but goes across several domains. An estimate showed that around 60% of the school shooters were bullied whereas more than 20% of the students are bullied in school every year globally.
Hence, the issue of bullying is a global problem. But what’s a bigger problem is how it’s dealt with. In such cases, the school administration should interfere; however, we see from the show that it doesn’t happen.
Moreover, the administration tries to bury the situation from harassing the victim to bribing the parents. It’s what causes the repercussions in the form of revenge. In real life, this would only result in school shootings, cases that have started to emerge more widely now.
However, the way Moon Dong-eun takes her revenge is quite intriguing. She engages in no violence. Instead, she makes her way just by revealing the long-lost truth. Since the children are grown-ups, it’s their matter.
And well, the bully group has fallen prey to maggots in the form of distrust, greed, lies, betrayal, drug abuse, and other menaces. Even with so many means at their disposal, Moon Dong-eun achieves a lot by herself.
Apart from the instance where Yeon-jin brings her mother to interfere, Moon Dong-eun doesn’t spare her too because of her abusive behavior and betrayal. However, the point to learn here is that bullying, no matter what kind, should not prevail, even to a smaller extent.
Who knows when the ‘silent kid’ says it’s enough, and decides to take matters into his or her own hands? If that happens, it would not take 18 years and be as subtle as Moon Dong-eun’s.
The Balance of Emotions
We can’t but praise the character of Moon Dong-eun, played fabulously by Song Hye-kyo. Her expressions were simply amazing. Throughout the show, we can see her maintaining a poker face. What’s surreal is when this poker-faced girl actually showed expressions, especially when talking to Yeon-jin and telling her ‘You have no idea’ followed by a wicked smile; that was just explosive!
But, even with her white knight, Joo Yeo-Jeong, she smiles rarely. However, the fans were delighted knowing that their love story would continue after Moon bids farewell because her revenge was completed.
And how can we forget her emotions when she plays Go? She even says that her revenge is based on the game; to conquer the enemy territories, leaving them nothing in the end.
Closing Thoughts
Well, the show is definitely worth the watch! There’s a lot to learn, be impressed with, and well, to work for! However, it mainly is focused on the core performance and we can say that it’s worthwhile!
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