Part two of Netflix's The Glory was definitely worth the wait. Each episode was packed with storytelling that kept viewers on the edge of their seats and acting that deserves a standing ovation. All questions planted in part one were finally answered and characters evolved as events and people tested their moral compass and literally pushed them to their limits.
This stellar K-drama, which revolves around Moon Dong Eun (Song Hye Kyo)'s elaborate plan to get back at her high school bullies, transcends the label of being just another revenge story. It actually leaves you with so much more. As it explored the dark angles of humanity tied to school violence, corruption, infidelity, and greed—the darkness that served as its backdrop set the stage for making the good in people shine through.
Here are six life lessons that stuck with us after watching the Glory (Warning: spoilers ahead!):
1. Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner.
Yup! Karma is a bitch. In true revenge drama fashion, The Glory echoes that we reap what we sow. By stressing this point in early episodes and finally serving key characters a heavy dose of karma as it came to a close, the drama gave its underdogs a sense of hope and a reason to start anew. In a society where the rich and powerful easily get away with anything, it was refreshing to see justice served.
2. Blindly pursuing morals and goodwill only brings you false glory, nothing more.
In episode nine, Joo Yeo Jeong (Lee Do Hyun) visits his mother at the hospital to confess that he will be helping the woman he loves (Moon Dong Eun) in her revenge. Hearing these words from her son reminded Director Joo (Kim Jung Young) of her late husband who idealistically stood by his morals and saved criminal Kang Yeong Cheon (Lee Moo Sang) only to be killed by him in cold blood right after.
3. At some point, one needs to choose what kind of person they'll become.
Before heading to Yeongsan Funeral Home in episode 11, Dong Eun asks Yeo Jeong why he trusts her blindly. He echoes his decision to love her unconditionally when he responds by saying that he chooses to be her partner in crime. This scene portrays love as a choice and puts so much meaning into how empowered we are to choose what kind of person we want to be.
4. Being obsessed with something that can't be changed seems to be a loss compared to the fruits of revenge.
After meeting up with a colleague from the hospital, Yeo Jeong walks by the Go Park in episode 13 and bumps into Ha Do Yeong (Jung Sung Il). He joins Park Yeon Jin's husband for a game of Go and their conversation shifts when Yeo Jeong notices that his playing style reminds the CEO of Dong Eun. Her revenge becomes the topic of discussion and Yeo Jeong stresses that their own glory and honor are the only things victims like Dong Eun can ever reclaim.
5. You should have someone on your side too.
After handing over her late monthly dues to her landlady, Dong Eun confronts the old woman to understand why she protected her by telling her mother that she did not live there when the crazy woman was banging on her apartment door last spring. The words above carried so much weight as she went on to tell Dong Eun that she shouldn't try to shoulder all her burdens on her own. It was a beautiful realization because at that moment, Dong Eun was no longer on her own. She had a loyal crew of supporters who were ready to walk with her till the end.
6. Everyone makes mistakes. But you never find solutions in the past. It's always in front of you.
This quotable quote from Yeon Jin's mother, Hong Young Ae (Yoon Da Kyung), is a
keeper—applied outside of the murder context which she used for it when her daughter picked her up from the police station in episode 14, of course.
We'd love to hear your key takeaways from The Glory! Fill us in by sharing your comments below.
