10 Must-Watch Revenge K-Dramas: Where Revenge is Served Cold (And Sometimes Fiery)
Revenge is a dish best served cold or sometimes, with fists, legal loopholes, or a perfectly executed long game. If you love K-dramas where vengeance takes center stage, where every betrayal is repaid tenfold, and where justice comes with a side of heartbreak, then you’re in for a treat.
From masterminds who meticulously plan their payback to underdogs who fight their way to the top, these dramas deliver high-stakes storytelling, jaw-dropping twists, and some of the most satisfying revenge arcs ever.
Here are 10 must-watch revenge K-dramas where revenge is served in the most thrilling ways possible ranked by IMDb ratings.
The Glory (2022–2023)
Starring: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Jung Sung-il
Director: Ahn Gil-ho
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Synopsis: A woman who suffered horrific school bullying meticulously plots her revenge against her tormentors years later. Her calculated approach to justice leaves no room for mercy.
IMHO: Is there still a person alive who hasn’t had the pleasure of watching The Glory? This show is already legendary, but if by some chance you haven’t seen it yet, Moon Dong Eun gets her glorious revenge in villainous style.
For years, she was bullied relentlessly by her richer classmates to the point that she failed to graduate. Years later, she reappears in the lives of her bullies and exacts her revenge, which feels especially satisfying given the hell she endured at their hands during her youth.
Again, it feels good to see people who felt entitled being forced to take accountability for their misdeeds by being punished in a way that makes them kneel at the altar of JUSTICE.
Vincenzo (2021)
Starring: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, Ok Taec-yeon
Director: Kim Hee-won
IMDb Rating: 8.4
Synopsis: A Korean-Italian mafia consigliere returns to South Korea and finds himself entangled in a battle against a corrupt conglomerate. Using ruthless mafia tactics, he serves justice in his own way.
IMHO: Vincenzo has hopes of getting his hands on a mountain of gold buried under a building in Korea. He thought he could just offer the tenants some money, but the longer he spends in their company, he comes to understand that they are quite simply INSANE.
He joins forces with the lawyer for the tenants to keep the building out of the hands of the corrupt Babel Corporation. This drama is hilarious, and the way the mafia-style justice is executed by Vincenzo is comical with a few heartbreaking moments.
Reborn Rich (2022)
Starring: Song Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min, Shin Hyun-bin
Director: Jung Dae-yoon
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Synopsis: After being betrayed and murdered by the powerful chaebol family he loyally served, a man is reincarnated as the youngest son of the very same family. He plots to take them down from within.
IMHO: This is a revenge story where Yoon Hyeon Woo is murdered by his employer only to be reborn as the grandson of the very man who had him killed. With all his memories of the past intact, he is able to use all his knowledge to gain great wealth. I’m sure many of us have dreamed about traveling to the past and buying Bitcoin, Hyeon Woo is living the dream.
The ending divided fans, but given the reincarnation premise, a perfect conclusion was always going to be tricky. Overall, it is a really entertaining show that will keep you engaged throughout.
My Name (2021)
Starring: Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun
Director: Kim Jin-min
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Synopsis: After witnessing her father’s murder, a young woman joins a crime syndicate and infiltrates the police force to uncover the truth. Her double life puts her at constant risk.
IMHO: The murder of her father causes Ji-woo to turn to her father’s gang boss for help to get revenge. In turn, he trains her into a deadly weapon and decides to plant her in the police force with a new identity.
This is an epic female-led revenge drama where, instead of using matters of the heart like La-el in Eve, she decides to use violence to exact her revenge.
The tragedy lies in how people can be manipulated when they aren’t privy to all the facts. If you are a fan of fighting your way through pain and grief, then this is definitely a must-see.
Taxi Driver (2021-2023)
Starring: Lee Je-hoon, Esom, Kim Eui-sung
Director: Park Joon-woo
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Synopsis: A mysterious taxi service secretly delivers vigilante justice to those failed by the legal system. A former special forces officer leads the team, ensuring no crime goes unpunished.
IMHO: The enforcer, taxi driver Kim Do Ki is the main character in this drama who, after experiencing his own injustice, decides to get justice for others like himself. At times, he seems indestructible, but in dispensing justice, he is suppressing his own trauma.
The episodic format was enjoyable, and the hard work of the team will definitely have you rooting for them. There are many cases handled by the revenge team, and all of them will bring out a flurry of emotions while watching, so you’ll definitely need a box of tissues on hand.
This drama has two seasons, and you have time to binge them all before season 3 drops later this year.
King of Pigs (2022)
Starring: Kim Dong-wook, Kim Sung-kyu, Chae Jung-an
Director: Kim Dae-jin
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Synopsis: After receiving mysterious messages from an old friend, a man is forced to confront the traumatic school bullying they endured. The ghosts of their past resurface in chilling ways.
IMHO: This is an exceptional psychological thriller, but it definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted as it is equally heavy and exceptionally dark. A trio of friends is formed after one couldn’t stand to watch the others being bullied, the only one NOT willing to be a bystander meet Cheolie (Kim Cheol).
The two being bullied relentlessly are Kyung Min and Jong Suk. I don’t want to give too much away, as it will detract from the tension and suspense of the drama, BUT I will say that both are grown up and STILL experiencing the psychological effects of bullying.
They both have their own ways of coping with the aftermath of being bullied to the point of mental break. One of them chooses to get his revenge and is being guided by a mysterious dark figure wearing a PIG MASK. It’s just a must-see, if you’ve already seen it, share your thoughts in the comments.
Revenge K-Dramas: Honorable Mentions
Eve (2022)
Starring: : Seo Ye-ji, Park Byung-eun, Yoo Sun
Director: Park Bong-seop
IMDb Rating:7.3
Synopsis:A woman spends years crafting the perfect revenge scheme against a chaebol family that destroyed her life. Seduction, deception, and mind games are her weapons of choice.
Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
Starring: Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, Hong Kyung Sun
Director: Yoo Soo-min
IMDb Rating:8.5
Synopsis: A quiet but brilliant student fights back against relentless school bullies using his sharp mind and strategic tactics. His revenge is as brutal as it is calculated.
Lawless Lawyer (2018)
Starring: Lee Joon-gi, Seo Ye-ji, Lee Hye-young
Director: Kim Jin-min
IMDb Rating:7.6
Synopsis: A gangster-turned-lawyer takes down corrupt judges with a mix of brains and brawns. Justice is served with fists.
Revenge of Others (2022)
Starring: Shin Ye-eun, Lomon, Seo Ji-hoon
Director: Kim Yoo-jin
IMDb Rating:7.6
Synopsis: A girl transfers to her twin brother’s school to uncover the truth behind his suspicious death. With a vigilante classmate, she seeks justice in a school full of secrets.
Justice Served, But Which Revenge K-drama Story Reigns Supreme?
Revenge K-dramas hit differently, there’s nothing quite like watching an underdog rise, a mastermind execute their plan, or a villain finally get what’s coming to them.
Whether you’re here for the intricate mind games, brutal action sequences, or the sheer satisfaction of justice being served, this list has something for every revenge drama fan.
Now, I want to hear from you! Which revenge K-drama left you completely shook? Did your favorite make the list, or do you have a hidden gem to recommend? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’re looking for even more K-drama recommendations, check out our 10 Must Watch Dark Dramas list.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All copyrights and trademarks for the TV shows, films, and other media referenced are the property of their respective owners. This blog aims to provide original commentary and insights and claims no ownership over third-party content.
