At times, the show tips into K-drama cliché: dramatic slow-motion falls, whispered threats in hallways, characters crying in the rain. While effective in moderation, some episodes lean too heavily on emotional manipulation rather than earned pathos. A more restrained directorial hand would have elevated the material. The Verdict Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (7.8/10)
Here’s a detailed review of the 2022 Korean drama Revenge of Others (also known as The Revenge of Others ). Genre: Teen Thriller, Mystery, Action, Melodrama Episodes: 12 Streaming On: Disney+ (in select regions) Starring: Shin Ye-eun (Ok Chan-mi), Lomon (Ji Soo-heon), Seo Ji-hoon (Seok Jae-beom) Synopsis in Brief After her twin brother, Ok Chan-kyu, is mysteriously killed in a fall at a high school, champion air rifle shooter Ok Chan-mi transfers to his school—Yongsan High—to uncover the truth. She quickly crosses paths with Ji Soo-heon, a cold-hearted student known for beating up bullies and working as a “revenge substitute” (someone hired to get revenge on behalf of victims). Together, they form an uneasy alliance to expose the school’s dark underbelly of corruption, abuse, and a secret vigilante group called “The Shadow.” The Good: What Works 1. High-Octane Premise with a Purpose Unlike many teen K-dramas that soften violence with romance or comedy, Revenge of Others leans into its brutal premise. The show asks a tough question: What happens when the system fails victims? Chan-mi doesn’t just want answers—she wants justice, and she’s not afraid to use her sharpshooter training. The action sequences are crisp, visceral, and surprisingly well-choreographed for a drama not marketed as pure action. korean drama revenge of others
Those seeking lighthearted school romance or realistic police procedural elements. The drama asks you to accept a lot of vigilante logic and dramatic license. At times, the show tips into K-drama cliché:
The drama doesn’t glamorize bullying; it shows its long-term psychological toll. From physical beatings to social isolation and institutional gaslighting, Revenge of Others echoes real-life scandals in Korean education. It’s uncomfortable to watch at times—but intentionally so. The show argues that revenge isn’t glorious; it’s a last resort. The Mixed / The Flawed 1. Overstuffed Subplots While the core mystery is strong, the drama introduces too many secondary characters with underdeveloped arcs: the corrupt teacher, the police officer with a conscience, the rival gang, the school’s secret “Shadow” organization. By episode 9, some threads feel abandoned or hastily resolved. A tighter focus on Chan-mi, Soo-heon, and the victim’s family would have strengthened the emotional core. The Verdict Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (7
Fans of Weak Hero Class 1 , Extracurricular , or The Glory (though this is less polished than The Glory ). Viewers who like dark mysteries with a dash of action and reluctant romance.
Revenge of Others isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s an angry, heartfelt, and addictive cry against a world that fails its young. Chan-mi’s journey from grief-stricken sister to fierce avenger is worth the ride—just don’t expect a clean, happy ending. Revenge never is.
Ok Chan-mi is a rare breed of K-drama heroine: resourceful, physically capable, emotionally complex, but also vulnerable. Shin Ye-eun ( He is Psychometric ) balances steel with grief perfectly. You feel her rage when she confronts bullies and her heartbreak in quieter moments alone with her brother’s memories. She’s not a vigilante by choice—she’s one by necessity.