The Glory
A chilling revenge symphony played out over decades, this dark drama is a meticulously crafted Go game where every move is a step towards a devastating, yet righteous, checkmate.
The Glory
The Glory

더 글로리

"Let's wilt and die together."

30 December 2022 — 10 March 2023 South Korea 1 season 16 episode Ended ⭐ 8.5 (828)
Cast: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Yeom Hye-ran, Park Sung-hoon
Drama
Revenge and Justice School Violence and Trauma Social Class and Privilege Solidarity and Healing

The Glory - Episode Highlights

Episode Highlights

Episode 1

S1E1

The first episode brutally and unflinchingly establishes the foundation of Dong-eun's trauma. It depicts the horrific bullying in 2004, including the curling iron incident, and the utter failure of every adult—her teacher, the police, and her own mother—to protect her. This episode is crucial for understanding the depths of her pain and the justification for her lifelong quest for revenge.

Significance:

This episode sets the dark, uncompromising tone of the series. By showing the extremity of the violence, it ensures the audience fully empathizes with Dong-eun's later actions, framing her revenge not as villainy but as a desperate fight for justice in a corrupt world.

Episode 8

S1E8

The finale of Part 1 is a major turning point. Dong-eun confronts Yeon-jin's husband, Ha Do-yeong, revealing a glimpse of her scarred body and her intentions. The episode ends with Do-yeong arriving at Dong-eun's apartment, which is covered wall-to-wall with photos of Yeon-jin and her friends—a shrine to her revenge. He finally understands the nature of the woman he has been drawn to.

Significance:

This cliffhanger episode perfectly bridges the two parts of the series. It marks the moment Dong-eun's private war becomes known to a key player, Do-yeong, officially drawing him into the vortex and setting the stage for the explosive confrontations of Part 2.

Episode 9

S1E9

This episode reveals the full extent of Joo Yeo-jeong's own trauma—the story of his father's murder and the taunting letters he receives from the killer in prison. In a powerful scene, Dong-eun appears before him and asks him to be her "executioner," cementing their dark alliance. The power dynamic shifts as Dong-eun is no longer just manipulating him; she is asking for a true partner in crime.

Significance:

It fundamentally changes Dong-eun's and Yeo-jeong's relationship. It's no longer just a doctor helping a patient or a one-sided crush. They become equals, bound by their shared desire for vengeance, which significantly escalates the stakes for the final act.

Episode 12

S1E12

The bullies begin to turn on each other viciously. Lee Sa-ra's drug use and tax evasion are exposed, leading to a public meltdown. Most critically, Choi Hye-jeong loses her voice after Sa-ra stabs her in the neck with a pen. This episode demonstrates the success of Dong-eun's strategy: she doesn't have to get her own hands dirty, as the bullies' paranoia and self-interest cause them to destroy each other.

Significance:

This episode showcases the implosion of the perpetrators' alliance. It's a deeply satisfying chapter in Dong-eun's revenge, as the very bonds that allowed them to torment others become the instruments of their own downfall.

Episode 16

S1E16

The finale delivers the conclusion to Dong-eun's revenge. Yeon-jin is framed for murder and abandoned by everyone, including her own mother, landing her in prison where she is tormented. Having achieved her goal, Dong-eun prepares to end her life but is stopped by Yeo-jeong's mother. She finds a new purpose: helping Yeo-jeong with his revenge. The final scene shows them beginning their new plan together at Jisan Prison.

Significance:

The finale provides a cathartic and complete resolution to the revenge plot while offering a surprising and hopeful new beginning. It reframes the story from one of self-destruction to one of finding a reason to live through shared purpose, suggesting that the fight for justice is ongoing and can be a source of life, not just death.