The ending (spoiler-free) tries to have it both ways: a message about the consequences of revenge and a crowd-pleasing resolution. Without giving too much away, the final villain’s reveal relies on a coincidence that strains credibility. Also, certain characters make decisions that defy their established intelligence—a common pitfall in thriller dramas.
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. 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. The ending (spoiler-free) tries to have it both
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) The drama doesn’t glamorize bullying; it shows its
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.
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.
Thankfully, the drama avoids the common 16-episode drag. The pacing is relentless, especially in the first half. Each episode ends with a new clue or twist, making it a genuine binge-trap. The mystery of who killed Chan-kyu unfolds methodically, with several plausible red herrings.