Revenge is a dish best served with thrilling plots and intense emotions. The revenge K-dramas have become particularly well-known for turning this dish into a cuisine with the addition of comedy, romance, and plot twists.
In the past few years, this genre has become a strong competitor to romance and healing dramas. Several revenge-focused series, including Netflix’s “The Glory” and “The Penthouse: War in Life,” have been revamped for new seasons.
Whether you are a novice viewer tasting the spicy genre for the first time or a veteran with an acquired taste, K-dramas always have something in store for you. Let’s explore some of the best series and find the one that suits you the best.
We present to you seven of the best revenge-themed K-dramas selected by the viewers. So, you stay on the edge of your seat.
Highest Ranked Revenge K-dramas
7. Penthouse: War in Life
IMDb: 8.1/10 | MyDramaList: 8.4/10
Where to watch: Netflix
The K-drama “Penthouse: War in Life” is set in a luxurious 100-floor penthouse. It follows the ruthless lives of wealthy families filled with intense power struggles.
The 2020 drama “Penthouse: War in Life” creatively mixes cliches with shocking plot twists. Its star cast, including Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-Yeon, Eugene, Um Ki-Joon, and Yoon Jong-hoon, among others, effortlessly delivers complicated emotions, ultimately making the drama’s three seasons binge-worthy.
6. Innocent Defendant
IMDb: 8.2/10 | MyDramaList: 8.4/10
Where to watch: MX Player
The series “Innocent Defendant” follows Prosecutor Park Jung-woo as he wakes up on death row on charges of murdering his family. However, he doesn’t have any memory of how he got there. This situation compels him to find answers to the conspiracy against him and clear his name.
The 2017 drama Defendant (alternate title: Innocent Defendant) is packed with thrills and clever character development. Ji Sung (Connection, Kill Me Heal Me) perfectly portrays Prosecutor Park Jung-woo’s strong character, compelling the audience to root for him.
5. Taxi Driver
IMDb: 8.2/10 | MyDramaList: 8.5/10
Where to watch: Netflix
The revenge K-drama “Taxi Driver” revolves around a secret organisation led by Kim Do-gi, a former Special Forces officer disguised as a taxi service. Together, the organisation aims to avenge victims of crime and the faulty justice system.
The 2021 action K-drama “Taxi Driver” is truly one of a kind, with versatile storyline and performances. Some of the cases featured in the series are inspired by real events, encouraging viewers to reassess justice’s meaning.
4. Itaewon Class
IMDb: 8.2/10 | MyDramaList: 8.5/10
Where to watch: Netflix
The globally acclaimed K-drama “Itaewon Class” follows Park Sae-ro-yi, who opens a bar-restaurant in Itaewon. He feels wronged after his father’s unjust death at the hands of a powerful conglomerate and seeks revenge.
The 2020 series “Itaewon Class”, which turned Park Seo-Joon and Kim Da-mi into global stars, is earnest at its core. Additionally, the series addresses inclusion and community in a praiseworthy manner, making it one of a kind in this genre.
3. The Glory
IMDb: 8.0/10 | MyDramaList: 8.6/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Netflix’s “The Glory ” follows Moon Dong-eun, who plans to take the perfect revenge against her high school bullies.
The 2022 series that ruled over Netflix stars Song Hye-Kyo (Descendants of the Sun, Encounter) in a never-before-seen role. She is compelling yet restrained and lovely as always. The series is further perfected with a clever storyline and remarkable performance by the band of villains, including Lim Ji-yeon.
2. The Devil Judge
IMDb: 8.4/10 | MyDramaList: 8.6/10
Where to watch: Netflix
“The Devil Judge” is set in a dystopian version of South Korea, where Judge Kang Yo-han has turned into a vigilante to take down the corrupt while hiding his own dark secrets.
The 2021 drama series “The Devil Judge” brings back Ji Sung to the revenge genre in a power-packed manner. His performance as a vigilante is perfectly balanced by GOT7’s Jinyoung, making this dystopian storyline easy to believe.
1. Vincenzo
IMDb: 8.5/10 | MyDramaList: 8.8/10
Where to watch: Netflix
The popular K-drama “Vincenzo” follows Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian lawyer and Mafia consigliere, who returns to South Korea to recover a hidden fortune. When he gets entangled with a corrupt conglomerate, he uses his skills to take his own brand of revenge.
The 2021 drama “Vincenzo” starring Song Joon-ki, Ok Taec-yeon, and Jeon Yeo-been among others is a complete dose of entertainment. It includes comedy, romance, action, and extravaganza, which is unique to Korean dramas. Additionally, the witty performances and fun storyline make it one of the best revenge K-dramas.
Best Revenge K-dramas – Runner-Up
Apart from the best seven, the Korean dramaland has many more interesting revenger K-dramas featuring relatable characters and intricate storytelling. Below are some of the runner-ups that almost made it to our list.
My Name
IMDb: 7.8/10 | MyDramaList: 8.4/10
Starring: Han So-hee, Ahn Bo-hyun, Chang Ryul and Park Hee-soon
Where to watch: Netflix
In the action revenge K-drama “My Name”, Yoon Ji-woo joins a drug cartel and infiltrates the police force to avenge her father’s murder.
Money Flower
IMDb: 8.0/10 | MyDramaList: 8.3/10
Starring: Jang Hyuk, Jang Seung-jo, and Han So-hee
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
The “Money Flower” follows Kang Pil-joo, who orchestrates an intricate revenge plan. His aim is to dismantle a conglomerate family from within because of a personal vendetta.
Reborn Rich
IMDb: 7.9/10 | MyDramaList: 8.2/10
Starring: Song Joon-ki, Lee Sung-min, Kim Nam-hee, and Shin Hyun-been
Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
In the revenge K-drama “Reborn Rich”, Yoon Hyun-woo is reincarnated into the wealthy Sunyang family after being betrayed and killed. He seeks revenge and justice by plotting to take over the conglomerate.
The K2
IMDb: 7.8/10 | MyDramaList: 8.1/10
Starring: Ji Chang-Wook, Im Yoon-ah, Song Yoon-ah, and Jo Sung-ha
Where to watch: Rakuten Viki and MX Player
“The K2” follows a former soldier who has turned into a bodyguard – bodyguard to a presidential candidate’s wife. He seeks revenge after being framed and betrayed while also protecting the innocent.
These are the best revenge K-dramas on our list. All of the series mentioned above are filled with thrilling storylines, strong emotions, and powerful performances. They also include unique entertainment factors that are bound to keep you up for one more episode. So, dive into the world of revenge K-dramas today.
