1
A Difficult Struggle for Justice Against a Sexual Predator
I was inspired by a friend’s review list here and decided to give Faithful a try. I usually trust her opinions because we share similar tastes when it comes to inspirational plotlines. That said, I honestly struggled to get through Episode 1. It felt quite slow and seemed like the story wasn’t really going anywhere. Still, because her recommendations often align with my preferences, I decided to push through.
I’m really glad I did. After the first four or five episodes, more characters are introduced, and the story starts to take shape and gain meaning.
The drama centers around seeking justice for a wronged woman seven years after her death. It deals with sexual abuse, victim-blaming, and the struggle for justice in an old historical period patriarchal society. It’s more serious and socially conscious than the typical romance scroll drama.
Faithful may seem like a revenge drama, since the characters carefully plot against the villain, but it is truly about seeking justice. Even when they have the chance to kill the villain, they refrain, showing that their aim isn’t personal satisfaction, but to reveal the truth and hold him accountable. Revenge stems from anger and retaliation, while justice is guided by principle and fairness, which lies at the heart of the story.
The narrative structure alternates between two timelines:
The past (seven years ago), showing the abuse, legal failures, and Rulan’s tragic fate.
The present (seven years later), focusing on Meng Wan’s revenge and investigation to overturn the injustice.
The drama openly depicts how a charismatic but predatory man exploits young women under the guise of teaching them a skill, and how the legal system and society protect powerful men while shaming victims.
Rather than supporting those who speak out, the society in the drama blames victims for bringing dishonor upon themselves, showing the social stigma and obstacles survivors face.
The core arc follows Meng Wan’s determination to dismantle the status quo and pursue justice, not just for her friend but for others who suffered similarly.
The drama is quite realistic about sexual abuse, power imbalance and justice. However, it is still a drama, some parts are unrealistic, heightened or stylized for narrative impact. Trauma isn't easily resolved
Instead of “instant recovery” often seen in idol dramas: victims carry long-term emotional scars, shame and fear remain for years, loved ones also suffer, healing is slow and incomplete. The drama accurately highlights how evidence is hard to prove, authorities doubt victim testimony, and perpetrators can manipulate the system.
However, there is a very important nuance: Sexual abuse cases are complex, and dramas like Faithful focus on one narrative (the victim seeking justice) but reality involves both genuine victims and occasional false accusations in real life. Evidence is critical.
Courts and police have to rely on tangible evidence, witness statements, and documentation. Without proof, it’s very hard to convict someone, even if the accusation is genuine. Even though rare, False accusations exist, and it is fair to acknowledge this when discussing this topic about real life. However, when they happen, they can ruin reputations and lives, which is why evidence and due process are essential. Both survivors and the accused deserve fair investigation.
The key takeaway is: justice systems must carefully weigh claims, evidence, and protection for all parties. Survivors need support and protection to come forward.
Societal understanding should focus on truth, fairness, and preventing abuse, not assuming guilt or innocence automatically.
Faithful is a drama with uneven production quality. It starts off slow and budget constrained but becomes much stronger in direction, suspense, and editing once the main plot unfolds. Essentially, the story and themes carry it through despite a shaky beginning.
It threads focus on story and characters rather than spectacle or production scale, suggesting the drama isn’t known for flashy production values. It is more grounded and character-driven than expensive-looking.
🌟 Core Lessons and Messages
1. Even when the legal system fails, people can still fight for truth, justice might take time, but perseverance matters.
2. Collective strength can achieve what one person alone cannot. The story emphasizes unity, solidarity, and collective bravery in the face of power and corruption.
3. Women supporting women is powerful.
4. Silence in the face of wrongdoing enables injustice.
Several characters once remained silent out of fear or self-interest.
The drama shows that bystanders have responsibility, and doing nothing can be as harmful as the crime itself.
5. Truth comes with a price. Seeking justice is not easy, people suffer, sacrifice, and risk reputations and lives. It teaches that justice is not always clean or painless, but it is meaningful.
6. Power can corrupt, but integrity can defy it.
The drama exposes corruption, abuse of authority, and class privilege.
At the same time, it celebrates characters who stand firm in morality, conscience, and courage despite pressure.
🌼 Takeaway for Women
Speak up. Your voice has power. Your story has meaning. You deserve justice, respect, and agency.
Support each other.
Act with truth and evidence.
Use past struggles as strength.
Balance compassion and courage.
Seek justice, not revenge.
Educate yourself to avoid being naive.
Faithful celebrates women who reclaim their narrative, not by being fearless, but by choosing not to let fear win. Unity among women is powerful, but it must be guided by fairness, truth, and evidence.
In short: Faithful shows that justice is not emotion-driven; it’s evidence-driven. Even when seeking revenge, the characters rely on facts to avoid becoming perpetrators of injustice themselves.
The last episode of Faithful was incredibly meaningful and heartwarming. It explores what could happen if everyone made wise choices, especially the family members and shows how these decisions lead to positive outcomes and a truly happy ending for everyone and their children.
If I were rating the drama based solely on this episode, it would easily be a perfect 10. In fact, this final episode actually raised my overall rating above what I initially intended. I don’t see it as just a “what-if” bonus to the story; in my opinion, it embodies the central lesson of the drama itself.
The heroine’s smile (Rulan) at the end was, in my view, among the most beautiful endings I’ve ever seen in a drama. Her performance was outstanding, one of my top 10 perfectly capturing a character who is kind, brave, and a little naive. While I gave her 10, it was 8 on performance overall because I also considered the other characters and performances, but her final portrayal was truly unforgettable.
I’m really glad I did. After the first four or five episodes, more characters are introduced, and the story starts to take shape and gain meaning.
The drama centers around seeking justice for a wronged woman seven years after her death. It deals with sexual abuse, victim-blaming, and the struggle for justice in an old historical period patriarchal society. It’s more serious and socially conscious than the typical romance scroll drama.
Faithful may seem like a revenge drama, since the characters carefully plot against the villain, but it is truly about seeking justice. Even when they have the chance to kill the villain, they refrain, showing that their aim isn’t personal satisfaction, but to reveal the truth and hold him accountable. Revenge stems from anger and retaliation, while justice is guided by principle and fairness, which lies at the heart of the story.
The narrative structure alternates between two timelines:
The past (seven years ago), showing the abuse, legal failures, and Rulan’s tragic fate.
The present (seven years later), focusing on Meng Wan’s revenge and investigation to overturn the injustice.
The drama openly depicts how a charismatic but predatory man exploits young women under the guise of teaching them a skill, and how the legal system and society protect powerful men while shaming victims.
Rather than supporting those who speak out, the society in the drama blames victims for bringing dishonor upon themselves, showing the social stigma and obstacles survivors face.
The core arc follows Meng Wan’s determination to dismantle the status quo and pursue justice, not just for her friend but for others who suffered similarly.
The drama is quite realistic about sexual abuse, power imbalance and justice. However, it is still a drama, some parts are unrealistic, heightened or stylized for narrative impact. Trauma isn't easily resolved
Instead of “instant recovery” often seen in idol dramas: victims carry long-term emotional scars, shame and fear remain for years, loved ones also suffer, healing is slow and incomplete. The drama accurately highlights how evidence is hard to prove, authorities doubt victim testimony, and perpetrators can manipulate the system.
However, there is a very important nuance: Sexual abuse cases are complex, and dramas like Faithful focus on one narrative (the victim seeking justice) but reality involves both genuine victims and occasional false accusations in real life. Evidence is critical.
Courts and police have to rely on tangible evidence, witness statements, and documentation. Without proof, it’s very hard to convict someone, even if the accusation is genuine. Even though rare, False accusations exist, and it is fair to acknowledge this when discussing this topic about real life. However, when they happen, they can ruin reputations and lives, which is why evidence and due process are essential. Both survivors and the accused deserve fair investigation.
The key takeaway is: justice systems must carefully weigh claims, evidence, and protection for all parties. Survivors need support and protection to come forward.
Societal understanding should focus on truth, fairness, and preventing abuse, not assuming guilt or innocence automatically.
Faithful is a drama with uneven production quality. It starts off slow and budget constrained but becomes much stronger in direction, suspense, and editing once the main plot unfolds. Essentially, the story and themes carry it through despite a shaky beginning.
It threads focus on story and characters rather than spectacle or production scale, suggesting the drama isn’t known for flashy production values. It is more grounded and character-driven than expensive-looking.
🌟 Core Lessons and Messages
1. Even when the legal system fails, people can still fight for truth, justice might take time, but perseverance matters.
2. Collective strength can achieve what one person alone cannot. The story emphasizes unity, solidarity, and collective bravery in the face of power and corruption.
3. Women supporting women is powerful.
4. Silence in the face of wrongdoing enables injustice.
Several characters once remained silent out of fear or self-interest.
The drama shows that bystanders have responsibility, and doing nothing can be as harmful as the crime itself.
5. Truth comes with a price. Seeking justice is not easy, people suffer, sacrifice, and risk reputations and lives. It teaches that justice is not always clean or painless, but it is meaningful.
6. Power can corrupt, but integrity can defy it.
The drama exposes corruption, abuse of authority, and class privilege.
At the same time, it celebrates characters who stand firm in morality, conscience, and courage despite pressure.
🌼 Takeaway for Women
Speak up. Your voice has power. Your story has meaning. You deserve justice, respect, and agency.
Support each other.
Act with truth and evidence.
Use past struggles as strength.
Balance compassion and courage.
Seek justice, not revenge.
Educate yourself to avoid being naive.
Faithful celebrates women who reclaim their narrative, not by being fearless, but by choosing not to let fear win. Unity among women is powerful, but it must be guided by fairness, truth, and evidence.
In short: Faithful shows that justice is not emotion-driven; it’s evidence-driven. Even when seeking revenge, the characters rely on facts to avoid becoming perpetrators of injustice themselves.
The last episode of Faithful was incredibly meaningful and heartwarming. It explores what could happen if everyone made wise choices, especially the family members and shows how these decisions lead to positive outcomes and a truly happy ending for everyone and their children.
If I were rating the drama based solely on this episode, it would easily be a perfect 10. In fact, this final episode actually raised my overall rating above what I initially intended. I don’t see it as just a “what-if” bonus to the story; in my opinion, it embodies the central lesson of the drama itself.
The heroine’s smile (Rulan) at the end was, in my view, among the most beautiful endings I’ve ever seen in a drama. Her performance was outstanding, one of my top 10 perfectly capturing a character who is kind, brave, and a little naive. While I gave her 10, it was 8 on performance overall because I also considered the other characters and performances, but her final portrayal was truly unforgettable.
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