You have the best recommendations! Can you please recommend me some good Japanese dramas from the 90s?
Glad we enjoy the same dramas :) I made a list for 90s J dramas, hope it's of help. https://kisskh.at/list/389JWaM4 In case you want specific recommendations, let me know what kind of dramas you are looking for.
Solid story, solid actors, and pure entertainment. It's been a long time since I watched a movie that made me laugh from the start all the way to the end. Time well spent :) Highly recommended for all!
For a drama that received so many rave reviews and has such a high rating, I expected too much. The key elements…
Let's get the pros out of the way first: 1. Great acting by the entire cast, barring Song Hye Kyo. 2. Good cinematography. 3. Decent score. 4. The actor who plays Ye Jin's husband - his scenes with SHK were oozing with natural chemistry and spark. I ended up empathizing with him more than the FL because he was the only character in the series that was written with some depth and care. 5. Fitting end for Ye Jin and Je Jun; how satisfying!
CONS / FLAWS / PLOTHOLES 1. The one-note characterisation with all the characters continued. We never got to know the bullies beyond the abuse they meted out. Their scenes were all about hurling curses at each other rather than doing anything substantive. We never got to know why the hell they let her drop out so easily when they were so cruel. We never got to know about what others in that school went through other than So Hee and our FL. Ye Jin is shown to be someone with zero empathy and then they show that her daughter is her weakness? That makes no sense. We never got to know the FL beyond the revenge. What was she like before the abuse and how she changed. How was her personality shaped by the years of isolation and living with the scars of the abuse? That mini montage of her smiling in E15 was something that we needed to see more of, not the abuse. Why was Ye Jin her main target when Jae Jun violated her as much? She couldn't become an architect because of the abuse. But then she educated herself and became a teacher? So why didn't she become an architect then? Why was it crucial for her to even become a teacher? All that she did could have been done without becoming a teacher LOL Her PTSD was conveniently used when it served the plot, and conveniently ignored when it didn't. You're telling me she was scared of seeing meat, but has the confidence to face these bullies headstrong time and time again?! Just how did she make so much money to afford 2 cars, 2 different apartments, those expensive clothes, and all the expenses? Don't even get me started on SHK's bland, expressionless acting in so many scenes. She's been in the industry for 30 years and yet, her acting has never been improved and remains unconvincing.
2. For someone living her entire life planning this revenge, she was overtly reliant on random alibis that came out of nowhere like the housekeeper and the doctor. What if they didn't turn up? As I suspected, the housekeeper was caught and then they showed her getting abused more.. Can someone explain their arrangement to me? Wasn't the FL supposed to kill the housekeeper's husband? So what was she waiting for? They didn't even address that plot point.. because they conveniently just wanted the bully to find out that weakness and exploit?
3. For someone executing a so-called revenge, she revealed her cards too soon, rather than slyly infiltrating herself into their world and then revealing herself in the end. That made the whole drama unrealistic because if these bullies had that much power at school, that too as kids, then imagine the power and influence they would have as adults who are heirs to various empires. Who is she? Just a nobody. The fact that she revealed herself to them one by one at the teacher's residence, the store, then the alumini event and the classroom.. and you're telling me these influential bullies did nothing after that?! She continued to walk around carefree. Given how violent they were as kids, why was the FL not kidnapped or drugged or killed after she became the homeroom teacher? Again you want me to believe they just let her be so that she can play out her domino effect and games?! all the way till the end, these bullies with all their influence and power did not manage to do find anything to blackmail with her or do something to her? The biggest plothole right there.
4. The relationship with the mother - As I suspected in part 1, the mother was found and used against the FL. Again, stupid decision on the writer's part to have the FL just leave her mother there in the lion's den when she has apparently been planning the revenge for over a decade. Second, what was the point of this whole angle? Other than adding another sad sub-plot and more abuse to the drama, what was the point of the mother's character? Why did she wait all these years to put her mum away?
5. Not only did the doctor have zero chemistry with the FL, his character added nothing to the story. I never understood why he fell in love with her in the first place, and why he was so supportive of the revenge (to the extent of revealing his identity to the bullies) and housing her when he didn't know anything about her. Also why did we need his side story with the person who killed his father?
6. That man who buried the guy and Ye Jin's mother - YAWNNNNN. Again, what did this sub-plot achieve? Can't even remember their names.
7. The teacher who took upskirt photos of the kids - Again, what did this sub-plot achieve? It's not like Ye Jin's husband wasn't aware that Ye Sol isn't his daughter.
8. Why was the reveal of Ye Jin killing So Hee dragged to the end? It's not like we didn't know that it was her. That was hinted within the first few episodes.
9. The FL's dialogue to the doctor in the last episode "How could I do this to you just because I am a victim".. HUH?! So what was Ye Sol and Ye Jin's husband's fault? She did all this for revenge because they tortured her and she has her justification for it. This dialogue ruined her character for me, because if you're taking revenge, just own up to it rather than trying to act righteous. Two wrongs don't make a right you know.
10. Ye Jin lost it all in the end (THAT WAS GREAT) but how was the FL not at all curious about what happened to Je Jun at the end?! Again, I never understood why she wanted revenge mainly on Ye Jin and not Je Jun..
11. Why the added plot twist of Gyeong Ran being involved in the murder? How did it add anything to the plot other than increase the length of the finale?
12. The ending scene. NO COMMENTS. They could have chosen an impactful ending monologue about bullying but they chose 'I love you' instead. SIGHHH.
13. The length - THIS DID NOT NEED 16 EPISODES. This could have been told in 10 episodes. K dramas really need to learn to cut down on their length especially when they don't have enough material to keep the show going. In this case, there was potential but the writer chose to add in characters that were not needed, repetitive scenes, filler scenes that added nothing to the plot rather than actually fleshing out the characters of the FL and the bullies, and giving us a strong fight between the FL and the bullies.
Highly recommend these revenge dramas instead, where the both the writing and performances are steller. Zeni Geba Bump Off Lover
For a drama that received so many rave reviews and has such a high rating, I expected too much. The key elements of a good revenge drama are (1) great acting, (2) good writing that fleshes out the psychology of the characters well, and (3) well-crafted and tight-scripted execution of the revenge with attention to detail (good screenplay, editing, and writing). I thought Part 1 was average (still watchable though), but Part 2 dragged too much, failing on all 3 levels, with long-drawn monologues and character arcs amounting to nothing, abuse / violence shown for shock value, and plotholes that became bigger. All in all, an average drama that does not deserve the hype and ratings it got. More in review / spoiler: https://kisskh.at/profile/chillingindoors/review/512974
"I’m still waiting for a revenge drama where the lead has a solid, well-thought-out plan that doesn't rely on sudden plot devices or savior side characters." You should give Zeni Geba a try. https://kisskh.at/439-zeni-geba Best revenge drama with none of these bullshit plotholes you mentioned.
Some other good ones without those plotholes you may wish to try: Bump Off Lover Ouroboros The Count of Monte-Cristo: Great Revenge
Ths was something for sure.But i really hated the way they tried to conclude tht trash bag ryo character that's…
Why, thank you *takes hat off* I am glad we enjoy the same movies. I am assuming you like darker movies that leave a deep impression. These are some more recommendations you may wish to check out :) https://kisskh.at/list/1zygeMx4
Some others that are not on the above list - I Am What I Am I Just Didn't Do It Traces of Sin Picnic Mother (2020) Monster (2023) Rashomon
For a drama that received so many rave reviews and has such a high rating, I expected too much. The key elements…
Giving credit where due, the best things about this drama - - The acting of everyone (minus the main female lead Song Hye Kyo) - it was addicting and enjoyable, very easy watch - the bully's husband; the only character that made sense and had some natural, sizzling chemistry with the FL, their meetings were well-done and natural - the cinematography
Other than that, everything else was a mess, esp the writing. Now we'll get to all the bad stuff.
1. They spent so much time showing the violence (for shock value) but did not give the viewer an understanding as to why the bullies treated her that way, and how it all started. Clearly one-note characterisation. When she came to openly confront them about their dreams in the school hall (when they were kids), why did they just let her go so easily? It didn't make sense at all, especially after the extent that they were shown to be brutal to her. Was their intention to have her drop out? Or was it to just torture her for fun? And if for fun, why? Also, if they were this brutal to her, there ought to be other victims. Where were the other victims? Why were all the school scenes only scenes of violence? What about class time? What about other kids, I amsure they knew what was going on. So many plotholes.
2. For someone living her entire life planning this revenge, she teamed up with the housekeeper that easily, knowing that she could either become someone who could double-cross her in the future or be a weakness.. Not just that, the housekeeper is not some private investigator or expert who has been trained in this job, and the FL just took her on?! The way she stalked the air hostess and others had zero thrill or mystery. It was so obvious. It's only time before she gets caught. Also, can someone explain to me when exactly does the FL plan to kill the maid's husband and what is she waiting for? Then she teamed up with Myeong O who could again double-cross her any moment?
3. For someone executing a so-called revenge, she revealed her cards too soon, rather than slyly infiltrating herself into their world and then revealing herself in the end. That made the whole drama unrealistic because if these bullies had that much power at school, that too as kids, then imagine the power and influence they would have as adults who are heirs to various empires. Who is she? Just a nobody. The fact that she revealed herself to them one by one at the teacher's residence, the store, then the alumini event and the classroom.. and you're telling me these influential bullies did nothing after that?! She continued to walk around carefree. Given how violent they were as kids, why was the FL not kidnapped or drugged or killed after she became the homeroom teacher? Again you want me to believe they just let her be so that she can play out her domino effect and games?! Huge plothole that did a disservice to the entire drama.
4. Song Hye Kyo is pretty and has screen presence, but that's about it. Even after all these years, she remains a mediocre actress. She was blank and expressionless in so many scenes. On the other hand, the bullies were all solid actors.
5. The characterisation of the FL - I expected her character to have some depth but she fell flat for me as well. SIGHHHH. Who was the FL before these bullies made her life miserable? How are we suppose to understand her character when we don't even understand how she changed, and how that impacted her. They should have spent some time focusing on how she survived by herself. Not having much contact with ppl on an emotional level can make one very distant, and anti-social but she came across as very normal and just someone who doesn't smile. Her only characterisation is the victim who wants to take revenge. But who she is beyond the revenge? Where did she get so much money to afford 2 cars and the apartments and all her expensive clothing? Her telling the housekeeper that she will not 'kill' anyone or cross a certain line - it's like the writer wanted her to have her revenge, and yet at the same time, give the audiences a lolipop that she's actually a nice person who has a moral compass. Bullshit. Anyone going on a revenge path is not a nice person, and neither are they are morally upright, regardless of whether the revenge is justified or not. Second, for someone who was tortured so brutally and kissed that way, I was surprised they didn't show her having PTSD or any other mental illness whatsoever, that too, when she's all alone and has no other source of emotional and financial support. Yes she reacted on seeing the meat and Jae Jun etc but that's not totally how PTSD works. Little things can trigger you, but the biggest trigger would be the very people who did that to you. The PTSD was used very haphazardly when convenient and not in a consistent manner. The way she was able to confront the bullies so easily (that too as a kid) - this writer clearly knows nothing about psychology. She says the bullies destroyed her dreams to become an engineer. But then she educated herself and became a teacher. So by that stretch, why couldn't she become an engineer? Am I missing something here? Why would she leave her mother right at the lion's den?! Oh wait I know.. so that the writer can use that as a way for the villains to one-up the FL later on.. such lazy writing. SIGH.
6. The doctor angle (romance) was not at all required and dragged the story. Plus, they had zero chemistry. Instead of the doctor, they should have spent more time showing us how the bullies operate. Also, this story is about her VS the bullies. What need of the doctor's character? Also, I get that the doctor likes her (why, though) but his reaction to her revelation of revenge was too nice and understanding.. most ppl would be taken back and need some time to process it.. i mean how much does he even know her?!
Highly recommend 'Zeni Geba' instead. One of the best in the revenge genre.
For a drama that received so many rave reviews and has such a high rating, I expected too much. The key elements a good revenge drama needs are (1) great acting, (2) good writing that fleshes out the psychology of the characters well, and (3) well-crafted and tight-scripted execution of the revenge with attention to detail (good screenplay, editing, and writing). I wanted to love this, but it fell flat on all 3 levels, with clumsy writing, too many plotholes, and Song Hye Kyo's bland acting in so many scenes. I have seen far better written and acted revenge dramas which remain underrated. Going to give part 2 a try hoping it will address some of the major plotholes.
It was really horrifying to watch the brutal bullying in this drama. I see that there are a lot of K-dramas depicting…
I'm watching the drama currently and on E1. This one does seem like an extreme depiction of violence, and it's definitely not the norm. But I am pretty sure there are individuals who went through this. The bullying in a lot of dramas is not always an exaggeration. As someone who worked there for a while, I can tell you that their culture is extremely toxic (not saying other cultures are not). A lot of things are normalised. I don't know how much has changed in the past few years but back then I think the bar for defining the bullying and taking action against it was really low. Like slapping or hitting wouldn't count as violence or abuse, it was normal. Action wasn't taken until it was extreme. Many bullies didn't fear the law because many of them were influential and their families just took care of it. Also, the S Korean society, in general, encourages demeaning of ppl based on class, which has further perpetrated the gap and led to more bullying. Those that were not as influential got caught if the victim opened their mouth. Even then, not all school authorities took action because they wanted to save their asses. Not to mention, a lot of teachers were abusive too, esp verbally. Some slightly physically too. Having said all this, it's not like South Korea is the only one with the bullying problem. It happens in many other countries too.
What a criminally underrated and unique drama with a fantastic story, full of depth, darkness, despair, and hope. A must watch for those who love superhero stories with substance. Season 2, when?
3 
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I made a list for 90s J dramas, hope it's of help.
https://kisskh.at/list/389JWaM4
In case you want specific recommendations, let me know what kind of dramas you are looking for.
It's been years but I'm still hoping that maybe one day, we'll get a special episode.
Time well spent :)
Highly recommended for all!
1. Great acting by the entire cast, barring Song Hye Kyo.
2. Good cinematography.
3. Decent score.
4. The actor who plays Ye Jin's husband - his scenes with SHK were oozing with natural chemistry and spark. I ended up empathizing with him more than the FL because he was the only character in the series that was written with some depth and care.
5. Fitting end for Ye Jin and Je Jun; how satisfying!
CONS / FLAWS / PLOTHOLES
1. The one-note characterisation with all the characters continued. We never got to know the bullies beyond the abuse they meted out. Their scenes were all about hurling curses at each other rather than doing anything substantive. We never got to know why the hell they let her drop out so easily when they were so cruel. We never got to know about what others in that school went through other than So Hee and our FL. Ye Jin is shown to be someone with zero empathy and then they show that her daughter is her weakness? That makes no sense.
We never got to know the FL beyond the revenge. What was she like before the abuse and how she changed. How was her personality shaped by the years of isolation and living with the scars of the abuse? That mini montage of her smiling in E15 was something that we needed to see more of, not the abuse.
Why was Ye Jin her main target when Jae Jun violated her as much?
She couldn't become an architect because of the abuse. But then she educated herself and became a teacher? So why didn't she become an architect then? Why was it crucial for her to even become a teacher? All that she did could have been done without becoming a teacher LOL
Her PTSD was conveniently used when it served the plot, and conveniently ignored when it didn't. You're telling me she was scared of seeing meat, but has the confidence to face these bullies headstrong time and time again?!
Just how did she make so much money to afford 2 cars, 2 different apartments, those expensive clothes, and all the expenses?
Don't even get me started on SHK's bland, expressionless acting in so many scenes. She's been in the industry for 30 years and yet, her acting has never been improved and remains unconvincing.
2. For someone living her entire life planning this revenge, she was overtly reliant on random alibis that came out of nowhere like the housekeeper and the doctor. What if they didn't turn up? As I suspected, the housekeeper was caught and then they showed her getting abused more.. Can someone explain their arrangement to me? Wasn't the FL supposed to kill the housekeeper's husband? So what was she waiting for? They didn't even address that plot point.. because they conveniently just wanted the bully to find out that weakness and exploit?
3. For someone executing a so-called revenge, she revealed her cards too soon, rather than slyly infiltrating herself into their world and then revealing herself in the end. That made the whole drama unrealistic because if these bullies had that much power at school, that too as kids, then imagine the power and influence they would have as adults who are heirs to various empires. Who is she? Just a nobody. The fact that she revealed herself to them one by one at the teacher's residence, the store, then the alumini event and the classroom.. and you're telling me these influential bullies did nothing after that?! She continued to walk around carefree. Given how violent they were as kids, why was the FL not kidnapped or drugged or killed after she became the homeroom teacher? Again you want me to believe they just let her be so that she can play out her domino effect and games?! all the way till the end, these bullies with all their influence and power did not manage to do find anything to blackmail with her or do something to her? The biggest plothole right there.
4. The relationship with the mother - As I suspected in part 1, the mother was found and used against the FL. Again, stupid decision on the writer's part to have the FL just leave her mother there in the lion's den when she has apparently been planning the revenge for over a decade. Second, what was the point of this whole angle? Other than adding another sad sub-plot and more abuse to the drama, what was the point of the mother's character? Why did she wait all these years to put her mum away?
5. Not only did the doctor have zero chemistry with the FL, his character added nothing to the story. I never understood why he fell in love with her in the first place, and why he was so supportive of the revenge (to the extent of revealing his identity to the bullies) and housing her when he didn't know anything about her. Also why did we need his side story with the person who killed his father?
6. That man who buried the guy and Ye Jin's mother - YAWNNNNN. Again, what did this sub-plot achieve? Can't even remember their names.
7. The teacher who took upskirt photos of the kids - Again, what did this sub-plot achieve? It's not like Ye Jin's husband wasn't aware that Ye Sol isn't his daughter.
8. Why was the reveal of Ye Jin killing So Hee dragged to the end? It's not like we didn't know that it was her. That was hinted within the first few episodes.
9. The FL's dialogue to the doctor in the last episode "How could I do this to you just because I am a victim".. HUH?! So what was Ye Sol and Ye Jin's husband's fault? She did all this for revenge because they tortured her and she has her justification for it. This dialogue ruined her character for me, because if you're taking revenge, just own up to it rather than trying to act righteous. Two wrongs don't make a right you know.
10. Ye Jin lost it all in the end (THAT WAS GREAT) but how was the FL not at all curious about what happened to Je Jun at the end?! Again, I never understood why she wanted revenge mainly on Ye Jin and not Je Jun..
11. Why the added plot twist of Gyeong Ran being involved in the murder? How did it add anything to the plot other than increase the length of the finale?
12. The ending scene. NO COMMENTS. They could have chosen an impactful ending monologue about bullying but they chose 'I love you' instead. SIGHHH.
13. The length - THIS DID NOT NEED 16 EPISODES. This could have been told in 10 episodes. K dramas really need to learn to cut down on their length especially when they don't have enough material to keep the show going. In this case, there was potential but the writer chose to add in characters that were not needed, repetitive scenes, filler scenes that added nothing to the plot rather than actually fleshing out the characters of the FL and the bullies, and giving us a strong fight between the FL and the bullies.
Highly recommend these revenge dramas instead, where the both the writing and performances are steller.
Zeni Geba
Bump Off Lover
All in all, an average drama that does not deserve the hype and ratings it got.
More in review / spoiler: https://kisskh.at/profile/chillingindoors/review/512974
You should give Zeni Geba a try.
https://kisskh.at/439-zeni-geba
Best revenge drama with none of these bullshit plotholes you mentioned.
Some other good ones without those plotholes you may wish to try:
Bump Off Lover
Ouroboros
The Count of Monte-Cristo: Great Revenge
I am glad we enjoy the same movies.
I am assuming you like darker movies that leave a deep impression. These are some more recommendations you may wish to check out :)
https://kisskh.at/list/1zygeMx4
Some others that are not on the above list -
I Am What I Am
I Just Didn't Do It
Traces of Sin
Picnic
Mother (2020)
Monster (2023)
Rashomon
Will come back with more. Enjoy!
- The acting of everyone (minus the main female lead Song Hye Kyo)
- it was addicting and enjoyable, very easy watch
- the bully's husband; the only character that made sense and had some natural, sizzling chemistry with the FL, their meetings were well-done and natural
- the cinematography
Other than that, everything else was a mess, esp the writing. Now we'll get to all the bad stuff.
1. They spent so much time showing the violence (for shock value) but did not give the viewer an understanding as to why the bullies treated her that way, and how it all started. Clearly one-note characterisation. When she came to openly confront them about their dreams in the school hall (when they were kids), why did they just let her go so easily? It didn't make sense at all, especially after the extent that they were shown to be brutal to her. Was their intention to have her drop out? Or was it to just torture her for fun? And if for fun, why? Also, if they were this brutal to her, there ought to be other victims. Where were the other victims? Why were all the school scenes only scenes of violence? What about class time? What about other kids, I amsure they knew what was going on. So many plotholes.
2. For someone living her entire life planning this revenge, she teamed up with the housekeeper that easily, knowing that she could either become someone who could double-cross her in the future or be a weakness.. Not just that, the housekeeper is not some private investigator or expert who has been trained in this job, and the FL just took her on?! The way she stalked the air hostess and others had zero thrill or mystery. It was so obvious. It's only time before she gets caught. Also, can someone explain to me when exactly does the FL plan to kill the maid's husband and what is she waiting for? Then she teamed up with Myeong O who could again double-cross her any moment?
3. For someone executing a so-called revenge, she revealed her cards too soon, rather than slyly infiltrating herself into their world and then revealing herself in the end. That made the whole drama unrealistic because if these bullies had that much power at school, that too as kids, then imagine the power and influence they would have as adults who are heirs to various empires. Who is she? Just a nobody. The fact that she revealed herself to them one by one at the teacher's residence, the store, then the alumini event and the classroom.. and you're telling me these influential bullies did nothing after that?! She continued to walk around carefree. Given how violent they were as kids, why was the FL not kidnapped or drugged or killed after she became the homeroom teacher? Again you want me to believe they just let her be so that she can play out her domino effect and games?! Huge plothole that did a disservice to the entire drama.
4. Song Hye Kyo is pretty and has screen presence, but that's about it. Even after all these years, she remains a mediocre actress. She was blank and expressionless in so many scenes. On the other hand, the bullies were all solid actors.
5. The characterisation of the FL - I expected her character to have some depth but she fell flat for me as well. SIGHHHH. Who was the FL before these bullies made her life miserable? How are we suppose to understand her character when we don't even understand how she changed, and how that impacted her. They should have spent some time focusing on how she survived by herself. Not having much contact with ppl on an emotional level can make one very distant, and anti-social but she came across as very normal and just someone who doesn't smile. Her only characterisation is the victim who wants to take revenge. But who she is beyond the revenge? Where did she get so much money to afford 2 cars and the apartments and all her expensive clothing? Her telling the housekeeper that she will not 'kill' anyone or cross a certain line - it's like the writer wanted her to have her revenge, and yet at the same time, give the audiences a lolipop that she's actually a nice person who has a moral compass. Bullshit. Anyone going on a revenge path is not a nice person, and neither are they are morally upright, regardless of whether the revenge is justified or not. Second, for someone who was tortured so brutally and kissed that way, I was surprised they didn't show her having PTSD or any other mental illness whatsoever, that too, when she's all alone and has no other source of emotional and financial support. Yes she reacted on seeing the meat and Jae Jun etc but that's not totally how PTSD works. Little things can trigger you, but the biggest trigger would be the very people who did that to you. The PTSD was used very haphazardly when convenient and not in a consistent manner. The way she was able to confront the bullies so easily (that too as a kid) - this writer clearly knows nothing about psychology.
She says the bullies destroyed her dreams to become an engineer. But then she educated herself and became a teacher. So by that stretch, why couldn't she become an engineer? Am I missing something here?
Why would she leave her mother right at the lion's den?! Oh wait I know.. so that the writer can use that as a way for the villains to one-up the FL later on.. such lazy writing. SIGH.
6. The doctor angle (romance) was not at all required and dragged the story. Plus, they had zero chemistry. Instead of the doctor, they should have spent more time showing us how the bullies operate. Also, this story is about her VS the bullies. What need of the doctor's character? Also, I get that the doctor likes her (why, though) but his reaction to her revelation of revenge was too nice and understanding.. most ppl would be taken back and need some time to process it.. i mean how much does he even know her?!
Highly recommend 'Zeni Geba' instead. One of the best in the revenge genre.
Going to give part 2 a try hoping it will address some of the major plotholes.
EDIT: Watched part 2, and yes this was bad all the way.
More in review: https://kisskh.at/profile/chillingindoors/review/512974
Heard it Through the Grapevine
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Pasta
Kill Me Heal Me
This one does seem like an extreme depiction of violence, and it's definitely not the norm. But I am pretty sure there are individuals who went through this.
The bullying in a lot of dramas is not always an exaggeration.
As someone who worked there for a while, I can tell you that their culture is extremely toxic (not saying other cultures are not). A lot of things are normalised. I don't know how much has changed in the past few years but back then I think the bar for defining the bullying and taking action against it was really low. Like slapping or hitting wouldn't count as violence or abuse, it was normal. Action wasn't taken until it was extreme.
Many bullies didn't fear the law because many of them were influential and their families just took care of it. Also, the S Korean society, in general, encourages demeaning of ppl based on class, which has further perpetrated the gap and led to more bullying. Those that were not as influential got caught if the victim opened their mouth. Even then, not all school authorities took action because they wanted to save their asses. Not to mention, a lot of teachers were abusive too, esp verbally. Some slightly physically too.
Having said all this, it's not like South Korea is the only one with the bullying problem. It happens in many other countries too.
Season 2, when?
Hope that makes you feel better. Get well soon.