Peaceful revenge. This is a concept that is foreign in a Kdrama, especially when usually exposed to the typical vengeful revenges themes. It makes one wonder how does it work, whether it can be done, and if so, is it satisfying? 부암동 복수자들 (Buam-dong Revenge Club/Avenger Social Club) is the best example to watch in order to familiarize oneself about this unusual concept.

It was obvious that there would be a difficulty to form such club at the beginning, especially when its members are from different walks of life, yet live just almost near to each other (Note: Buam-dong is a neighborhood in Seoul). They had a rough patch to start with and I really felt the awkwardness on their first interactions with each other (episodes 1-2). However, not only that it was very funny, but at the same time made me think on those times when I was also on their shoes.

The succeeding episodes, not only that they were very entertaining and just made me laugh nonstop, but I loved how it was paced cleverly and it was able to successfully portray their individual life stories, and most especially, the bond that they have formed through this club. It was made easier with the great chemistry of the cast themselves.

But all were not in smiles when this show now started to gradually revealed the reasons why these people wanted to pursue their respective revenges. Add to that, their background stories which were sad to say the least, added more substance to the story overall and I was very interested on how they would overcome their specific burdens. I was emotionally-invested in how these seemingly weak ajummas (and haksaeng) defy odds and have their character developments along the journey.

It was also great that it was only for 12 episodes which made the plot itself more cohesive because and didn't gave any opportunity away to drag the story further, which I commend. My questions throughout the show were answered satisfactorily and not just in a rushed way. It was also able to close several arcs without any loose ends.

My "minor" complaint is the deus ex machina particularly toward the finale but still done in a brilliantly comedic way. The reason why I said minor is that at first glance, I overlooked these conveniences in how they were able to overcome their challenges since it was almost covered up by the comedy, but looking back, I just couldn't glance over it. Another letdown is that the build-up towards the finale was excellent yet the finale itself was almost anticlimactic and their ultimate revenge to the villains was rushed. Personally, I would've loved more had their smoking gun created a bigger impact towards the results. For me, it may be safe and somewhat boring since it dealt more on the after effects rather than the final revenge itself yet was still satisfied with the outcome.

Moving forward, maybe this brand of revenge may also be applied to future Kdramas as opposed to the currently prevalent dark and gruesome revenge stories out there. But I also want this particular Kdrama to have this unique approach to justice, which I haven't seen anywhere else. This show proved that a peaceful revenge can also be a great revenge.