Vigilante – A Dark and Ruthless K-drama Justice Ride

① Overall Impression

Vigilante is a brooding, high-octane K-drama that plunges deep into the moral gray zones of justice. Adapted from the popular Naver webtoon, this 8-episode Disney+ original is a gritty action thriller that blends social commentary with hard-hitting combat and character-driven intensity.

At its core is Kim Ji-yong, a top police academy student by day and a ruthless vigilante by night. His mission? To punish criminals who slip through the cracks of the legal system. With stellar performances by Nam Joo-hyuk and Yoo Ji-tae, Vigilante delivers raw emotion and pulse-pounding action, all wrapped in stylish noir aesthetics.

This K-drama doesn’t pull punches – literally or figuratively. It’s a gripping story of personal trauma, revenge, and the heavy cost of taking justice into your own hands.

② Rating (out of 10)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.0/10
For its bold direction, strong casting, and a unique blend of social critique and superhero grit.

③ Synopsis

Kim Ji-yong lost his mother to a senseless act of violence in his youth. Now a top student at the police university, he maintains a flawless image by day-but at night, he transforms into Vigilante, a masked punisher who tracks down and executes criminals who got off easy.

His existence shakes the entire justice system. News anchor Choi Mi-ryeo tries to manipulate public opinion through her broadcasts, while Detective Cho Heon leads a desperate manhunt to stop him. As copycats emerge and pressure builds, Ji-yong must decide whether vengeance truly brings peace.

④ Ending

The final episodes push Vigilante to the edge, physically and morally. With every confrontation, Ji-yong becomes more haunted by the violence he dishes out and the thin line between hero and monster.

The series ends on a bitter note—the justice he sought is twisted, co-opted, and almost erased. But Ji-yong walks away not as a broken man, but as someone who understands what real consequences feel like. It’s a thought-provoking conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll.

⑤ Best Quotes

“지금부터 너한테 반말을 하겠습니다”
(From now on, I’m going to speak to you informally.)