Something that stood out to me on The Glory but that wasn’t very emphasized is the concept of life pausing when going through something difficult. Or, in the case of Moon Dong-eun, something physically and psychologically scarring that consumed her existence.
Sometimes, we want to simply move on and let it go. To not let things get more from us, to not give them that power. But as humans, we don’t operate like that. Sure, there are people able to let slide and dismiss things with ease, to go on with their lives as if nothing had happened or as though “that’s just how things are” and keep going. But that is not the case for everyone and, depending on various factors, it can be more difficult to do so.
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| The Glory (2022-2023) |
Some minds and hearts need more than just that. They may need to make sense of it first. They may need to go through a process and reach various stages with it. To fill in the gaps, tie the loose ends. Come to a complete understanding of it so that they can then do what they must about it. Finally forgiving or… not.
For Moon Dong-eun, on The Glory, it was a restless undertaking - where she had to simultaneously study, work, and keep up with these people that got on and under her skin. She initially wanted to die, to end her life, but couldn’t leave the world without doing anything about what took place. Once she finally did, she was at last “free” to leave and attempted suicide again. Thankfully, though, she was stopped in time by words of concern. In spite of everything, some did value her and preferred her around. And life didn’t have to be so full of misery anymore.
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| The Glory (2022-2023) |
It was made evident that Moon Dong-eun wasn’t fully satisfied with the amount of punishment she brought onto those who harmed her. She longed for worse. There was still more resentment and hatred within her, having had her happiness and much more taken from her by those that were too stuck-up to care. But it was enough for her to begin taking a different approach to her personal healing. Being on her own or surrounded by solidarity for a while. Eventually, pursuing other dreams she previously had and returning to those rare few that helped her.
“For a time, I had this thought ‘What if anyone or anything had tried to help me?’ Maybe a friend or a God. Even the weather, maybe. If not, then a sharp weapon.” - Moon Dong-eun.
I know, I know. Sad backstories don’t justify evil. But I believe that some people are good, or wish to be good, but can find themselves pushed to the opposite because that is all they are shown and it looks futile or even absurd to be otherwise. So, it was of great importance that, even if a bit late, she did come to meet people on her side.
Reuniting with Park Jeon-jin showed her that she was still cruel, that not even the years that went by made a difference. It seemed Moon Dong-eun hoped to be proved wrong, for there to be some sort of development and reconciliation. Believing there would be some goodness underneath it all to sway her in another direction. But it only confirmed that Park wasn’t worth her compassion. Which, in a twisted way, was a relief. No reason to hold back.
By the time she broke away from this curse, having to some extent dealt with the trauma, it was as though she was 19 again, as she tells her kindred spirit on a visit to her grave. Not because she didn’t age or grow in any way, but because life could resume as it could have been had she not been detoured and delayed by such terrible events - or at least somewhat close. She could start experiencing what she had missed out on, however “mundane” or “trivial” in contrast. And yet, she could never really go back to exactly who she was before, as there is no turning back time and erasing history. All that transcurred was now a part of her life. Nevertheless, she did regain control over it and made room for better.