Among the many tropes in the K-dramas, one stands out like a sore thumb: the wealthy oppressor.

These characters make our blood boil, our hearts race, and our minds scream for justice. We just want to jump into the screen and get justice for the oppressed, ourselves.

Let’s take a look at some of these memorable antagonists who had us ready to hit the streets in protest.

Jang Dae Hee ("Itaewon Class")

Jang Dae Hee, the powerful chairman of Jangga Group, is a master manipulator who thrives on exploitation and injustice. His oppressive tactics, particularly against Park Sae-Ro-Yi, the protagonist, highlighted the deeply ingrained corruption of the rich.

He used his wealth to control people and destroy businesses. His actions left us fuming with unquenchable anger, coupled with his cold demeanor. Jang’s refusal to acknowledge the value of hard work compared to inherited privilege raised our anger level; what an entity of unchecked power! His relentless attempt to crush the male lead’s dream got our fists folded as it reminded us of the real-world battles against systemic inequality.

Joo Dan Tae ("The Penthouse")

He’s at the top of the pyramid; no one comes close. Both in height and depth, Joo Dan Tae owns the crown of oppressors. As the epitome of greed and deceit, Joo’s pursuit of wealth and power knew no bounds. From manipulation and betrayals to committing heinous crimes just to maintain his luxurious lifestyle, his oppression never stopped. This made us question how far humans would go to protect their worldly treasures.

He preyed on the vulnerable characters while parading his stinking gains; it made us retch hard.

Choi Myung-Hee ("Vincenzo")

She is not your typical wealthy oppressor; she’s cunning, ruthless, and unapologetically evil. As a lawyer for the Babel Group, she used her intellect and resources to cover up crimes and silence dissent. Her lack of moral compass and her joy in causing chaos makes her a standout antagonist in the drama. Her lack of accountability coupled with wealth made her character so cruel and unlikable. She was too dangerous just to chuckle away her actions.

Cha Min Hyuk ("Sky Castle")

This man represented the cutthroat competition and moral decay of those obsessed with maintaining their elite status. He manipulated his children’s lives and jeopardized their happiness to secure their future in the top society.

His unyielding pressure and disregard for their individuality made us empathize deeply with the victims of parental ambition. We couldn’t bear the oppressive parenting style that shed light on the dark side of privilege and how it often tramples over personal freedom.

In dramas, these wealthy oppressors often shed light on societal issues like abuse of power, corruption, and inequalities. They mirror real-world happenings and challenges. Although dramatized, they are impactful enough to open our eyes to the struggles of others. While they make our blood boil, they remind us of how wonderful storytelling can be.

Even with our protest placards in one hand, we always look forward to the stakes, the return or payback of the protagonists, and how they would be brought to justice. As much as we despise their actions, we can’t help but admire the actors who bring these characters to life with such conviction.

So, the next time you are yelling at the screen or gripping your couch cushion in frustration, remember: these villains are doing their job. And maybe, just maybe, they’re inspiring us to strive for a world where justice triumphs over oppression.