Is KBS's Days of Glory a Family Drama Worth Watching?
KBS 2TV’s new weekend drama, Days of Glory, which premiered on August 9, 2025, takes on a familiar genre with a fresh perspective: the multigenerational family melodrama. At its heart lies a story of a three-generation family who, after suddenly losing all their jobs, must face the emotional and financial aftermath together. Through their struggles, the show unfolds themes of generational conflict, familial love, and the slow path to mutual understanding.
Leading the cast is veteran actor Chun Ho-jin, playing Lee Sang-chul, a recently retired man who fails to find reemployment. His son, Ji-hyuk (played by Jung Il-woo), represents the younger generation plagued by economic instability. The drama portrays the often strained interaction between the so-called "Machu generation" (those in their 60s who spent their lives supporting the family) and the “880,000 won generation” (young adults stuck in precarious jobs with stagnant incomes). What could have been a simple family tearjerker attempts to become something more: a mirror reflecting modern Korean society.
Is It Thought-Provoking or Just Predictable? Fans Are Split
The Case For It
Supporters of Days of Glory argue that the show succeeds in depicting the generational struggles that are all too familiar in today's world. The economic hardships faced by both older and younger generations are portrayed with emotional depth and honesty. For example, Sang-chul’s feelings of helplessness after retirement, and Ji-hyuk’s frustration with job hunting, resonate with many viewers navigating similar realities.
More than simply airing grievances, the drama tries to invite dialogue between age groups that often misunderstand one another. Its portrayal of family members learning to empathize with each other's burdens gives hope that such mutual understanding is possible—both on- and off-screen.
Additionally, the series has earned praise for its cast. Chun Ho-jin brings his usual gravitas, and Jung Il-woo excels in showing the vulnerability of a man caught between pride and powerlessness. Their performances elevate what could otherwise be seen as formulaic content.
Importantly, many viewers find comfort in the show’s underlying message: families may fight and falter, but at their best, they are also a sanctuary. In a world where intergenerational bonding is increasingly rare, that’s a message worth revisiting.
The Case Against It
However, not everyone is sold. Critics argue that Days of Glory doesn’t break any new ground. The plot—family loses everything, quarrels, reconciles, and re-emerges stronger—is seen as familiar to the point of being tired. Viewers expecting a refreshing take on the family drama genre may find themselves disappointed by its reliance on well-worn tropes.
Some also note that the generational conflict is exaggerated for dramatic effect. While tension between parents and adult children is a reality in many households, the show sometimes veers into over-the-top territory, which can risk reinforcing stereotypes rather than breaking them down. For example, the older characters are often written as out-of-touch and stubborn, while the younger ones are portrayed as naive and irresponsible—simplifying their struggles rather than exploring them.
Then there’s the commercial side of things. As a weekend drama, Days of Glory is under pressure to maintain strong ratings. This might explain some of its overly dramatic plot twists and emotionally manipulative moments. Some viewers worry that these choices dilute the show’s sincerity, turning what could’ve been a poignant social critique into just another ratings chase.
Bigger Concerns: Is Exaggeration Harming Real-Life Perceptions?
One of the key risks with dramas like Days of Glory is that they may unintentionally distort reality. Overdramatizing generational conflict can lead to an "us vs. them" narrative, which may exacerbate real-life misunderstandings rather than resolve them. Instead of promoting empathy, it can entrench biases.
Likewise, by boxing the older generation into the role of rigid patriarchs and the younger into economically helpless dreamers, the show might reinforce existing prejudices. It could prevent viewers from seeing the diversity and nuance within each generation.
Lastly, framing complex economic issues through the lens of one family’s melodrama risks oversimplifying structural problems. Job insecurity and intergenerational inequality are systemic (widespread and built-in) issues that can't be solved merely by mutual understanding within one household—though the effort is noble.
So What Should We Take Away from Days of Glory?
Despite its flaws, KBS’s Days of Glory offers something valuable: a conversation starter. Whether through halting empathy or dramatic missteps, the show urges viewers to reckon with the familial and generational ties that bind—and sometimes strangle—us.
Its messages about overcoming hardship, rediscovering love within family, and facing societal pressures with unity are compelling, even if imperfectly told. Future episodes will determine whether it can move beyond clichés to offer new insights. For now, it’s best viewed not only as entertainment but as a reflection—however flawed—of the real-world challenges we continue to face across generations.
