Season 1 — The Best Introduction (9/10)
- Extremely addictive storytelling.
- Strong mystery element.
- Memorable villains and morally gray characters.
- Every episode ends with a cliffhanger.
- Powerful performances from Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-yeon, and Eugene.
- High-stakes drama that keeps escalating.
- The season that hooks most viewers. Community discussions often describe it as the strongest season of the series.
Season 2 — Bigger, Faster, More Chaotic (8.5/10)
Season 2 focuses on the consequences of Season 1's events. Existing rivalries become even more intense, new alliances emerge, and revenge takes center stage. The pace is faster, and the twists become even more outrageous.
- More satisfying confrontations.
- Higher emotional stakes.
- Strong character development for several key players.
- Some of the series' most jaw-dropping moments.
- The revenge plots become more strategic.
- The power struggles inside Hera Palace reach another level.
- Many fans consider this the most entertaining season because of its nonstop momentum.
Verdict: If Season 1 gets you addicted, Season 2 keeps the adrenaline flowing.
Season 3 — The Grand Finale (7.5/10)
Season 3 serves as the conclusion to the story. It continues the battle for justice, revenge, and redemption while bringing many long-running storylines toward their end.
- Delivers closure to major character arcs.
- Maintains the show's signature unpredictability.
- Strong emotional moments and dramatic payoffs.
What to expect
- Even more "makjang" (over-the-top drama).
- Some twists require suspension of disbelief.
- More focused on concluding the saga than introducing new mysteries.
Season 3 tends to be the most divisive season. Some viewers enjoyed the dramatic finale, while others felt the story became too extreme compared to the earlier seasons.
Verdict: Not as universally loved as Seasons 1 and 2, but still worth watching if you've invested in the characters and story.
Overall Series Rating: 8.5/10
- Revenge dramas
- Wealthy-family scandals
- Twists every few episodes
- Powerful female characters
- Shows like Celebrity and Sky Castle
Avoid if you prefer:
- Realistic storytelling
- Slow-burn romance
- Subtle character-driven dramas
🥇 Season 1 — Best overall
🥈 Season 2 — Most entertaining
🥉 Season 3 — Most controversial
One-line review:
The Penthouse is a wild rollercoaster of ambition, revenge, and shocking twists that gets crazier with every season—and that's exactly why so many viewers couldn't stop watching it.