5 Most Popular High School K-Dramas: From ‘Hi! School Love On’ to ‘Reply 1997’

Tags

BY Joan Cabigas Apr 23, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

Explore the captivating world of high school dramas with this in-depth analysis of popular themes and characters, from emotional depth and empowerment to identity exploration and nostalgic journeys.

#HighSchoolDramas #TeenDramas #KoreanDramas
(Photo : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2782216/?ref_=tt_mv_close)

High school dramas have always held a special place in the entertainment industry. They resonate with audiences of all ages, evoking memories of youthful experiences, friendships, and challenges.

In this article, we'll delve into some of the captivating high school dramas mentioned in a recent YouTube video, exploring their themes, characters, and what makes them so compelling to viewers.

1. Hi! School Love On: Unveiling Emotional Depth Amidst Rivalry

"Hi School Love On" is a South Korean television series that aired from July 11 to December 19, 2014. It follows the story of two 18-year-old boys, Woo-hyun and Sung-yeol, as they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of high school life.

The plot revolves around an angel named Lee Seul-bi who becomes human after unintentionally saving a male student from danger.

2. Sweet Revenge: Empowerment Through Overcoming Bullying

"Sweet Revenge" is a South Korean web series that aired from October 27, 2017, to January 5, 2018, focusing on the coming-of-age genre. The storyline follows Ho Goo-hee, a high school student who discovers a unique application on her phone that allows her to seek revenge on anyone whose name she writes in it.

The series garnered significant attention, drawing in a total of 11 million combined views during its broadcast. The main cast includes Kim Hyang-gi, Lomon, Cha Eun-woo, and Kim Hwan-hee. Due to its popularity, a sequel titled "Sweet Revenge 2" was released in 2018, continuing the narrative of the original series.

3. To the Beautiful You: Identity and Love in Unexpected Places

"To Beautiful You" is a South Korean television drama series that aired from August 15 to October 4, 2012, on SBS. The series is based on the Japanese manga "Hanazakari Kimitachi e" and follows the story of Goo Jae-hee, a Korean girl living in the United States who disguises herself as a boy to attend an all-boys high school to support her idol, Kang Tae-joon, a high jump competitor.

4. Extracurricular: Exploring the Dark Side of Youth

"Extracurricular" is a South Korean TV series available on Netflix that follows the story of a high school student named Ji-soo, who leads a double life as a top student and also works for an illegal security service provider. The show delves into themes of crime, coming-of-age, and psychological drama, portraying the complex situations that arise from Ji-soo's involvement in illicit activities.

The main cast includes actors like Kim Dong-hee, Park Ju-hyun, and Jung Da-bin, who deliver captivating performances throughout the 10 episodes of the series. "Extracurricular" received positive feedback for its engaging storyline and its realistic depiction of teenage struggles. Filming for the show took place in Seoul, and it was released on Netflix on April 29, 2020, after being announced in April 2019.

The series explores moral dilemmas, intricate relationships, and the dark realities faced by its characters, making it a compelling watch for viewers interested in intense and thought-provoking narratives.

5. Reply 1997: Nostalgia and Growth Across Generations

"Reply 1997" is a South Korean drama series that delves into the lives of six friends in Busan, switching between their high school days in 1997 and a reunion in 2012.

The series is known for its portrayal of extreme fan culture surrounding first-generation idol groups like HOT and Sechs Kies, as well as for its accurate depiction of 90s nostalgia and pop culture references.

The main cast includes Jung Eun-ji, Seo In-guk, Hoya, Shin So-yul, Eun Ji-won, and Lee Si-eon, who received praise for their performances.

The show's soundtrack, featuring duets by Jung Eun-ji and Seo In-guk, was well-received and topped music charts.

"Reply 1997" achieved high ratings, critical acclaim, and won several awards for acting, OST, and overall production quality. It also sparked a retro trend in South Korea and led to spin-offs and a remake.