Classic Kdrama 101: “Dream High”

Don't waste any of your precious kdrama viewing time catching up on the recent dating rumors about 2PM's Taecyeon and Girls Generation's Jessica or the ones about IU and Super Junior's Eunhyuk. Instead, sit down for a marathon of the totally enjoyable drama, "Dream High," which stars both of these talented performers.

Also in this drama are "Gu Family Book" star Suzy Bae, Hallyu star Kim Soo Hyun, 2PM's Wooyoung and T-ara's Eunjung.

The show about a performing arts school is a little bit like "Fame" and a little bit like "Glee" with a fun kdrama twist. And the performances given by all of these stars will lift your spirits.

The show is about six students who dream of becoming kpop idols. They attend Kirin High School where they learn how to sing, write songs and dance, but that's not all they learn.

Each of the students has some personal failings to overcome. Go Hye Mi, played by Suzy is arrogant because of her classical music training and finds it hard to empathize with others. Song Sam Dong, played by Kim Soo Hyun, has physical and emotional problems that keep his star from shining. Yoon Baek-Hee, played by Eunjung lets jealousy for Go Hye Mi lead her to some unfortunate choices. Jason, played by Wooyoung, is shy about letting the girl he likes know how he feels about her. IU as Kim Pil Sook has talent but not the confidence that's required. Jin Gook, played by Taecyeon, has family issues that need to get resolved before he is free to show the world how talented he is.

None of the adults in this drama are perfect either. Kang Oh Hyuk, played by Uhm Ki Joon, is a teacher who forgot his dream of inspiring students. His bad attitude is about to get him fired. Fortunately, he gets another chance to realize his teaching dreams when he becomes a mentor and a foster father to this talented group of students. Not only do the Kirin High students learn from each other, the adults eventually learn some important life lessons from the actions of the optimistic, determined teenagers. Their enthusiasm turns gangsters into talent agents, absent fathers into considerate ones, and unethical teachers into leaders.

And, given the cast, the soundtrack is memorable. There are a few upbeat songs that you can sing along to and some spirited dance numbers. Have you seen this drama? Did you like it? Let us know.