If you’re into Korean culture, you might have heard that one of the major issues experienced in Korea is a very strict and stressful educational system. Since entering school, Korean students are pressured to get the best grades possible and sign up for extracurricular academies or private tutoring classes. They put real effort throughout their youth with the aim of getting admitted into prestigious universities – among which SKY (Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University) are the ultimate dream for most of the CSAT/Suneung (Korean college admission exam) takers.
Despite the prestige that these education facilities provide and the high quality of the Korean educational system, it has been a quite controversial topic. The stressful school environment is one of the reasons why South Korea has the highest suicide rate among developed countries. Moreover, the country has been called out many times for the ineffective protection of bullying victims, which is a common problem in Korean schools.
This painful reality has been depicted by many series, putting into light students’ suffering. Here are 10 K-Dramas through which you can get to know the unfiltered reality of South Korean youth:
Note: Beware that most of these series might involve some triggering topics as they represent the actual struggles of Korean students.
1. “SKY Castle”
JTBC
When: 2019
Cast: Yum JungAh, Jung JoonHo, Kim HyeYoon, SF9’s Chani, Yoon SeAh, Kim ByungChul, Park YooNa, Kim DongHee, Kim SeoHyung, Kim BoRa
Summary: A residential area called “Sky Castle” is home to Korean wealthy elite families. To preserve their prestigious image, the adults of the community resort to stern measures, as their children compete to be admitted to Korea’s top universities.
For: Fans of satire and nerve-racking series.
Why watch: It is an authentic portrayal of elite lives, which exposes many common issues in Korean society from various perspectives. Moreover, it is the second highest rating K-Drama in Korea of all time, which only proves the production’s high quality.
Netflix
When: 2020
Cast: Kim DongHee, Park JuHyun, Nam YoonSu, Jung DaBin
Summary: Oh JiSoo is a poor high school student who strives to get admitted to SKY. In order to afford extracurricular classes and university tuition, he gets involved in serious criminal activity.
For: Thriller admirers.
Why watch: The drama shows the extreme determination of Korean students in an unapologetic way. The viewers are left in shock by the story of the protagonist, who strips himself of humanity for his ultimate dream.
Netflix
When: 2022
Cast: Choi SungEun, Ji ChangWook, Hwang InYoup
Summary: Yoon AYi is a high school student abandoned by her parents, who dreams of becoming an adult to escape poverty. In an old amusement park, she encounters a mysterious magician who brings light into her dark reality.
For: Those longing for an emotional musical fantasy.
Why watch: “The Sound of Magic” is a story many viewers can relate to and find comfort in. Yoon AYi’s and Na IlDeung’s characters make us acknowledge the isolation felt by Korean students, who are rushed to become successful adults. The magical atmosphere and musical theme make binging the drama a one-of-a-kind experience.
SBS
When: 2020
Cast: Lee JiAh, Kim SoYeon, Kim YoungDae, Han JiHyun, Eugene, Kim HyunSoo, Park EunSeok, Yoon JongHoon, Uhm KiJoon, Choi YeBin
Summary: Penthouse is a luxury building resided by elite families. These rich men go over boundaries to achieve extreme wealth and power, getting raveled in their own dirty tricks.
For: Fans of mysteries and complex plots.
Why watch: The vicious, unpredictable characters intrigue the viewers and make them wonder whether there are any good guys in this story. The residents of the Penthouse are on an unstoppable hunt for success and wealth, involving their kids, who become obsessed with grades and competition. If you are looking for a fast-developing plot full of actions, this K-Drama might be a perfect choice for you.
5. “Black Dog: Being a Teacher”
tvN
When: 2019
Cast: Seo HyunJin, Ra MiRan, Ha Joon, Lee ChangHoon
Summary: HaNuel is a woman dreaming of becoming a role-model teacher, that students can rely on. She proves her determination after getting a job at a private school, although it entails great engagement.
For: Those curious about teacher’s everyday life.
Why watch: While other K-Dramas present Korean education from students’ perspective, “Black Dog: Being a Teacher” reveals the sacrifice of the teachers who wish for a better environment for their pupils. The adults in the drama although passionate about their profession are very often helpless, which reflects the complexity of Korea’s education system.
tvN
When: 2022
Cast: Kim TaeRi, Nam JooHyuk, WJSN’s BoNa, Choi HyunWook, Lee JooMyung
Summary: Na HeeDo is an aspiring fencing athlete and a high school student, who becomes friends with Baek YiJin, whose life was ruined by the financial crisis. Both of the characters follow their dreams and try to find happiness while going against obstacles.
For: Those longing for a realistic and touching coming-of-age story.
Why watch: The drama captures the growth of the characters, experiencing both joy and difficulties during their high school years. The authenticity of the characters makes viewers able to identify with their journey. The series became an international hit thanks to its eye-opening message.
KBS
When: 2017
Cast: Kim SeJeong, Kim JungHyun, Jang DongYoon, Han SunHwa, Han JooWan, Seor InA, SF9’s RoWoon
Summary: Frustrated by the unfair education system in Korea, a group of high school friends try to make a difference and achieve their dreams.
For: Those looking for a genuine friendship bond element.
Why watch: The K-Drama is another production of the “School” series which has throughout the years shown various aspects of student life. What is special about the 2017 series is its straightforward narrative aimed at the downfalls of Korean education. Moreover, the concept of “friends against the world” is something we all fall for.
OCN
When: 2019
Cast: Yun KyunSang, Keum SaeRok, Lee JunYoung (U-KISS’ Jun), Choi YooHwa
Summary: After a lost murder case a determined lawyer decides to enter the involved high school undercover as a teacher. Looking for evidence to clear his name, he discovers students’ disturbing secrets.
For: Justice system enthusiasts.
Why watch: The drama exposes the terrifying acts of the school bullies through what the viewers learn about the trauma experienced by many students. It’s a shocking story that proves how privilege and money make juvenile delinquents untouchable. The bold approach of the series truly engages the viewers in solving the endless string of lies.
9. “High Class”
tvN
When: 2021
Cast: Cho YeoJung, Park SeJin, Kim JeeSoo, Ha Joon, Gong HyunJoo
Summary: A luxurious international school on Jeju island aims to provide top education for the children of wealthy women, who hide many secrets.
For: Those looking for a powerful women-led series.
Why watch: This drama can be compared to “SKY Castle”, but the action is centered on the female protagonists and a big part of it is set in an elementary school. Thanks to this different concept, the viewers can learn about the experience of younger students coming from success-oriented families. Additionally, the mysterious aura of the series makes the viewers very invested in the story’s development.
tvN
When: 2020
Cast: Mun KaYoung, ASTRO’s Cha EunWoo, Hwang InYeop, Park YooNa
Summary: Im JooKyung’s family suddenly moves to a different part of the city, which forces the girl to change her school. Reminded of the harassment she had experienced from previous classmates for her appearance, JooKyung decides to transform herself into a “beauty queen” with the power of makeup.
For: Lovers of a sweet high school love triangle.
Why watch: Through the story of Im JooKyung we learn about the importance of appearance in South Korean society and how it affects the confidence of young girls. Additionally, “True Beauty” introduces a variety of characters who experience various hurdles such as the pressure of satisfying parents’ expectations or discovering their passion. Though the drama touches up on the trauma students deal with, it also depicts the joy of youth and teaches many important life lessons.
Have you seen any of these K-Dramas? Which ones are you adding to your list?
These K-Dramas Will Help You Understand The Harsh Reality Of Korean Students
Source: Global Access News
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