Lots of South Korean dramas deal with school. If not schools they generally tend to move back & forth often. Their childhood memories play a key role in their personality today!
Like bullying in ‘Glory’ shaped her life. Or in ‘Who Are You? ‘ had bullying due to which she gets school transfer. ‘Moment of Eighteen’ also had him change schools & get bullied again for being a ‘transfer student’!
Teachers in the drama play a key role. In ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo’ the teacher training the team Yoon Deok Man played by Choi Moo sung is the best. I would also recommend his assistant teacher. They have their own struggles but they train the students so well. ‘The process matters more than the outcome, I’m happy if you guys have fun’.
In ‘School 2013’ Jung In jae played by Jang Nara is given the most troubled class to a trainee teacher. The school Victory High has Lee Jong seok, Kim Woo bin in the same class & their clashes are legendary. She is dedicated, idealist & nurturing. She faces the imperfect education system & unfair demands of the job with courage. I did not watch her next drama ‘Black dog’ it was too dark.
In ‘Crash Course in Romance’ the star Maths teacher Choi Chi Yeol by Jung Kyung ho is the best. Wish I had a Maths teacher like him! He comes across as an arrogant, ambitious having his sole focus on money. But he’s revealed to be passionate, warm & generous. South China Morning Post quotes Jung saying, ‘In real life there are several ways for the teacher to grab students’ attention to stay focused in class. Some could cuss or yell, but with Chi Yeol it was warm encouragement & a high kick’
It was one of the highest rated dramas in 2023. A delight to watch.
In ‘School 2017’ is Shim Kang myung played by Han Joo wan. He shields them from criticism by the higher authorities, runs laps for them & fights for their innocence when they are blamed for notoriety. He is the real scene stealer here.
Teaching being my passion I naturally gravitate towards school dramas but the nuances are just getting better.
Asian Entertainment 