Top 20 High School Korean Dramas
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Here is the list of my Top 20 High School Korean Dramas...
#20 . Heirs
There is bad outfits, not so much depth in the story, still it was one of a major budget High School Korean Drama of ever. So...let's just close our eyes to the negatives of this drama, and watch it for the positives.
#19. Dream High 2
Don't watch it with the expectations of Dream High, it's not as good as Dream High, still it is a pretty watchable drama with a bunch of good young actors.
#18. School 2013
There is not even 1 bit of romance in this movie, but there is a whole lot of 'bromance'. This drama is all about friendship. Also it brings a realistic version of High School Bullying and other social problems in a High School.
#17. Angry Mom
Another drama that realistically depicts all the evils in the normal daily High School Life. This one also is not a romance story, so if you like romance, stay away. It's more of the story of a strong Mother. More than entertainment it is an eye opener towards the corrupt society.
#16. Mackerel Run
Lee Min Ho fans, if you liked Gu Jun Pyo, you will love him in this drama. One of the cutest characters Lee Min Ho played. It's a light-hearted High School Drama. The romance of lead male with second lead female is really good. We will sigh in second lead syndrome for a female second lead for a change.
#15. Hi School Love On
A little Fantasy element mixed with cute young actors and K-pop Boy Group members. Just a sweet story, with a sweet happy ending. Lovable.
#14. God of Study
Who does not want to be best in the studies. The drama portrays the journey of 5 students to be best in studies, while giving all small secret tips to study better. It has a few of you favorite stars in their younger version. Also, a touching love triangle. And JiYeong is soooooo cuuutttteee in this.
#13. Jungle Fish 2
The evils and struggles of High School Life depicted with a psychological and mystery element. I think this drama shows it better than 'Angry Mom' or 'School' series does. The life of all the 5 friends are have their own element of charm in a cynical way to make us feel related to them.
PS : I became a fan of JiYong[T-Ara] after seeing her in the above 2 dramas (God of study and Jungle Fish 2). Pretty beyond belief.
#12. Shut Up Flower Boy Band
This is more like the story of a band, and their music life. But the members are still in High School, and some of the High School life is shown. So it can be regarded as a High School drama, even though the focus is on the Music Career. This is one of the most popular dramas of it's time and has a different sort of feel than other Korean Dramas.
#11. To The Beautiful You
Gender Bender, K-pop stars Sulli and Min Ho, plus cute second lead Cha Eun Gyul. Filled with all the 'High School' Feel. Also, the K-drama adaptation of one of the most popular Japanese Manga, Hana Kimi.
#10. Monstar
I like this drama because all the actors looks young enough to be in High School, and they all have acted well enough. A story of adolescence is told in a nice way mixed with music.
#09. Ma-Boy
Totally adorable story. And only one of it's kind boy to girl gender bender story. And the best is that even if this is a tiny drama, and we will finish watching it soon, the characters stay in our mind because of their cuteness.
#08. SungKyunKwan Scandal
Eh...Some of you might argue that this is not a High School Drama. Well it's not, strictly speaking. Yet it could be considered as the High School Drama of Joseon Era. SungKyunKwan is a school after all. This drama is exciting, and romantic with all the whole Historical Drama aspects.
#07. Who Are You : School 2015
Another good work from 'School' series. And this time, there is romance, love triangles and sweetness. There is also the High School problems like bullying and other pressure. But the best part is the double role by Kim Soo Hyun (She is such an excellent actress, one of the best actresses in South Korea. It amazes me that she acts so well in such a young age).
#06. Cheer Up/Sassy Go Go
There are a lot of High School Dramas that show the wrongs in a High School. But here the wrongs an evils inside a High School is wrapped in a story full of entertainment. There is super adorable and different from yet seen characters. The romance story is - in one word we can describe it as 'naughty'. At least it successfully makes your heart beat faster and for you to root for the couple.
#05. Boys Over Flowers
Come on, if you have not seen this, then you are not a Korean Drama Fan yet. And I think I need not say much about Boys Over Flowers. Almost all of you might have already seen it.
And I Looooovvvvvveeeeee Gu Jun Pyo.
PS: If you don't know, Boys Over Flowers is the Korean Drama adaptation of the really really popular Japanese Manga - Hana Yori Dango, which has been made to dramas in various languages.
#04. Adolescence Medley
Why is this drama in 4th position, when it is just 4 episodes?? It's shows the growth of a boy to a person in a really good way. This is real 'coming of age' and 'adolescence' story. And I think that's what a 'High School' story should be.
#03. Reply 1997
Okay, I know that there are not-high school parts after half of the drama. However, the high school parts makes it 'soooooo High School' that this one should be included here. This drama is one of the best directed drama I have ever seen. It is funny. It's nostalgic filled with all the old songs and equipment. It is filled with friendship. Shows a clumsy first love. Also, the quotes about life used in this drama are unforgettable.
#02. White Christmas
This is a Psychological Mystery Thriller. This is actually not much of a 'High School' or 'Teen' drama as it's more of a Psychological Thriller, yet the story happen inside a High School, and characters are students, so it is included in the list. But if it's included it should definitely get 1st or 2nd place in the list. Because it's one of the most exciting and thrilling work I have ever seen. It's 8 episodes, and we will sit and watch 8 episodes, straight on without able to take our eyes off the screen. If you even remotely like thrillers or psychological dramas, you should definitely definitely watch this one.
#01. Dream High
This drama is inspiration itself. It starts slow...we won't think of it much in the first few episodes. Then it grips us. The drama shows the struggle of a few teens to reach their dreams. It's really inspiring. It actually makes you want to pursue your dreams with more dedication and more confidence than ever before. No matter how far-fetched your dream is, or how unsuitable you might be to achieve that dream, the drama gives you the strength to go for it. And because of that, 'Dream High' definitely deserve the first place in the list.
Footnote
Since I have concentrated on High School Dramas, I have omitted a few good 'University/College' Dramas from this list. They are : Heartstrings, Cantabile Tomorrow and Playful Kiss. Since they were more of the 'university/college' story.