Top 15+ Must-Watch Korean School Dramas

Korean school dramas are a genre cherished by many fans. These romantic school dramas from Korea are always intertwined with meaningful messages, emotions, and unforgettable experiences, providing us with an authentic glimpse into the journey of youth. Let's explore the list of the best and newest Korean school dramas in 2022 and 2023 below.

Soar High Dreams - Romantic Korean School Drama

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Drama, Music, School, Romance
• Year Released: 2011

Key characters include:

• Go Hye Mi (played by Suzy): A talented student leading a group of students in pursuing their musical dreams.
• Song Sam Dong (played by Kim Soo Hyun): A financially struggling student with innate musical talent.
• Jin Guk (played by Taecyeon): An intern at a famous entertainment company with a passion for singing.
• Pil Sook (played by IU): A shy and overweight student with a remarkable singing voice.

Soaring Dreams is a popular Korean school drama that revolves around the story of a group of students studying at a prestigious art school. Together, they strive to pursue their dreams of becoming music artists. The series takes the audience into the world of art—a place where dreams, passion, and aspirations shine.

Not only listed among the best romantic Korean school dramas, but the series is also highly praised for its choreography and music. It has created a significant buzz among viewers and has become one of the standout films in the arts and school genre of Korean cinema.

Boys Over Flowers - Meteor Garden

• Episodes: 25
• Genre: Drama, Romance, School
• Year Released: 2009

When talking about legendary Korean school dramas, one cannot forget Boys Over Flowers. It is a South Korean television series based on the Japanese manga of the same name by Kamio Yoko. Thanks to the success of the series, actors like Lee Min Ho (as Goo Jun Pyo), Goo Hye Sun (as Geum Jan Di), and Kim Hyun Joong (as Yoon Ji Hoo) gained increasing popularity.

This South Korean high school romance tells the story of Geum Jan Di - a studious and ordinary schoolgirl. Her life takes a complete turn when she receives a scholarship to Shinhwa High School, an elite institution for outstanding and wealthy students. Here, she encounters the 'F4' - a group of four famous and powerful guys.

Heirs - Hottest Korean School Drama

• Episodes: 20
• Genre: Drama, Romance, School
• Year Released: 2013

Heirs revolves around the complex lives and love in the upper-class society of the younger generation. This Korean school drama has garnered attention both within and outside Korea, thanks to the participation of renowned actors like Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, and Kim Woo Bin.

Kim Tan (played by Lee Min Ho) is the heir to a wealthy financial conglomerate. He lives in the United States but, after an incident, returns to Korea. Here, Kim Tan meets and falls in love with Eun Sang (played by Park Shin Hye), a simple girl with a difficult family background.

Alongside romantic elements, the series depicts the darker side of wealth and power, emphasizing social injustice and imposition. This nomination competes strongly with the best and newest Korean school dramas of 2022, 2023 up to the current date.

School 2015 - Who Are You: School 2015

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Drama, School, Mystery
• Year Released: 2015

Despite being released over 8 years ago, Who Are You: School 2015 remains a frequently mentioned title in recommendations for the best Korean school dramas of 2022, 2023. The series revolves around the story of a girl named Go Eun Byul (played by Kim So Hyun). She is a high school senior seen as outstanding with a good life. However, after an unexpected incident, she mysteriously disappears.

After her disappearance, Go Eun Byul is mistaken for her twin sister Lee Eun Bi (also played by Kim So Hyun). Lee Eun Bi lives in harsh conditions and faces bullying. Unexpectedly, she undergoes a significant change after waking up from an accident and losing her memory. She starts a new life with the identity of Go Eun Byul.

Reply 1997 - Best Korean School Drama

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Drama, School, Romance
• Year Released: 2012

Reply 1997 revolves around memories and stories of a group of close friends in a small town in South Korea during the 1990s. This Korean school drama is beloved for its portrayal of high school life and relationships during the 1990s, combining humor and emotion. It created a significant interaction with the audience and is considered one of Korea's popular TV dramas.

Moments Of Eighteen - Youthful Moments

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Drama, School, Romance
• Year Released: 2019

Youthful Moments focuses on the life of Choi Jun Woo (played by Ong Seong Wu) - an 18-year-old high school student. He faces many challenges and changes in life as he transfers to a new school after being bullied at his old school. Jun Woo strives to reinvent himself and find happiness in the new school.

This Korean school drama will give viewers insights into friendship, love, and the journey of self-discovery in youth. It delves deep into the emotions, conflicts, and thoughts of the young characters, creating an authentic reflection of school life and the teenage years.

School of the Living Dead - Popular Korean School Drama 2022

• Episodes: 12
• Genre: Korean TV Show, Zombie Apocalypse, Sci-Fi Horror
• Year Released: 2022

The series unfolds in a high school unexpectedly becoming the epicenter of a century-changing viral outbreak. Students face the challenging task of self-preservation, risking becoming the dreaded infected. School of the Living Dead stands out among the best and newest Korean school dramas in 2022 with captivating pursuits, conveying messages about humanity amidst the zombie pandemic.

Next Sohee - Korean High School Drama 2023

• Episodes: 1 - 135 minutes
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy
• Year Released: 2023

Set in a stifling and pressure-filled environment for trainees, with Sohee as a representative, the series depicts Sohee's life during harsh working days to the extent of losing herself. The conclusion of her life is believed to be suicide. Is that the truth? Will Detective Yoo-jin find the reality behind what you are speculating? The series holds high realistic value and is regarded as one of the must-watch Korean high school dramas in 2023.

Youthful Dance - Cheer Up 2022

• Episodes: 12
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Historical
• Year Released: 2022

Youthful Dance earns its place in the list of the best and newest Korean high school dramas of 2022, 2023. Alongside romance, the series portrays the struggles of young individuals to protect love and freedom in a tightly controlled society. It offers a unique perspective on life and love during a crucial historical period of the country. This is a remarkable Korean high school romance drama in 2022, highly acclaimed by both audiences and experts.

Youth Oasis - Latest Korean High School Dramas of 2023

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Crime, Romance
• Year Released: 2023

Youth Oasis - Oasis follows the passionate struggles of young individuals to protect their dreams, precious friendships, and unforgettable first love. It paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous journey as they face the dark world, power struggles, and naivety amidst the dynamic backdrop of 1980s-1990s South Korea. This is a recommended addition to the list of the best and newest Korean high school dramas in 2023.

Orange Marmalade: Love-Knowing Vampires

• Episodes: 12
• Genre: High School, Romance
• Year Released: 2012

This romantic Korean high school drama revolves around the journey of high school student Beak Ma Ri (Seolhyun), who lives hidden under the guise of a vampire. Her story takes a turn as she develops feelings for Jung Jae Min (Yeo Jin Goo) - a popular student. Moreover, unexpected situations will unfold from here.

Love Trap - Cheese In The Trap

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
• Year Released: 2013

Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, Love Trap provides a light-hearted and humorous perspective on love and life. The series focuses on exploring true love, character changes, and growth. It stands as a worthy contender among the latest Korean high school dramas.

Moorim School - Korean Magical High School Drama

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Drama, High School, Action, Magic
• Year Released: 2016

Moorim School follows the journey of students at Moorim School, a secret school hidden deep in the mountains. Moorim School not only imparts academic knowledge but also teaches ethics, courage, and secret magic.

This Korean high school drama combines elements of action, magic, and school life, creating a unique flavor. Beyond exploring inner strength, the series also focuses on building friendships and instilling moral values.

Bring It On, Ghost! - Hey Ghost! Let's Fight

• Episodes: 20 (Season 1), 16 (Season 2)
• Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance, High School
• Year Released: 2018 (Season 1), 2019 (Season 2)

Bring It On, Ghost! revolves around three friends: Lee Joon Ki (played by Kim Jung Hyun), Cha Woo Shik (played by Son Seung Won), and Kook Ki Bong (played by Lee Yi Kyung), managing a budget guesthouse in the Waikiki tourist area. Facing life challenges, they decide to open the guesthouse to make a living.

This South Korean high school drama brings humorous, intriguing, and sometimes chaotic elements, creating a comfortable and enjoyable space for the audience. Bring It On, Ghost! has gained popularity for its relatable and humorous portrayal of daily life.

Unexpectedly Finding Haru - Extraordinary You

• Episodes: 32 (split into 16 episodes)
• Genre: Drama, High School, Fantasy, Romance
• Year Released: 2019

Extraordinary You is a captivating South Korean high school drama that centers on the story of Eun Dan Oh (played by Kim Hye Yoon). She is a high school student who discovers that she is living in a comic book storyline, where everything around her follows a pre-written script. With an intriguing plot, the series has become one of the impressive South Korean high school romance dramas for genuine K-drama enthusiasts.

True Beauty - Romantic South Korean High School Drama

• Episodes: 16
• Genre: Drama, Romance, High School
• Year Released: 2020

Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, True Beauty achieved great success upon its release. This South Korean high school drama follows Lim Ju Kyung (played by Moon Ga Young), a girl with an ordinary appearance but lacking confidence due to her concerns about her looks. She always hides her true appearance under thick layers of makeup. One day, she transfers to a new high school, striving to create a perfect image in front of everyone.

The series also explores self-acceptance and the truth behind external appearances, providing a humorous and touching perspective on school life and social relationships. With the participation of actor and singer Cha Eun Woo, True Beauty seems to remain popular, competing fiercely with the latest South Korean high school dramas.

Conclusion

The latest and best South Korean high school dramas of 2022 and 2023, with deep romantic stories about friendship and love, always touch the hearts of the audience in some way. These films have successfully depicted school life from a unique perspective. Hopefully, through this article, you can choose the most favorite drama to entertain and relax.

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