Top 5 South Korean School-themed Dramas

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1. Unveiling Extraordinary You

2. Face It, Ghost

3. Whimsical Tales of Sungkyunkwan

4. Mysterious Charades of Cheese in The Trap

5. Charm of Gangnam Beauty

1. Unveiling Extraordinary You

Extraordinary You is a South Korean television series produced in 2019, starring Kim Hye-yoon, Kim Ro-woon, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Na-eun, Jung Gun-joo, Kim Young-dae, and Lee Tae-ri. The series premiered in January 2018 on Daum Webtoon and later aired on MBC TV every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:00 (Korean time), starting from October 2, 2019. In Vietnam, the series was licensed and broadcast daily at 13:10 on VTV1 from February 3 to February 26, 2021.

The story follows Eun Dan-oh, a high school student at a prestigious school. One day, she discovers that she and others in her world are characters in a comic titled 'Secret.' Every action and word are controlled. In the story, Dan-oh is just a supporting character with a miserable life: engaged to Baek Kyung, whom she has unrequited love for 10 years and who constantly looks down on her; she also suffers from a heart condition.

Dissatisfied with her fate, she decides to change her destiny by altering the story and seeking true love. Her desire to break free from increasing control intensifies when Dan-oh accidentally encounters an ordinary student without even a name, Number 13 - someone who can help her change her fate. However, events around Dan-oh and Number 13 become increasingly similar to the previous story's developments, foreshadowing that changing Dan-oh's destiny may come at a cost...

DETAILS:
Director: Kim Sang Hyub
Cast: Kim Hye-yoon, Kim Ro-woon, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Na-eun, Jung Gun-joo
Duration: 32 episodes
Release Year: 2019
IMDB: 7.8

Exceptional You

2. Face It, Ghost

Face It, Ghost is a South Korean television series featuring Ok Taecyeon, Kim So-hyun, and Kwon Yul. It is a remake based on the popular webtoon of the same name released on Naver from 2007 to 2010. The series aired on tvN at 23:00 (KST) every Monday and Tuesday, starting from July 11, 2016.

Kim Hyun-ji (Kim So-hyun) was a high school student devoted to studying until a traffic accident a day before the University entrance exam turned her into a lingering ghost. Wandering aimlessly, she encounters Park Bong-pal (Ok Taec-yeon), a young man who can see and communicate with ghosts. He earns a living by exorcising evil spirits and compassionately listens to their stories to help them peacefully transition to the afterlife. As they embark on this journey together, a special bond gradually develops between them.

DETAILS:
Director: Park Joon-hwa
Cast: Ok Taecyeon, Kim So-hyun, Kwon Yul
Duration: 16 episodes
Release Year: 2016
IMDB: 7.6

Bring It On, Ghost

3. Whimsical Tales of Sungkyunkwan

Whimsical Tales of Sungkyunkwan is a historical, comedic, romantic, and emotional South Korean television series that aired on KBS2 from August 30 to November 2, 2010. The screenplay is adapted from the popular novel 'The Lives of Sungkyunkwan Confucian Scholars' published in 2009 by author Jung Eun Gweol. The filming took place from May 27, 2010, in the Gyeonggi Province. In the original Korean version, the series consists of 20 episodes, each lasting 70 minutes.

The story is set in the highest educational institution of the Chosun Sung Gun Gwan era. It revolves around the love and friendship of four young individuals. Kim Yoon Hee is an intelligent and strong-willed young woman. To substitute for her ailing brother, she disguises herself as a man to attend SungKyunkwan University, becoming part of the renowned Jal Geun Sa In Bang group. Park Yoo Chun plays the role of the nobleman Lee Seon Joon. Yoochun impressively embodies a young man with intelligence, looks, and martial arts skills.

The romantic scenes between Park Yoochun and co-star Park Min Young capture the hearts of many viewers.

With this series, Park Yoo Chun won the Outstanding New Actor award at the 2010 KBS Drama Awards. Additionally, he secured awards for Outstanding New Actor and Most Popular Male TV Actor at the 47th Baeksang Arts Awards, as well as Outstanding Actor and Famous Asian Actor at the 6th Seoul International Drama Awards.

DETAILS:
Director: Kim Won Suk, Hwang In Hyuk
Cast: Micky Yoochun, Park Min Young, Song Joong Ki, Yoo Ah In
Duration: 12 episodes
Release Year: 2010
IMDB: 7.8

Sungkyunkwan Scandal

4. Mysterious Charades of Cheese in The Trap

Mysterious Charades of Cheese in The Trap is a South Korean television series based on the webtoon of the same name on Naver, airing from 2010, starring Park Hae-jin and Kim Go-eun. The 16-episode series was broadcast on tvN every Monday and Tuesday from January 4, 2016, to March 1, 2016. The ending deviates from the original webtoon as it was incomplete when the series concluded.

The story revolves around the relationship between university student Hong Seol (Kim Go-eun) and her senior Yoo Jung (Park Hae-jin). While Hong Seol excels academically, she struggles financially, often taking on part-time jobs during breaks. Yoo Jung, on the other hand, is perfect - academically successful, hails from a wealthy family, and has a good personality. However, he reveals his 'dark side' to those he believes go against him.

DETAILS:

Director: Lee Yoon-jung

Cast: Park Hae-jin, Kim Go-eun, Lee Sung-kyung

Duration: 16 episodes

Release Year: 2016

IMDB: 7.3

Cheese in The Trap

5. Charm of Gangnam Beauty

Charm of Gangnam Beauty is a 2018 television series starring Im Soo-hyang, Cha Eun-woo, Jo Woo-ri, and Kwak Dong-yeon. The show is based on a webtoon of the same name published by Naver Webtoon. It aired on JTBC on July 27, 2018, broadcasting every Friday and Saturday at 23:00 (KST).

The story follows a girl who starts a new life through cosmetic surgery. She encounters Do KyungSuk at university, where everyone thinks appearance matters, but he thinks differently. She will come to understand what true 'beauty' is. The romance on the university campus revolves around the interesting theme of 'what real beauty is.' The plot mainly focuses on the romantic relationship but also explores other issues faced by university students, making the entire story intriguing. The main couple's chemistry is also commendable.

The series received praise for secretly depicting the childhood of the main characters. The audience also supports Director Choi for meticulously portraying the characters.

DETAILS:

Director: Choi Sung-bum

Cast: Im Soo-hyang, Cha Eun-woo, Jo Woo-ri, Kwak Dong-yeon

Duration: 16 episodes

Release Year: 2018

IMDB: 7.4

Charm of Gangnam Beauty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central theme of the series Extraordinary You?

Extraordinary You centers around Eun Dan-oh, a high school student who discovers she is a character in a comic. Dissatisfied with her fate, she seeks to alter the story and find true love, challenging the control over her life.

How does the character Kim Hyun-ji transform in Face It, Ghost?

In Face It, Ghost, Kim Hyun-ji becomes a lingering ghost after a tragic accident. She meets Park Bong-pal, who can see ghosts, and together they navigate the challenges of her new existence while forming a special bond.

What unique premise does Whimsical Tales of Sungkyunkwan explore?

Whimsical Tales of Sungkyunkwan features Kim Yoon Hee, who disguises herself as a man to attend university in a male-dominated society. The series explores themes of friendship and romance among four students in a historical setting.

What distinguishes the plot of Cheese in The Trap from other dramas?

Cheese in The Trap focuses on the complex relationship between university students Hong Seol and Yoo Jung, highlighting the challenges of academic life and personal struggles, as well as the darker aspects of Yoo Jung's personality.

How does Charm of Gangnam Beauty tackle the issue of self-image?

Charm of Gangnam Beauty addresses self-image and beauty standards through the story of a girl who undergoes cosmetic surgery. The series explores her journey of self-discovery and her relationship with Do Kyung-suk, who values inner beauty over appearance.

What impact did Park Yoo-chun have on Whimsical Tales of Sungkyunkwan?

Park Yoo-chun's portrayal of Lee Seon Joon in Whimsical Tales of Sungkyunkwan earned him critical acclaim, winning multiple awards, including Outstanding New Actor, highlighting his impressive performance and the series' popularity.

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