Ready for a new School year? It’s time to face new challenges, make new memories, and get closer to your goals. But before you dive into the academic world, why not enjoy some K-dramas that will get you in the mood for school and more? Here are the best high school Korean drama choices that you should watch to start the new school year.
“Extraordinary You” (2019)
- IMDb: 7.8/10
How would you feel if you discovered that you're just a character in a comic book and that your fate is controlled by the writer? That’s what happens to Dan Oh (Kim Hye Yoon), a normal high school girl. She realizes that she's living in a comic book world and that she's only a minor character. To make things worse, she falls in love with Ha Roo (Rowoon), but he's an extra who barely appears in the comic book. Can they overcome the obstacles and be together?
“Extraordinary You” is one of the funniest and most original high school K-dramas that put a new spin on the school romance genre. It explores the themes of choice and free will, and the sweet chemistry between the main couple is charming. The drama also cleverly mixes fantasy and reality, making it a captivating story.
“Moments of 18” (2019)
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Viki: 9.4/10
Being a teenager isn't easy, and it comes with many challenges and difficulties. Choi Joon Woo (Ong Seong Wu) is a new student who was kicked out of his old school. He meets Yoo Soo Bin (Kim Hyang Gi), a curious girl who is drawn to him. Joon Woo has a lot of secrets and a troubled past. As they face their own problems, they start to develop strong feelings for each other.
"Moments of 18" is a sweet and nostalgic drama that shows how important it is to have a friend or a support system when you are going through hard times. It also captures the emotions and struggles of being a teenager. Ong Seong Wu does a relatively good job of playing the vulnerable and sensitive Joon Woo.
"Twenty-Five Twenty-One" (2022)
- IMDb: 8.6/10
"Reply 1997" (2012)
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Viki: 9.2/10
“True Beauty” (2020)
- IMDb: 8/10
Moon Ga Young plays Lim Ju Gyeong, a girl who has suffered from bullying and low self-esteem because of her appearance. But when she moves to a new neighborhood, she decides to change her image with the help of makeup tutorials. She becomes a “goddess” at her new school, attracting the attention of many boys, especially the handsome and mysterious Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo) and the rebellious and charismatic Han Seo Jun (Hwang In Yeop), who used to be friends but now hate each other.
“True Beauty” is a light-hearted comedy that teaches us to love ourselves for who we are, not for how we look. The chemistry between the three leads is good enough, and you may find yourself rooting for all of them. Beware of the second lead syndrome, though! :)
"Shadow Beauty" (2021)
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Viki: 9.2/10
"Cheer Up!" (2015)
- IMDb: 7.3/10
Jung Eun Ji plays Yeon Doo, the leader of the street dance club at her school. But when her club has to join forces with the club of the school's elite students, things get messy. Lee Won Guen plays Kim Yeol, the president of the other club, and he is not happy about the change. They have to work together as a new cheerleading team, but they don't get along at first. They fight and argue, but eventually become friends and more. The romance between Yeon Doo and Kim Yeol is adorable until someone tries to break them up.
"Cheer Up" is one of the most cheerful and comforting high school K-dramas that show how to overcome challenges and never give up. It has a lively story and a good cast of actors who make you smile.
“Who Are You: School 2015” (2015)
- IMDb: 7.6/10
- iQIYI: 9.3/10
Kim So Hyun plays Lee Eun Bi and Lee Eun Byul, twins who were separated when they were young. When Eun Byul vanishes without a trace, Eun Bi pretends to be her. She meets Han Yi Ahn (Nam Joo Hyuk), the school's best swimmer, who has a crush on Eun Byul and thinks Eun Bi is her. She also meets Gong Tae Kwang (Yook Sungjae), a charming boy who likes Eun Bi, creating a sweet love triangle.
"Who Are You: School 2015" shows the reality of school life and the problems that students face. So Hyun does an amazing job of playing two different roles, and both Nam Joo Hyuk and Yook Sungjae may make you fall in love with them (Sungjae's character is my bias in this series~~).
"BITCH X RICH" (2023)
- IMDb: 6.9/10
