25 Best High School Korean Dramas You Must Watch Right Now
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High school is a time when we gain the maturity to see the world through the eyes of an adult, yet still hold onto the heart of a child. It’s undeniably one of the most competitive periods of life, but it’s also where we begin to truly discover the world around us. Whether you loved it or hated it, this phase of youth is unforgettable. Similarly, the world of Korean dramas captures this essence perfectly, offering us gems in the form of high school dramas that let us relive those precious moments of youth and adolescence.
25. Hi! School: Love On
This is a must-watch high school Korean drama, especially for a younger audience. It’s a romantic-comedy fantasy series that tells the story of a school student and an angel. Shin Woo Hyun is a popular boy at school, admired for his good looks and singing talent, despite being distant and cold. He lives with his grandmother after being abandoned by his parents, which becomes his emotional vulnerability. His friend, Hwang Sung Yeol, also carries emotional scars, resenting his stepmother with whom he lives. Enter Lee Seul Bi, an angel who, after unintentionally saving a student from danger, is forced to live as a human. This experience allows her to interact with humans and learn about friendship, love, and what it means to be human.
24. Moorim School
If you’re a fan of fantasy, this drama is for you! Moorim School is one of the two fantasy high school Korean dramas on this list. It’s a bit cheesy, but who doesn’t enjoy a little cheese now and then? The drama follows the story of Moorim School, which is “exceptionally different” from others. The school focuses on teaching values that are vital for life, and it has a diverse student body and faculty, each with unique backgrounds and personal stories. The characters’ individual journeys make this drama both heartwarming and exciting.
23. Dream High
A true classic when it comes to high school Korean dramas, Dream High is a show that you simply can’t miss. Whether it’s watching some of Korea’s biggest stars early in their careers or enjoying its compelling storyline, this show grabs attention. The drama revolves around six students at Kirin Art High School, each from different backgrounds with their own unique stories. The one thing they all share in common is their dream of becoming stars in the Korean music industry.
22. Love Alarm
A fresh addition to the list of high school Korean dramas, Love Alarm is based on a popular webtoon. The story revolves around a hardworking young girl and her two admirers. Central to the plot is a mobile application called “Love Alarm,” which alerts users whenever the person they have romantic feelings for is within a 10-meter radius. This unique app adds complexity to the relationships between the three main leads and reflects the growing dependency of youth on mobile apps and modern technology. As the story unfolds, it explores how technology influences love and human connections in today’s digital age.
21. Secret Campus
For those interested in seeing established K-stars in their earlier roles, Secret Campus is a great pick. The drama begins with the death of Seung Jae, a high school student who dies in a traffic accident. His girlfriend, Su Ah, begins receiving emails a year later, revealing secrets about Seung Jae’s life. As the mystery unfolds, it turns out that Seung Jae was cheating on Su Ah and secretly dating his friend’s sister. The story also follows Dong Cheol, a fellow student who was once focused on becoming a football player but gave up his extracurricular activities after Seung Jae’s death. As secrets come to light, the drama delves into betrayal, heartbreak, and the revelations that follow.
20. Hello My Teacher / Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy
This drama belongs to the category of new high school Korean dramas. Na Bori, who dreams of becoming a teacher, is forced to leave her previous school due to a misunderstanding. After obtaining her GED, she receives job offers from other schools but refuses them all because she wants to return to the school where she had a crush on her art teacher. However, in order to get back, she must sign a contract to “babysit” Park Tae In, a troublesome student. Tae In is a loner who has become the “king” of the school, enjoying playing tricks on Na Bori, who is known for her easygoing personality.
19. Moment at Eighteen
Moment at Eighteen is a coming-of-age drama about 18-year-olds navigating pivotal moments in their lives. The story follows Jun Woo, a high school student who transfers to a new school, and explores the challenges he faces as he adjusts to his new environment. This slow-paced drama reflects the growth and self-discovery that come with youth, as we see the three main characters develop emotionally and socially, experiencing the ups and downs that all of us face during our high school years.
18. Shut Up: Flower Boy Band
Unlike many high school dramas that focus on romance, Shut Up: Flower Boy Band highlights the importance of friendship. The story follows a high school music band, Eye Candy, which must adapt after losing its main member and changing schools. The remaining members work to keep their band alive while preserving their friendship. This drama is deeply emotional and portrays the struggles and bonds between the boys as they navigate their dreams, relationships, and the complexities of high school life.
17. Boys Over Flowers
A true cult classic in the realm of high school Korean dramas, Boys Over Flowers is a must-watch. Based on the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango, the drama follows the story of an average, hardworking girl who ends up at a prestigious private school for the wealthy elite. There, she crosses paths with the notorious F4—four rich and powerful boys. She clashes with them but eventually develops a romantic relationship with one of them. The drama then unfolds as their love story faces the challenges of wealth, class, and the ups and downs of teenage romance.
16. Playful Kiss
Playful Kiss is a beloved Korean drama based on the popular Japanese shoujo manga. The story follows Oh Ha Ni, a clumsy high school girl who falls for the perfect Baek Seung Jo, only to have her feelings rejected. However, fate intervenes when Ha Ni’s house collapses, and she, along with her father, moves in with an old family friend. Coincidentally, Seung Jo turns out to be the son of this household, giving Ha Ni the chance to grow closer to the boy she likes. Despite being a decade old, this rom-com still holds a special place in the hearts of fans.
15. Adolescence Medley
Adolescence Medley is a short and sweet high school drama that you can binge-watch in under 5 hours. The story revolves around Choi Jung Woo, a part-time teacher at Namil High School, his alma mater. As he returns to teach, he reflects on his own teenage years and the fame he gained in high school. Meanwhile, he receives emails from his former classmates, unveiling secrets and events from the past.
14. Sassy Go Go (Cheer Up!)
Set in a highly competitive school where achievement and grades are valued above all, Sassy Go Go explores the hypocrisies within the education system. The drama delves into the lives of students struggling to move forward despite the intense pressure to succeed. It highlights themes of friendship, rivalry, and the challenges students face in an environment that prioritizes competition over personal growth. This drama is highly recommended for those interested in the flaws of modern education.
Goong is a drama adaptation of the popular manhwa of the same name. The story follows Chae Gyeong, an ordinary high school student who is unexpectedly thrust into the world of royalty when she is arranged to marry a prince due to a promise made by their grandfathers. Despite the prince’s cold demeanor, Chae Gyeong marries him to help her financially struggling family. As she faces difficulties adjusting to royal life, she finds herself caught in a love triangle with the prince’s cousin, leading to a story of royal intrigue and romance.
12. School 2017
School 2017 follows Ra Eun Ho, a hardworking and talented student who wants to date a college boy. Despite being in the top 10 of her class, Eun Ho’s life takes a turn when she accidentally gets caught in a situation that marks her as a delinquent student. As she navigates the complexities of high school, the drama explores her personal growth, struggles, and the challenges of being a teenager in today’s competitive educational environment.
11. Jungle Fish 2
Jungle Fish 2 is a dark and emotionally gripping high school drama that focuses on the struggles often overlooked in the high school experience. Unlike the typical love triangles and friendships seen in many high school dramas, this one exposes the harsh realities of Korean school life, such as bullying and mental health issues. It’s an intense, thought-provoking drama that tackles these issues head-on, with strong performances from the cast.
10. School 2013
A must-watch in the School series, School 2013 highlights the struggles of a school ranked as one of the lowest in academic performance among Seoul’s high schools. When a new teacher is appointed, he begins to affect the school’s dynamics, ultimately exposing the challenges students and teachers face. The drama offers a unique perspective on school life, depicting both student and teacher viewpoints while shedding light on issues like academic pressure and student-teacher relationships.
09. Page Turner
Page Turner is an inspiring drama about Yoo Seul, a talented pianist who wins numerous contests. However, after an accident, she faces the possibility of never playing the piano again. With the help of her friend Cha Shik and rival Jin Mok, Yoo Seul starts a new chapter in her life. This drama is beautifully crafted and offers a moving story of overcoming adversity, making it a perfect addition to any high school drama list.
08. Class of Lies
Class of Lies follows a highly successful lawyer who is forced to become a temporary high school teacher after a scandal in his career. He takes on the role to investigate a case tied to his past, uncovering dark secrets and crimes within the school. As he seeks to protect victims of bullying and corruption, the drama sheds light on the dark side of school life, where teenagers often face no consequences for their actions. This suspenseful drama tackles heavy themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of unchecked behavior.
07. Sweet Revenge (Season 1)
Sweet Revenge is a charming and short web drama that you can easily binge-watch over the weekend. It follows Ho Goo-hee, a high school student who has always been a pushover due to her kind-hearted nature. Her life takes a turn when she discovers an app that allows her to take revenge on anyone whose name she writes in it. As the story progresses, Goo-hee learns to develop her character, using the app to help others while growing as a person herself.
06. To The Beautiful You
To The Beautiful You centers around Goo Jae Hee, a Korean girl living in the United States, who becomes a huge fan of high jumper Kang Tae Joon after watching him compete on TV. To help him recover from an injury that could end his career, she disguises herself as a boy and transfers to his all-boys high school. This drama features a stellar cast and is filled with memorable moments, making it a beloved classic in high school K-drama.
The Heirs is a classic high school K-drama about a hardworking girl who becomes entangled with a super-rich boy and eventually moves into his home, where her mother works as a maid. She also attends his elite school, where she becomes part of a love-hate relationship with the students. The drama explores themes of love, friendship, and class struggles, with an impressive cast that includes many popular actors in the early stages of their careers.
04. Extraordinary You
Extraordinary You is a fresh addition to the high school K-drama list, based on a webtoon. The story follows Eun Dan-oh, a high school girl at a prestigious school who learns that she has a heart condition and doesn’t have much time to live. She also discovers that her life is part of a comic book, and she’s a supporting character. With this knowledge, she decides to outwit the author and try to change her fate, seeking true love in the process.
03. Reply 1988
Reply 1988 is the third installment in the Reply series by tvN, set in the 1980s. The drama focuses on five childhood friends and their families who live in the same neighborhood, portraying the struggles of a lower-middle-class family during that time. It offers a rich mix of comedy, romance, life lessons, and strong family values. The show is especially beloved for its nostalgic feel, and the “Second Lead Syndrome” is notably intense in this drama.
02. White Christmas
White Christmas takes place at Susin High School, also known as “Prison High,” an elite school for the top 1% of students in South Korea. During one winter break, seven students and a teacher remain on campus. When a psychiatrist, Kim Yo Han, is stranded due to a car accident, mysterious anonymous letters start appearing, questioning whether monsters are born or created. This dark and thrilling drama delves into psychological themes and the pressures of high-achieving students.
01. Reply 1997
The first installment of tvN’s Reply series, Reply 1997 is set in the 1990s and follows a female high school student who is a huge fan of the boyband H.O.T, along with her five school friends from Busan. The drama jumps between their high school days in 1997 and a reunion dinner in 2012 when they are in their early 30s. Reply 1997 was a major hit, showcasing the rise of K-pop culture and the nostalgic experiences of 90s youth. It became a cultural phenomenon, beloved for its humor, heart, and deep connection to the era.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
