'BOYS OVER FLOWERS' TO 'WEAK HERO': THE EVOLUTION OF HIGH SCHOOL K-DRAMAS

FROM BLOSSOMING ROMANCE TO BRUTAL BATTLES, HIGH SCHOOL K-DRAMAS ARE PUSHING BOUNDARIES AND SPARKING MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS

- By DEBASHREE DUTTA

In the early 2000s, high school K-dramas were essentially love stories. Cult classics like Princess Hours (2006), Boys Over Flowers (2009), Playful Kiss (2010), and The Heirs (2013) set the tone for the genre, popularizing the signature tropes that would come to define K-dramas for generations. Over time, the romantic plots began to take on more serious subjects, reflecting growing concerns in Korean society around mental health and harassment, which are particularly prevalent in school settings. Shows like Sweet Revenge (2017), My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018), and True Beauty (2020) tackled these themes head-on, attracting both domestic and international audiences. Later, bullying, crime, and action became the overarching themes, resulting in series like Weak Hero (2022-2025), Study Group (2025), and Undercover High School (2025).

While incorporating cultural nuances, such as the Confucian ideals that are central to Korean society, high school K-dramas explore the universal themes of first love, friendship, self-identity, and discovery. Their relatability often hits hard, and the depth and precision of the storytelling hit even harder. I remain struck by the genre’s ability to adapt and grow—from high school hijinks to hardcore heroes. Here’s a closer look at how the genre has evolved over the years:

THE ROMANTIC ERA OF HIGH SCHOOL

My K-drama addiction started with the coming-of-age love stories—I’ve been a fan of them for as long as I’ve been following the genre. But the show that got me hooked was