Back to School: Your Favorite High School Kdramas

[partyon]

Back to School: Your Favorite High School Kdramas

 

September is right around the corner, and many kids have gone back to school or are preparing going back to school. Maybe your kids are excited about meeting all their friends again? Maybe you're a teacher? Or maybe you're just reminiscing about your own school days?

 

Whatever the case, we've seen many high school dramas through the years. Lately we've seen more high school dramas than ever.

 

So which dramas are YOUR favorite? 

 

Note! If you want to nominate a drama missing from this list, please do so before you vote.

 

1. Extraordinary You (2019)

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2. True Beauty (2020)

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3. Boys Over Flowers (2009)

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4. Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

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5. Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)

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6. Beautiful World (2019)

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7. Our Beloved Summer (2021)

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8. A Love So Beautiful (2020)

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9. Goong (Princess Hours) (2006)

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10. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

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11. School 2017 (2017)

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12. Cheer Up (2022)

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13. The Heirs (2013)

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14. To the Beautiful You (2012)

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15. Moorim School (2016)

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16. Shut Up: Flower Boy Band (2012)

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17. School 2013 (2012)

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18. How to Buy a Friend (2020)

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19. Live On (2020)

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20. Solomon's Perjury (2016)

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21. Extracurricular (2021)

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22. Sweet Revenge (2017)

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23. Heartstrings (2011)

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24. Sassy, Go Go (aka Cheer Up!)  (2015)

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25. Schoolgirl Detectives (aka Seonam Girls High School Detectives) (2014)

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26. Orange Marmalade (2015)

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27. Who Are You: School 2015 (2015)

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28. Mackerel Run (2007)

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29. Hi! School - Love On (2014)

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30. Master of Study (2010)

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31. Reply 1997 (2012)

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32. Playful Kiss (2010)

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33. Angry Mom (2015)

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34. All of Us Are Dead (2022)

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35. Revenge of Others (2022)

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36. Reply 1988 (2015)

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37. Dream High (2011)

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38. Class of Lies (2019)

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39. Seasons of Blossoms (2022)

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40. School 2021 (2021)

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41. Hierarchy (2024)

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42. Lovely Runner (2024)

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43. At a Distance, Spring is Green (2021)

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44. Night Has Come (2023)

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45. Duty After School (2023) - part 1 & 2

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46. Nightmare Teacher (2016)

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47. Love Alarm (2019)

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48. Moment at Eighteen (2019)

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49. 18 Again (2020)

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50. My Strange Hero (2018)

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51. Drama Special Series Season 1: White Christmas (2011)

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52. SKY Castle (2018)

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53. The School Nurse Files (2020)

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54. Pyramid Game (2024)

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55. High School Return of a Gangster (2024)

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Do you miss your high school days? Let us know.

 

Your Event Organizers,

@partyon @agenth @Sleepy Owl @confusedheart 

tagging:

Spoiler

MayanEcho  @joccu  @Thong Thin  @kokodus  @Ameera Ali 
@Wuzetian  @4evrkdrama   @gm4queen  @sadthe1st  @Learry  @larus  @SilverDawn  @singlebilingual  @pompyavi 

 

 

@SuZy Leoo  @*.:AnGeL*BAbII:.*  @willenette  @newrocher22 
@africandramalover  @Pyar  @rogue  @LovelyBirdAndYoo  @RollyPenny   @kdramagrandma  @msdot  @CallieP  @syntyche  @Nikaa  @JoannaID  @scrawford  @madmad min  @CarolynH

  
@Sakurafairy  @gtLmh0622  @Jiyuu  @kittyna 

 

@UnniSarah  @booha  @YongZura⁷  @maribella  @pauliza  @valinor500  @flutterby06   @tinatrix236  @inspiredbyshj  @sakurapotter  @SophieH   @ktcjdrama  @Biology Lesson

@azureblue7  @Prettysup  @Ayame   @dramafan33  

 

@hola2jin  @airgelaal  @lebeaucouple   @usadango 

 

 @Naty828  @tofumochu  
@SophieH 

 

@asiaren    @SexyDolceVita  @goshhh  @brooksmom  @LeftCoastOppa

@frozentundra  @rogue  @ibru  @itsmeash  @rocat  @Tamakins  
@Rumaizah Muhammed 

 

@liyahsbutterfly @SC2019  @ferily 
@Lmangla 

 

  @andy78  @TheQueenReturns  @lilian c  @-jadecloud-  @D27Gjk68  @Sunset  @youactlikeicare  @Kdramabae  @youngae  @chickfactor   @tiMadam  

 

@tulip06  @Kris Silva     @Dhakra  @sweetroad  @hyall  @nohamahamoud2002  @Gumiho  @angela0612  @Kate Llama 

 

@kimlees  @lduc  @anyeze  @jadore1  @haruhi17  @lila21  @grrly  @ElleSor  @kiotzo 

 

@TheaN  @wywp   
@RollyPenny  @Pitchoum 

 

@leo2020  @knkg @Kathy   @irilight  @illay 
@Fata Morgana  @cherry47 
@aprilfive   @Annykey  @an-naum   @AkiChan  @0ly40  

 

 @Auntie Mame  @Yazusa    @cikqueen   

  @SleepyKitty  @marrez1  @suga02pearl    @fieza1871  @Tuiwgn  @lilyphenix  @omiki  

 

@breakmyheart  @Rollito Deprimavera  @Pinkypoo  @ilovenico  @Newbie21SG @Helena 

@whome  @u8017  @vintage  @Table122000  @sugarcream  @roli   
@Nermeen نرمين   @Man-O-Man  

@Lindyloo421  @yamiyugi @Latte_Anyday @Tango27 @jayakris 

 

 

Thanks to @agenth for the event idea.

All image / gif credits go to their owners

[SilverDawn]

 

 

I enjoyed boys over flowers but I prefer the Chinese version (Meteor Garden 2018)  

 

[MayanEcho]

I half read the manhwa of one, I didn't watch any of the choices. 😅

 

I watched a few HS dramas, but those aren't Kdramas. 

 

[itsmeash]

School 2017, Boys Over Flowers, Orange Marmalade are the only ones I've watched/watched some of. School 2017 is by far my favorite HS kdrama.

[lilyphenix]

I don't watch many high school dramas because I feel disconnected from the topic, but I voted for the few that I did watch. SKY Castle is in a category of its own. The level of excellence has been unmatched to date, in my humble opinion. It also helped that we got the story not just from the perspective of the students, but that we could also witness what the parents were going through.

 

Great poll, full of nice recommendations for those who are fans of the genre! 🫶💓

[LeftCoastOppa]

I'd like to add Pyramid Game to the list -

 

 

 

Unlike the majority of High School k-dramas, this was neither rom-com, nor melodrama.  This was a dark, anxiety driven thriller.  The acting was exceptional for a High School based drama, and I ended up binge watching most of it.  

 

 

 

Favorite High School K-drama is still School 2017 ... its also the first k-drama I ever watched. 

 

 

[lebeaucouple]

I have to clarify that I clicked the above drama list just because I watched them before, but not all types are my favourite drama.

 

My favourite drama after watching are :

 

Beautiful World (2019) - my top favourite - very good and meaningful drama, it has high scoring in many platforms, not because its popularity, but because of its meaningful message to all of us, including parents and children.

 

SKY Castle (2018) - so far so good

 

True Beauty (2020) -very sweet comedy and entertaining, because I love the OST a lot.

 

All of Us Are Dead (2022) - because of zombie thriller, waiting for the next season

 

Reply 1988 (2015) - it is really a pity that I missed this one and no longer able to find where to watch this old drama...

[CarolynH]

Aside from my obvious votes, one of my votes went to  All of Us are Dead.  I think it goes without saying that Sky Castle is one of the better kdramas.  

[leo2020]

Hi everyone, and thanks for tagging me. Honestly I haven't watched much school dramas, apart from non-traditional ones, smth like All of us are dead. 

The one school drama that lately made an impression on me is recent High School Return of a Gangster. The cast did an amazing job. They made me smile and cry a river along the way. 

Would love to vote for this one.

[partyon]

9 hours ago, SilverDawn said:

I enjoyed boys over flowers but I prefer the Chinese version (Meteor Garden 2018)  

 

I have watched all versions of it, but I think that Boys Over Flowers put its own flair on it. I still think the original Taiwanese one from 2001 has the best cast. They really made the drama come alive. Have you watched it?

 

 

I didn't know the Philippines had made their own version of this drama? Whoa, the cast looks pretty old?!?!

 

8 hours ago, MayanEcho said:

I watched a few HS dramas, but those aren't Kdramas. 

 

Never too late to start... You can see some really good recommendations in the poll

7 hours ago, itsmeash said:

School 2017, Boys Over Flowers, Orange Marmalade are the only ones I've watched/watched some of. School 2017 is by far my favorite HS kdrama.

 

How was Orange Marmalade? I remember reading some good comments about the drama back in the day.

 

7 hours ago, lilyphenix said:

Great poll, full of nice recommendations for those who are fans of the genre! 🫶💓

 

Thanks, @agenth chingu should get credit for the back to school idea. I just stole it from her haha

6 hours ago, LeftCoastOppa said:

I'd like to add Pyramid Game to the list -

 

Thanks for the suggestion - I have added it to the poll

 

4 hours ago, lebeaucouple said:

True Beauty (2020) -very sweet comedy and entertaining, because I love the OST a lot.

 

But wait a second....

 

This is not a thriller!

 

2 hours ago, CarolynH said:

I think it goes without saying that Sky Castle is one of the better kdramas.  

 

So many of you saying that it's the best drama on this list. I haven't watched it and am hesitant to do so, because I read that the ending was kinda bad. What's your impression?

 

59 minutes ago, leo2020 said:

The one school drama that lately made an impression on me is recent High School Return of a Gangster. The cast did an amazing job. They made me smile and cry a river along the way. 

Would love to vote for this one.

 

Awwww. Sounds like a meaningful drama. I have added it to the poll

[Lmangla]

2 hours ago, partyon said:

I didn't know the Philippines had made their own version of this drama? Whoa, the cast looks pretty old?!?!

bwahahahah..... Maybe it is a parody? It looks like it would be a laugh riot though.

 

just realized that like @lilyphenix, I don't usually relate to any of the high school dramas which is why I usually don't watch them or just get bored. This is whether it is kdrama or some english drama.

 

Boys over flowers was the exception. I enjoyed it so much even though I thought it was hysterically dumb. 

 

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I tried watching heirs and pretty much fell asleep. Goong was just okay, there were parts I enjoyed but not necessarily a great watch. So it won't get my vote either

[lilyphenix]

3 hours ago, partyon said:

I didn't know the Philippines had made their own version of this drama? Whoa, the cast looks pretty old?!?!

This is a serious question: is it titled Grandpas over Flowers? 🤔

[gm4queen]

guys!

 

Thank you @partyon unnie for the tag! Can't believe that back to school season is already here.

 

I've only watched School 2013 out of all the dramas listed in the poll. And a bit of Boys Over Flowers and Goong!

 

Not much of a fan of school dramas! I see other chingus as well?!

 

Have fun going back to school, everyone!

 

[waqar]

yes it is most favourite school for every one

[lebeaucouple]

8 hours ago, partyon said:

 

I have watched all versions of it, but I think that Boys Over Flowers put its own flair on it. I still think the original Taiwanese one from 2001 has the best cast. They really made the drama come alive. Have you watched it?

 

I didn't know the Philippines had made their own version of this drama? Whoa, the cast looks pretty old?!?!

I totally agreed with you that the original Taiwanese version is the best among all and the songs are good too. It was really hilarious  when you posted the Philippines pictures 😁
Yes. True beauty is just a sweet comedy, it has the oldies song (i am in the mood for dancing - remade from US) that really made you in a happy and funny mood....😄

 

When are you joining us for the "black out" drama - haha

[partyon]

1 minute ago, lebeaucouple said:

I totally agreed with you that the original Taiwanese version is the best among all and the songs are good too.

 

Thanks, chingu. I think many agree! I kinda like the fact that each remake has had something original in it.

 

Meteor Garden (Taiwan) - original pineapple hair from 2001 with a very handsome Jerry

 

BOF Japan - didn't really like it because F4 kept shouting and it annoyed me 😒

BOF Korea - agree with @Lmangla sweetie - they made it hilarious!  Go Jun Pyo really showed his himbo side 🤣

Meteor Garden (China) - it was too long and the FL annoyed me

F4 BOF Thailand - started out sooooo good with a fresh take on the story but went downhill unfortunately as the story progressed

 

I googled the Filipino version of BOF and apparently it was never made. It was cancelled in 2017. Who the heck were those grandpas?

 

10 minutes ago, lebeaucouple said:

When are you joining us for the "black out" drama - haha

 

Ok, I might try to watch it

[MayanEcho]

16 minutes ago, partyon said:

I googled the Filipino version of BOF and apparently it was never made. It was cancelled in 2017. Who the heck were those grandpas?

 

F4 wouldn't have pics with flags and an official looking seal as background, would they? 😆

 

I sort of glimpsed a bit of Meteor Garden Taiwanese version since it's what folks would be watching at home by the time I come from school in the evening. 😅

 

I might see Sky Castle as I do have a copy of it courtesy of my brother, who really, really liked it.

[partyon]

I just realized that I haven't watched many high school kdramas. Guess I'm too old to enjoy them

 

My favorites are:

 

1) Twinkling Watermelon

This drama has it all - heart, humor, great acting, sad scenes! Well deserved first place on Mydramalist with an impressive average rating of 9.2

 

2) Boys Over Flowers

Iconic! A true classic! And this parody trailer is too funny, because it's kind of accurate

 

3) Goong

Another classic one just has to watch to understand why kdramas became so big during the Hallyu wave. @larus any news on the status of the remake?

 

4) Weak Hero Class 1

A most heartbreaking drama but oh so relatable. Can't wait for season 2 to come out in early 2025.

[willenette]

23 hours ago, MayanEcho said:

 

F4 wouldn't have pics with flags and an official looking seal as background, would they? 😆

 

I sort of glimpsed a bit of Meteor Garden Taiwanese version since it's what folks would be watching at home by the time I come from school in the evening. 😅

 

I might see Sky Castle as I do have a copy of it courtesy of my brother, who really, really liked it.

 

@MayanEcho  Not a Kdrama but, I like Meteor Garden (Taiwanese version) too! It’s just that for me, the series would pale in comparison to Korean remakes, which was produced more than a few years after. The scenery, fashion, technology and the way it was produced may seem outdated, so it seems like a really bad production compared to the ones that are produced in recent years. But, nothing can take back the memories! Back in that day, it was bold and different and unlike any other series that came out in Asia. It was really hip. The F4 was cool and trendy with their hair and outfits. It stopped time back in the days. I remember I had to go home in the afternoon early just to watch this show on television. Streaming wasn't available then. A lot of people fell in love with Shan Cai and Dao Ming Xi's love story, and how they fought against all odds to be together! I’ve noticed that Lee Min Ho's Jun Pyo was made to look like Jerry Yan's character too. I might be biased with this one, but this first and original version is always the best! 

 

 

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*** Yes, it’s B2S, the new school year starts. I guess for some, if not all it is a bit of an exciting time—many students are eager to return and see their friends after a long summer holiday. The school life is the best life. I clearly remember my first day at school and the memories of this day are still vivid.  I always regard my time in high school life memories as a treasure. I met some of the best friends I have today in high school. Admittedly, I made a lot of blunders and mistakes during my high school years. But thanks to my sincere friends and teachers I was always rescued from too much trouble. But, my high school life is a wonderful chapter in my memories because I learned dedication, hard work and motivation. My high school years were also the period in which I started working hard towards my goals. Thanks to that, I am happy with the career and the life I have today. During my school days, I always had the habit of recording my experiences in a diary. During my free time I would always open my diary and write. It helped me soothe my pain and it fulfilled me with confidence and courage. I remember how happy my Mom and grandma were when I became the top achiever in my entire school. It is said that a person always remembers their first day at school and their last day at school. The first day a child remembers because it came there weeping. And the last day a student remembers because they leave school, weeping again. The joys of school life are surely countless. Indeed, the school days are the best of our lives. But, wait - I want to be clear about one thing: I like being an adult, and if someone offered me the chance to go back and re-do high school, I would soundly decline. I have no desire whatsoever to go back to school and learn Algebra or any other math. I would not even take the classes I like; I`m definitely happy to move on and progress with my career. Here`s what I do miss, though. I miss my social life of those days. Not necessarily because every friend I had in high school was such a close friend, but hanging out was just easy back then. Everyone I knew was in the same place, we all knew each other, so it was just easier to have fun and get a group together. I`m thankful that among all those people I went to school with, a handful were keepers.

Who doesn’t love a good high school Kdramas? Not only do they make us feel nostalgic about our days in school, but these dramas also explore different kinds of friendship and first love. For me, these are my favorite High School Kdramas to swoon over and appeal to my taste : 

 

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Boys Over Flowers – This was the series that cemented Lee Min-ho as a star. He appears as the leader of the F4, the most elite group at a prestigious school, who gets caught up in a bullying scandal.

Weak Hero Class 1 – I’ve watched this because of Park Ji Hoon. I like him. This was such an intense drama, which exceeded my expectations! Park Ji-Hoon shines in this drama, a seemingly unassuming student who becomes an unlikely hero in the face of rampant violence. The bone-breaking fight scenes were a thrill.

The Heirs - While watching the show, I undoubtedly recall my teenage years and my experiences as a high school student. The show has many characters that have different personalities. A major part of this drama is about the lives of the heirs and how their lives are not as easy as they may seem.

Dream High – This drama was more famous for its songs than its story. It is a classic high-school drama about six students who dream of becoming K-pop idols. The show notably casts several real K-pop idols.

At a Distance, Spring is Green – This was another Park Ji Hoon’s drama. This drama was about the realistic struggles of university students. It’s about the youth on their 20s whose lives appear to be like a beauty of spring from afar but cold and harsh when viewed up close.

 

 

[rocat]

On 8/31/2024 at 12:36 PM, partyon said:

dn't know the Philippines had made their own version of this drama? Whoa, the cast looks pretty old?!?!

Isn’t the guy in the middle the ex-Philippines President Duterte?!

 

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣