High school-themed Korean dramas, often referred to as K-Dramas, hold a special place in the hearts of viewers. There’s an undeniable allure to these shows, whether it’s the portrayal of teenage angst and drama, the captivating chemistry between the main characters, or the whimsical and unique storylines. It’s no wonder that high school K-Dramas have garnered immense popularity worldwide.
To enhance your K-Drama experience, consider getting yourself a kawaii plushie or a stylish K-drama-watching t-shirt and dive into your next binge-watching session!
So, without further delay, here’s a curated list of the top 46 high school-themed Korean dramas with English subtitles for you to enjoy!
Contents
BEST HIGH SCHOOL KOREAN DRAMAS
| Serial No. | Title | Year | Network | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 Again | 2020 | JTBC | A man magically transforms back into his 18-year-old self, getting a second chance at life. |
| 2 | All of Us Are Dead | 2022 | Netflix | Students must survive a zombie apocalypse within their high school. |
| 3 | Angry Mom | 2015 | MBC | A mother disguises herself as a high school student to protect her daughter from bullies. |
| 4 | At Eighteen | 2019 | JTBC | A heartwarming coming-of-age drama about the struggles of 18-year-olds. |
| 5 | Best Mistake | 2019 | Viki | A story of young love and friendship in a high school setting. |
| 6 | Blue Spring from a Distance | 2021 | KBS2 | Students navigate the complexities of youth and relationships. |
| 7 | Boys Over Flowers | 2009 | KBS2 | A poor girl enters an elite school and captures the attention of four rich boys. |
| 8 | Cheer Up! | 2015 | KBS2 | A group of students joins their school’s cheerleading team. |
| 9 | Dream High | 2011 | KBS2 | Aspiring musicians and performers attend a prestigious arts high school. |
| 10 | Extraordinary You | 2019 | tvN | A high school student discovers she is a character in a webtoon and tries to change her fate. |
| 11 | Girls’ Generation 1979 | 2017 | KBS2 | A drama that revisits the events of 1979 and the lives of high school girls. |
| 12 | High School Love On | 2014 | tvN | A guardian angel becomes human and experiences high school life. |
| 13 | High School Musical | 2015 | tvN | A Korean adaptation of the popular musical franchise. |
| 14 | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | 2021 | tvN | A dentist and a village handyman find love in a picturesque coastal town. |
| 15 | Hormones | 2014 | OCN | A group of high school students navigates adolescence with its challenges. |
| 16 | Hot Stove League | 2019 | tvN | A drama centered around a struggling baseball team’s management. |
| 17 | It’s Okay to Not Be Okay | 2020 | tvN | A psychiatric hospital’s caregiver falls in love with a children’s book author. |
| 18 | Live On | 2020 | JTBC | A high school girl joins her school’s broadcasting club and uncovers hidden secrets. |
| 19 | Love Alarm | 2019 | Netflix | A dating app notifies users if someone nearby has romantic feelings for them. |
| 20 | My ID Is Gangnam Beauty | 2018 | tvN | A woman undergoes plastic surgery and deals with societal beauty standards. |
| 21 | My First First Love | 2019 | Netflix | A group of friends navigates love, friendship, and adulthood. |
| 22 | My Strange Hero | 2018 | SBS | A former high school student returns as a teacher to uncover past injustices. |
| 23 | Netflix’s School For You | 2022 | Netflix | A reality show where celebrities go back to school to complete their education. |
| 24 | Reply 1988 | 2015 | tvN | A heartwarming drama depicting the lives of families and friends in 1988. |
| 25 | Reply 1994 | 2013 | tvN | Friends reminisce about their college days in the year 1994. |
| 26 | Reply 1997 | 2012 | tvN | A group of friends reflects on their high school days in 1997. |
| 27 | School 2013 | 2012 | KBS2 | The lives of teachers and students in a contemporary high school. |
| 28 | School 2015 | 2015 | KBS2 | A mystery unfolds as a girl with amnesia assumes a new identity. |
| 29 | School 2017 | 2017 | KBS2 | High school students rebel against a corrupt system. |
| 30 | Sky Castle | 2018 | JTBC | A satirical drama about the lives of wealthy families in an elite neighborhood. |
| 31 | Strong Woman Do Bong Soon | 2017 | JTBC | A young woman with superhuman strength becomes a bodyguard. |
| 32 | True Beauty | 2020-2021 | tvN | A girl with a makeup talent tries to hide her bare face at school. |
| 33 | Twenty Five Twenty One | 2022 | tvN | A nostalgic drama about the lives of college students in the year 2021. |
| 34 | Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo | 2016-2017 | MBC | A coming-of-age story set in the world of collegiate weightlifting. |
| 35 | Who Are You: School 2015 | 2015 | KBS2 | The story revolves around a high school with a series of mysterious events. |
| 36 | The Heirs | 2013 | SBS | The lives of wealthy high school students and their romantic entanglements. |
| 37 | The Liar and His Lover | 2017 | tvN | A talented singer-songwriter falls in love with a girl who inspires his music. |
| 38 | The School Nurse Files | 2020 | Netflix | A school nurse with supernatural abilities battles unusual creatures in the school. |
| 39 | Welcome to Waikiki | 2018 | JTBC | The hilarious misadventures of three friends who run a guesthouse. |
| 40 | While You Were Sleeping | 2017 | SBS | A prosecutor and a woman with precognitive dreams work together to prevent tragedy. |
| 41 | Your Honor | 2018 | SBS | A judge’s twin brother, a convicted criminal, impersonates him as a judge. |
18 Again
“18 Again” is a South Korean television series that originally aired in 2020 on the JTBC network. This drama is based on the American film “17 Again” and follows the story of a 37-year-old man who magically transforms back into his 18-year-old self, getting a second chance at life. As his younger self, he navigates high school life and attempts to mend his relationships with his family. The series explores themes of second chances, family, and personal growth.
All of Us Are Dead
“All of Us Are Dead” is a South Korean television series that premiered on Netflix in 2022. It falls under the genres of horror, drama, and thriller. The series is set in a high school where a zombie outbreak occurs, trapping the students and staff inside. It follows the struggles and survival efforts of the students as they face the zombie apocalypse and try to find a way out of their school. “All of Us Are Dead” combines elements of horror and suspense with a focus on the relationships and dynamics among the characters during this life-threatening situation.
Angry Mom
“Angry Mom” is a South Korean television series that aired in 2015. It falls under the genres of drama, comedy, and youth. The drama was directed by Ashbun and written by Kim Ban-di. “Angry Mom” stars Kim Hee-sun, Yoon Ye-joo, Ji Hyun-woo, Kim You-jung, and others.
The story revolves around a mother, played by Kim Hee-sun, who returns to high school in disguise to protect her daughter from school bullies and corrupt officials. It addresses various social issues and showcases the challenges faced by students, parents, and educators in the South Korean education system.
The drama received positive reviews for its compelling storyline, strong performances, and its exploration of important societal issues. It’s a mix of drama, comedy, and social commentary, making it an engaging and thought-provoking series.
At Eighteen
“At Eighteen,” also known as “Moment of 18,” is a South Korean television series that aired in 2019. It falls under the genres of coming-of-age, youth, and romance. The drama was directed by Sim Na-yeon and written by Yoon Kyung-ah. “At Eighteen” features an ensemble cast including Ong Seong-wu, Kim Hyang-gi, Shin Seung-ho, Kang Ki-young, and more.
The story follows the lives of high school students as they navigate the challenges, dreams, and complexities of being 18 years old. It explores the struggles, friendships, and first loves that young adults experience during this pivotal stage of their lives. Ong Seong-wu plays the lead role of Choi Joon-woo, a quiet and introverted student who transfers to a new school and faces the typical challenges of adolescence.
“At Eighteen” received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of youth and its relatable characters. The drama deals with various issues faced by teenagers, including academic pressure, bullying, and personal growth. It’s a heartwarming series that resonates with viewers who have experienced the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Best Mistake
“Best Mistake” is a South Korean web drama series that first aired in 2019. The drama falls under the genres of romance and youth. It is based on a webcomic of the same name by Kye Young Chon. “Best Mistake” is directed by Kim Hyeong-sik and stars Lee Eun-hyung and Kim In-seong in the lead roles.
The story revolves around a group of college students who are living together in a co-ed dormitory. The drama focuses on their various relationships and love stories, exploring themes of friendship, romance, and the mistakes they make along the way. It also delves into the complexities of young adulthood and the challenges faced by students transitioning to college life.
“Best Mistake” is a lighthearted and entertaining series that depicts the ups and downs of young love and the growth of its characters as they navigate the complexities of their college years. The drama has garnered a following among fans of youth-oriented romantic stories.
Blue Spring from a Distance
“Blue Spring from a Distance” is a South Korean webtoon series that was later adapted into a web drama. The webtoon, written and illustrated by Nammu, gained popularity for its compelling storyline and unique art style. The drama adaptation of “Blue Spring from a Distance” was released in 2021.
The story revolves around a high school student named Eun Ha-Yool, who has been secretly in love with one of his classmates, Baek Ji-Min, for years. However, he has never had the courage to confess his feelings to her. Instead, he observes her from a distance and expresses his emotions through a sketchbook. The drama explores themes of unrequited love, youth, and the complexities of teenage emotions.
“Blue Spring from a Distance” is known for its beautiful artwork and emotional storytelling. It has resonated with readers and viewers alike, making it a popular choice among fans of webtoons and web dramas. The series delves into the inner thoughts and struggles of its characters, creating a poignant and relatable narrative.
Boys Over Flowers
“Boys Over Flowers” is a popular South Korean television drama series that originally aired in 2009. It is based on the Japanese shōjo manga series “Hana Yori Dango” written by Yoko Kamio. The Korean adaptation gained immense popularity and became a significant part of the Hallyu wave, which is the global spread of South Korean culture.
The story follows Geum Jan-di, a bright and spirited high school girl from a poor family who earns a scholarship to attend the prestigious Shinhwa High School. Shinhwa High is dominated by the elite group of rich and handsome young men known as the F4, who are known for their wealth, good looks, and arrogant attitudes. The F4 members are Gu Jun-pyo, Yoon Ji-hu, So Yi-jung, and Song Woo-bin.
After standing up to the F4’s leader, Gu Jun-pyo, Jan-di becomes a target of bullying at the school. Despite the difficulties, she refuses to back down and eventually captures the attention and heart of Gu Jun-pyo. This romantic drama explores themes of love, friendship, and class differences.
“Boys Over Flowers” is known for its romantic and heartwarming storyline, and it played a significant role in popularizing South Korean dramas worldwide. The series received high ratings and gained a massive international fanbase. It has been remade in several other countries and continues to be a beloved classic in the world of K-dramas.
Cheer Up!
“Cheer Up!” (also known as “Sassy Go Go”) is a South Korean television drama series that aired in 2015. The drama is a coming-of-age story set in a high school and focuses on the lives of a group of students who form a cheerleading club to help uplift their school’s spirit and morale.
The story follows Kang Yeon-doo, a cheerful and spirited high school student who leads a group of friends in their struggle against the rigid and oppressive educational system. When her school is plagued by competition, stress, and intense academic pressure, Yeon-doo and her friends take a different approach to deal with their problems by forming a cheerleading club to boost school spirit.
The drama delves into various themes such as friendship, youth, the challenges of high school life, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. It also explores the dynamics between the students, teachers, and parents in a high-pressure educational environment.
“Cheer Up!” is known for its positive and heartwarming storyline, as well as the energetic and vibrant performances by the cheerleading club members. It received favorable reviews for its portrayal of the struggles faced by high school students and the support they provide one another during challenging times.
Dream High
“Dream High” is a South Korean television drama series that first aired in 2011. The series is a fusion of teen romance, coming-of-age, and musical drama that follows the lives of six high school students as they pursue their dreams of becoming K-pop idols.
The story takes place at the prestigious Kirin Arts High School, where students are trained in various forms of the arts, including singing, dancing, and acting. The show centers around the dreams, aspirations, and challenges faced by six students from different backgrounds, each with their own talent and ambition.
The main characters in “Dream High” include:
- Song Sam-dong (played by Kim Soo-hyun): A country boy with a natural talent for music and a mysterious background.
- Hye-mi (played by Bae Suzy): A girl who initially dreams of becoming a classical singer but eventually aspires to be a K-pop star.
- Jin-gook (played by Taecyeon): A skilled dancer and martial artist who pursues his dream despite his family’s opposition.
- Yoon Baek-hee (played by Ham Eun-jung): A talented singer who initially competes with Hye-mi but later becomes her friend.
- Pil-sook (played by IU): A talented singer who is initially insecure about her weight but gains confidence over time.
- Jason (played by Wooyoung): A Korean-American dancer and singer who wants to reconnect with his Korean roots.
The drama explores their personal and professional challenges, including rivalry, friendship, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in the competitive world of K-pop. It also highlights the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the value of friendship and mentorship. “Dream High” features musical performances and showcases the rigorous training and competition that aspiring K-pop idols go through on their journey to stardom.
Extraordinary You
“Extraordinary You” is a South Korean television series that originally aired in 2019. It is based on a webtoon titled “July Found by Chance” by Moo Ryoo. The drama falls into the genres of romance, fantasy, and comedy, and it is known for its unique storyline.
The story revolves around a high school girl named Eun Dan-oh, played by Kim Hye-yoon. She discovers that she is living in a webtoon world and that her fate is predetermined. She is a “supporting character” in the story and has a congenital heart condition, which means she is destined to die in the story.
Despite her predetermined fate, Eun Dan-oh rebels against her role and tries to change her destiny. She is determined to find her own love and live freely within the confines of the webtoon world. In her quest to change her fate, she encounters a mysterious male student named Haru, portrayed by Rowoon. Haru is the only character in the webtoon who seems to be aware of the world they are in and is not bound by fate.
As Eun Dan-oh and Haru start to interact and form a connection, they decide to challenge the story’s author and attempt to alter the plot. They are joined by other students in their quest to break free from the constraints of their preordained lives.
“Extraordinary You” is known for its self-aware characters and its exploration of themes such as destiny, free will, and the power of storytelling. The drama combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy, making it a unique and engaging series for viewers who enjoy unconventional love stories and imaginative plots.
FINAL THOUGHTS: BEST HIGH SCHOOL KOREAN DRAMAS
Have you watched any of these Korean dramas about high school? Which one is your favorite if so? Tell us in the comments section below.
And make sure to add a few of these top Korean dramas about high school to your watch list if you haven’t already!
