Why Do K-Dramas Always Have Plots That Always Start In High School?

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Caught yourself wondering why every K-drama seems to take a detour through high school, regardless of whether it’s about CEOs or time-traveling beings? You’re not alone. High school, with its heady mix of nostalgia, angst, and those first bittersweet tastes of love, is a goldmine for storytellers.

But why does K-drama land revisit those locker-lined halls so often? Do K-drama screenwriters have a fetish for revisiting the heart of our awkward transition into adulthood?

First things first, high school is the universal battleground of emotions.

Remember those days?

Hormones raging like a K-pop fandom, every slight feeling magnified by a thousand.

K-dramas tap into this emotional whirlpool because, let’s face it, who doesn’t get a kick out of reliving their first crush without the acne and awkwardness?

Watch High School Scene

Crash Course In Romance

But it’s not just about the angst.

High school dramas are a masterclass in character development. Watching someone evolve from a shy wallflower into a confident sunflower is the kind of content that keeps us glued to our screens, bags of kimchi-flavored popcorn at the ready.

High school dramas are a masterclass in character development. Watching someone evolve from a shy wallflower into a confident sunflower is the kind of content that keeps us glued to our screens, bags of kimchi-flavored popcorn at the ready.

Then there’s the relatability factor.

Sure, not all of us have had a moody heartthrob scribble confessions on our desks, but the themes of friendship, love, and finding one’s path are as universal as they get.

Who among us hasn’t faced a crossroads at 18, wondering if we should pursue passion or practicality? Or both, if you’re feeling particularly K-dramatic.

And let’s talk settings.

High schools in K-dramas are less about education and more about providing a picturesque backdrop for life-altering moments.

High schools in K-dramas are less about education and more about providing a picturesque backdrop for life-altering moments.

Ever noticed how the school festival always coincides with a love confession? Or how the rooftop is never just a place for extra storage but a sanctuary for heart-to-hearts? It’s like architects in K-drama land read too much into the phrase “school spirit.”

Of course, high school K-dramas aren’t just fluffy love stories.

They tackle issues like bullying, family pressure, and the struggle to fit in, giving a voice to concerns that resonate with viewers worldwide. It’s this blend of sugar, spice, and everything painfully nice that makes high school dramas such a hit.

So, why the perpetual return to the land of uniforms and first loves?

Maybe it’s because, in the midst of life’s chaos, there’s something comforting about returning to a time when the biggest problem was homework and how to confess to your crush.

Maybe it’s because, in the midst of life’s chaos, there’s something comforting about returning to a time when the biggest problem was homework and how to confess to your crush.

High school dramas remind us of the intensity of youth, where every moment feels like the end of the world or the beginning of a new one.

Are you a fan of high school dramas, or do you prefer your K-dramas with a bit more corporate intrigue? Ever found yourself daydreaming about a high school do-over, K-drama style?

Drop your thoughts, confessions, and favorite high school drama recommendations in the comments. And hey, why not share this trip down memory lane with someone who understands the assignment? After all, every K-drama fan knows the real world could use a little more of that high school drama magic.