Extracurricular

Usual Netflix stuff

This drama took a weird thought very seriously and conceptualized it into a drama. As much as interesting and bizarre the idea of a high schooler being a pimp, some things didn't quite add up. But it's all fictional so okay. It did keep me on edge of my seat, with all its violence especially the climax violence scene was just for the hype and chills. The first half was very interesting with discovering each character and the second half went high voltage with its brutalities. The ending pretty much was usual Netflix style. One time binge but I didn't binge it so the effect wasn't rewarding. FL's character was quite complex and I liked how she was portrayed. As for actors, it was nice to see the actress in this type of role. I liked the music and intro title track of this drama. I won't be rewatching this one.

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a 50/50 series

I just picked this up because I randomly remembered it existed and was wanting more of a thriller / school drama after all the romances I've been watching lately, and this, in a "sometimes" fashion, did not disappoint

things I didn't like
- the detective???
- the random plot dropping and introducing
- kitae's character status?? is he not supposed to be a main character???
- gyuri being really annoying (I will never understand her)

things I liked
- THE ACTING !!!!
- the music/ost !!! I felt that every scene was made with whatever ost they used
- seo minhee !!!
- the last episode
- the emotions !!!
- the open ending!!

I don't think I can call this "one of the best shows" I've seen, but it was definitely a fun watch, and the entire last episode had me genuinely screaming and gasping at the reveals, especially with the cinematography and "freak" by kim sawol . . . beautiful

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the female lead ruined the show

the plot and story are actually really good and entertaining. it was really interesting to see how the main character dealing with his situation and how a high school student can fake his life that no one even suspects him. but everything ruins when the female lead gets into the picture. like i understand its the plot but she was so annoying. like idc she ruined the show for me. without many spoilers- she wanted to show her parents so bad that she’s not what they’re expecting her to be and that she’s a rebel that she ruined what the main character was basically living off. he just didn’t deserve it. that’s why I hate her. also the ending was really weird and that also effected the enjoyment of the show for me

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Good drama but lacks characterisation!!

I freaking love this drama, but i have quite a few criticisms.

The actors were great and the storyline was engaging. There was a lot of tension and high intensity scenes, and even episodes.

The characterisation fell flat, however. There should have been more of a background story for the characters. It would have been interesting to know how the ML started the whole job and why exactly he did it. In a way, it sort of doesn't make sense; he explains that he wants to lead a normal life without drawing too much attention to himself but his "job" is the opposite and can get him into a lot of trouble. If he wanted money, he could just get a job that regular kids his age got like at a convenience store.

The FL was the same; she wanted to make money but had no motive. They tried to give the storyline that her parents wanted her to pursue the same thing as them and she didn't want to, but how exactly is doing what she was going to help her get out of her parents' desired plan for her? Also, why is she willing to risk getting in trouble for managing a sex work business just to not be a ceo - it's not equivalent.

Another thing about the fl was that she was annoying. She clearly hadn't set her priorities straight, as evident in the previous paragraph. But, from the first episode we see that she's a pretty shit person. She went out of her way to take the ML's phone so she could go through it. When she didn't know the passcode, she watched him enter the passcode for his other phone and used that to get into his phone. The invasion of privacy is not cool and I'm pretty sure she doesn't apologise. I don't like how the writers chose that as a catalyst for how the FL had to find out about everything. Other than that, she's purely fucking annoying. She is constantly putting everyone in danger and she feels no remorse. As soon as she is introduced, she fucks everything up. And luckily for her, she has the money to buy herself out of trouble because her parents are rich, whereas the ML has to suffer more.

Mr Lee was such a g bro. I love him. I also liked the homeroom teacher.

Did the second leads even genuinely like each other? He was pretty shitty towards her and relied on her for her money. But, he was able to get his homeboys to trash the karaoke bar for his GF. The scene was pretty iconic though.

With most of these characters, there was no clear motive for most of their decisions *cue motive by Ari and Doja* which i think is the biggest flaw in this drama.

But I did genuinely enjoy my time watching it. I'm really into high school dramas that are dark like 'Class of Lies'. Both of these dramas, along with 'How to Buy a Friend' have all been compared. Personally, my favourite would be 'Class of Lies'. Because there were only 10 episodes in extracurricular, they might have not been able to develop the characters as well.

I know some people want a second season after the last episode but i don't really think it would be as good. I'm not sure how they would add another 10 episodes without dragging out and ruining it. I think people need to start being okay with dramas where the ending is unclear.

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I wanted to watch a Thriller series after enjoying Weak Hero and decided to watch Extracurricular which I have been wanting to watch for the past few years but never got round to it. I really enjoyed this drama, however the ending did have a some-what cliff-hanger as if there was supposed to be a second season. However I doubt there will be a second season now. So, the series ends in an open-ending setting which I usually don't really like. If there was ever a second season, I think a storyline set in Australia would be a great series, something similar to the American series "You", which each season is set in another country.

Besides that, I watched the series extremely fast and I do not regret watching it. I think the series was executed greatly and I looked forward to every second wondering what was going to happen. Despite the open ending, I believe it is a must-watch for those who like action dramas. It was a ride of different emotions, feelings, and curiosity - but overall I did enjoy the series.

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Dreams are expensive

I had been putting this one off for a long time thinking that I had to be in the right mood to handle something so heavy. It turns out, however, that it wasn't as dark as I expected and I realized I was wishing that it was. The entire time it felt like the drama was going at 70% intensity; it amped up a little during the climax but not for long.

It's interesting because I think this drama teeters between being character-driven and plot-driven and it probably could've gone deeper on both aspects — I found myself wanting to explore the character backstories and original lives more, and I also found myself wanting the plot itself to be a little more intense and harrowing.

Overall, I still think this was a great watch; the writing is solid and the performances are great, and I also think there are great moral questions to ponder. You find yourself rooting for anti-heroes and I always love that.

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ExTrAcIrRcUlAr

(^^lol the title is a joke with my brother's friend) I started watching this because my friend already saw this and recommended it, so I tried it. Y'all the plot is one of the most addicting plots I've ever seen. I really want a season 2 because the ending was really vague, but I feel like a lot of things would change throughout season 2, and therefore would ruin the original plot. Maybe they should have a movie sequel to further explain the ending.

Oh Ji Soo, if someone told me that he was the most innocent person in the class without telling me he ran something illegal, I'd believe you. At such a young age, he was forced to learn how to survive, and he was really good at surviving on his own. Bae Gyu Ri was the worst female lead I've ever seen. Like I understand she's not happy with her life, but that doesn't mean you practically shove yourself into someone's life just because you want a thrill in your life. He was right when he said something like "You think my life is a game to you", she's done nothing but interrupt everything Ji Soo's worked hard for. Seo Min Hee was pretty unlikable, but in the end she's just a girl who just wants to please her boyfriend through money, which she gets through Ji Soo's business. I kind of wish she had a better ending, but it's whatever I guess. Kwak Ki Tae was a pretty unnecessary character, considering Min Hee could've have had another person in mind to make money for. Lee Wang Cheol was a good character, why did they do him dirty like they did. They also should've added a backstory as to how he was found by Ji Soo and how he became the "shadow boss" as I refer him as. Choi Jin Woo reminds me of my teachers that I was close with; they were caring, and were willing to listen and cover for me. He's the kind of teacher we all need if we want school to be a happy place. Officer Lee Hae Gyung was like the older version of Gyu Ri; she was annoying. She always thought she was entitled to look into everything, and was even willing to break the standards of what an officer was supposed to do. Like ahjumma, leave the main cast alone.

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Worth a watch if good writing is not your priority

If you are a fan of good writing this show is not for you. At least for me, it's a huge disappointment.
1. Lack of motives, the show doesn't have enough backstory to explain why they do the things they do
2. Lack of character development (They even become stupider lol)

However, if good writing is not your priority, it's worth a watch for these reasons:
1. Actors/ actress are good looking
2. The production is quite nice, the mood and pacing etc
3. Exciting plot

(Your review must be at least 500 characters in length. Your review must be at least 500 characters in length. Your review must be at least 500 characters in length.)

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Not a typical high school kdrama!

I was looking forward in watching a psychological/thriller. I must say Extracurricular delivered! It was very eccentric and intriguing. I absolutely loved the character's development.
Actor Dong-Hee Kim did an amazing job; portraying his character's 2 sided personality, every time he turned evil I always got goosebumps. As well as him, Park Ju-hyun's acting skills really payed off, her playing as Bae Gyu-ri really stood out, her desperation to escape her parents and the pressure she was under was presented fantasitcally!
The cliffhanger ending fitted well, as it leaves you questioned with what may happen next. Apparently there will be a season 2 coming out in 2023, my hopes are high!

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Splurge, not rewatchable

Dont get me wrong i hate the male lead aswell and what they were doing, but I'm not gonna lie i think i wouldve LOVED this if it was just focused on him, himself, and whatever he's doing.

I hate when they add a female lead, just for the purpose of having a female lead. (Or romantic interest)

And you can not tell me that's not what she was.

They made her manipulative w family problems just so people could sympathize w her, their was so many ways and could've made that money, yet she unsatisfyingly got the money she needed from her parents at the end (pissed me off) after constantly putting the male lead— including others in danger.

Story would've been way better w/o her, i would love to watch him try and get himself out of these situations, and Mr. lee being the one to help w/o knowing that he's his boss.. that would've been fire...

I SHOULD'VE WROTE TS!!

Anyway, on a less personal note, and on a more... "watcher" note... let me yap a bit🥹

Oh Jisoo : At times, i caught myself almost rooting for him when i knew that something was going to go wrong or when he was going to get caught. I think because I sympathized for him— simply because i believed his reasoning was better than Gyu Ri's. he had no one to help him, he was his own adult at such a young age, and he had to make way.. (Is how i saw it at first), but throughout the show, I realized he definitely wasn't much different from Gyu Ri.

He was after money and did everything for money— Just like her. He didn't care when others were gonna get hurt, but only when he was gonna get caught. At the end when Minhee was confronting him and he was crying begging for forgiveness, i genuinely felt for him (jk i called him submissive) but when he found out she recorded it all— before KILLING HER (yes KILLING), he tried to convince her he would turn himself in so she should delete the footage— I thought at first.. "Why would the footage need to be deleted if you're already gonna turn yourself in?" It didn't make sense to me.. then i realized, "HES DOING ALL THAT FOR GYU RI"

Like damn.. I knew he liked her, but ALL OF THIS IS BC OF HER?! The things you do for the girl you love... (even if she constantly manipulates and doesnt respect you)

He stole Minhee's phone while she was on the ground dying— at this point, I realized how badly i misjudged him— took the phone back to his place, packed his bags while smiling thinking hes getting away, then got stabbed by Kwakki or whatever hes called— then saved my Gyu Ri.

Also, why tf did he hire a minor that goes to his literal school?!!

In conclusion: I dont have the words to describe that I dont like him, but I understand him. he's a bltch but im not sure how i feel.

Seo Minhee: I felt so bad for her. She was still a cocky bully, but i couldn't help it.

I dont have much to say about her. she's just her.

But i genuinely believe she has some sort of personality disorder and definitely abandonment issues. (We know she has panic disorder blah blah blah)

A situation that flared me up a bit was when she got fired, went to claim her job "rights," and demanded to be hired back— but it was her fault she got fired. The client was on blacklist, and Mr. Lee was on his day off and she knew that. She did all of this for her psycho boyfriend.

Regardless, that's not my point. Why did she blame "uncle" when Mr. Lee got extremely hurt when she was the one that came that day, then wouldn't leave him Mr. Lee alone, which also caused Jisoo to be kidnapped. (Also, she wasn't even working before she got fired anyway?!)

She blamed everyone but herself for anything she did wrong. She's young, but she isn't incompetent 💔 still love her ❤️‍🩹

I feel like a part of her consciousness made her feel guilty, which is one of the reasons she stayed with Mr. Lee for so long (Dont sue me. it's just a show)
————
I dont even have a conclusion

This show is confusing to me— well.. I understand it, but i didn't understand why this and why that. Everything felt so slowly fast pased.

Tw: personal opinion

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Review of Extracurricular: A Masterpiece of Moral Ambiguity and Tragic Romance

Extracurricular is one of those rare K-dramas that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Its power lies not only in its gripping story and well-crafted suspense but in the way it challenges viewers’ sense of morality, justice, and empathy. The show masterfully turns traditional narratives on their heads, making us root for characters whose actions are undeniably wrong, even horrifying. It is a dark, unflinching exploration of human nature, trauma, and the desperate lengths people go to for survival and connection.

At the heart of the story is Jisoo, a seemingly unremarkable and introverted high school student whose double life is as an operator of an illegal escort business. Watching his journey is both fascinating and deeply unsettling. Early in the series, a moment where Jisoo breaks down and cries simply because someone treats him like a human being immediately evokes sympathy. This moment is critical—it reveals the deep loneliness and dehumanization he has endured. Yet, as the story progresses, we witness a transformation—or perhaps a revealing—of Jisoo’s darker nature. He moves from being a scared, vulnerable boy to orchestrating violent and ruthless decisions. Still, the show keeps him human, making it impossible not to root for him despite the awful things he does. This emotional conflict is where Extracurricular shines: it blurs the line between hero and villain so well that you are forced to confront your own sense of right and wrong.

Gyuri plays a pivotal role in this narrative, not just as a catalyst for Jisoo’s descent but as a complex character in her own right. While some viewers might blame her for “ruining” Jisoo’s life, the truth is far more nuanced. Gyuri’s motivations stem from a desperate desire to escape her troubled home life and regain some control in a chaotic world. Her rebellion and choices reflect deep pain and vulnerability, not malice. She and Jisoo share a messy, intense bond that defies simple categorization. Their relationship is as much about mutual recognition of each other’s brokenness as it is about love. It’s a raw, imperfect romance that fuels much of the show’s emotional tension. Their connection adds layers of tragedy and humanity, reminding us that even in the darkest circumstances, the need for connection remains powerful.

What makes Extracurricular truly exceptional is how it flips perspective. If we watched the story from the victims’ point of view—those exploited, threatened, and harmed—we would undoubtedly wish for justice and hope to see Jisoo and Gyuri face consequences. Yet the show traps us inside the protagonists’ minds, making us sympathize and even root for them. This narrative inversion creates a disturbing but brilliant tension that stays with you. It forces viewers to reckon with uncomfortable truths about empathy and the complexity of human behavior.

The show’s storytelling is complemented by its visual language. The progression from lighter, muted tones to darker, more oppressive scenes mirrors the moral decay and rising tension perfectly. Every frame contributes to the building sense of doom that feels inevitable but heartbreaking.

Finally, the ending of Extracurricular is a masterpiece of ambiguous storytelling. It resists the temptation to offer closure or neat resolutions, instead leaving viewers with haunting uncertainty. The open ending is not lazy writing but a deliberate artistic choice that invites reflection. It asks us to sit with the uncomfortable emotions of the story—the sadness, the loss, and the moral confusion—and to ponder what justice even means in such a broken world.

Although many fans would love a second season, the show’s impact lies in its singular, self-contained story. Extending it might dilute the painful beauty of its unresolved finale. Instead, Extracurricular stands as a tragic, unforgettable exploration of the human condition, where villains have reasons, love is flawed and complicated, and morality is never black and white.

In conclusion, Extracurricular is a haunting drama that challenges viewers to empathize with the unlikeliest of characters, confronts the messy realities behind “villainy,” and delivers a tragic romance that is as heartbreaking as it is authentic. It is a show that will stay with you—challenging your thoughts and emotions long after you finish watching.

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Not Bad

Good:
Compelling Premise: The premise of a high school student leading a double life adds layers of complexity to the storyline, providing ample opportunities for suspense and moral exploration.

Strong Performances: The cast delivers solid performances, with actors like Kim Dong-hee and Jung Da-bin bringing depth and authenticity to their roles, effectively capturing the emotional turmoil of their characters.

Intense Plot: The series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable twists and turns, weaving together multiple storylines to create a suspenseful and gripping narrative that hooks audiences from the start.

Bad:
Uneven Pacing: While the plot is intense, there are instances where the pacing feels uneven, with certain scenes dragging or feeling rushed. This inconsistency in pacing can disrupt the flow of the story and impact the overall viewing experience.

Underdeveloped Characters: While the main characters receive ample attention and development, some supporting characters feel underutilized and lack depth, leaving their motivations and actions feeling unclear or unexplained.

Limited Exploration: While the series touches on themes of morality and consequence, there are missed opportunities for deeper exploration and analysis, leaving certain aspects of the storyline feeling underdeveloped or unresolved.

Overall, "Extracurricular" offers a compelling premise and strong performances, but it is hindered by uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. Despite its flaws, it remains an engaging drama that will captivate audiences with its intense plot and suspenseful twists.

Rating: 7/10

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