High School Return of a Gangster

Unexpected gem, a definite must watch

I honestly started off with no expectations, the title seemed meh, the synopsis was slightly interesting, and I had only expected to see lots of fighting and revenge.

But this series really exceeded all expectations, there was fighting, yes, but lots of teachings and stories that the audience could really connect to. Especially those who might have family issues similar to those of our two main leads. The series touches on so many topics, and they really delve deep into them, and it brought me to tears countless times. Redemption, bravery, learning to be independent, learning to break free of control .. It was a brutal eye-opening to how a terrible up-bringing could ruin the lives of countless children, and how Deuk Pal's guidance literally brought them back to the right paths.

For my fellow BL fans, as we know this is adapted from a BL novel, but they turned it into a bromance (super unfortunately I might add). I've always enjoyed bromance series as well as BL ones, as they give off quite a different vibe for me. I really did enjoy that there is no romance in the series, and I imagine having it would make the story turn out quite different with a possible stronger focus on the love-line. That's why I usually treat any bromance adaptation as separate from their source material - which also means I will be on a desperate hunt to find a place where I can read the original novel in English (pls anyone help with this?)

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one of the best kdramas I’ve watched

(firstly, English is not my mothertongue so I might have some grammar mistakes )

it’s truly one of the best kdramas I’ve watched (even though I haven’t watched that much kdramas yet). everything was so good. I started it with no expectations and it really surprised me in a good way.

it was sooo funny like I’ve never laughed that much in a serie. I’ve loved every single character and I’ve really liked how we’ve got a backstory of everyone. Jae-min’s character development warmed my heart. everyone were so cute even the gangsters or the bullies (especially jaemin). The casting was also really good I especially loved how Yoon chanyoung has the main role, he was so good in this role (and so fine ).
anyway I really recommend it .

I know that I’m kinda late like it was released a year ago but it’s because I just started watching k dramas two months ago so I’m new, also I’m not really good at explaining my thoughts but I tried to do my best so plz bear with me :)

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If you've been traumatized by shows like Reborn Rich I'd recommend this show.

I thought this was gonna be a sort of comedy/action/revenge show but the emotional punch hit me in the gut.
If you've been traumatized by shows like Reborn Rich and I Belong to Your World, I'd recommend this show.

//violence, blood, bullying, child abuse (emotional abuse), substance abuse, gang violence, car accident, suicide, suicidal ideation, cussing, kidnapping, adultery

//major spoilers//
I did lowkey ship the MC (gangster) and his best friend (the prosecutor's son). ---- Lmao, I looked it up and turns out the original work is a BL but they changed it to a bromance for the adaptation. So the queer coded vibes were on purpose. Considering that, I do think they went weirdly far in the opposite direction: giving the MC 2 female love interests and having one of the last things he says include "wanna go meet some girls?". They could've kept it ambiguous and the straight love interests were not necessary. Those 2 had more chemistry than any of the potential het couples.
//********************************//
When the gang's chairman realized it was his adoptive son in the kid's body! When his old subordinate realized! And he actually told them the truth instead of what the MC did in Reborn Rich! I think this healed a lot of my wounds from Reborn Rich actually loll.
The plot twist at the end!!! The kid's soul moving on instead of the gangster's!! I sobbed when I realized!! I thought it was gonna have a similar ending to Reborn Rich or I Belong to Your World and I braced myself for that. Which means I was entirely unprepared when they reveal that he was going instead! I don't think I've cried that much to a drama in a while! And I'd somehow managed to not cry during this entire show and then the end got me!
I like the ending though, I'm glad he (the gangster) was able to continue living in the kid's body and I think the ending scene was them in college? So I'm happy everyone got their happy ending.

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AMAZING ?

This Korean movie is a masterclass in storytelling, proving that sometimes less is more. Clocking in at a shorter runtime than most films, it manages to deliver an emotional punch that left me in tears. The narrative is precise and focused, avoiding unnecessary subplots and instead honing in on its core message with a level of intensity that lingers long after the credits roll.

What makes this film stand out is its ability to convey deep emotions without overstaying its welcome. Every scene feels purposeful, every line of dialogue meaningful, creating a compact yet powerful experience. The characters are beautifully drawn, and their struggles and joys resonate on a deeply human level.

However, as perfect as the movie is, I couldn't help but imagine how a BL (Boys' Love) adaptation could have added an extra layer of depth. The delicate exploration of love and relationships is something that BL films often excel at, and this story seems ripe for that kind of interpretation. A BL version could have brought even more tenderness and complexity to the narrative, making it resonate even more with fans of the genre.

In conclusion, this movie is a gem—short, precise, and emotionally charged. It’s a film that doesn’t need a long runtime to tell a compelling story. While it’s already excellent, a BL adaptation could have made it a perfect ten in my book.

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When a Gangster Becomes Your Best Buddy

Prior to starting the review, I'd like to say that I'd known this show for quite a time, but never got the right time to watch it. My friend also did recommend it to me before I turned down her offer. Later, while I was skimming MDL, I looked through the show's page again and became intrigued once more, given that I didn't have anything to watch except the trashy 'Eat Run Love'.

The plot is focused on a 47-year-old gangster Kim Deuk-pal. Aspiring to enter the college, he was good with anything but fighting. One night, he encountered a high school student Song Yi-heon, who wanted to commit suicide due to constant bullying and his inability to befriend Choi Se-kyung, his classmate. Kim Deuk-pal succeeded in saving Yi-heon, but his soul got swapped and entered Yi-heon's body, while his own body was dead. Determining to accomplish the goals Yi-heon had set before, Deuk-pal decided to take this treacherous path and protect what mattered to him.

Based on my experience, I can see that the script is quite decent, but not really that outbreaking if you compare to other dramas revolving around fighting. Nonetheless, the soul swap is a bonus point and I also love Yi-heon and Se-kyung's interaction.

As for acting, I don't have much to say but AWESOME. Rising actor Yoon Chan-young is definitely shining in his respective roles, as the cheerful yet caring gangster and as the brooding and depressed teenager. Bong Jae-hyun (Golden Child) also does equally well and their friendship is one of the best aspects of this show. Shout out to those who play Deuk-pal's underlings too. They're too funny to resist and the way they are clueless of Deuk-pal's real identity is freaking hilarious.

Overall, it is a must watch and I regret not starting it sooner. Gotta go right now, so good luck and happy watching!!

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A masterpiece

Absolutely brilliant. Both the writing and the acting was so incredible. This drama brought out so many emotions and was executed so well. The first half of the first ep had me wondering whether to keep watching, but as it went on I just couldn't get enough. This drama made me laugh, this drama made me cry, it was such a masterpiece! I commend the writers for creating such a work of art and ending it so perfectly! I commend the actors for delivering such an excellent Performance! I was just blown away and did not go into this drama expecting to love it as much as I did, but I envy everyone who is able to watch it for the first time!

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A badass (amazing) drama, gives weak hero class vibes (but less dark)

7/1/24 : First episode, last minutes till the end of it and I am all exited !!
Like toes curling, hands griping the seat... Love the vibe, love this start
I really had to take a break to write this and share !!

7/1/24 : Halfway through it and It's still so cool to watch

7/2/24 : More than half into it, I didn't change my mind. This drama is so cool. I don't have words, It's seems like I lost all my vocabulary with this one and I can't be more precise but it's the kind of drama I want to share and talk about, I want to watch it with someone, love it with somebody.

7/2/24 : The drama is amazing. Even tho it's not the final I wanted and expected, it's still good and it's still hard to let go of the characters. I'm still crying right now because I get attached to ML and I'm so sad there is a end for me. I'd like to know so much more, stay some more to discover more of his personality and the friendships he built just being a wonderful human being.
For sure I'm going to rewatch this

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