High School Return of a Gangster

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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a genuine wholesome powerful drama that is absolutely worth watching!!!

At first glance it may look like a simple story, but once it starts, it pulls you in so smoothly that you don’t even realize how attached you’ve become to the characters. The drama balances comedy, emotions, and powerful moments in such a cool way that every episode feels entertaining and meaningful at the same time.
The biggest strength of this show is its characters. Not only the main lead, but even the side characters feel real and memorable. Their personalities, struggles, and growth are shown so well that you start rooting for them naturally. The acting from the entire cast is absolutely amazing and the chemistry between the characters makes many scenes feel both funny and heartfelt.
Another thing that makes this drama stand out is its vibe. It’s not just intense or serious all the time. It has many fun, light, and wholesome moments that make you smile (hyped up too) while also giving you scenes that hit emotionally when you least expect it.
And beneath all that entertainment, the story carries a really strong message. It reminds you that life can change if you don’t give up, that courage and determination matter, and that even difficult situations can lead to growth.
Overall, this drama is cool, entertaining, emotional, and genuinely satisfying from start to finish. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh, makes you care about the characters, and leaves you feeling inspired by the end.

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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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Pleasantly surprised

I usually read reviews (with caution) because I’m tired of watching disappointing shows. I was definitely wary of this one since a few people were weirded out by the whole “40+ year-old” aspect of it, lol. But let me tell you — the show doesn’t try to portray anything indecent or morally ambiguous like that at all.

I didn’t realize Chan Young was from All of Us Are Dead, but now I can confidently say he’s a phenomenal actor. Not once did I see a high schooler when he was supposed to be Deuk Pal. His calm indifference toward his admirers also reflects how he sees Se Kyung — for those worried about the BL aspect of it, there’s nothing inappropriate here.

(Spoilers below)
For a show to be truly worth watching, it has to be entertaining or leave you with something to think about — a lesson, a feeling, or a new perspective. This one did that for me. These are kids, after all; they make mistakes and deserve second chances. Jaemin’s redemption arc was especially well-constructed. It didn’t feel abrupt or forced, and it ended up being one of the best parts of the series.

The show’s composition feels almost storyboarded. The scenes flow with a strong sense of visual continuity, and nothing feels like filler or a plot hole. I can understand why some viewers didn’t like the ending, but I usually approach those with an open mind — it’s hard to please everyone. Personally, any ending works for me as long as the story justifies it, and this one did.

We didn’t get to see much of Yiheon, so I understand why the story chose to let Deuk Pal live his life instead. As Yiheon said, he had already decided to leave the world, so everything we watched was more like closure — for him and for those who wronged him. I’m not entirely sure how Deuk Pal fits into this new life, but considering he was the heart of the story, it made sense to me.

I would’ve liked it even more if it had leaned a bit into the BL aspect — maybe Yiheon coming back and Se Kyung confessing. Throughout the show, it already felt like there was a genuine bond between them, and Se Kyung’s feelings for him were clear. Turns out he was just guilty for not helping him. Still, we can’t always get what we want, and what we did get was still heartfelt and complete in its own way.

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BROMANCE!!!

FREAKING LOVE THIS ❤️ 😍

I'm not a big fan of romance stuffs. So at first I was looking for a drama with no romance and I found this by chance. I knew this drama from a fb post and I searched it to see what type of drama is it. And I have watched it just in 1 day.

I can say that this is one of the most motivational high school drama. Not only for studies but also for life. I love their friendship ❤️

The most important thing is there is no romance. I've been fed up with those high-school romance sweet dramas and this one is exceptional.

And I want to say one thing. It's okay if you see the reviews comments before watching any darama series. But most importantly don't think that drama is boring and that one is good based on other's thoughts. Cause it's different for person to person. So watch yourself and decide. Good luck!

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The show immediately captured my attention within the first 20 minutes of episode 1. It started off with such strength and delivered a satisfying ending. Yoon Chanyoung and Bong Jaehyun, the lead actors, performed exceptionally well and their chemistry was overflowing with intensity. Initially hesitant due to the removal of the BL element, I found that this change actually enhanced the story's flow, especially considering the maturity gap between the grown adult leads and a literal teenager.

If anyone insists on romanticizing a relationship between a man nearing 50 and a 19-year-old teenager, perhaps it's time for some self-reflection because that is deeply concerning to me.

Beyond the characters, the show imparted valuable lessons. Firstly, it taught us that when someone is truly tired of their life, regardless of any changes in their lives, may it be good changes, nothing can change their mind. If they are tired, they are tired. Secondly, it emphasized that adults are not always right, and standing up for oneself in front of adults is not only acceptable but sometimes necessary. Third, it tackles verbal and emotional abuse. My heart goes to, Sekyung and Yiheon. They deserve better parents.

Moreover, the show featured one of the most compelling redemption arcs I've seen, adding another layer of depth to its narrative.

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Out of all the people I've met, you were the most admirable friend and adult.

High School Return of a Gangster is one of the cases when you find joy when you least expected it. I decided to give it a try solely because of Lee Seo Jin because it's been a long time since I saw him act. I don't like school settings in dramas and I usually try my best to avoid them. But now I have found a new drama to add to my favourites list and I cannot be happier.

The thing is, the drama is not what I expected to be, I thought I'd be watching a revenge of the ML againtst the bullies and that would be the main focus. He deals with the bullies within two episodes and that's where the real shit begins. The story shows how one person can change the lives of many if he wants to. It's a story about personal growth, toxic parenting, loyalty and strong firendships. It was serious when it had to be, it had sublte comedic moments, overall a perfect balanced plot that is hard to find in kdramas nowadays.

I heard that the webtoon is BL and even though I'm a big fan, I loved how they decided to exclude that part here. Because the bromance was on fire. The dynamics between Deuk Pal and Se Kyung at the beginning were so intense but they ended up creating the strongest friendship to ever exist.

And let's talk about some REAL character development here. I loved how each character went through some changes and they changed for the better. For some, it was harder and slower. I hated Hong Jae Min with passion ever since he appeared on the screen. In the end, he was one of my favourite characters. The drama makes you believe that there's always a room for change, you just have to want it.

Deuk Pal will forever stay in my heart as one of the strongest, most adimrable character. His charimatic persona lead the drama so seemlessly, he was full of heart and love for the people around him, he stands steady on his feet but he's lil softie who's also insecure about a lot of things. A man who respects the people around him but is never scared to use his sharp tongue and tell you the truth straight to your face in the most brutal way. I loved how he wasn't perfect in any way and that's what made him humane.

I don't know what's going on with these young actors but damnnn they did so well. Yoon Chan Young is such a talanted boy, he had a very difficult task and he did it perfectly.

Overall, a must-watch! The drama is very addicting, it's short and new things happen in every episode. The story progresses quickly and keeps you wanting for more. And most importantly, the ending actually made sense so you won't have a bitter taste in your mouth after finishing it.

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