The Midnight Romance in Hagwon

People who are into slow paced romance will definitely love the drama. ❤️

A slow - paced , meaningful , realistic and picture perfect drama series . The chemistry between the main lead's is just chef's kiss the way the emotion's are potrayed are purely raw and near to real life a love story between teacher and student a sacred love who will not love it i absolutely do and the education system and the level of competition to thrive in the social circle and stand above is shown very nicely and fantastically overally 100 % needed drama in today's mordern society .

Only i felt bad about was the ending , it was lil fast and not much clear.

Still AN MUST WATCH SERIES ........
I RECOMMEND ...... !!!!

Read More

A well-paced and interesting inside look at Korean afterschool academies

I started “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon” with no expectations at all and avoided it when it was first aired since I am not too big of a fan of noona romance. But I’m glad I watched it due to a Bingo challenge, as I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.

Having the word ‘romance’ in its title probably has set up some expectations for romance-lovers to then feel a little disappointed. Although the romance is cute and sweet for an episode or so, the majority of the time, the drama focuses on the inner workings and politics within the afterschool academies/tutoring centers. If you are not interested in this subject, it’s best to not watch this drama, otherwise, you would be bored.

Luckily, I was quite interested in learning about the academies. It’s having a different look into Korea’s education system, and a different point-of-view from another Korean drama, “Sky Castle” which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. “Sky Castle” focuses on rich families getting their kids into prestigious academies and colleges. “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon” focuses on the teachers and the rivalries between teachers and academies, with a much smaller emphasis on students and families. I have a feeling this drama might be more popular domestically than internationally. I also think the Korean audience understands and appreciates Korean literature and poems.

The first episode sucked me right in with an interesting conflict that shows up in the second half of the drama again and brings great tension between the characters. I like the progression and evolution of the relationship between Seo Hye Jin (FL) and Lee Jun Ho (ML). I also like how their romance evolves as well from sweet and cute to supportive and mature. The leads have great chemistry and I never felt weird watching this noona romance. Their interaction is natural, explosive when needed, and awkwardly cute as well.

Maybe because I did not binge this in one go, I find the drama well-paced with enough twists and turns to keep me interested and engaged throughout. I was rooting for Lee Jun Ho’s success with his daring and innovative ways of teaching. I was rooting and praying hard that the nerdy school teacher will remain true to his teaching ideals and not turn to the ‘dark side’. I was frustrated (but not surprised) of the downfall and am angry with the leads for how things turned out.

My favorite part is seeing three different teachers’ love for their students, wanting success for them yet going about teaching in very different ways and different ideals. My favorite scenes are the big blowups. The nerdy school teacher with FL in episode 1, the big argument of the main leads in ep 11, and finally as all three of them sit down and chat emotionally and passionately. I see where each of them is coming from, and agree with them all to a certain extent. Depending on whether you are a teacher, a student or a parent, you agree with each of them to a different degree.

I also really like the acting of the cast, both the main leads, the supporting cast and especially the veterans. I’m pleasantly surprised by So Ju Yeon’s portrayal of the confident teacher, Nam Cheong Mi. I’ve seen her in roles as high school students, and am glad to see her act as a confident and sassy 30-year old teacher.

I really don’t have any major criticisms of this drama and am quite surprised it has a rating of 7.7, which is quite low for Korean dramas. I just found the songs to be overly played, as much as I like them (the opening theme has a Beatle’s vibe to it). Other reasons for the low rating: 1) maybe the focus of the academies is too much/boring and not a popular topic, 2) maybe the romance is somewhat slow burn and not rewarding enough thus, not disappointing many, 3) maybe the downfall is too predictable, as we all know it’s going to happen sooner or later.

No matter the reason, I personally enjoy “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon”. I’ll recommend this drama if you are interested in learning more about the academies/tutoring centers, or a romance that’s a little different and evolves and matures as the series goes.



Completed: 1/19/2025 - Review #534

Read More

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

It is a truth universally acknowledged amongst drama viewers(at least from what I`ve seen) that mundane depictions of real life work struggles are a boring watch. I did not expect much. But `Midnight Romance in Hagwon` was a lovely surprise.

Before starting all my reviews, I make it a point to thank everyone involved with making a drama happen. From directors, writers, cast, staff, words of thanks go out to you for your hard work.

I will say this outright - I am a fan of Ahn Pan Seok, the director of this drama. He directed some of my favorite dramas of all time(Secret Love Affair, One Spring Night) and his lens once again did wonders on this project. Firstly, I like watching his dramas in the wintertime, as they often feel like a cushy blanket enveloping you, comforting and warm. Add to that a scolding cup of hot chocolate and that is - to me - the perfect way to describe most, if not all, of his projects. This time around though, terrific actors Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon join this combo, and well...I cannot escape my bias.

I really liked this drama. It isn`t perfect, but then again, if you`re going into a Ahn Pan Seok project expecting your usual fare of dramatics...you`re going into it with a wrong mindset.

Here`s the thing. I totally understand when people say they find this flavor of dramas boring. I GET IT. The way these dramas are shot is very rudimentary, the conversations can be meandering and most of the time, they are. There`s not one specific character that you don`t feel conflicted over. The soundtracks are so repetitive and they are always of the same genre. See, I do get it. And yet...all of these things somehow work for me. Thing is, you truly do rarely see slice of life dramas that ACTUALLY feel like real life. And that`s usually their charm. I call it LIFE - KDRAMA EDITION. But when it comes to this drama, and dramas by the same director...we as viewers are aware it is a drama, but at the same time, it does feel like we are observing real people living their lives. We are afforded a glimpse into their day to day as we get passing shots of people going to a station, sleeping etc. and it still feels purposeful, important to the narrative itself. Even though, in truth, I don`t know that those shots would do anything for a casual viewer. It`s the definition of director`s indulgence. And I truly respect it. These days it`s very rare to look at a drama and be able to figure out a specific style. And he almost always manages to involve talented actors who get to, in turn, practice and flex their acting chops with roles that are too seldom found. The acting here is no exception. It is natural, effortless and engaging. I`ve seen many complaints from people saying Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo Won have no chemistry but I vehemently disagree. I do think the romance could have been more pronounced(it is one of my critiques) but as for the chemistry itself, it was absolutely present. But besides them, I find other characters(such as the director, White Haired Witch, as well as other teachers in DC academy) just as fascinating. They all do have layers and issues ascribed to them and not one of them is entirely terrible. It is a workplace drama through and through, so be aware of this fact. I personally found it relatable as someone who worked in educational spaces, but for those who don`t care much about this flavor of workplace romance, I would stay away. This is where things get spotty. And that is due to the writing.

Speaking of, though I`ve just praised the writing for great characterization, the actual conflict of the story in the last few episodes does land a bit...flat. It is quite realistic in its portrayal of educational systems in Korea, from what I`ve seen, but in terms of actually serving the purpose a conflict should serve, it is rather..meh. Wish I could have picked a better word for it but it is the definition of `meh`. Especially since another conflict with far more weight, is present and could have been deepened for better effect, but that would be going into spoilers. I do wonder if the conflict I mention was meant to be the main one, but halfway through script revisions it was scrapped or minimized. Regardless, due to this, the writing does range from great to somewhat confusing. And the soundtrack... I know some find it annoying, downright torturous, that this is one of the main signs you are watching a Ahn Pan Seok`s drama, but...I`m sorry, I do love it. They are always cozy, indie reminiscent soundtracks that carry a feeling of passing sweetness and add to the actual mood of the drama. And because we are often relegated to a few tracks, they are used with a purpose too.

Perhaps this review was all over the place, yet I do feel compelled to go easier on dramas I think deserve a higher rating, and this is one of them. Truth be told, I understand why people are hesitant/unaware/not keen on this drama. But, as one of the seven people who really seem to like it, if what I wrote so far piques your interest or you are a fan of dramas such as `One Spring Night` and `Something in the Rain`, this is a good contender for those melancholic winter days full of unspoken nostalgia.

Read More

A masterpiece ✨

Finished watching today, this drama is one of those dramas that grow into you with time and that will leave you reflecting a lot, it’s so realistic that it feels like you are living with them and witnessing their day to day life, the human stories inside and outside the academy feel so heartwarming and relatable and the actors and especially the main leads did an excellent job in their roles, their romance felt mature and realistic and still manage to give you butterflies even for the old audiences past 30 like me, i enjoyed watching it a lot and it’s going to be a drama that is among the classics of the kdrama land ✨

Read More

Midnight Romance is Romancing!

Ok! Initially I came to watch this for the romace but the way they did it felt too artificial. (granted this is a drama but you get the point) 🐣

The somewhat rushed of a switch that happened when the FL started to like him with no prior delving into the process of her starting to see him as someone that she might want to have a romantic relationship with, bypassing her set image of him being just an (special) ex-student is one of the flaws.

She feels obligated to "look out for" And we actually never see that change of view till later on. From the get go I didn't like her way of keeping him within waters that she knows is safe. We could encounter this during the literal first plot point of the drama~ her making and trying to persuade him not to take on the academy job and she goes through drastic measures to achieve it. She does apologize later on and "give the diploma" To him But still, it feels too late for that change to happen.

The other character that got me into watching this drama was the tale of The education system related story. To see the FL navigate it with the ML but I was appalled to see that those themes completely get thrown to the back burner when the romace started. Don't get me wrong I love romace but in a mature themed(romance) drama like this it is hard to pull it off by doing just that without it feeling bland. All is not lost though as by the ending EPs that part is brought back however this time more as a plot mechanism than anything else.

Now for the good.
Though the romance felt rushed the chemistry of the main leads was there! I Couldnt stop smiling in eposodes where they might do something as simple as taking a late night stroll. The characters (leads) were not overly exaggerated.The drama doesn't directly slap you in the face with the age gap or keep reminding you of it. Instead it shows the difference through how the characters think and act. there were times where the ML and FL Disagree. The dialogues tell those differences in how each take the argument.
Not to mention the fact that the ML is actually not shown as someone who is just completely free spirited but to some extent riddled with similar ideas and thoughts similar to the FL.What makes him "young" Isn't his age but the ambition that is of a bloomed flower in spring while it contrasts to her more restricted rusted courage to do the same.

Some other charms
~ The lead couple relationship built on mutual trust and never letting go of it.
~They handle misunderstandings and disagreements by communication without frustrating each other and the viewer of seeing it happen again and again.
~ The side characters are not annoying and doesn't feel too animated.
~ The usual family opposing stuff is non existent though they do show some what of a disagreement but is respectful to the FL.
~ As with other dramas from this director, this drama is also visually calming and pretty. + good Ost
~adorable side couple though they don't get much screen time.
~Filled with characters that tell you how strong Loyalty and morale can be.

All in all I love them ok! 😭😭😭❤

Read More

A Quiet, Realistic Drama That Many Misjudge

This drama does not rely on unrealistic fantasy elements, chaebol male leads, or exaggerated emotional twists. Instead, it focuses on ordinary people, teachers navigating the harsh and competitive hagwon system in Korea. Their struggles feel grounded, believable, and painfully realistic. The series chooses authenticity over spectacle, and that choice will not appeal to everyone. And that’s okay.

The romance is subtle and mature. It doesn’t develop through dramatic breakups or forced misunderstandings, but through shared values, mutual respect, and quiet support. The relationship doesn’t “fix” the system and that is precisely the point. Love here is not a magical solution. It simply helps the characters endure reality without losing themselves.

Many criticize the ending for not delivering a world-changing resolution or an emotional catharsis. But the characters were never meant to overthrow the system or achieve grand victories. What they gain instead is something quieter: integrity. They remain true to their principles, protect their humanity, and stay together without compromising who they are. For me, that is a meaningful and realistic happy ending.

This drama is not made for viewers seeking escapism or emotional rollercoasters. It’s not for everyone. But for those who appreciate quiet storytelling, social realism, and emotionally intelligent relationships, it offers something rare.

At first, I also thought it might be too slow. I skipped ahead a lot in the first few episodes. But once I stopped rushing through it and actually paid attention, it clicked. If you dropped this drama because you thought it was boring or because you were expecting a heavily romance-focused story, I urge you to consider rewatching it with a different mindset.

Read More

Hypnotic in a positve way

I would have never thought this drama would be so enaging.
I started watchin it with in mind the reviews calling it slow, at times boring, to centered on school issues rather than love despite of the title.
In a way all these reviews were right except for considering it boring.
Every single dialogue is so interisting no matter what the topic is. I found myself completely absorbed in every single scene.
And the love story permeates the whole drama.
It's a love story between adults, so don't expect lovey dovey scenes, rainbows and butterlies, but love and warmth is still there and it made my heart beat a little faster.
The other positive thing is that the characters are quite realistic. You won't find prince charming solving all the problems or the perfect FL that succedes in everything she does. Here we have "real" people with all their flaws and weaknesses.

Read More

Because night time is the right time, to be with the one you love, with the one you love

Korean language teacher Seo Hye Jin (a fantastic and stunning Jung Ryeo Won) is the spearhead of the Daechi-chase Academy, a private after-school institute (Hagwon, in fact) in the Gangnam district of Seoul, dedicated to strengthening and improving the academic development of students of various age levels;
Entirely dedicated to her work, Hye Jin sees her life take a sensational twist when Lee Joon-ho (Wi Ha Joon, outstanding), her former best pupil, reappears. After giving up his career in a major company, he decides to become a teacher at the same school, with unpredicted consequences...

‘Midnight Romance In Hagwon’ is a beautifully delicate rom-com, capable of treating such a complex and burning theme as the articulated Korean school system, undoubtedly competitive and varied in its labirynthic set of rules, dogmas, social conventions and fierce struggles, all aimed at reaching the top of society itself. The drama, at the same time, is capable of touching us thanks to a captivating love story that escapes the banalities of the most predictable and sugar-coated romance, offering us an adult and decidedly structured relationship, also hindered by social conventions, work principles and even methodological differences.

The Daechi-chase Academy represents a kind of working microcosm where, along with the planned teaching structure, there is also a kind of subterranean ‘internal’ infighting within the Hagwon itself, where ‘there are no friends, everyone is in competition’ (summarised, in one of the clever dialogues, by the metaphor of hyenas and the ‘meal’) and where co-workers are ready to take advantage of any weaknesses of their own in order to advance their careers; certain founding principles of Confucianism are always emphasised, both for the role of teachers and for that of students.

Respect for hierarchy and seniority, the importance of teamwork rather than the individual's path, is portrayed, but almost as an antithesis to this, perfecting education and trying to improve oneself is given a central role, apparently individualistic concept, but accepted, as competition with others, for the best grades and for a job, which is also a better one, is a kind of ‘social lift’ necessary to reach the top of the hierarchical ranks of Korean society itself.

So intense is the competition between the different Hagwons (there are so many of them considering the extent of Seoul and its urban areas) that spy-story techniques to snatch secrets and steal each other's best students often reserve more than a few cheap shots to belittle and discredit the competitors.

In this kind of no-holds-barred law of the jungle, where profit and personal enrichment rule, a kind of feud evolves between the Daechi-chase Academy and the Choiseon Academy, led by the infamous Choi Hyung-sun, known as the White-haired Witch.

In this ill-concealed hypocritical society, closed and dominated by exasperated rhythms and widespread frustrations, both on the teachers‘ and pupils’ side, the figure of Seo Hye Jin -stunningly portrayed by Jung Ryeo Won- ends up being overwhelmed by the uncontainable vitality of Joon-ho (Wi Ha-joon, absolutely perfect in a part one couldn't imagine for anyone else);

The teacher Seo leads a methodical (and boring, it has to be said!) life, consisting of 16 hours of work a day, six days a week, with no traces of private life and no personal relationships, except for a couple of friends -he runs a pub, she is a lawyer-, with practically no relations with family members (there is a hint here and there in conversations with colleagues, but nothing more) and, above all, no sex life;

In the first episodes, we find ourselves following this robotic routine of meetings, scheduling, lectures, insights and sad lonely re-entries into an anonymous house that is almost a ‘non-place’ where Hye-jin seems to return just to sleep, which is a bit of a paradigm shift compared to so many beloved dramas where the house is often the focus of events or narrative plot twists.

It will be Joon-Hoo's unbridled and in some ways brazen audacity that will progressively undermine Hye-jin's convictions; not only the certainties of feelings, and here the noona-romance, as mentioned above, avoids the classic loopholes of the typical rom-com, also giving us a moment of extraordinary and very reserved emotional authenticity, but also -above all!?- the preponderant work vicissitudes, dealt with in some of the drama's topical moments, which offer a confrontation-clash of the highest level, where the dilemma over teaching methodologies instils the seed of doubt in the own Teacher Seo:

Whereas Hye Jin applies an almost mnemonic system where the pupil is directed to learn ‘by memory’ certain mechanisms of comprehension and learning, Joon-ho's style is more ‘ thoughtful’ where there is also a quest to convey passion for the literary subject.

Are the students, almost like machines, to learn and that's all, by memorising passages from books, practising calculating the probability of the questions in the tests, evidently ‘forgetting’ everything immediately after the exams, or are they to become passionate about the subject, perhaps with the opportunity (as in the case of Joon-Ho himself) to become the teachers of tomorrow?

It should not be forgotten that the Hagwons are extremely expensive schools, with families prepared to make considerable sacrifices in order to see a bright future for their children; parents demand the best from teachers and the discourse of ‘experimentation’ cannot prevail over the certainty of academic achievements.

The moment the boiling pot of the ‘clandestine’ relationship is discovered, and professional ethics in the workplace are called into question, the stigmatisation of the two teachers begins, victims not only of the oppressive work rules, but also of those previously mentioned founding principles that foment jealousy, hypocrisy and false respectability, where artfully fuelled slander can disrupt anyone's life...

I have already mentioned Jung Ryeo Won's superlative performance; her characterisation of Teacher Seo is so articulate, she has so many aspects, contradictions, weaknesses, but also resilience against adversity, that it is impossible not to be moved by the portrait of a 34-year-old woman who, confronted with the evidence of changes in her life and work, she finds herself rethinking all her principles and values pursued up to that point; that this sort of emotional switch is triggered by the vitality of the young (6 years younger) Joon-Ho is evidence of great narrative script.

There is, in my opinion, a certain affinity with the same emotional mechanisms of the beautiful ‘Encounter’, where youthful fervour, cheekiness and, let's face it, the right amount of arrogance deriving from one's enthusiastic confidence, prevails over a heavy, boring and, I would emphasise, grey ‘comfort zone’ of frozen maturity...

A great Wi Ha Joon, who is also perfectly mature in a very complex role, able to avoid the risk of falling into easy clichés and boring mannerisms, portrays a splendid character who is not afraid to shout his feelings to the world, not only making a breach in his beloved's heart, but, as a novel knight, defending her with his sword in the hardest moments, especially in the last episodes...

Their private, personal moments are beautiful, underlined by sincerely romantic and moving dialogues, almost ‘literary’ but never pedantic, capable of involving and melting even the least predisposed hearts thanks, it is important to specify, to a nocturnal scenario that often finds the two main characters almost ‘isolated’ from the rest of the world and that, at least for me, recalls certain classics of the past…

It has to be said that among the top-notch cast, I personally did not find the character of Choi Hyung-Sun, the so-called ‘witch’ played by Seo Jung-Yeon so interesting; she seemed a bit too caricatural, almost cartoonesque, a bit like Cruella De Vil, a bit like Miranda Priestly, far too mannered in characterisation...

Much better is Kim Jung-Young in the role of Assistant Director Woo, who is able to make her character grow exponentially with the dramatic progression of the story; she is a decidedly interesting character, fuelled by a resentment that has poisoned her life and who, when confronted with the main characters of the tale, reveals all her mediocrity.

I mention the excellent Kim Song-Il in the role of Professor Pyo Sang-Seob; these are those difficult characters, perhaps considered ‘marginal’ in the economy of the story, but which reveal unexpected qualities even with very few lines; his professional ethics, seemingly old-fashioned and mistreated, more for his attitude or his character disposition than for anything else (once again, appearances are mistaken for certainties), is instead surprisingly re-evaluated in the light of the extraordinary free lesson that the teacher offers his pupils; a truly outstanding piece of acting talent!

Personal curiosity: Between the office and the home of director Kim Hyun-Tak (Kim Jong-Tae), a film lover, one notices the framed posters of various films such as ‘Christmas In August’ and my much-loved ‘The Contact’ (with the goddess Jeon Do Yeon).

Of course, the drama is not completely perfect, in my opinion it gets a little lost in some conclusions that are not quite focused, between a catfight that is perhaps liberating (there is a lot of pent-up anger throughout the drama) but quite exaggerated, a second younger couple of low interest that has more of a function of lightening the narrative tension, and even the role of some students, at the beginning quite highlighted, is a little sidelined;
there is also an invasive use of the music, at the umpteenth ‘Open to page sixty four (don't forget about me)’, a bit like Carla Bruni's obsessive cover of Tammy Wynette in ‘Something In The Rain’, your blood pressure goes up a bit, but whatever, the soundtrack as a whole is pleasant and well structured.

As usual, there seems to be a need to make all the pieces fit together for an ideal closure, but nothing changes the magic of the story, which may not appear immediately engaging (the dialogues are definitely articulated and must be followed with a lot of attention) but which knows how to conquer, thanks to the wonderful work of the two main performers; let yourself be carried away by the emotions and you will be adequately rewarded, this drama will win you over!
8 ½

Read More

If You Like Slow Burn!

I absolutely loved "The Midnight Romance in Hagwon". As a die-hard fan of Ahn Pan Seok’s directing, this drama hit all the right notes for me. The melodramatic feel paired with stunning cinematography showcases Ahn Pan Seok’s signature style perfectly. The OSTs were also top-notch, enhancing every emotional moment.

As a noona romance enthusiast, I was thrilled with the solid, slow-burn romance between Lee Joon Ho and Seo Hye Jin. Although the romance wasn’t front and center all the time, the moments we got were deeply satisfying and well-executed.

The portrayal of academy life and the conflicts between teaching styles in schools and private academies were brilliantly done. The drama beautifully highlights the challenges faced by academy teachers, especially through the character of Seo Hye Jin as she navigates the complexities of teaching ideals.

Overall, "The Midnight Romance in Hagwon" is a gem. It offers a unique blend of romance, drama, and insightful commentary on the education system. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates nuanced storytelling and well-developed characters.

Read More