This review may contain spoilers
The Ultimate Political Face Off in a Schoolyard
What a Show!!
This was hands down one of the most entertaining and unique dramas i have watched this year. From E1 to 8, not a single moment felt dull or dragged, it was consistently engaging and sharp.
I absolutely loved the concept of using a high school election as a miniature version of real life korean politics. The way they mirrored actual political processes, candidate selection, campaigning, approval ratings, final speeches, was done so well. But it didnt stop there. The show also reflected the darker realities of politics, deception, betrayal, strategic manipulation and character attacks. It was a smart, well layered satire wrapped in a school setting.
The performances were fantastic across the board, especially by the ML Noh Sehun and SML Kwak Sang Hyeon. Both the SML and the third ML Yang Won Dae were contenders for the student president position and both were manipulative, sly and strategic. While Kwak Sang Hyeon was more overtly evil, Yang Won Dae wasnt far behind. Still, between the two, the Yang Won Dae felt like the lesser evil and the better choice.
The ML Noh Sehun himself was more of a clumsy, passive figure throughout, with most of the political drama playing out between the SML Kwak Sang Hyeon and third ML Yang Won Dae. But Noh Sehun's final move, exposing the Kwak Sang Hyeon was so satisfying. Aside from the Noh Sehun, my favorite character was Kang Jae Won, one of the SML’s underlings and a kind hyung to the Noh Sehun. I loved his character development the most.
I also loved how the show used red and blue to represent the two election camps, just like south korea’s major political parties. It was such a thoughtful, symbolic detail.
Overall, Im Running Mate is one of the most refreshing and original school dramas i have seen, a bold break from the usual school bullying tropes.
10/10 for how much i enjoyed every episode!!
This was hands down one of the most entertaining and unique dramas i have watched this year. From E1 to 8, not a single moment felt dull or dragged, it was consistently engaging and sharp.
I absolutely loved the concept of using a high school election as a miniature version of real life korean politics. The way they mirrored actual political processes, candidate selection, campaigning, approval ratings, final speeches, was done so well. But it didnt stop there. The show also reflected the darker realities of politics, deception, betrayal, strategic manipulation and character attacks. It was a smart, well layered satire wrapped in a school setting.
The performances were fantastic across the board, especially by the ML Noh Sehun and SML Kwak Sang Hyeon. Both the SML and the third ML Yang Won Dae were contenders for the student president position and both were manipulative, sly and strategic. While Kwak Sang Hyeon was more overtly evil, Yang Won Dae wasnt far behind. Still, between the two, the Yang Won Dae felt like the lesser evil and the better choice.
The ML Noh Sehun himself was more of a clumsy, passive figure throughout, with most of the political drama playing out between the SML Kwak Sang Hyeon and third ML Yang Won Dae. But Noh Sehun's final move, exposing the Kwak Sang Hyeon was so satisfying. Aside from the Noh Sehun, my favorite character was Kang Jae Won, one of the SML’s underlings and a kind hyung to the Noh Sehun. I loved his character development the most.
I also loved how the show used red and blue to represent the two election camps, just like south korea’s major political parties. It was such a thoughtful, symbolic detail.
Overall, Im Running Mate is one of the most refreshing and original school dramas i have seen, a bold break from the usual school bullying tropes.
10/10 for how much i enjoyed every episode!!
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