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High School’s Never Just About Grades, Is It?
Don't get me wrong, I knew what I was getting into when I went into this. I'd watched season and had this on my to watch list for the longest time, waiting for its release. It's the only Korean high school drama I've allowed myself to watch because what do you mean kids treat their classmates like punching bags just for fun. It's upsetting. Nonetheless, this I was willing to get into because there's someone fight those bullies back.
So, it's a dark, emotional, and intense ride through the harsh world of Eunjang High. At the center is Yeon Si-eun. His best friend Suho is in a coma after a brutal incident.
Just like the first season, what really makes this drama shine is the core friendship group – Si-eun, Seo Jun-tae, Gotak (Go Hyun-tak), and Baku (Park Hu-min). Jun-tae starts off timid but grows into someone who wants to stand up for himself. Gotak is the dependable one with a strong sense of justice, while Baku… oh man, Baku is the wild card. 😂 He’s crazy, intimidating and incredibly loyal.
The villains are properly villainous too. Na Baek-jin is the cold, calculating type, and his sidekick Seon-jae is the kind of guy you just love to hate. Add in the Union. Every fight, every confrontation keeps you on edge.
What I loved:
The story is intense but never feels forced – it tackles bullying, trauma, and survival in a really honest way.
The characters are amazing. You grow with them, cry with them, cheer for them.
The friendship dynamics are some of the best I’ve seen – not cheesy, just real.
The fight scenes are sharp and strategic – not just mindless action.
What didn’t quite hit for me:
Si-eun’s mom’s role felt a bit underdeveloped – I wish we got more depth there.
Some of the fight-heavy moments can feel a bit dense or repetitive, especially if you're more into character-driven scenes.
If you’re looking for something light, this isn’t it. That should have been obvious but just in case🤷🏽♀️. It’s intense almost all the way through.
All in all, this drama hits well emotionally, narratively, and visually. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about healing, loyalty, and standing up when everything’s pushing you down. Highly recommend if you're into powerful coming-of-age stories with real guts and heart.
So, it's a dark, emotional, and intense ride through the harsh world of Eunjang High. At the center is Yeon Si-eun. His best friend Suho is in a coma after a brutal incident.
Just like the first season, what really makes this drama shine is the core friendship group – Si-eun, Seo Jun-tae, Gotak (Go Hyun-tak), and Baku (Park Hu-min). Jun-tae starts off timid but grows into someone who wants to stand up for himself. Gotak is the dependable one with a strong sense of justice, while Baku… oh man, Baku is the wild card. 😂 He’s crazy, intimidating and incredibly loyal.
The villains are properly villainous too. Na Baek-jin is the cold, calculating type, and his sidekick Seon-jae is the kind of guy you just love to hate. Add in the Union. Every fight, every confrontation keeps you on edge.
What I loved:
The story is intense but never feels forced – it tackles bullying, trauma, and survival in a really honest way.
The characters are amazing. You grow with them, cry with them, cheer for them.
The friendship dynamics are some of the best I’ve seen – not cheesy, just real.
The fight scenes are sharp and strategic – not just mindless action.
What didn’t quite hit for me:
Si-eun’s mom’s role felt a bit underdeveloped – I wish we got more depth there.
Some of the fight-heavy moments can feel a bit dense or repetitive, especially if you're more into character-driven scenes.
If you’re looking for something light, this isn’t it. That should have been obvious but just in case🤷🏽♀️. It’s intense almost all the way through.
All in all, this drama hits well emotionally, narratively, and visually. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about healing, loyalty, and standing up when everything’s pushing you down. Highly recommend if you're into powerful coming-of-age stories with real guts and heart.
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