Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Extracurricular, which completely shattered my expectations about what a Korean teen series could deliver.
Extracurricular premiered on Netflix in April 2020, consisting of 10 episodes with an average duration of 50 minutes each. This Netflix original K-drama takes the typical high school setting and transforms it into a dark, psychological thriller that explores the dangerous world of teenage crime and moral decay.
Unlike your typical coming-of-age stories, Extracurricular dives deep into the underbelly of student life, presenting a raw and unforgiving narrative about teenagers who cross lines they can never uncross. The series masterfully blends crime drama with psychological horror, creating an atmosphere that’s both captivating and deeply disturbing.
The Descent into Darkness: A Student’s Criminal Empire
The story follows Oh Ji-soo, a model student who secretly operates an illegal business to fund his college dreams. What starts as a seemingly harmless side hustle quickly spirals into a dangerous criminal enterprise involving prostitution rings and violence. Extracurricular doesn’t hold back in showing how one desperate decision can lead to a complete moral collapse.
Ji-soo’s carefully constructed double life begins to crumble when his classmates discover his secret, leading to a chain reaction of blackmail, betrayal, and increasingly violent consequences that none of them are prepared to handle.
Oh Ji-soo: The Perfect Student’s Dark Secret
Ji-soo is portrayed as the quintessential good student – quiet, studious, and responsible. However, beneath this facade lies a calculating individual who has rationalized his involvement in illegal activities as necessary for survival. His character development throughout Extracurricular is both fascinating and terrifying as we watch him make increasingly questionable moral choices.
The brilliance of his characterization lies in how the series makes us understand his motivations while simultaneously horrifying us with his actions. He’s neither hero nor villain, but something far more complex and disturbing.
Bae Gyu-ri: Chaos in Human Form
Gyu-ri serves as the catalyst that destroys Ji-soo’s carefully maintained world. Her reckless nature and thrill-seeking behavior create a perfect storm when combined with Ji-soo’s criminal activities. Extracurricular uses her character to explore themes of privilege, boredom, and the dangerous consequences of seeking excitement without considering the cost.
Her chemistry with Ji-soo is electric but toxic, creating a partnership that’s as compelling as it is destructive. Their relationship becomes the driving force behind much of the series’ tension.
When Everything Falls Apart: The Point of No Return
The series reaches its most intense moments when the teenagers’ criminal activities attract the attention of real criminals and law enforcement. Extracurricular masterfully builds tension until the characters find themselves in situations far beyond their control or understanding.
This pivotal moment transforms the series from a crime drama into a survival thriller, where the protagonists must face the deadly consequences of their choices. The escalation feels both inevitable and shocking, showcasing the series’ exceptional writing.
Success on Netflix
Extracurricular gained significant attention on Netflix for its unflinching portrayal of teenage crime and moral ambiguity. The series stood out among K-dramas for its mature themes and willingness to explore dark territory typically avoided in teen-focused content. Critics praised its psychological depth and realistic character development, while audiences were both disturbed and captivated by its brutal honesty about corruption and survival.
A Disturbing Masterpiece Worth the Emotional Toll
If you love dark psychological dramas that challenge conventional morality, Extracurricular is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
Why You Should Watch This Unsettling Gem
Positive Points:
- Exceptional character development that feels authentic and complex
- Unflinching exploration of moral ambiguity without easy answers
- Outstanding cinematography that enhances the dark atmosphere
- Stellar performances from the entire young cast
- Unique premise that sets it apart from typical teen dramas
Negative Points:
- Extremely dark content that may be too intense for some viewers
- Disturbing themes involving teenage prostitution and violence
- No clear heroes or redemptive arcs for comfort
- Emotionally draining viewing experience throughout
- Ending may leave viewers feeling unsettled and conflicted
Extracurricular proves that Korean dramas can tackle the darkest aspects of human nature while maintaining compelling storytelling that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Year: 2020
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Production Type: K-drama
- Status: Completed series
- Protagonists: Kim Dong-hee (Oh Ji-soo), Jung Da-bin (Bae Gyu-ri)
- Antagonist: Park Hyuk-kwon (Detective Lee), Choi Min-soo (Uncle)