Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama School 2017, which delivers a compelling mix of teenage romance, friendship struggles, and the intense pressures of South Korea’s competitive education system.
School 2017 aired on KBS2 from July to September 2017, consisting of 16 episodes with an average duration of 60 minutes each. This Korean drama continues the beloved School series tradition of exploring contemporary youth issues while focusing on the dreams, relationships, and challenges faced by high school students in modern Korea.
Unlike previous entries in the School franchise, School 2017 places greater emphasis on the contrast between academic achievement and personal fulfillment, creating a narrative that resonates with students worldwide. The series masterfully balances romantic storylines with serious social commentary about educational inequality, bullying, and the pressure to succeed at any cost.
The Mystery Student: Fighting Against Academic Injustice
The story follows Ra Eun-ho, a cheerful but academically struggling student who becomes entangled in a mystery involving X, a mysterious figure who exposes the corruption and unfairness within their prestigious high school. When Eun-ho is wrongly accused of being X, she must navigate false accusations while dealing with her own academic insecurities. School 2017 doesn’t shy away from showing how academic pressure and social hierarchy can destroy students’ mental health and genuine relationships.
The search for X’s true identity creates tension throughout the school while highlighting the systemic problems that drive students to desperate measures for recognition and justice.
Ra Eun-ho: The Underdog with Unshakeable Spirit
Eun-ho represents every student who has felt inadequate in an achievement-focused environment, yet her optimistic personality and determination to help others make her incredibly relatable. Her character development throughout School 2017 showcases her growth from insecure underachiever to confident young woman who understands that grades don’t define personal worth.
Her journey involves learning to value her own unique strengths while fighting against a system that only rewards traditional academic success, making her a inspiring protagonist for viewers facing similar struggles.
Hyun Tae-woon: The Rebel with Hidden Depth
Tae-woon serves as the classic bad boy with a mysterious past who gradually reveals his vulnerable side through his relationship with Eun-ho. School 2017 uses his character to explore themes of trauma, abandonment, and the healing power of genuine connection and understanding.
His chemistry with Eun-ho develops naturally from antagonistic encounters to deep emotional support, creating one of the series’ most satisfying romantic arcs while addressing serious issues like family dysfunction and social isolation.
When Truth Comes to Light: The School’s Dark Secrets Exposed
The series reaches its most intense moments when the identity of X is finally revealed, exposing a web of corruption involving teachers, administrators, and privileged students who abuse their power. School 2017 masterfully builds toward this climax while showing how institutional problems affect individual students’ lives and relationships.
This revelation transforms the series from a simple romance into a powerful statement about educational reform and the importance of standing up against systemic injustice, even when the personal cost is high.
Song Dae-hwi: The Perfect Student’s Hidden Struggle
Dae-hwi represents the other side of academic pressure as the top-ranked student who seems to have everything but struggles with the weight of constant expectations. School 2017 uses his character to show how perfectionism and parental pressure can be just as damaging as academic failure.
His evolving relationships with both Eun-ho and Tae-woon create compelling love triangle dynamics while exploring themes of friendship, competition, and the courage required to pursue personal happiness over societal approval.
Success on KBS2
School 2017 gained significant popularity on KBS2 for its realistic portrayal of contemporary student life and its willingness to address serious educational issues alongside romantic storylines. The series resonated strongly with teenage viewers who recognized their own struggles in the characters’ experiences, while parents and educators appreciated its thoughtful examination of academic pressure. Critics praised the series for updating the School franchise formula while maintaining the emotional authenticity that made previous entries successful.
A Heartfelt Journey Worth Every Emotional Moment
If you love coming-of-age stories with romance and social commentary, School 2017 is the perfect series to binge on streaming platforms.
Why You Should Experience This Authentic School Story
Positive Points:
- Realistic portrayal of academic pressure and its psychological effects on students
- Well-developed romantic relationships that feel authentic and emotionally satisfying
- Strong social commentary about educational inequality and institutional corruption
- Excellent ensemble cast with natural chemistry between young actors
- Balanced storytelling that addresses serious issues without losing hope or humor
Negative Points:
- Some plot developments feel predictable for viewers familiar with school drama tropes
- Mystery element sometimes overshadows character development in middle episodes
- Certain supporting character storylines could have been explored more deeply
- Resolution of systemic school problems feels somewhat idealistic given real-world constraints
- Love triangle dynamics may frustrate viewers preferring clearer romantic direction
School 2017 proves that the School series continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission of authentically representing the challenges and triumphs of teenage life in contemporary Korea.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Platform: KBS2 (available on various streaming platforms)
- Release Year: 2017
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Genre: Romance, Drama, Youth, School
- Production Type: K-drama
- Status: Completed series
- Protagonists: Kim Se-jeong (Ra Eun-ho), Kim Jung-hyun (Hyun Tae-woon), Jang Dong-yoon (Song Dae-hwi)
- Antagonist: Multiple characters including corrupt school officials and privileged students