5 Character Conflicts at the Beginning of High School Return of a Gangster

High School Return of a Gangster (2024) blends the school crime genre with a touch of fantasy. The story revolves around a gangster who unexpectedly swaps souls with a student who is a bullying victim. Starring Yoon Chan Young, Bong Jae Hyun, and Lee Seo Jin, the series showcases impressive chemistry among the cast. In the first two episodes, several complex conflicts set the stage for the drama’s intense narrative. Here’s a closer look at the five initial conflicts in High School Return of a Gangster.

1. Song Yi Heon’s Complicated Family Background

Song Yi Heon (Yoon Chan Young) is the secret son of the Chairman of OK Construction. He lives a hidden life with his mother in a luxurious house, while his father, who has a legal wife, is never present. Instead, Secretary Lee (Hwang Bo Ra), who is also the chairman’s mistress, takes care of Song Yi Heon’s needs but starts bullying him and his mother. The legal wife of the Chairman is frequently in and out of the hospital, making Secretary Lee worry that Song Yi Heon might become the sole heir if she dies. To prevent this, Secretary Lee tries to harm Song Yi Heon’s mother by making her addicted to alcohol.

2. Song Yi Heon Faces Bullying at School

At school, Song Yi Heon is bullied by his classmates, who force him to steal his mother’s luxury items. He becomes a lackey, subjected to both physical and mental abuse. The bullies are under Secretary Lee’s orders, who collaborates with a gangster group to torment Song Yi Heon further. This systematic bullying adds to his already troubled life.

3. Suspicion of a Dispute with Choi Se Kyung

Song Yi Heon is not only a victim of bullying but is also falsely accused of stalking Choi Se Kyung (Bong Jae Hyun), a classmate he wants to befriend. This false accusation, spread by the bullies, leads Choi Se Kyung to avoid him. There is also an incident where Song Yi Heon is suspected of threatening Choi Se Kyung at her house. However, the truth behind this incident remains unclear due to the soul-swapping twist in the story.

4. Kim Deuk Pal’s Soul Exchange with Song Yi Heon

Kim Deuk Pal (Lee Seo Jin), the leader of the respected gangster group Chilsung, has a warm heart despite his tough exterior. While preparing for an equivalency exam, he witnesses Song Yi Heon attempting to end his life. In an effort to save him, Kim Deuk Pal ends up getting hit by a truck, resulting in his soul being transferred into Song Yi Heon’s body. Meanwhile, Kim Deuk Pal’s original body is buried, and Song Yi Heon’s soul is left in limbo.

5. Choi Se Kyung as a Victim of Her Father’s Violence

Choi Se Kyung is an exemplary student with top grades and the class leader. Despite her social success, she suffers severe abuse from her father, a prosecutor who demands perfection and monitors her every move. This abuse includes physical, verbal, and psychological violence, making her life extremely difficult despite her outward success.

Only two episodes into High School Return of a Gangster, and the conflicts are already gripping. The fast-paced plot, under an hour per episode, ensures there’s never a dull moment. The combination of a high school setting with crime and fantasy elements is fresh and engaging. The intricate character dynamics and their struggles are compelling, making it a must-watch. So, have you tuned in yet?

High School Return of a Gangster captivates with its unique blend of genres and complex characters. The conflicts introduced early on promise a thrilling ride, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The drama’s ability to maintain a fast pace while delving into deep character issues is commendable. If you enjoy a mix of school drama, crime, and fantasy, this show is definitely worth your time.