South Korean dramas often highlight the tumultuous and intense world of teenage life, set against the backdrop of high schools. These stories, while fictional, can offer profound life lessons and serve as reminders for educators and parents to be vigilant about students’ well-being. Here are five Korean dramas that delve into the toxic environments of schools.

Class of Lies (2019)

Class of Lies follows the story of a successful lawyer whose life falls apart due to a criminal case. To clear his name, he becomes a teacher at a high school embroiled in the case. As he navigates this toxic environment, he uncovers various crimes and fights to protect the victims. This drama starkly portrays the lack of accountability for teenage crimes and the resultant victimization.

Cast and Characters:

• Yoon Kyun sang as Ki Moo-hyeok / Gi Kang-jae: A once-successful lawyer who becomes a teacher to clear his name.
• Geum Sae rok as Ha So-hyun: A dedicated teacher who helps Ki Moo-hyeok in his quest.
• Jun as Yoo Beom-jin: A student who plays a key role in the unfolding events.

The Glory (2022)

In The Glory, Moon Dong Eun’s dream of becoming an architect is shattered by severe bullying, forcing her to drop out of school. Years later, she returns as a teacher, seeking revenge on her tormentors. The drama underscores the long-lasting impact of bullying and the desire for justice.

Cast and Characters:

• Song Hye kyo as Moon Dong-eun: The protagonist who seeks revenge after being bullied out of school.
• Lim Ji yeon as Park Yeon-jin: One of the main perpetrators of the bullying who later becomes a target of Dong-eun’s revenge.
• Lee Do hyun as Joo Yeo-jeong: A supportive friend who helps Dong-eun with her plans.

Bitch x Rich (2023)

Bitch x Rich centers on Baek Je Na, a powerful student at Cheongdam International High School, and Kim Hye In, a poor student who gains admission in exchange for her silence about a murder she witnessed. The series explores their fierce power struggle and the dark secrets of the elite school.

Cast and Characters:

• Yeri (Red Velvet) as Baek Je-na: The wealthy and influential student suspected of murder.
• Lee Eun saem as Kim Hye-in: A student from a poor background who witnesses a murder.
• Park Ji hoo as Cha Se-ri: Another key student involved in the school’s dark secrets.

Pyramid Games (2024)

Pyramid Games is set in Baekyeon Girls’ High School, where students are ranked based on monthly popularity polls. Those who receive zero votes are targeted for bullying. New student Sung Soo Ji finds herself at the bottom and must navigate this dangerous hierarchy to survive.

Cast and Characters:

• Bona (WJSN) as Sung Soo-ji: The new student who becomes a target for bullies.
• Jung Hae in as Lee Joon-young: A supportive friend who helps Soo-ji navigate the bullying.
• Kim So hyun as Han Na-rae: One of the top-ranked students who initially bullies Soo-ji.

Hierarchy (2024)

Hierarchy takes place at Jooshin High School, an elite institution for the children of conglomerates. The arrival of a new student, Kang Ha, begins to disrupt the established order. This drama explores the pressures and secrets of the wealthy, highlighting the fragility of their world.

Cast and Characters:

• Roh Jeong eui as Jeong Jae-yi: The first daughter of the Jaeyool Group family.
• Kim Jae won as Kim Ri-an: The successor of the Jooshin Group.
• Ji Hye won as Yoon He-ra: The youngest daughter of the Yoon International trading company.
• Lee Won Jung as Lee Woo-jin: The second son of an influential political family.
• Lee Chae min as Kang Ha: The new student whose presence begins to crack the school’s hierarchy.

These dramas are more than just entertainment; they shed light on real issues faced by students in schools. They remind us of the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. Watching these shows can be a wake-up call for parents, teachers, and society to address and combat the toxic elements within our educational systems. The compelling narratives and strong characters make these dramas a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the darker side of school life.