Song Yi Heon is a fascinating character, making waves both in the Korean drama High School Return of a Gangster (2024) and the webtoon I, a Gangster, Became a High School Student. While the drama and webtoon share the same storyline, there are notable differences in how Song Yi Heon is portrayed. Let’s delve into these differences and explore what makes each version unique.
Warning: This article contains spoilers!
Visual Differences Between Drama and Webtoon
Drama High School Return of a Gangster vs Webtoon I, a Gangster, Became a High School (doc. Viu/High School Return of a Gangsterdok. Ridibooks/I, a Gangster, Became a High School)
One of the first noticeable differences is Song Yi Heon’s appearance. In the drama, Song Yi Heon, played by Yoon Chan Young, sports jet black hair, which changes length based on his state of possession by Kim Deuk Pal (Lee So Jin). When possessed, his hair is short, while his original form has long hair. On the other hand, the webtoon portrays Song Yi Heon with light brown hair.
In terms of physique, the drama presents Song Yi Heon as tall, with a sturdy and slightly muscular build, matching Choi Se Kyung (Bong Jae Hyun) in height. Conversely, the webtoon version of Song Yi Heon is shorter and much thinner, lacking the muscular build seen in the drama. These visual differences set the tone for how the character is perceived in each medium.
Different Dynamics with Choi Se Kyung
Drama High School Return of a Gangster vs Webtoon I, a Gangster, Became a High School (doc. Viu/High School Return of a Gangsterdok. Ridibooks/I, a Gangster, Became a High School)
The relationship between Song Yi Heon and Choi Se Kyung also varies significantly between the drama and the webtoon. In the drama, Song Yi Heon is portrayed as a loner who is often bullied and desperately wants to befriend Choi Se Kyung. This desire for friendship sometimes leads others to mistakenly believe he is a stalker.
In contrast, the webtoon paints a different picture. Song Yi Heon is shown to have romantic feelings for Choi Se Kyung and even engages in stalking behavior, which leads to his schoolmates labeling him as “gay.” This shift from a friendship-driven narrative to one centered on unrequited love changes the dynamics between the characters and adds a layer of complexity to Song Yi Heon’s motivations.
Temperament and Behavior: Drama vs. Webtoon
Drama High School Return of a Gangster vs Webtoon I, a Gangster, Became a High School (doc. Viu/High School Return of a Gangsterdok. Ridibooks/I, a Gangster, Became a High School)
The portrayal of Kim Deuk Pal’s influence on Song Yi Heon also diverges between the drama and webtoon. In the drama, Song Yi Heon, under Kim Deuk Pal’s possession, is depicted as more mature and restrained. He only resorts to violence when provoked, embodying the persona of an old-fashioned 40-year-old man. This version of Song Yi Heon is protective, often stepping in to mediate conflicts involving Choi Se Kyung and Hong Jae Min (Joo Yoon Chan).
However, the webtoon character is much more temperamental. This version of Song Yi Heon is quick to threaten and use violence against those who cross him, truly embodying the gangster persona. His aggressive behavior and willingness to confront others starkly contrast with the more subdued and thoughtful approach seen in the drama.
Despite these differences, fans of both the drama and webtoon continue to appreciate Song Yi Heon’s character. Each version brings its own unique flavor to the story, allowing audiences to experience the character in different lights. Whether you prefer the drama’s mature and protective Song Yi Heon or the webtoon’s temperamental and fierce portrayal, there’s no denying the charm that each version brings to the table.
What version of Song Yi Heon do you prefer? Share your thoughts and join the discussion!
