In the drama High School Return of a Gangster, we meet Song Yi Heon, a high school teenager played by Yoon Chan Young. His life is marked by a series of unfortunate events that drive him to despair. Here, we explore the key reasons behind Song Yi Heon’s tragic decisions.
Lack of Parental Love
Song Yi Heon (Yoon Chan Young) in the drama High School Return of a Gangster (instagram.com/lifetimekorea)
Despite living in luxury, Song Yi Heon lacks the emotional support and love from his parents. His mother, once a shining star in her acting career, views him as an obstacle. Her resentment leads her to alcoholism, ignoring Song Yi Heon’s emotional needs. His father, on the other hand, is absent, tending to his legal wife who is seriously ill. This emotional neglect creates a void in Song Yi Heon’s life, contributing to his feelings of isolation and despair.
In dramas, we often see how a lack of parental affection can deeply affect characters, and Song Yi Heon’s story is a poignant example of this. His material wealth contrasts sharply with his emotional poverty, making his situation even more tragic.
Overbearing Supervision
Lee Mi Kyung (Hwang Bo Ra) in the drama High School Return of a Gangster (youtube.com/HighSchoolReturnOfAGangster)
Song Yi Heon’s life is tightly controlled by his father’s personal secretary, Lee Mi Kyung, portrayed by Hwang Bo Ra. Unlike other teenagers who enjoy a degree of freedom, Song Yi Heon is constantly monitored. His father’s fear of public scandal leads to this invasive oversight. There were even plans to send him abroad, which were only canceled due to a firm refusal from Kim Deuk Pal, another character who temporarily occupies Song Yi Heon’s body.
This intense scrutiny denies Song Yi Heon the autonomy that teenagers crave, adding to his sense of entrapment and frustration. The drama effectively illustrates how overbearing control can stifle a young person’s growth and happiness.
Bullying by Classmates
Stills from the drama High School Return of a Gangster (youtube.com/HighSchoolReturnOfAGangster)
Another significant misfortune in Song Yi Heon’s life is the bullying he endures from Hong Jae Min (Joo Yoon Chan) and his gang. Hong Jae Min, a class thug, regularly torments Song Yi Heon, forcing him to perform humiliating tasks and even steal alcohol for him. The constant bullying exacerbates Song Yi Heon’s feelings of worthlessness and helplessness.
Bullying is a common theme in high school dramas, but High School Return of a Gangster portrays it with a raw intensity that makes viewers deeply empathize with Song Yi Heon’s plight. This element of the story highlights the devastating impact bullying can have on an individual’s mental health.
Social Isolation
Song Yi Heon (Yoon Chan Young) in the drama High School Return of a Gangster (instagram.com/lifetimekorea)
Song Yi Heon’s inability to socialize effectively leaves him without friends. His disheveled appearance and gloomy demeanor further isolate him from his peers. Despite having the financial means to improve his appearance, he doesn’t know how to use it to his advantage. As a result, he becomes a loner, with no one to confide in or share his troubles.
His social isolation is heart-wrenching and underscores the importance of social connections for emotional well-being. In High School Return of a Gangster, this theme is poignantly depicted, showing how isolation can lead to severe emotional distress.
Final Thoughts
High School Return of a Gangster presents a compelling narrative of a young boy’s struggles against overwhelming odds. Song Yi Heon’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of emotional support, autonomy, and social connections in a teenager’s life. The drama beautifully captures these themes, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate deep, character-driven stories.
As viewers, we can’t help but feel a profound sympathy for Song Yi Heon, hoping against hope that he finds the strength to overcome his hardships.
