Why High School Students Struggle in The Midnight Romance in Hagwon

The drama The Midnight Romance in Hagwon explores the challenging journey of Seo Hye Jin (played by Jung Ryeo Won), a teacher at a private academy, over 14 years. It highlights the pressures faced by high school students in South Korea, using specific examples to show why they are easily shaken.

1. Pressure from the Environment, Parents, and School

High school students in South Korea face immense pressure to succeed, primarily due to the national college entrance exam, suneung. This exam determines their entry into prestigious universities like Seoul University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, collectively known as SKY University. Admission to these universities is seen as a gateway to future success, creating high expectations from parents. For example, in the drama, Sung Ha Yul’s mother believes that any minor mistake, like getting a wrong number, could impact her child’s future, demonstrating the intense parental pressure.

What Students Need to Do: To manage this pressure, students should seek open communication with their parents about their abilities and limitations. It’s crucial to set realistic goals and prioritize mental well-being over societal expectations. Schools should provide counseling services to help students cope with stress and anxiety.

2. Intense Competition Among Peers

Students in South Korea are ranked into nine levels based on their scores, which include academic performance and behavior. To reach the top level, students must be among the top 4% in their region, leading to fierce competition. This system fosters an environment where students constantly compete to be the best, as seen in the drama where students work tirelessly to maintain top scores. This competitive culture can be very stressful and mentally taxing.

What Students Need to Do: Students should focus on their individual progress rather than comparing themselves to peers. Developing healthy study habits and time management skills can reduce the burden of competition. Additionally, engaging in extracurricular activities can provide a necessary break from academic stress and foster a more balanced lifestyle.

3. Exhaustive Study Schedules

Students spend countless hours studying to secure high grades and perform well on the suneung. They often extend their study hours late into the night by attending private academies, or hagwons. This rigorous routine leaves little time for rest or relaxation, contributing to high levels of stress and anxiety. In the drama, this relentless pursuit of academic excellence is portrayed through the students’ dedication and the subsequent impact on their mental health.

What Students Need to Do: To avoid burnout, students should incorporate regular breaks and leisure activities into their study schedules. It’s important to practice good sleep hygiene and ensure they get enough rest. Seeking support from teachers and peers can also help alleviate some of the pressure. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can further assist in managing stress.

Are you increasingly curious about the continuation of the story of these high school students? Don’t miss the next episode of The Midnight Romance in Hagwon yeah!