Introduction

If you’re looking for a drama that showcases teenage chaos, you might want to check out Extracurricular, a teen crime drama by Netflix. This article delves into the series, offering insights, reviews, and personal takeaways.

Overview of the Series

Extracurricular is a 10-episode drama about a teenager named Oh Ji-soo, played by Kim Dong-hee, who wants to go to Korea’s top university and has to overcome his harsh past and difficult circumstances.

Personal Reactions and Reviews

One viewer was Horribly Triggered and Irritated by Park Joo-hyun’s performance and the overall storyline. Despite this, they found the pacing and the emotional rollercoaster intriguing. Another viewer highly recommends it, praising its emotional ups and downs and mysterious ending.

On the other hand, one viewer expresses disappointment with the main lead, stating that while the series is original, the main character failed to grow and the female lead was intolerable. Another viewer feels that the show is just a repeat of other dramas, specifically mentioning the class of lies.

Key Takeaways and Themes

One of the most striking themes in Extracurricular is the Obsession Over Reputation. The relationship between Seo Min-hee and Kwak Ki-tae is based on their desire for fame and fortune, leading to ambiguous decisions. This obsession harms their health and well-being in the long run.

The series also explores the theme of Privilege and Dreams are Expensive. Oh Ji-soo, an orphan, works hard for the future he dreams of, contrasting with Bae Gyu-ri and others who come from privileged backgrounds. The struggle and reality of dreams is a recurring theme in the series.

Another theme that stands out is People are not Always How They Seem. Throughout the series, characters are shown to have hidden struggles, from financial to personal, all of which are not evident to others. The transformation of Bae Gyu-ri and Seo Min-hee from seemingly innocent teenagers to struggling adults is a testament to this theme.

Acting and Character Development

Kim Dong-hee, the main character, has shown potential as an actor. His role in Extracurricular further highlights his ability to portray a character’s journey from a timid kid to a somewhat hardened survivor.

Park Joo-hyun, on the other hand, had a challenging role to play, switching from an irritating character to an empathetic and tragic figure. Her performance deserves recognition for the transformation it required.

Conclusion

Extracurricular is a deliberately paced, emotional rollercoaster that keeps viewers invested until the very end. Despite some mixed reactions, it is a compelling drama that delves into the struggles and choices of its teenage characters. Whether you’re looking for a gripping storyline or a chance to discuss character motivations, this series has plenty to offer.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10