Many of the k-drama actors who play high school students are actually 20-something but despite the age difference they manage to make their roles seem quite believable.
The latest to make the grade as a high school student is Seo In Guk in "High School King of Manners." The comedy switches back and forth between the classroom and the boardroom but Seo In Guk does a good job of actually acting like a high school student even in corporate settings. His brash and often immature behavior is interpreted as confidence in a workplace setting.
He's had some experience. Not only did he really attend high school, it's not his first role as a student since he also played one in "Reply 1997."
Who else aced the role of a high school student? And who aced it more than once?
Here are some actors we think deserve extra credit.
Lee Min Ho: He got the opportunity for a high school do-over twice. He played the spoiled Gun Jun Pyo in "Boys Over Flowers" and then the more sensitive Kim Tan in "The Heirs." However, "The Heirs" is probably his last high school role as Lee is 27 and starting to look too mature to still be in school. Both dramas take on the subject of bullying and privilege.
Kim Woo Bin: He aced high school friendship in "School 2013" by befriending his classmate played by Lee Jong Suk. He took a stand against bullying in that drama but then turned into something of a bully in "The Heirs," playing Choi Young Do. His vulnerable portrayal of Young Do was one of the best parts of the drama.
Lee Jong Suk: His student character was at a disadvantage in "School 2013" because he didn't want to fight, but he had an edge when he played a high school student in "I Hear Your Voice" because he could read minds. While "I Hear Your Voice" could not be considered a high school drama, it did spend time there.
Kim Hyun Joong: The singer and actor also got two chances to relive high school. He played the sensitive Ji Hoo in "Boys Over Flowers" and the less sensitive Baek Seung Jo in "Playful Kiss." In the latter drama a high school romance leads to a marriage.
Sung Joon: He played a student whose musical dreams were more important than his academic goals in "Shut Up Flower Boy Band." The members of his band "Eye Candy" had social problems in their new school but their real passion was music.
Kim Soo Hyun: As Song Dam Dong, Kim Soo Hyun found it hard to adjust to life in a performing arts school but his talent shone through and propelled him to stardom. Ok Taecyeon also did a good job of portraying a student with a passion for music.
Also making the grade as students are SHINee's Minho and Lee Hyun Woo in "To The Beautiful You" and Beast's Yon Hun Jung and Kang Ha Neul in "Monstar." Kang Ha Neul was also a student in "The Heirs."
If you yearn to experience some high school drama, check them out. Be sure to take notes.
