Teenage communities have long been a subject of interest to filmmakers and audiences because of their unique, often dark and violent dynamics.
There seems to be no other time in life when physical and psychological traumas run so deep and mysteries seem so compelling.
Here are seven K-dramas that prove school life can be mysterious, dangerous, and oh-so-engrossing.
Revenge of Others (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The protagonist is a shooting champion with a strong character. When her twin brother allegedly commits suicide, she doesn't believe it and transfers to his school to find out what really happened. Many viewers consider this to be the best murder mystery in the genre.
Blue Birthday (2021)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
The protagonist is no schoolgirl. She turns 28 in this gripping drama with a thriller twist. But on her birthday, she receives an unexpected gift: a set of mysterious photos left behind by her childhood friend, who committed suicide exactly ten years ago. These photos help her return to that tragic day and uncover the mystery behind her friend's death.
Class of Lies (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
A disgraced high-profile lawyer goes undercover as a substitute teacher at an elite school to investigate the murder that destroyed his career and restore his reputation. In the process, he witnesses multiple incidents of violence on campus and takes on the task of protecting victims of bullying.
Beautiful World (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
When an average family's life is upended by a violent high school incident that leaves their son critically injured, they embark on a mission to find out exactly what happened and punish the guilty parties. The plot is packed with all kinds of emotions and the mystery is deeply suspenseful.
Law School (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
When a law school professor is found dead and his colleague is accused of murder, other professors and students join forces to find the real killer. The drama builds suspense with each episode and delves deep into themes of authenticity, law, and justice.
The Glory (2022-2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
An elementary school teacher, who suffered a brutal bullying attack that changed her life in school years, begins to execute her long-planned revenge plan when the child of one of the bullies becomes her student. It is a refreshing, elaborate and intense two-part story with some mind-blowing cliffhangers.
Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
There's no mystery per se for the students to investigate in this show. But there's plenty of drama, and the story of an unlikely team-up of three high school students against the bullying and violence of their peers is expertly crafted and features some of the best character development in K-dramaland.