Hierarchy K-drama: A Review of Netflix’s Latest Korean Drama
Introduction: The Anticipation Around Hierarchy
Hierarchy, the latest Kdrama on Netflix, has captured viewers’ attention with its intriguing blend of high school drama, revenge, and romance. However, this Kdrama has left fans with mixed feelings. The initial promise of Hierarchy, which seemed to offer a deep dive into social commentary about the rich-poor divide, ultimately falls back on familiar Kdrama tropes. Let’s explore the intricacies of Hierarchy, dissect its storyline, and understand why it has stirred such varied reactions.
The Plot: A Chaebol-Dominated School
Setting the Scene
Hierarchy takes place at Jooshin High School, an institution ruled by the heirs of Korea’s top chaebols (family-run corporations). The story kicks off with the mysterious death of Kang In-han, a scholarship student, which sets the stage for the entry of a new student who disrupts the established social order.
- Main Characters:
- Kang Ha (Lee Chae-min): The new scholarship student who challenges the status quo.
- Kim Ri-an (Kim Jae-won): The powerful heir who controls Jooshin High.
- Jung Jae-i (Roh Jeong-eui): The Jaeyul Group heiress with a complex relationship with Ri-an.
Initial Promise
The arrival of Kang Ha shakes up the established social order at Jooshin High. Unlike other scholarship students, Ha refuses to bow down to the chaebol heirs. His presence stirs curiosity and tension, promising a storyline filled with social upheaval and challenge.
Hierarchy’s Narrative: Between Romance and Revenge
Romance and Power Struggles
Hierarchy intertwines romance with power struggles. Kim Ri-an and Jung Jae-i dominate the school’s social scene, with their relationship taking center stage.
- Key Scenes:
- Jae-i returns from America and challenges Ri-an to a supercar race.
- Kang Ha boldly kisses Jae-i during a truth or dare game, shocking the student body.
The Underlying Mystery
Beneath the surface, Hierarchy offers a mystery about In-han’s death and the blackmail messages Jae-i receives. These elements add layers of suspense and intrigue to the storyline.
- Mystery Elements:
- Who is responsible for In-han’s death?
- Who is sending Jae-i the blackmail messages?
The Power Quartet
The school’s power dynamics are further complicated by other key players:
- Yoon He-ra (Ji Hye-won): She has her eyes set on Ri-an and is part of the elite group.
- Lee Woo-jin (Lee Won-jung): In a secret relationship with a faculty member, adding another layer of intrigue.
Critique: Falling Short of Expectations
Missed Opportunities
Despite its promising premise, Hierarchy fails to deliver on its potential. The show shifts from a promising social commentary to a typical high school romance and revenge drama.
- Criticism Points:
- Lack of Depth: The social commentary on the rich-poor divide falls flat.
- Clichés: The series heavily relies on clichés without adding new twists.
Characters and Storyline
Hierarchy’s characters lack the depth and charisma needed to elevate the story. The scholarship students, aside from Kang Ha, are depicted as weak and unworthy, while the chaebol kids are gradually shown in a more sympathetic light.
- Character Analysis:
- Kang Ha: Confident and attractive, yet not enough to carry the show.
- Kim Ri-an and Jung Jae-i: Initially portrayed as villains, but later shown with more shades of grey.
Social Commentary
Hierarchy begins with the promise of a social commentary on the disparity between rich and poor students. However, this potential is quickly overshadowed by more conventional Kdrama elements.
- Initial Set-Up: Scholarship students wear different-colored ties, highlighting their lower status.
- Erosion of Themes: As the series progresses, the focus shifts away from these themes, leaning towards romantic entanglements and power plays.
Writing and Direction
The series, written by Chu Hye-mi (known for About Time) and directed by Bae Hyun-jin (first solo project), struggles to find a balance between serious social critique and entertaining drama.
- Writing: Relies heavily on well-worn tropes without providing fresh perspectives.
- Direction: Lacks the finesse needed to blend social issues with engaging storytelling.
Highlights and Low Points
Highlights
- Visuals: The series features high-quality production and visually appealing scenes, especially during high-stakes moments like the supercar race.
- Acting: Despite the weak script, the actors deliver commendable performances, particularly Lee Chae-min as Kang Ha and Kim Jae-won as Kim Ri-an.
Low Points
- Plot: The plot becomes predictable, failing to surprise or engage viewers deeply.
- Character Development: Limited growth for most characters, making it hard for viewers to connect with them.
Conclusion: A Disappointing Drama
Hierarchy is the latest Kdrama that attempts to critique societal issues but ends up glorifying the elite. Its mix of high school drama, revenge, and romance feels half-baked and insincere. Despite its potential, Hierarchy does not live up to the expectations set by its premise.
Final Thoughts
Hierarchy might appeal to viewers looking for a light high school drama with elements of romance and revenge. However, those seeking a meaningful commentary on social issues might find it lacking. The series serves as a reminder that even promising stories can fall into the trap of overused tropes and shallow narratives.
For more information on Hierarchy and other Kdramas, visit Netflix.
References
Hierarchy Kdrama brings a blend of drama, romance, and mystery, but ultimately, it leaves viewers wanting more depth and originality.
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