South Korea has inherently competitive hierarchical institutions that start at the lowest level of development, education. In recent years, the pressure to keep up with the rising competition, making ends meet in growing disparity; teens and young adults are suffering the most. Their growth is measured in grades, wealth, and beauty, creating a suffocating environment. These factors have all contributed to rising juvenile crimes in South Korea where assaults by minors doubled from 3,600 in 2011 to 6,600 in 2015, according to a report in The Korea Times. Recent data also showcase that 12.3 percent of minors committed crimes again due to the lack of stern punishment. However, there are many problems in dealing with young offenders. Under the Juvenile Act of Korea, the guilty from the ages of 10 to 14 will not be subject to criminal penalty whereas those between 14 to 19 will be subjected to juvenile criminal punishment which includes reformatories as well. These scenarios raise questions about the children who commit the crime, the reasons that led to such an act, and who actually is responsible for making young minds capable of having blood on their hands. Some K-Dramas have explored such themes creating some thrilling shows that often leave much food for thought. Here are 6 K-Dramas exploring themes of Juvenile delinquency that you can watch!
1. “Juvenile Justice” (2022)
Cast: Kim HyeSoo, Kim MuYeol Summary: A 10 episode series that focuses on a resolute and reputed judge Shim EunSeok and her dilemmas when she’s who’s appointed as a judge in a juvenile court. Why you should watch: A stellar drama that takes on the question of juvenile crime and criminals and how society at, in its myriad ways is also responsible for the state of minors.
2. “Extracurricular” (2019)
Cast: Kim DongHee, Park JuHyun, Nam YoonSu, Jung DaBin Summary: Oh JiSoo is at the top of his class yet isn’t active in other activities in school. Yet this quiet child anonymously runs an illegal escort business to earn money. Things go haywire when his fellow classmate Bae GyuRi finds out secrets and coerces him to become business partners. Why you should watch: This Netflix original is dark, gritty, and raw in its portrayal of teen life. Its shows how the way the world pushes teens to their limits and how their decisions, some dangerous are influenced by the pressure they face in society.
3. “Class Of Lies /Mr. Temporary” (2019)
Cast: U KISS’s Jun, Yoon KyunSang, HanSoEun Summary: An prestigious high school and its student become the center of attention when model student Jeong SooAh is stabbed to death. Ace lawyer Gi MooHyeok is assigned to defend the accused student Kim HanSoo who claims innocence. After a shocking turn of events, MooHyeok goes undercover as the teacher to uncover the truth behind the murder and the sinister secret society, Veritas club. Why you should watch: This drama talks about various subjects from class privilege and its abuse, bullying, forgery, and other darker aspects of school as an institution and the students.
4. “Juvenile Delinquency” (2022)
Cast: Won JiAn, Yoon ChanYoung, Yoon HyunSoo Summary: An upcoming series set in the countryside that tells the story of young adult Kyung DaJung who plunges into the world of drugs and trafficking after discovering a hemp field. She also meets YoonTak and his group of friends as they go through growing pains amidst the chaos. Why you should watch: Starring breakout star Yoon ChanYoung, this drama gives an interesting premise that leaves a lot to explore. Teens involved in drugs are not much seen in K-Dramas so this is one took out for.
5. “Beautiful World” (2019)
Cast: Park HeeSoon, Choo JaHyun, Cho YeoJeong, Nam DaReum, Kim HwanHee Summary: A family drama about two families and their kids where one is the victim of school violence and bullying and one is the perpetrator. Park MooJin and Kang InHa try to bring their son justice and Oh JinPyo and Seo EunJeong try to cover up their son’s mistakes. Why you should watch: An emotive and interesting drama that also focuses on the role of familial relationships and its influence on children.
6. “Shadow Beauty” (2021)
Cast: Shim DalGi, Golden Child’s BoMin, PENTAGON’s HongSeok Summary: Goo AeJin is regularly bullied and insulted in school for her looks. To cope she creates a dual identity online using makeup and photoshop. She becomes an internet star with a massive following but is pushed to the edge when someone from school discovers her secret. Why you should watch: Shadow Beauty is a very underrated drama that is a thrill to watch from the beginning to the end. It not only talks about bullying but also unrealistic societal standards, stalking, and cybercrime, which is quite a menace in South Korea. Have you watched any of these? Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below! “Juvenile Justice” Star Kim HyeSoo Reveals What Gave Her Real Joy About The Success Of The Show KDRAMA STORIES|Mar 10, 2022 Find Out About Rookie Actress Shim DalGi Who Was A Victim In “Juvenile Justice” And Acted In “Shadow Beauty” KDRAMA STORIES|Mar 3, 2022 Find Out More About The Talented Rookie Actors From “Juvenile Justice” KDRAMA STORIES|Mar 2, 2022
