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School 2017
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School 2017
Promotional poster
Hangul
학교 2017
RRHakgyo 2017
MRHakkyo 2017
Genre
Written by
  • Jung Chan-mi
  • Kim Seung-won
Directed by
  • Park Jin-suk
  • Song Min-yeob
Creative directors
  • Na Soo-ji
  • Kim Seok-won
  • Lee Jung-hyun
Starring
ComposerPark Sung-jin
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
  • Hwang Chang-woo
  • Jo Hye-rin
  • Lee Gun-joon
ProducerYoon Jae-hyuk
Cinematography
  • Moon Chang-soo
  • Kim Jae-hwan
EditorKim Byung-rok
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time70 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkKBS2
ReleaseJuly 17 (2017-07-17) –
September 5, 2017 (2017-09-05)

School 2017 (Korean: 학교 2017; Hanja: 學校 2017; RR: Hakgyo 2017) is a South Korean television series starring Kim Jung-hyun, Kim Se-jeong, Jang Dong-yoon, Han Sun-hwa, and Han Joo-wan. It aired on KBS2 from July 17 to September 5, 2017 every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 (KST) for 16 episodes.[1] The series is the seventh installment of KBS2's School franchise.

Synopsis

[edit]

The plot follows a class of high school students attempting to overcome the stress of being ranked by their exam grades, and facing the difficulties of being a teenager in a high-pressure, corrupt system. Its central protagonist is Ra Eun-ho (Kim Se-jeong), a cheerful and kind-hearted 18-year-old who dreams of being a webtoon artist but is caught up in the search for a mysterious troublemaker in the school, known as 'Student X'. When she is accused of being Student X, her dream of going to university to study art is put at risk as she faces expulsion. Hyun Tae-woon (Kim Jung-hyun) is the son of the director of the school who enjoys his youth but hides deep scars. Song Dae-hwi (Jang Dong-yoon) is a bright student who's ranked 1st every time but doesn't have enough money for his dream college.

Cast

[edit]

Main

[edit]
The rebellious son of the school's director. He doesn't take school seriously and resents his father. Secretly, as Student X, he plays pranks on the school without revealing his true identity. He was involved in a motorcycle accident in which his best friend Joon-ki died after saving Eun-ho, who later becomes Tae-woon's love interest.
An 18-year-old student who is low-ranked but optimistic and dreams of studying to become a webtoon artist. She comes from a working-class family who owns a chicken restaurant.
The school's student president. He is a seemingly perfect student who is always ranked first place, despite coming from a poor family. He is in a relationship with Hong Nam-joo, who comes from a poor family but appears wealthy. He was best friends with Tae-woon and Joon-ki before the accident. However, after the death of Joon-ki, he and Tae-woon fell into a conflicted relationship.
Form teacher for Class 2-1. Though he struggles to speak up against authority, he cares deeply for his students and always believes in them, despite the backlash he receives from school management. He falls in love with the police officer Han Soo-ji.
A police detective who gets demoted for mishandling a case, and ends up assigned as the school police officer. She is an ace detective and a stickler for rules. She falls in love with teacher Shim Kang-myung.

Supporting

[edit]

Students

[edit]
Dae-hwi's girlfriend. She pretends to be from a rich family because she is ashamed of her father's actual profession as a taxi driver. She is frustrated and stressed because of her family's financial struggles.
Eun-ho's loyal best friend, who is a big fan of Issue. Her mother is a cleaner at the school and she has given up her dreams to support her mother. She often gets into fights with Eun-ho but always makes it up.
A guitarist and singer-songwriter who had been educated abroad. He has a crush on Sa-rang. He often comforts her.
An unpopular member of the K-pop boy group Cherry on Top whose stage name is Issue. A transfer student at Eun-ho's school. He is the guy Oh Sa-rang has a crush on.
Son of a prominent prosecutor. He is tutored by Dae-hwi but is jealous of him because he always comes in second place to him. When he was in grade 10 he used to date Seo Bo-ra, but ends up splitting because he is obsessive and abusive. He really wants to prove who X is.
Tae-woon's clueless friend, often seen drinking strawberry milk.
A target of bullying in the class. She is afraid to report Young-gun and her other bullies to teachers because of their previous failings. She used to date Kim Hee-chan in grade 10 before she broke up with him for being abusive. She takes a while to trust people, and believes in forgiveness. She is a loyal friend to Eun-ho.
Highly-strung daughter of a sought-after plastic surgeon. She is one of Bo-ra's bullies. She often blames everything on her and overreacts. She uses her money against everyone.
A troublemaker who bullies Bo-ra. She later trains to become a police officer, inspired by Han Soo-ji. She is loyal and will owe up to anyone's mistakes. She is struggling to find a place to belong.
A member of Young-gun's group.
A member of Young-gun's group.

School personnel

[edit]
Rich and powerful director of the school. He is the father of Hyun Tae-woon.
The school's corrupt principal.
Assistant to the principal, who dreams of being promoted.

Teachers

[edit]
  • Lee Jae-yong as Koo Young-goo, a strict but fair teacher who succeeds Hyun Kang-woo to become Geumdo High School's principal.
  • Min Sung-wook [ko] as Jung Joon-soo, a PE teacher who is Shim Kang-myung's rival for police officer Han Soo-ji's affections.
  • Jo Mi-ryung as Jang So-ran

Ra family

[edit]
  • Sung Ji-ru as Ra Sun-bong, Eun-ho's father, who secretly works laying pavements to earn money for Eun-ho to go to extracurricular classes.
  • Kim Hee-jung as Kim Sa-bun, Eun-ho's mother. She is seen as strict but she is very caring. She manages everything around the house.
  • Jang Se-hyun [ko] as Ra Tae-shik, Eun-ho's brother. He is seen as irresponsible by his family and doesn't have big dreams. All he wants is to be an employee at a company.

Extended

[edit]
  • Mi Jung as Na Young-ok, Song Dae-hwi's mother.
  • Kim Soo-jin as Oh Sa-rang's mother, a cleaner at Geumdo High School.
  • Choo Kwi-jung as Kim Hee-chan's mother.
  • Kim Jin-woo as Im Joon-ki, Tae-woon and Dae-hwi's late best friend.
  • Shin Yun-sook as Im Joon-ki's grandmother.
  • Kim Sun-hwa as Ahn Jung-il's mother.
  • Lee Jae-kyung as Parent.
  • Song Yoo-hyun as College Academic Counselor.
  • Lee Hyun-suk
  • Ahn Tae-joon
  • Kim Song
  • Kim Bo-kyung
  • Lee Jae-seo
  • Kwon Se-rin
  • Shin Joo-hang
  • Won Jin-ho
  • Kim Si-eun as Lee Min-jung
  • Jung Yo-han
  • Park Hye-young
  • Lee Yoon-ji
  • Kim Ji-sung as Ham Yoon-hee
  • Choi Moon-kyung
  • Yoo Chae-mok
  • Lee Se-rang
  • Park Ji-yun
  • Kim Jae-chul
  • Yoo In-soo as Min-joon
  • Jo Jae-hyun
  • So Joon-hyung
  • Lee Mi-kyung
  • Park Ok-chul

Special appearance

[edit]
A student at Eun-ho's dream college, whom Eun-ho has a crush on.

Production

[edit]

In May 2017, KBS offered the leading role to Kim Yoo-jung as a follow-up project to her popular series Love in the Moonlight (2016). By June 2017, she officially declined.[8][9]

The first script reading of the series took place on June 19, 2017 at the KBS Annex Building in Yeouido, Seoul, South Korea.

Original soundtrack

[edit]
School 2017
OST Album
Soundtrack album by
Various artists
Released2017
GenreSoundtrack
LanguageKorean
LabelLeon Korea
Music&New
ProducerLee Woo-hyun (executive), Jung Hee-chul

Part 1

[edit]
Released on July 17, 2017 (2017-07-17)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Believe In This Moment" (이 순간을 믿을게)Shim Hyun-boChoi Min-changGugudan03:16
2."Believe In This Moment" (Inst.) Choi Min-chang 03:16
Total length:06:32

Part 2

[edit]
Released on July 24, 2017 (2017-07-24)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Throbbing Summer Day" (두근두근 여름날)Shim Hyun-boChoi Min-chang, Park Sung-jinYozoh03:20
2."Throbbing Summer Day" (Inst.) Choi Min-chang, Park Sung-jin 03:20
Total length:06:40

Part 3

[edit]
Released on July 31, 2017 (2017-07-31)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Going Home"Kang Woo-kyungJung Sung-amTarin03:24
2."Going Home" (Inst.) Jung Sung-am 03:24
Total length:06:48

Part 4

[edit]
Released on August 7, 2017 (2017-08-07)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Stay In My Life"
  • Park Geun-cheol
  • Taeyong
  • Jung Soo-min
  • Park Geun-cheol
  • Jung Soo-min
Taeil, Taeyong, Doyoung (NCT)03:15
2."Stay In My Life" (Inst.) 
  • Park Geun-cheol
  • Jung Soo-min
 03:15
Total length:06:30

Part 5

[edit]
Released on August 8, 2017 (2017-08-08)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Reach To You" (너에게 닿기를)
  • Lee Sang-joon
  • Jung Jin-woo
  • Lee Sang-joon
  • Cha Gil-wan
Maktub03:34
2."Reach To You" (Inst.) 
  • Lee Sang-joon
  • Cha Gil-wan
 03:34
Total length:07:08

Part 6

[edit]
Released on August 14, 2017 (2017-08-14)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."I Pray 4 You"
  • MATHI
  • Park Geun-cheol
  • Jeong Soo-min
  • Park Geun-cheol
  • Jeong Soo-min
  • MATHI
Apink BnN (Bomi, Namjoo)03:50
2."I Pray 4 You" (Inst.) 
  • Park Geun-cheol
  • Jeong Soo-min
  • MATHI
 03:51
Total length:07:41

Ratings

[edit]
Ep. Original broadcast date Title Average audience share
Nielsen Korea[10] TNmS[11]
Nationwide Seoul Nationwide Seoul
1 July 17, 2017 "Grade Class Society" 5.9% (NR) 6.4% (NR) 6.5% (NR) 7.0% (NR)
2 July 18, 2017 "About Trouble Kids" 4.2% (NR) 4.5% (NR) 4.8% (NR) 5.1% (NR)
3 July 24, 2017 "Suspect Your Friend" 4.2% (NR) 4.4% (NR) 4.6% (NR) 4.8% (NR)
4 July 25, 2017 "Encounter" 4.1% (NR) 4.6% (NR) 4.6% (NR) 5.0% (NR)
5 July 31, 2017 "Something the Student Evaluation Doesn't Record" 4.2% (NR) 4.5% (NR) 4.2% (NR) 4.4% (NR)
6 August 1, 2017 "The Real Records of Our Lives" 4.6% (NR) 4.8% (NR) 4.7% (NR) 4.9% (NR)
7 August 7, 2017 "Everyone Lies" 4.4% (NR) 4.6% (NR) 4.6% (NR) 4.8% (NR)
8 August 8, 2017 "After the Lie" 4.7% (NR) 4.9% (NR) 5.0% (NR) 5.2% (NR)
9 August 14, 2017 "The Weight Rumors Carry" 4.4% (NR) 4.5% (NR) 4.4% (NR) 4.6% (NR)
10 August 15, 2017 "How to Endure the Weight" 4.4% (NR) 4.6% (NR) 4.7% (NR) 4.9% (NR)
11 August 21, 2017 "Dreams, the Shining Worries" 4.7% (NR) 4.8% (NR) 4.8% (NR) 5.0% (NR)
12 August 22, 2017 "Soaring Up, You" 4.1% (NR) 4.3% (NR) 4.7% (NR) 4.8% (NR)
13 August 28, 2017 "Two People's Lines" 4.3% (NR) 4.5% (NR) 4.4% (NR) 4.6% (NR)
14 August 29, 2017 "How to Face Different Lines" 4.4% (NR) 4.6% (NR) 5.1% (NR) 5.3% (NR)
15 September 4, 2017 "How to Protect You" 4.1% (NR) 4.4% (NR) 4.9% (NR) 5.2% (NR)
16 September 5, 2017 "On My Way to Meet the Real You" 4.6% (NR) 4.7% (NR) 4.5% (NR) 4.8% (NR)
Average 4.8% 5.2% 4.5% 4.9%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • NR denotes that the drama did not rank in the top 20 daily programs on that date.

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2017 10th Korea Drama Awards Best New Actress Kim Se-jeong Nominated
1st The Seoul Awards Best New Actor Kim Jung-hyun Nominated [12]
Best New Actress Kim Se-jeong Nominated
31st KBS Drama Awards Best New Actor Kim Jung-hyun Nominated [13]
Netizen Award - Male Nominated
Best New Actress Kim Se-jeong Won
Netizen Award - Female Nominated
Best Couple Award Kim Jung-hyun and Kim Se-jeong Nominated
2018 13th Annual Soompi Awards Nominated [14]
54th Baeksang Arts Awards Best New Actor Kim Jung-hyun Nominated [15]
Best New Actress Kim Se-jeong Nominated

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

School 2017

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
![School 2017 promotional poster](./assets/KBS2-School_2017_posterposter School 2017 is a South Korean television drama series that aired on KBS2 from July 17 to September 5, 2017, comprising 16 episodes broadcast on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The series, the seventh installment in the long-running School franchise, centers on the experiences of high school students confronting intense academic competition, social stratification based on grades, and barriers to pursuing personal dreams in South Korea's exam-oriented education system. It primarily follows protagonist Ra Eun-ho, portrayed by Kim Se-jeong, a determined young woman aspiring to become a webtoon artist despite her low academic standing, alongside classmates dealing with expulsion threats, mysterious incidents, and interpersonal conflicts. Directed by and written by and Oh Sang-ho, the drama features a cast including Kim Jung-hyun as the enigmatic Hyun Tae-woon and as Woo Jin-oh, emphasizing themes of resilience, , and of institutional rigidities that prioritize rote achievement over and equity. The narrative incorporates elements of mystery, such as the identity of "Student X," an expelled figure whose actions influence school dynamics, while addressing real-world pressures like cram schools, parental expectations, and youth strains prevalent in Korean society. School 2017 achieved notable recognition, with earning the Best New Actress award at the 31st for her performance, reflecting the series' impact on portraying authentic adolescent challenges. Viewer reception highlighted its inspirational tone and relevance to ongoing debates about educational reform, though it maintained moderate ratings compared to predecessors in the franchise.

Premise and Plot

Synopsis

School 2017 centers on the experiences of third-year high school students at a South Korean institution where academic rankings and socioeconomic status heavily influence opportunities and treatment. The protagonist, Ra Eun-ho, portrayed by , is an 18-year-old aspiring artist from a modest operating a ; she grapples with intense exam pressure while harboring a crush on a who urges her to prioritize studies for a chance at reunion. Eun-ho becomes implicated in the activities of "Student X," an anonymous whistleblower who uploads videos highlighting school corruption, including favoritism toward elite students, teacher irregularities, and systemic injustices like manipulated exam results and cover-ups. Wrongly suspected as Student X, she risks expulsion and derailed future, prompting an alliance with Hyun Tae-woon, played by Kim Jung-hyun, the aloof son of the school director who returns after expulsion from a U.S. institution due to behavioral issues. The narrative explores ensemble dynamics among classmates confronting personal hardships—such as family poverty, parental expectations, and peer rivalries—amid broader critiques of rote-learning culture and institutional opacity. Key subplots involve efforts to expose scandals, advocate for fair evaluations, and foster against hierarchical , culminating in pursuits of individual aspirations over conformist success metrics.

Characters and Cast

Main Roles

  • Kim Se-jeong as Ra Eun-ho: The protagonist, an 18-year-old high school from a working-class family who aspires to become a webtoon artist despite poor academic performance and facing institutional bias favoring wealthy or high-achieving students; she is cheerful, possesses a strong sense of , and gets falsely implicated in the "Student X" incidents that expose school .
  • Kim Jung-hyun as Hyun Tae-woon (aka Student X): The male lead, a aloof and intelligent who is the son of the school chairman; burdened by family expectations and a history of against the school's favoritism, he secretly orchestrates protests as "Student X" to challenge systemic injustices before allying with Eun-ho.
  • Jang Dong-yoon as Song Dae-hwi: Eun-ho's classmate and close friend, a diligent and principled from a rural background who transfers to the and becomes involved in efforts to combat and , often acting as a moral anchor for the group.
  • Han Sun-hwa as Han Soo-ji: A compassionate who advocates for fair treatment of students regardless of status, providing guidance and support amid the unfolding scandals at the .
  • Han Joo-wan as Shim Kang-myung: The homeroom teacher for the main students, initially enforcing strict policies but gradually questioning the system's flaws through interactions with the protagonists.

Supporting Roles

Seol In-ah portrayed Hong Nam-joo, the girlfriend of protagonist Song Dae-hwi, who hails from an impoverished background but maintains appearances of affluence. Park Se-wan played Oh Sa-rang, a classmate who experiences emotional distress amid school pressures. Seo Ji-hoon depicted Yoon Kyung-woo, another student in the class navigating interpersonal dynamics. (Kim Ro-woon) took on the of Kang Hyun-il, a transfer student, and the anonymous online troublemaker known as "Issue." Kim Hee-chan appeared as , a peer involved in class activities and conflicts. Additional supporting characters included faculty members such as Shin Joon-hang as Ban Jung-do, a teacher influencing student discipline.

Production

Development

The development of School 2017 commenced in 2016 as the seventh installment in KBS's long-running School anthology series, which has explored high school life since 1999. On September 29, 2016, KBS announced the project was underway for a summer 2017 premiere on KBS2, with the script sourced from the winner of the broadcaster's open screenwriting competition; the storyline was intended to emphasize "real stories" drawn from authentic student experiences, including educational pressures and . The screenplay was ultimately written by Jung Chan-mi and Kim Seung-won, both relatively new to major dramas at the time. Pre-production advanced with the first full-cast script reading held on June 19, 2017, at the KBS Annex Building in , , marking the transition to active preparation ahead of the July 17 premiere. This timeline aligned with KBS's strategy to refresh the franchise by incorporating contemporary youth issues, such as academic competition and institutional corruption, while maintaining the series' focus on ensemble teen narratives.

Casting

Casting for School 2017 began in early 2017, with auditions for supporting youth roles underway by as the production prepared for its premiere. The series followed KBS's tradition of selecting emerging talents for its high school ensemble, prioritizing actors who could portray relatable student struggles amid institutional pressures. Initial offers targeted established young actresses for the female lead, Ra Eun-ho; Kim Yoo-jung received a leading role proposal in May 2017, but negotiations ultimately failed due to scheduling conflicts or other undisclosed factors. Gugudan's Kim Se-jeong, a rookie idol with prior acting exposure from survival shows, was subsequently cast in the role, marking her first lead in a drama. For the male leads, Kim Jung-hyun was selected as Hyun Tae-woon, a studious transfer student, while Jang Dong-yoon portrayed Song Dae-hwi, a rebellious athlete; both were relative newcomers whose performances propelled their careers. Han Sun-hwa, known from idol group Secret, took the teacher role of Han Soo-ji, bringing experience from prior dramas like Mileage of Life. Supporting roles emphasized fresh faces to capture authentic high school dynamics. In June 2017, actors like (as Lee Da-mi, Ra Eun-ho's rival), Seo Ji-hoon, and joined via open casting calls, with specifically cast as a competitive peer. was added as homeroom teacher Shim Kang-myung, a principled figure challenging , after considering the part amid his post-military career pivot. This approach favored chemistry tests and script readings to ensure ensemble cohesion, as confirmed by production sources emphasizing natural teen portrayals over star power. The final lineup, announced progressively through June, blended idols, rookies, and veterans, contributing to the drama's reputation for launching talents like and into prominence.

Filming

Filming for School 2017 began on June 20, 2017, shortly after the initial script reading held on at the KBS Annex Building in , . The production was directed by Park Jin-suk, with principal photography capturing the high school environment central to the series' narrative. The primary filming location was Suwon Technical High School in Paldal-gu, City, which stood in for the fictional Geumdo High School depicted throughout the drama. This site allowed for authentic replication of classroom, hallway, and campus scenes, emphasizing the everyday pressures faced by students. Additional exterior and supplementary shots were likely filmed in metropolitan areas, aligning with the series' urban high school setting, though specific secondary locations remain undocumented in production reports. As a KBS2 Monday-Tuesday drama airing from July 17 to September 5, 2017, School 2017 incorporated elements of the live-shoot system common to Korean broadcasting schedules, enabling real-time script revisions and actor improvisations to respond to early episode reception. Filming directors Moon Chang-soo and Kim Jae-hwan oversaw on-set operations, focusing on youth-centric realism without reported major delays or logistical issues.

Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack Releases

The original soundtrack for School 2017 was released in six digital parts during the series' broadcast, each comprising a main vocal track by a artist along with its instrumental version. These parts were issued by Leon Korea and promoted through platforms such as and . The , aggregating the vocal tracks, instrumentals, and select background scores into 13 total songs, was digitally released on September 4, 2017. Physical editions, including additional packaging like photobooks and posters depending on the version, became available on September 15, 2017, distributed by Warner Music Korea. The digital parts featured the following main tracks:
PartRelease DateTitleArtist
1July 17, 2017"Believe In This Moment" (이 순간을 믿을게)
2July 24, 2017"A Thrilling Summer Day" (두근두근 여름날)Yozoh
3July 31, 2017"Going Home"Tarin
4August 7, 2017"Stay In My Life"NCT (Taeil, Taeyong, Doyoung)
5August 8, 2017"From Me To You" (너에게 가는 희망)Maktub
6August 14, 2017"Catch You" (붙잡아)
These releases emphasized upbeat and emotional ballads aligning with the drama's themes of youth and perseverance, with artists selected for their popularity in the K-pop industry at the time.

Broadcast and Ratings

Airing Details

School 2017 originally aired on KBS2, a South Korean public broadcasting network, from July 17, 2017, to September 5, 2017. The drama consisted of 16 episodes, broadcast weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 KST. Each episode ran for approximately 60 minutes. As the seventh installment in KBS2's long-running School anthology series, it followed the network's tradition of youth dramas examining educational and social themes in high school settings. The series replaced Fight for My Way in KBS2's Monday-Tuesday primetime slot.

Viewership Ratings

School 2017 aired on KBS2 from July 17 to September 5, 2017, with viewership ratings tracked by TNmS Media (household-based) and Nielsen Korea (panel-based). Nationwide averages stood at 4.8% for TNmS and 4.5% for Nielsen across 16 episodes, reflecting modest performance typical of mid-tier Monday-Tuesday dramas during that slot. The premiere episode peaked at 5.9% nationwide per Nielsen, while subsequent episodes generally hovered in the low-to-mid 4% range, with no episode surpassing 6%.
EpisodeDateTNmS Nationwide (%)Nielsen Nationwide (%)
12017-07-176.55.9
22017-07-184.84.2
32017-07-244.64.2
42017-07-254.64.1
52017-07-314.24.2
62017-08-014.74.6
72017-08-074.64.4
82017-08-085.04.7
92017-08-144.44.4
102017-08-154.74.4
112017-08-214.84.7
122017-08-224.74.1
132017-08-284.44.3
142017-08-295.14.4
152017-09-044.94.1
162017-09-054.54.6
Ratings data derived from official TNmS Media and Nielsen Korea measurements, which differ due to methodological variances: TNmS surveys a broader household sample, while Nielsen relies on a metered panel for demographic insights. Seoul-area figures were consistently higher, averaging 5.2% (TNmS) and 4.9% (Nielsen), indicating stronger urban appeal. Compared to its predecessor Fight for My Way, which ended with 7.6% nationwide per Nielsen, School 2017 underperformed in raw numbers but sustained steady viewership without significant drops.

Reception

Critical Reviews

School 2017 garnered positive reviews from K-drama commentators for its blend of youthful romance and examinations of educational inequities, , and institutional in South Korean high schools. Reviewers at Dramabeans praised the series for delivering heartfelt character growth and relatable teen dynamics, arguing it succeeded as a "perfect drama" by prioritizing emotional resonance over unrelenting grimness, unlike the more issue-driven . The publication's episode recaps consistently highlighted the show's ability to evoke laughter, tears, and cheers through its Geumdo High ensemble, crediting strong performances from rookie leads , Kim Jung-hyun, and . Critics noted the series' strength in addressing real-world pressures like entrance exam obsession and rank-based hierarchies, with one analysis defending its lighter tone as a deliberate to inspire rather than solely condemn systemic flaws. User-aggregated scores reflected this approval: MyDramaList rated it 8.1/10 from 43,189 voters, emphasizing phenomenal casting and edge-of-seat relationship dynamics; scored it 7.5/10 from 2,732 users, who appreciated the lighthearted storytelling amid social commentary. On Viki, it achieved 9.4/10 from 94,752 ratings, underscoring its inspirational appeal to international audiences. Some reviewers critiqued the drama for diluting its potential through excessive subplots and a romance-centric focus that occasionally overshadowed deeper societal critique, leading to perceptions of fluffiness or idealism. A analysis rated it 6.5/10, acknowledging interesting elements like the "X" mystery arc but faulting it for not matching the intensity of prior School installments. Despite such reservations, the series was included in Dramabeans' 2017 year-end highlights for shining amid a slump of weaker dramas, valued for its fun, likable characters and avoidance of heavy . Overall, 2017 was seen as an accessible entry in the franchise, effective in humanizing student struggles without alienating viewers.

Audience Feedback

Audience reception to School 2017 was generally positive, with viewers appreciating its portrayal of high school pressures, including educational , , and youthful romance, often describing it as relatable and inspirational for depicting authentic teenage struggles. On MyDramaList, the series holds an 8.1 out of 10 rating from over 43,000 users, reflecting strong approval among international K-drama enthusiasts who praised elements like the mystery subplot involving "Student X" and the chemistry between leads and Kim Jung-hyun. Similarly, IMDb users rated it 7.5 out of 10 based on approximately 2,700 s, with comments highlighting its lighthearted storytelling and effective handling of school-related social issues despite acknowledging it lacks profound narrative depth. Viewers frequently commended the drama's and emotional resonance, particularly in episodes addressing and personal growth, which resonated with audiences familiar with South Korea's competitive education system. Some fans defended it as a "perfect drama" for its consistent enjoyment and avoidance of unnecessary , contrasting it favorably with predecessors in the School series. However, criticisms emerged regarding pacing and predictability, with select reviews labeling it a for failing to deliver on initial hype or deeper thematic exploration, though such views were minority amid broader acclaim for its feel-good romance and cliffhangers. Overall, the series garnered praise for balancing entertainment with commentary on youth challenges, contributing to its enduring appeal on platforms like .

Awards and Recognition

Accolades

At the 31st held on December 31, 2017, actress won the Best New Actress award for her portrayal of Ra Eun-ho. Actor Kim Jung-hyun received a nomination for Best New Actor at the same ceremony for his role as Hyun Tae-woon.
Award CeremonyDateCategoryRecipientResult
1st The Seoul AwardsOctober 27, 2017Best Popular Actress (Drama)Won
31st December 31, 2017Best New ActressWon
31st December 31, 2017Best New ActorKim Jung-hyunNominated
Annual Awards2018Best Idol ActorNominated
April 29, 2018Best New Actor (TV)Kim Jung-hyunNominated
April 29, 2018Best New Actress (TV)Nominated
The series itself did not secure major production or ensemble awards at these events, with recognition centered on emerging talent amid competition from higher-rated dramas like and .

Themes and Analysis

Educational Pressures and Meritocracy

School 2017 portrays the relentless academic pressures endured by South Korean high school students, where success is predominantly measured by performance on mock exams and the national (Suneung), dictating university admissions and future prospects. At Geumdo High School, students like protagonist Ra Eun-ho, ranked 280th out of approximately 300 and placed in the lowest academic tier, confront institutional policies that reinforce stratification, such as serving superior cafeteria meals to top-ranked pupils based on exam results, which amplifies competition and devalues non-academic talents. This setup mirrors broader systemic demands, including mandatory after-school attendance for supplemental cramming, often extending study hours beyond 12 daily, contributing to widespread exhaustion among youth. The drama critiques the purported meritocracy of South Korea's education framework, which ostensibly rewards innate ability and effort through test scores but in practice favors those with financial means for private tutoring, perpetuating class disparities and sidelining students without such advantages. Eun-ho's pursuit of webtoon artistry over rote memorization exemplifies resistance to this narrow definition of merit, as the school administration prioritizes elite university placements—such as Hanguk University—while marginalizing lower performers through limited support and subtle . Empirical underscores the human cost: academic stress correlates strongly with depression and is a primary driver of South Korea's adolescent rate, the OECD's highest at around 10.5 per 100,000 for ages 10-19 in recent years, exceeding global averages by over twofold. Through characters' struggles, including rivalries fueled by endless assessments and adult oversight that enforces over , the series highlights causal links between hyper-competitive merit metrics and crises, advocating for recognition of diverse potentials beyond exam dominance. Such depictions align with documented critiques of rote-learning emphasis, which stifles intrinsic motivation and equates self-worth to rankings, prompting viewer reflections on reforming policies to mitigate inequality and .

Corruption and Social Issues

The series portrays institutional corruption in the high setting through the anonymous "Student X," who targets administrative malfeasance, including the distribution of expired food in the and the principal's preferential treatment of wealthy to secure donations and influence. This exposes a where school leaders prioritize financial incentives and personal connections over equitable governance and student safety, leading to widespread disruption as X's actions force confrontations with embedded biases. Social issues are interwoven via student experiences of , where victims endure physical and psychological often overlooked by authorities due to power imbalances favoring perpetrators from influential families. Characters like Hyun Tae-woon grapple with familial , as his father's deployment of bribes and to shield him from underscores class-based inequalities that perpetuate cycles of . Discrimination manifests in discriminatory practices, such as unequal disciplinary measures between socioeconomic groups, critiquing how economic disparity distorts institutional fairness. The narrative frames these elements as symptomatic of broader societal pressures, where erodes trust in educational merit and amplifies vulnerabilities like academic desperation and interpersonal conflict, prompting collective resistance against entrenched hierarchies.

Youth Romance and Personal Growth

In School 2017, the central romantic subplot revolves around Ra Eun-ho, a cheerful but ally underperforming aspiring to become a artist, and Hyun Tae-woon, a enigmatic transfer from a troubled background with a hidden talent for . Their relationship begins tentatively, with Eun-ho initially fixated on a crush, but evolves through shared vulnerabilities, culminating in Tae-woon's confession and Eun-ho's gradual reciprocation by mid-series. This progression emphasizes mutual encouragement, as Tae-woon supports Eun-ho's creative pursuits amid her low exam rankings, while she inspires him to channel his rebellious energy into designing, defying expectations of rote academic success. The romance serves as a catalyst for personal growth, portraying youth as a phase of self-discovery intertwined with rather than isolation under educational duress. Eun-ho transitions from self-doubt and dependency on superficial crushes to asserting her ambitions, bolstered by Tae-woon's affirmations that validate her non-traditional path. Similarly, Tae-woon sheds his guarded , confronting family hardships and school alienation through the relationship's demands for , such as resolving conflicts via direct apologies rather than evasion. By the finale, their bond symbolizes resilience, with promises of long-term support enabling both to prioritize individual aspirations over societal rankings, reflecting a realistic depiction of adolescent maturity forged in relational trials. Subtle side romances, like those among classmates navigating and , reinforce themes of emotional and , underscoring how youthful connections foster agency against systemic pressures. These elements collectively frame romance not as but as a mechanism for growth, where characters learn accountability and passion-driven identity amid Korea's high-stakes schooling.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Korean Media

School 2017 perpetuated the School ' established in Korean by centering narratives on high school students confronting systemic educational flaws, such as arbitrary expulsions and favoritism toward students. Airing on KBS2 from July 17 to September 5, 2017, the drama averaged nationwide viewership ratings of about 5%, lower than the 9.7% of School 2015, signaling broadcasters' challenges amid rising cable and streaming competition. Despite modest numbers, it sustained the franchise's focus on critiques, blending mystery elements—like investigations into a vigilante "Eun-ho"—with youth romance, influencing the genre's hybrid storytelling approach in subsequent youth-oriented productions. The series contributed to Korean media's growing emphasis on authentic depictions of academic pressures and institutional corruption, themes that echoed in later dramas examining school violence and inequality. By portraying students' resistance to opaque disciplinary practices, it aligned with the School legacy of prompting viewer reflections on real educational dynamics, though without sparking policy reforms or format innovations. This continuity helped normalize social issue-driven plots in high school settings, as seen in the franchise's extension to School 2021, amid a broader trend of K-dramas addressing bullying and systemic failures. Additionally, School 2017 bolstered the School series' reputation as a talent incubator, propelling actors like and to prominent roles in later hits, thereby extending its indirect sway over casting trends in Korean television. While not transformative, the drama reinforced public broadcaster KBS's commitment to youth-centric , countering commercial shifts toward lighter fare.

Relevance to Education Discourse

School 2017 contributes to education discourse by dramatizing the tensions within South Korea's hyper-competitive high school system, where students face relentless pressure to excel in entrance exams like the (Suneung), often at the expense of personal well-being. The series portrays protagonists navigating academic rankings, teacher favoritism, and institutional cover-ups, mirroring real-world critiques of a that prioritizes test scores over holistic development. This reflects empirical data showing South Korean students averaging over 12 hours daily on studies and private tutoring (), with household spending on after-school education exceeding 20 trillion won annually as of 2022. The drama's exposure of school corruption—such as administrative and suppression of student dissent—highlights causal links between systemic flaws and youth crises, aligning with documented rises in adolescent s tied to academic stress. In 2023, South Korea's teen rate reached 7.9 per 100,000, the highest recorded, frequently attributed to grade anxiety and future uncertainties in a where admission determines socioeconomic mobility. Analyses note that while the series emphasizes student-led resistance and as antidotes, it underscores a broader discourse on reforming "education fever" (gyoyuk yeol), which perpetuates inequality as affluent families dominate elite prep markets, disadvantaging lower-income peers. By foregrounding these issues without romanticizing outcomes, School 2017 prompts reflection on causal realism in : drives success but correlates with burnout and dropout risks, as evidenced by 20.3% of middle and high schoolers reporting in 2022 due to fears. Critics argue the show's narrative challenges the narrative of inevitable competition, advocating for systemic shifts toward equity and support, though real reforms lag amid entrenched cultural norms.

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