Extracurricular Review
If you’re in the mood for a suspenseful, action-packed K-drama, Extracurricular is worth checking out.
It’s not usually the kind of drama I’d go for since it centres around crime and violence, but it came up around the same time I started watching The Glory, so I wanted to explore more of this kind of genre.
And honestly, it didn’t disappoint!
The series comprises 10 episodes, so it’s pretty fast-paced, and you won’t get bored.
Extracurricular stars Kim Dong-hee as Oh Ji-soo, a top student who is secretly leading a double life.
After school hours, he is involved in underground criminal activity to help support his studies.
Jung Da-bin plays Seo Min-hee, a fellow student who becomes entangled in Ji-soo’s illegal activities, while Park Ju-hyun portrays Bae Gyu-ri, another key character drawn into his complicated world.
Ji-soo, abandoned by his parents in ninth grade, leads a quiet life under the radar of his homeroom teacher, Mr. Cho.
However, beneath the surface, he secretly works as a security service provider for an illegal prostitution ring under the alias “Uncle.”
He partners with Lee Wang-chul, or “Old Man,” who helps protect the sex workers and manage the money flow for Ji-soo’s operations.
Extracurricular has some pretty tense moments when things go wrong.
It’s kind of hard, however, to feel any sort of sympathy towards Ji-soo because of the lack of character development.
He is shy and often naive, so it’s hard for him to fall into the dangerous guy trait. It makes it unbelievable at times.
Like, how did this kid seriously orchestrate all of this when he hardly even speaks and lacks social skills?
It’s kind of scary, given that in modern days it’s easy for school kids to get swept up in this industry just to support themselves, as it shows the reality we are living in.
I have to say the chemistry between Ji-soo and Gyu-ri is pretty impeccable. The things they do are pretty wild at times.
In the end, Extracurricular is a show that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish.
The dark, gritty plot makes you think about the pressures some students face and how easily they can fall into dangerous situations.
While Ji-soo’s character might not be the most relatable (his lack of development can be frustrating), the storyline is so intense and will keep you entertained.
If you’re up for a drama that’s fast-paced and thrilling with taboo topics, Extracurricular is a solid choice.