[Kdrama] School 2015 (1-10)
Originally I was going to blog about School 2013, Heirs, and Angry Mom first, but I need a post to capture my thoughts and predictions at the halfway point.
The main reason why I started this was because I really enjoyed School 2013 and I needed something to fill the void of Angry Mom. I wasn’t that terribly excited to learn that Sungjae was in it. Yes, I’m a fan of his vocals, but just his vocals (and his dorkiness). I mean if a guy can sing that well...he can’t possibly just be as good at acting, can he? When will he have the time to train? I’m wary of idol actors, especially their first few dramas. I was glad that the actress was a child actress though. Kim So-hyun - I’ve seen a couple of her dramas: Baker King, Moon Embracing the Sun, Rooftop Prince, I Can Hear Your Voice, The Girl Who Sees Smell. Since she mostly plays a younger version of the leads, I don’t quite remember her that well. But I remember her roles in Moon Embracing the Sun and The Girl Who Sees Smell (which I’m also watching right now).
Trusting the School brand, I decided to watch this drama.
I LOVE School 2013 because it was so different from a typical Kdrama. A splice of life - taking mundane everyday tasks and making it into a relatable drama. That's the opposite of what happened to School 2015. Amnesia, hidden identities, love triangles, evil bitch, etc...typical Kdrama tropes. Even though I loved School 2013 for its relatability, I like School 2015 for its craziness. Some people call it Heirs 2.0 - I wouldn't go that far.
This drama is resolves around a mystery - What happened to Eunbyul? It’s also about Eunbi finding her own identity.
*Spoilers ahead*
Eunbi is an orphan. She is a caring sister to her fellow orphans in her foster care, but the bullies at school pick on her. Eunbi tries to commit suicide, but was saved. She has amnesia and ends up switching places with Eunbyul, who disappears on the day the Eunbi tried to commit suicide.
Eunbyul is quite different from Eunbi. She has a mother. She’s popular, confident and although she isn’t a bully per se, she doesn’t seem to waste time on those that she deems beneath her.
The problem starts once Eunbi regains her memory, and realises she’s not Eunbyul…and finds a cremation pot (with Eunbi’s name on it) which could only mean that her sister has passed away.
But this is a part of the story that I don’t quite get. She tells Eunbyul’s mother…but Eunbyul’s mother tells Eunbi to take Eunbyul’s place?!!!
I can understand why Eunbi would do this. She tried to kill herself, which means that she just wanted to end her life. As Eunbyul, she has everything she wanted - friends and a family. I don't understand why doesn't Eunbyul's mother just adopt Eunbi instead of telling her to replace her daughter. There is no reason to ask a child to replace a dead one...Especially, legally it could have been resolved cleaner. Yesh.
Anyhow, Eunbi struggles to fill her sister’s shoes…but there are so many times I wanted Eunbi to spill the beans. Allow Eunbyul’s friends properly morn for Eunbyul. Eunbi and Eunbyul may look the same, but they’re very different people. Once Eunbyul’s friends discover what happened…I think Eunbi would need to transfer.
I am annoyed how she doesn't seem to think much about those she left behind, as Eunbi.
My favourite character would be Taekwang, played by Sungjae. Eunbyul ignored him…But to Eunbi, he’s a trusted confidante. Taekwong acts out and no one seems to like or respect him. He’s also been institutionalized many times, by his father, as to cover up for TaeKwang acting out. Anyways, even from the beginning, Eunbi and Taekwang had a very honest relationship. He was the first one who figured out Eunbi was not Eunbyul. He gives her space and supports her hroughout the drama. The unfortunate part of all this is…he’s the second lead. Supposedly. Based on the billing. He’s so sweet. It’s like Sam Dong from Dream High all over again. I’m having major second lead syndrome. I don’t think Sungjae is amazing in this role, but it is very suited for him…Taekwang is basically an exaggerated version of Sungjae (from what I gleem from the videos that I’ve seen him in). He’s a dork and so is Taekwang. J His character is much more interesting than the main male lead…No wonder 80% of the commenters from what I've read on Dramafever support the TaeKwang and Eunbi pairing.
The main male lead is Yi An, based on the drama billing. The issue I have paring up Yi An with Eunbi…is that Yi An is a child hood friend of Eunbyul. It has been obvious from the start that Yi An and Eunbyul has feelings for each other - they just never actually became bf/gf. Yi An’s also very sweet to Eunbi, but he thinks Eunbi is Eunbyul. Eunbi, never had such loyal friends before, can’t be help but is swayed by Yi An. I don’t think it’s love, but she’s hurt when Yi An rejects her. I think this is more because he’s been so loyal and nice to her and she values friends because she never had them in the past.
Since I supported Takwang/Eunbi pariing and having seen how sweet Yi An is towards Eunbyul (based on flashbacks), I really wished that Eunbyul was alive…this would make everything so tidy.
Then Ep. 10 happened
O_O
Just who is in the cremation pot????? They can’t have a funeral without a body. Was there really a body? But if there wasn’t any, why would they have a cremation pot…I'm thinking it's all a big misunderstanding.
I want to give a shout out to the actress who plays the Eunbi's bully. She's so awesome.
I expect great things from her in the future. She's very expressive - she's good at being manipulative...sly with an air of innocence, and vulnerablity (when her plans fail). Very good at getting under my nerves...
Another thing going for this show is the music. They picked really good ones for this drama. They're stuck in my head...
Click to viewthe lyrics "I wanna resest" is perfect for this show. Eunbi's practially restting her life.
My favourite so far is:
I never really paid attention to Younha. But this song is so good :)
I just read that Jonghyun and Taemin will also be adding to the OST.
WOW :D I wish Sunjae would sing as well, but I think the Shinee members will be good. Based on the cover though...does this mean that Taekwang is the lead?? :D