Dream High (2011)

Love all the Singing and Dancing!

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75

Wow… what a pleasant surprise! I can’t believe I had so much fun watching “Dream High” in 2024, and not find it cringey and dated (Ok, it did take me a couple episodes to get past how annoying Suzy’s character was in the beginning). Now that the cast are A-listers, it’s interesting to look back at how they started. As I am writing this review, I am also watching the concert ?

I am quite impressed with everyone’s acting even though it was a first drama for some of the cast members. I think out of the 6 main leads, Kim Soo Hyun did a little better and he’s more experienced than the rest of the cast. His character undergoes tremendous change from the first episodes to the last episode. Towards the second half of the drama, you can see how his character changes just by looking at his eyes. OK Taec Yeon has such a charismatic presence. Out of all the guys, I find him most attractive and can’t take my eyes off him when he’s on my screen. This is Suzy and IU’s first drama and I think they both did quite well. The veteran supporting cast is great, and some provide us with memorable comedic moments.

I love all the singing and dancing. IU has such a beautiful voice and is so talented. Ham Eun Jung has a more powerful but equally beautiful voice. The OST has some amazing songs. The dance choreography is great and I feel like I am really watching idols in the making. Jang Woo Young (Jason) is the best dancer in the drama and also the best out of all the actors. His dancing is cool and stylish. However, I found Taec Yeon dances with more charisma and joy and is infectious. Can't forget Teacher Yang, who is also the drama’s Creative Director and Choreographer. His moves are really sharp and precise. I forgot flash mobs were a thing back in the day, and it really brought back memories, and songs I haven’t heard in a long time.

I really like how the drama gives me a little peep into the idol training world. I’ve seen other dramas which focus a lot more on just singing and dancing, and fighting between students and group members. But “Dream High” shows us more than that. I enjoy watching the songwriting class, learning how to sing with emotions while acting out the lyrics, and even the pitch test. Additionally, I like that they didn’t make it a big deal with the IU’s weight loss. I wasn’t happy with her initial reason to lose weight, but I’m glad she came around. Though the weight loss was brought up in the professional/music/PR world, the issue was not dragged on.

The romance… well, my ship did not sail, but that’s OK. Even though there’s a love triangle/square, it was not bad. Guys are respectful of each other and are both positive influences. Unfortunately, I found the chemistry between the three main leads a little lacking. I like Suzy and Tac Yeong’s chemistry a little better than Suzy and Kim Soo Hyun. The secondary romance is cute and sweet, and provides the drama with limited fluffy moments. I actually wanted to see more of them.

There are many laugh-out-loud moments and very emotional ones. In ep 13, I was very moved by a solo performance with the assist from another member. However, I also found there’s a little too much crying in the second half of the drama, especially from FL/Suzy. I do not like FL’s father and how he just abandons his kids and disappears for a year. The debt collection side plot is quite unrealistic.

Overall, I have a great time watching this. I wouldl recommend this to those who enjoy a lot of singing and dancing, and if you are interested in the idol training world. It’s quite fun to see how young these superstars were back then.


Completed: 4/27/2024 - Review #433

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Why did I like this show so much?
I'm still trying to answer that question.
It's just a music-based slice-of-life, which are both genres that don't interest me in the slightest.
I really only watched it due to a strong "recommendation" from a friend.
But now... sitting here... writing a review... I-I have to admit that I grew extremely fond of it.
How on earth did this happen?
Here's what I know....

Story 〆(・∀・＠): What hasn't been said yet?
This show takes place in a school dedicated to helping kids become stars, so the entirety of the story is centered around personal growth. Because of that, it was a straightforward show to watch. It was a story that had a few heavy topics in mind but always addressed it in a more calming manner. That way, you could see some dark truths but never feel the show losing its calm slice-of-life vibe.
What I think Dream High's strongest point is that everything ran like a well-oiled machine. No topic hung around too long, and every problem hit its climax and resolution at a perfect time. I applaud the writers for being able to do this since, in a lot of high school shows, misunderstandings tend to be taken out of proportion. It's this smooth writing style that might have had such a substantial impact on my opinion with the show.
Another thing is the side stories. As you can see in the title picture, there is a large group of protagonists. And of course, they each have their own challenges to face, which brings quite a few sub-plots. But here's the weird part...
I liked the sub-plots more than the actual one.
Of course, the main one was strong (more in the end than in the beginning), but I could connect with the side stories more than anything else. This also relates to how I liked the side-main characters more than the main main ones.
Does that make sense?
An example being Pil-Sook and Jason (IU and Jang Woo-young). I loved watching them more than anybody else, and they weren't the show's prime focus.
What I'm trying to say is that all the characters are likable in their own way. Maybe not at all times (I'm looking at you Go Hye-min) but enough to find yourself wanting to watch what life has in store for them.
It's a really empowering show in that way.
Buuuuut, since it is a slice of life, I have to be honest and admit I did get bored a few times. Just a few though...
The show provided enough moments to where my undivided attention was brought. So congratulations show!
You've done what other feel-good school shows couldn't. Not even Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo could do it.

Acting ｡゜(｀Д')゜｡: eeeek. Alright...
I've never had such a problem with acting before. It's rare to find a show where every single cast member is perfect. But usually, it's up to the leads to pull through and help the viewer overlook it. Yet, in Dream High, it was the side characters that seemed to do the pulling. Bae Suzy.... girl... Where do I start with you?
She was one of my main issues with this show. I've seen her in more recent works, and I can confirm she has definitely improved. But in this show, I was really disappointed. She just couldn't show emotion.
When she's angry she'd yell, when she's sad she'd cry, and when she's happy she'll smile.
But what else does she have to do? I feel like she couldn't answer this question. So much of the show was just her lifeless eyes spouting out lines. Although she'd do those things to show emotion, there never felt to be any sincerity. It even became a joke in the show how Hye-min was so emotionless. And I know this type of acting wasn't purposeful since I saw scenes where other actors were giving it 110% but she just.... I dunno.... smiled lifelessly?
She was irritating, that's for sure, but not enough to where I was miserable.
Other actors were okay. A lot of them were just pretty faces. I never had an issue with anybody else the way I did with Suzy, but I did feel like some would only say their lines with emotion yet not fully put themselves out there.
The one who truly blew my mind was the actor who was the only one not an idol. Yet his acting made it look like he had the most experience. So fantastic job Kim Soo-Hyun!!!
But in short, the acting is okay. It's extreme eye candy, that's for sure, but nothing to win an award with.

Music ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪ / Other (ง°ل͜°)ง: Usually I keep the music and the other sections of the review separate, but this time they were so close in content that I just thought it would be easier to lump together.
For the first time in Kdrama history, I can actually talk about the music without scavenging for something to say.
I also need to preface that I am not a Kpop fan. I don't dislike the music, but I'm not a fan of any one band and have only bought a few songs. But regardless of that, I still found some really catchy tunes. What helped me appreciate the music part of this show was how much variety there was. There were some slow-paced ones, catchy pop ones, and maybe one or two light rock ones. Most of the melodies themselves were terrific on their own. I can't say there was a particular song that I fell for, and I'll most likely never listen to the songs again. But that doesn't mean they were terrible.
If you're a Kpop fan, than this show will be a gift to the ears!
And when you see some of the dance moves that these idol actors can do.... it.... it just blows my mind!
I wish I could've seen more of the dancing since it was just so mesmerizing.
All in all, the whole musical part of this show was pulled off really well. There was an equal distribution of music and drama, so one side never felt too overpowering. It was so fun to watch that I even had the urge to brush up my old piano skills (something I haven't done since I was 8). So yay for the empowerment!!

To summarize everything up in a neat little conclusion, I enjoyed this show more than I thought I would.
It was so easy-going and enjoyable while still having that slight worry of who's going to make it.
The character development was amazing to watch, and each side-story connected to the bigger picture.
The romance was cute ( I wished there was a bit more ).
The ending was heartwarming.
There wasn't too much action or tragedy, yet your heart strings were still pulled.
It's a show I'll recommend even though I wouldn't watch it again.
Happy Watching <3

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Ok let's get the negatives out of the way first, this show is not for everybody. The acting is pretty bad- you can so tell most of them are idol actors- and yes, it can be cheesy. I'd say the bad acting is the biggest flaw of the show and also, warning, it does have JYP in it and he's basically playing himself but like less creepy. But idk guys the vibes in this show are SO FUN I ADORE IT. I love it when a lovable band of the most annoying losers you've ever met have to group together in order to realize their dreams its so cheesy but idk it gets me. I love their little group so much and them all living together and taking care of each other like the most loser family ever i love them I LOVE THESE SILLY KPOP IDOLS FOUND FAMILY. And honestly its the teacher who really pulls it together like youve got this underdog, complete loser of a teacher but he believes in these sillies despite what he has to work with is the most emotionless complete prick (go hyemi my beloved <33), this country bumpkin, taecyeon doing his best attempt at a bad boy character, and IU playing an absolute sweetheart with perfect pitch. I love this group of misfits so much and it's so easy to root for them despite Hyemi putting up her uncaring front all the time. And speaking of Hyemi, I adore her. Like yeah, okay, Suzy is not a great actress but I think it's clear Hyemi's really guarded and prickly not because she's an uncaring sociopath but because she has to be to survive cause her dad is the worst and she has a family to take care of. Idk she's kind of a girlboss and I love how as the show goes on its so obvious how much she cares and how she looks out for the rest of the group despite everything. She's such a fun protagonist and such an interesting one for a 2010s character like shes not this wide-eyed, flighty, candy girl, she's snarky and rude and does not hold back. I ADORE HER. That being said I also love Baekhee, I cant help it, I love a good loserwoman. She's your typical 'was treated poorly by the rude, egotistical popular girl and now wants to take her place' character and yes she's really desperate but idk i do feel bad for her. And I am kind of surprised she didn't end up with Taecyeons character- which I actually really loved their bond. Taecyeon still looking out for her despite being in love with Hyemi was actually so sweet he's such a good guy and I think that's what works about his character. He's not this bad boy stereotype, he has an actual soul and heart and just like Hyemi is just a bit guarded on the outside. And that's the shows biggest positive- it's so incredibly heartfelt. It's goofy and can be cliche, but wow is it just so full of heart. Ugh I just really adore this show, the characters just all fit so well together and I love how they ultimately came together to form one big group like i just love them so dearly. Like Kim Soohyun's country bumpkin character is just so earnest you cant help but root for the guy- although he does get a bit emo during the second half but I do like how he and Hyemi work through that and his hearing issues. Which, yeah, the drama in this show is insane but I adore it it's so ridiculous <33 And then ofc theres Pilsuk and Jason and Jason is just so well named like that guy is just such a Jason. Those two were actually so cute together, and honestly... For a 2010 Kdrama I was actually surprised with how they dealt with Pilsuk's character and her weight loss. I do think that she ultimately did it for herself, which I appreciated, and I also how appreciated how Jason didn't want her to lose weight because he thought she was ugly, but because he hated seeing her getting bullied and looked down upon in the school because of it. It's def a touchy subject - esp with Korean beauty standards- and for the most part I do think they handled it pretty well. I also found it interesting that they didn't try to glamourize the weight loss, like they showed the reality of it and the side effects of weight loss. I just found it interesting how they handled the plot considering the beauty standards there. But other than that Pilsuk was SUCH a sweetie i loved her so much and I loved her dynamic with the rest of the group they just had a realy fun group dynamic idk guys I just really love this show. The music is peak 2010s kpop and I love it too. It's just such a sweet show and I acknowlegde that it's def not for everyone- I just love shows about people going to arts schools idk what it is. But this really is just a heartfelt show that makes you root for this stupid losers and their little group <3

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Honestly, I didn't expect the story to be so engaging and well-thought out! There was just the right amount of plot twists that moved the story forward. I loved how all the characters improved over the course of the drama. Acting could be improved but I think they did good considering that they were rookies (please correct me if I am wrong) at that time. The OST was really good, I always found myself humming the tunes. I wouldn't mind watching this again!


Personally, I think the whole message of the series is very relatable to everyone whether your dream is to be in the entertainment industry or somewhere else. This series shows us that there will always be big and small roadblocks before you reach your dreams. If you are passionate for your craft and continue to overcome the challenges that you face, you'll surely reach your dream. I think this is what some 20-somethings like me need to know. This drama shows us that we should not let our mistakes hold us back, we must keep moving forward and use those mistakes to improve ourselves along the way.

Now, this drama has a special place in my heart!

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No words can describe how much I loved watching this show. As soon as I watched the first episode, I couldn't stop; since I was watching it online, I was watching episode after episode and was watching it into the night.

I'm usually right about who the main character ends up with, but I got an interesting surprise, which is actually a good thing.

I also can't get over how adorable Jason and Pil Sook are together, I've even gone as far as to write down every instance that they have a moment so that I know when it happened. Probably a bit obsessive, but I absolutely loved them and they would hands down have to be my two favourite characters.

I've already watched it twice and will very definitely watch it again and again and again.

I can't actually say why I liked it, because honestly, it would take a while since I loved it all.

Seza :)

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Dream high is a must watched Kdrama for me because it has the extraordinary story of people who want's to be in entertainment scene.. and me as a viewer who one's has a dream to be a singer someday inspires that if you really have the talent,skills,motivation and goals you will be able to reach that dream.

It's a plus that they pick the right actor's and actresses to play those roles and i really love all the songs and performance that they made i actually download it then listen to it a couple of times and even memorize the song "winter child" that suzy(hye mi) sang in one of the episode. it really touches my heart when she sing'a that sincerely to taecyeon(jin gook).

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Dream High was ok tbh /: I didn't love it nor did I hate it. It's one of those dramas you really like at first but then afterwards you're like eh it wasn't that good why was I so hyped about it xD
Story: 8.5/10 It was enjoyable and fun. It's just your typical high school or music school scenario. I don't have much to say about this.
Acting/Cast: 8.5/10 I watched this because of Suzy, Eunjung and of course IU. They're so cute haha. Their acting is pretty good.
Music: 10/10 I mean come on, here are all of your most popular kpop singers of course the songs are gonna sound good!
Rewatch Value: 8.5/10 maybe
Overall: 8.5/10 it was ok
I recommend it.

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