Dream High (2011)

Good drama

Go Hye Mi is a student who had majored in classical music but has to give up her dream by entering Kirin Art High School to pay off her father's debt. However, she needs to get two other students to also come to the school in order for her to enroll in the school conditionally. These two students are Song Sam Dong, who lives in the countryside, and Jin Guk, whom she accidentally meets while trying to escape from a loan shark. Yoon Baek Hee, formerly Hyemi's sidekick.

Overall good drama. If you have watched dream high two then you know this one is better than last time!!
Acting/Cast: For me, the five main leads were quite convincing in their acting, the effort was seen, though I believe when they perform they were at their best. Still., I loved them all, together with all the supporting casts. Character development was also evident.

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Scam High

The drama started off mostly alright for the first 3 episodes or so, but once they confined everything into the school settings, problems started to seep from every corner. Imagine all of the school related tired tropes and cliches amplified by cringe to create the cheesiest abomination. Jason as a character, actor, story and writing was easily the worst aspect of this drama. Which created one of the worst memorable dynamics with his love interest. From the outset, the plot followed a predictable trajectory but things got a lot worse around the last 1/3 of its run. During which the story became static, the characters fell apart and the drama started to shove empty scenes of side characters. They reduced Sam Dong screen time significantly as well. They also isolated Pil Sook and Jason despite being main characters and had little to no interactions with others later on. All of this led to a below average last episode and a lukewarm ending. Despite its flaws and problems, somehow it worked, to a certain degree.

In comparison, season 2 was an obvious downgrade in all regards, it's just plain worse. The empty scenes I mentioned earlier turned into amateurish random musical performances here. I noticed they were mostly using Korean songs in this season, compared to season 1 which had more western/global songs. In season 2, no one had any chemistry with anyone, all pairings were as incompatible and dry as they could get. It also had the same ending as season 1. I think the cast also had more idols than actors? Anyway, changing the directors and writers made its sequel DOA.

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I went into this one not expecting much, it was an idol drama after all, and yet it just turned out so much better than I thought it would and it improved steadily with each and every episode. There was just a really solid underdog elements, a great coming-of-age story, wrapped up in some kpop, with a whole lot of heart underneath it all. It was so cute, it had some funny bits, some fluff and a whole lot of heart and soul in it. It was probably my favorite drama of 2011.

It was also just the drama that I needed at the time. It was such an escape, since I wasn’t feeling that great mentally and then Dream High gave me something fun and cute to watch every week and something to look forward to. It became my feel-good drama and I have watched it a few times through since then and it just makes me smile.

Despite the acting not being top tier in every aspect of this show, Kim Soo Hyun may have carried it a bit on his shoulders and his characters is in a lot of ways the very heart of the story, or the biggest heart, and it does have some great actors in the supporting roles as teachers and other adults (and then JYP is just JYP). And I feel like each and every character fit the idol that was playing it, and they found some really creative ways with getting around those more stiff acting moments from the cast (many who were acting for the first time here) so it never truly bothered me too much. I was too busy having fun with it.

It’s that standard underdog story that you know and love, but it just did it so well and it hit all the right spots (at least for me). There were some great character moments, there was actual character developments and plot developments going on there, it was not just for fluff or just to promote some kpop groups, It manages all of that while also being a completely great, fun and easy to watch, coming of age story. It was a great fun.

Some actual thought went into this story, which made me really fun to watch. it didn’t drag a lot or at all and it didn’t suddenly become bad or anything. It was quite consistent though it did become a bit more dramatic toward the end but it was still cute.

I cared so much about the characters; both the teachers and the students and I just wanted them to do well and fall in love (there were some great couples there, my favorite being the Milky Couple) and just be happy. And unlike a whole lot of kdramas, this one kinda made me guess which lead the main heroine would end up with. Like, I was worried there for a second. I usually always figure it out quite early.

This is a kdrama for kpop fans. I feel like this is a kdrama that you make someone watch to get them into kpop, or vise versa. The way they incorporated the dancing, the singing and the music into the story, without shoehorning it in and making it just be there as filler, was excellent. There was a real emotion there when these people sang their songs, and actual stakes to the performances. And then also some really funny inside jokes if you follow kpop. It just had a really good mix of kpop and kdrama elements.

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Dream High....

The beginning of this drama portrayed an interesting and refreshing storyline with unique characters spanning from the Main leads to the Supporting Characters.
Our female main Bae Suzy lead was mean and talented, unlike the soft and dumb female leads which were trendy around that kdrama era.
Our two male leads starring Kim So Hyun and Taecyeon were also unique characters and it made me like both of them, also wondering which one would end up with the Female lead.

After all, we can always deduce who the Female lead would end up with from the beginning of a kdrama. Unfortunately towards the middle of the drama, it became very cliche.
With our FL(Female lead) trying to understand her feelings and waging in-between the two male leads to our sassy & mean FL becoming a sobbing mess and Baek hee (Fl ex-bestfriend) an evil witch.
Honestly, the middle of the drama had me cringing at some points and I struggled to watch some episodes.

I, of course will not forget our lovely Second Lead Couple which had less screen time. Pil Suk (IU) and Jason (Wooyoung) were a wonderful and cute match.
It was very obvious that all the actors put a lot of efforts in the drama since they were all young most especially our main leads including IU and Wooyoung.
All in all, the OST was one of the best and even after about seven or eight years of watching it, I can still remember the songs from Dream high.

It's a good watch and something to rinse your eyes from some recent kdramas.

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I will write my review in the order of the marks.
The storyline of Dream High itself is not terrible, and I like that they took on both light and dark concepts for the drama. It's among the first dramas that I've seen that manage to do both, while being for a younger audience. Made me think of Degrassi. The biggest thing that I took off points for was the weird ending that felt like it was randomly put together. The epilogue styled ending skipped perhaps too far into the future, and didn't provide adequate backstory of how the characters ended up in their current position. It also didn't really give the audience a proper feel of the present either, because it was all sort of smoothed together.
The acting/cast segment is unique in that it has so many K-idols in the show, which works both for and against it. On one hand, it's great to see how these idols are able to act, and somewhat comical at times, however, the show probably could have been a lot stronger if they had more actual actors.
The music gets the highest mark, due to the show being able to record audio from the cast of idols, and subsequently, having original music.
I marked the rematch value the lowest because I don't think that I would really want to rematch this whole show again. I might watch an episode here or there for laughs because of the idols present in them. I wouldn't want to sit through the whole show again only to have the lackluster ending.

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For the love of K-Pop

Yes , i came to watch this series for my recent found love of K-pop and 2PM . I mean Teac and wooyoung together in a show having few glimpses of nichkhun and Chansung too .. I wonder why they left Junho , though :|

The star cast was very enthralling and captivating ! They were all so good even when they were rookies . On the acting front they all have done justice to their roles . Taec was awesome as a person who matures early coz of missing parental love ! KSH and Bae suzy made me fall in hate-love(more hate and less love) relationship with their characters , they were both selfish and deserved each other ! WY and IU were my soul satisfactions ! They were so warm and cute . TBH i liked Mr. kang's role the most.

I dint like the ending though ! But then this is how it happens in the entertainment world , even the most talented ones like pilsook and jason may not make it to the top and the ordinary ones like samdong may make it to the top ! The reason y i say samdong was ordinary is coz of his performance , they tried to show him as good and par with others , but honestly when all were performing together one can see clearly that he was a weakling ! Now people can argue that he isnt an idol like others but then thats about wrong casting , right ! i feel KSH did justice to his role through acting definitely but he wasnt good with the performances , specially dancing !

It wasn't satisfactory in more than one way . HM was definitely a vicious and selfish character , what did she ever do to receive so many choices be it career or the guy ! People might say that she changed , yes she did but only for those who put so much an effort for her , and Jingook helped her change , but did she ever asked him how he was doing , until he came and explained himself ! Again what did she ever do to find so many people loving her without putting an effort towards them ! Baek hee on the other side was a gentle soul , she did made mistakes but regretted for them too , but most of the times she was gentle and forgiving ! Jingook definitely deserves someone better or atleast they could hv shown him doing better than the rest !

Few glitches that i noticed .
1. Baek hee was definitely a better stage performer than Bae Suzy... They should have chosen someone with less charisma than suzy , if they had to put her down !.
2. Similarly Samdong too wasnt that good a performer , not better than WY and TY.
3. They have shown that Suzy's heart changes , she definitely liked TY before , but then TY says feelings cant b changed ???
4. If suzy could grow apart from TY coz he was busy , she could hv grown apart from KSH too , when they were apart !

I still enjoyed the show and I m sure you will too specially if u love music !

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IU’s Phenomenal Character Transformation and Mesmerizing Vocals Take Center Stage

Dream High, an extraordinary Korean drama series, captivates viewers with its heartfelt storyline and outstanding performances. Among the talented cast, IU stands out with her remarkable character transformation, inspiring weight loss journey, and jaw-dropping singing ability. This drama is an absolute must-watch for fans eager to witness IU’s awe-inspiring talent.

IU’s character transformation in Dream High is truly something to behold. As she navigates the challenges faced by aspiring entertainers, her growth and development are evident, drawing viewers in with each stride she takes towards her dreams. IU’s portrayal of her character is so genuine and captivating that you can’t help but root for her success and share in her triumphs.

Moreover, IU’s weight loss journey throughout the series is a testament to her dedication and hard work. As her character evolves, so does her physical appearance, showcasing her commitment to embodying her role authentically. Her transformation becomes an inspiration, reminding us that anything is possible with perseverance and a strong will.

But it is IU’s musical prowess that truly sets her apart. Her singing abilities are nothing short of breathtaking, mesmerizing audiences with her rich and powerful vocals. Each performance is a testament to her incredible talent and hard-earned skills. IU’s songs in Dream High evoke deep emotion and resonate with the audience, leaving an indelible impression.

Her ability to convey complex emotions through her singing is truly remarkable. In every note she hits, you can feel the raw passion and vulnerability that she brings to her character’s journey. IU’s exceptional vocal range and control elevate the drama’s musical performances to another level, ensuring that each song becomes a standout moment.

The dedication and effort that IU puts into her music shine brilliantly in Dream High. She effortlessly carries the weight of the drama with her mesmerizing stage presence, leaving viewers in awe. Her songs become the heart and soul of the series, evoking a gamut of emotions with every melody.

While IU’s character transformation and weight loss are commendable, it is her incredible singing that takes center stage in Dream High. Her talent, honed through years of hard work, elevates the drama to another level, creating unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact on viewers.

In conclusion, Dream High is an exceptional drama that showcases IU’s multifaceted talent. Her character transformation and weight loss journey are testaments to her dedication and commitment to her craft. However, it is her phenomenal singing that truly steals the show. IU’s powerful vocals and emotional performances make Dream High a must-watch, leaving you in awe of her incredible talent and longing for more of her mesmerizing music.

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So good and cute

Hilarious and truly amazing story of some parts of what it is like in the kpop industry. The ending just made it all so worth it and I thought it was very realistic and well done. Jason and Pil Suk is one of the best relationships I've ever seen and was so cute. It just made me smile so much. But all the characters were so fleshed out and I loved every one of them.
I thought how they handled Pil Suk's weight was handled well. It is the sad reality of the kpop and really any celebrity industry. One teenager isn't going to change everything and the writers knew that.

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A love triangle, a second-lead couple, an adult couple, a friendship gone bad, a group of people striving to achieve something, and enemies becoming friends. A typical and almost cliche kdrama plot, and the basic plot of Dream High, yet Dream High is far from just a typical kdrama. The relatively simple plot is coupled with an amazing OST and superb cast to create an amazing drama.
Story: As I stated above, the story and plot is relatively simple, but that simple and lighthearted plot tells some very important messages. 1) It's important to have dreams 2) With enough hard work, those dreams can come true, regardless of circumstance. Overall, Dream High is a feel-good story with an innocent and attention-grabbing romance.
Acting/Cast: Other than Kim Soo Hyun as Song Sam Dong, no one was particularly amazing, but everyone ranged from good to great. They all fit their roles really well, so that by the end of the drama, I had become a huge fan of them.
Music: From the intro to the performances and even just the background music, each and every song on the OST was amazing. The music, like the characters they portrayed, fit both the actors/actresses and drama itself so well. More than a year after watching this drama, I still find myself humming along to the songs.
Rewatch Value: Although I haven't been able to rewatch it yet, I plan and hope to do so whenever I get the time to because I would love to see those performances again and the story is done well enough to keep me interested even if I know most of the plot.
Overall: The first drama I ever watched, Dream High sure the standards high. From the feel-good story to the amazing cast and music, Dream High is a drama you should not miss! It's a classic every kdrama fan should know.

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I actually watched this series last 2013 and currently re-watching it again as I’m in drama slump currently. I was so addicted to it when I first saw it and this is like my 3 rd time to re-watch it. Until now it holds a very special place in my heart because this is one of those rare dramas that I have watch out of boredom and without expectations but ended up loving it. When I first watch it I don’t have any idea who were the actors, although I like kpop I was more on YG artists and I don’t know who Kim Soo hyun is, or Miss A or 2PM. The first episode was okay but I was on the verge of dropping it I’ve got no idea where it is going. Even if it was explained on the summary and the first episode the characters were sort of something I wouldn’t like, I decided that if I wouldn’t like it until episode 2 then that’s the end of it. The problem was, even if I wanted to dropped it I’ve become curious on what will it become on the next episode, the last thing I know was I was hooked with it.

Story: 9.5 stars
Might be too high for other people but I have love it. The story was something that will make you curious until the end. The character developments were a little unrealistic because of the pace but it was lovable to the point that you’ll start to love them and understand them. The plot twist or is it really a twist? Got me so confused. I wasn’t expecting who GH will end up with, I don’t even know who was the Second Lead between the two of them.

Acting/Cast: 9.0 stars
As I have said I don’t know them when I’ve started but because of it I become a fan of Miss A and to the extent of JYPE. Kim Soo hyun on his early days was a gem, as well as Suzy to think that it was one of her drama. The rest of the cast doesn’t need anymore explanation they all did their best on it just the milky couple.

Music: 9.5 stars
I have downloaded all of the songs even the cover ones. No need for explanation.

Rewatch value: well 3 x and still counting should suffice that.

Overall : The drama was over all fantastic if you want something light and about school life. The title explains already the plot and it was satisfying to watch. Don’t wish for a season 2 because they do have it but they murdered the story, so just end it with season 1.

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