Hierarchy: A Promising Tale Overshadowed In High School Drama

K-Dramas have always served one of the finest composition of different emotions to audience. Especially popular foe coming up with romantically emotional tales signifying compassion all around, there is another release with a touch of high school era times on Netflix.

Netflix’s latest K-drama, Hierarchy, starts with high society taboo concept of the Jooshin high school. The top 0.01% reign supreme, wielding power and controlling every aspect of student life. Enter Kang Ha, a mysterious transfer student with a hidden agenda. Whispers of revenge swirl around him as he challenges the established order and raises voice for social privacy and freedom of every student.

The initial episodes capture attention by the arrival of Kang and him witnessing the school environment like a caged bird. The glimpse into this twisted social structure, fueled by wealth and privilege, is captivating as it symbolises power and guts of the protestor. However, Hierarchy quickly falters under the weight of underdeveloped characters and a messy plot comes to the conclusion. Coming to the background, the wealthy elite, led by the arrogant Kim Ri-an, are the negative characters. Their actions, seems to deliver astonishment to the viewers, gradually those actions become predictable and repetitive as the story unfolds. Kang Ha’s motivations remain shrouded in mystery for too long, hindering audience connection and time required for the trust to build up among them.

The romance subplot between Kang Ha and Jung Jae-i, one of the targets of Ri-an’s cruelty, feels forced and layers up with a romantic fight for the relation. Their interactions lack genuine chemistry, and the “forbidden love” angle feels derivative. The adult characters, particularly the parents, are drowned and overshadowed by impact of wealth and status obsession. Their outlandish behavior undermines the seriousness of the societal issues the show tries to tackle.

Hierarchy does have some strong points to address its audience. The production value is quite high, with luxurious sets and stylish costumes for the characters. The acting, particularly from the supporting cast receives appreciation on an intermediate level.

But, as per the storyline and direction, it stands as a show that fails to deliver on its initial promise to the viewers. The plot meanders, the characters lack depth in their assigned roles and fail to connect with the viewers. Hierarchy is a weekend binge to watch if you are a K-Drama appreciator, but be prepared for a show that fails to live up to its potential on terms of script direction and acting.