“Hierarchy” was highly anticipated due to its cast of popular young actors such as Lee Chae Min, Roh Jeong Eui, Kim Jae Won, Lee Won Jung, and Ji Hye Won. The story is set in Jooshin High School, described as the most prestigious school in South Korea, established by the Jooshin Group.
The top and most powerful students at Jooshin High are Jung Jae I (Roh Jeong Eui), the eldest daughter of the family running the Jaeyool Group; Kim Ri An (Kim Jae Won), the heir to the Jooshin Group; Yoon He Ra (Ji Hye Won), the youngest daughter of the International Yoon Trading Company; and Lee Woo Jin (Lee Won Jung), the second son of a powerful political family.
Kang Ha (Lee Chae Min), meanwhile, transfers to Jooshin High School on a scholarship. He has an innocent, bright smile but harbors a secret: he has come to the school to investigate his brother’s death and seek revenge. Kang Ha’s arrival disrupts the dynamics at Jooshin High School.
Before its release, “Hierarchy” was anticipated to have bold content, even featuring shocking scenes similar to American teen dramas. However, upon the release of its first seven episodes, the drama faced significant backlash.
Although it is a romantic drama targeted at teenagers, its content is shocking. The second episode opens with a scene where Woo Jin is lying shirtless on a bed with a woman. This woman is Han Ji Su (Byeon Seo Yun), Woo Jin’s teacher.
Viewers were stunned by this relationship. Woo Jin is just a junior high school student and is only 18 years old. This character is underage in Korea. Regardless of age, teachers dating students is a very sensitive topic. In addition, the film also has intimate and love scenes of other characters.
“What are they doing to our country’s high school students”, “I don’t think the film’s content will be accepted by Korean audiences”, “Nudity in a movie about high school students. What are they doing?”, the audience commented.
Hierarchy was also criticized for its script and acting. The main cast acted unnaturally while the film’s content and details were considered unattractive and strange.
