5 K-dramas on Netflix like 'Hierarchy' we bet you’d binge-watch in a day
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A testament to Netflix's mastery of Korean dramas is its latest mystery teen drama, 'Hierarchy,' which is set in an elite school in Korea.
Helmed by Bae Hyeon-jin, the romance drama is written by Chu Hye-mi and is set against the backdrop of Jooshin High School.
The school is popular among the wealthy, and a vicious hierarchy is in place where wealthy families battle for power. Meanwhile, students forge alliances or become puppets in a game of social climbing.
The plot revolves around Kang Ha (Lee Chae-min), a transfer student who becomes involved with the school's elites. Beneath her heartfelt smiles lies a web of secrets that unravel as the story progresses.
So, if you've already binge-watched the mystery drama and are seeking something similar, here's our handpicked selection of 5 K-dramas on Netflix that you'll probably binge-watch in a day.
Sky Castle (2018-2019)
Similar to 'Hierarchy,' the mystery thriller 'Sky Castle' highlights the immense pressure placed on children from affluent households. 'Sky Castle' portrays the lives of four wealthy families residing in a magnificent gated neighborhood called Sky Castle.
These families are consumed with ensuring their children gain admission to elite institutions, believing it to be the path to prosperity and social standing.
As the story unfolds, secrets, lies, and the darker aspects of their relentless pursuit of perfection are exposed, leading to devastating consequences.
'Sky Castle' is a must-watch for people interested in powerful dramas that explore social themes, family interactions, and the pursuit of success.
Itaewon Class (2020)
Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, 'Itaewon Class' revolves around Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon), a young man who is expelled from school after punching a bully named Jang Geun-won (Ahn Bo-hyun), loses his father, Park Sung-yeo (Son Hyun-joo) in a hit-and-run accident caused by the same bully.
To seek justice and fulfill his father's dreams, Sae-ro-yi establishes a bar restaurant in Seoul's bustling and varied Itaewon neighborhood.
Similar to 'Hierarchy,' 'Itaewon Class' also features characters who defy established power structures and emphasize the importance of pursuing one's ambitions despite adversity.
The Heirs aka The Inheritors (2013)
'The Heirs' also known as 'The Inheritors' follows the lives of wealthy high school students at Jeguk High, an exclusive institution for the children of South Korea's aristocratic families, as they negotiate love, friendship, and family expectations.
The plot focuses on Kim Tan (Lee Min-ho), the heir to the Jeguk Group, a major conglomerate. Despite appearing to have it all, Kim Tan leads a lonely life in the United States, exiled by his half-brother Kim Won (Choi Jin-hyuk), who aims to take over the family company.
Kim Tan's life takes a turn when he meets Cha Eun-sang (Park Shin-hye), a girl from a humble background who travels to the United States in search of her sister.
Their paths cross, and despite social barriers and other obstacles, they fall in love. Upon their return to South Korea, they face several challenges from their families and classmates at the prestigious Jeguk High School.
'Hierarchy,' and 'The Heirs,' both depict the lives of teens from affluent and influential families as they navigate the pressure to conform to conventional norms, fierce rivalry within these circles, and the consequences of privilege.
The Penthouse: War in Life (2020-2021)
'The Penthouse: War in Life' is a compelling South Korean drama that follows the wealthy residents of Hera Palace, a 100-floor luxury penthouse condominium.
The plot mainly revolves around three women, Shim Su-ryeon (Lee Ji-ah), Cheon Seo-jin (Kim So-yeon), and Oh Yoon-hee (Eugene).
They are embroiled in a fierce rivalry driven by ambition, social status, and a quest for vengeance.
Their children become entangled in the conflict, facing immense pressure to excel and navigate the treacherous social hierarchy at the prestigious Cheong-ah Arts School.
'Hierarchy' explores the power struggle among students at a prestigious school, similarly 'The Penthouse' depicts the unwavering ambition of mothers and their children vying for success in both social and educational spheres.
Both dramas depict intense competition within an elite social circle.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Don't trust a K-drama fan who claims they've never seen this major cult classic, which is now regarded as one of the earliest pioneers of high school dramas.
The show's story is based on the Japanese manga series 'Hana Yori Dango' and follows Geum Jan-di (Ku Hye-sun), a smart and rebellious girl from a humble background.
Her life takes a dramatic turn when she receives a scholarship to attend Shinhwa High School, an exclusive institution for the wealthy elite.
At Shinhwa, she encounters the famed F4, a group of four attractive and wealthy men led by the arrogant and hot-tempered Gu Jun-pyo (Lee Min-ho).
Jan-di and Jun-pyo initially clash, but as they spend more time together, romantic feelings start to develop between them.
Similar to 'Hierarchy,' ''Boys Over Flowers,' explores the structure of an elite high school.
How to stream 'Hierarchy'?
To watch the teen romance unfolding on your screens, you must have an exclusive membership of Netflix since the streaming service provides several packages depending on your budget.
The Standard Plan with advertising requires a monthly membership of $6.99, including full HD (1080p) streaming.
The Standard Plan, which does not contain advertisements, costs $15.49 per month and enables you to use one account on two screens at once while streaming in 1080p/full HD resolution.
The $22.99/month Premium Plan allows customers to watch video on up to four screens at the same time in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos and HDR.
'Hierarchy' trailer