K-Drama Review: 5 Social Issues Tackled in “Law School”
Trigger warning: This post may contain spoiler scenes from Law School that mentions verbal and physical abuse. Please read at your own risk.
To be honest, Law School is my first ever legal drama, and the weekly wait, while it’s ongoing, is so worth it. I was also rooting for Ryu Hye Young after watching Reply 1988, and of course, Kim Bum! This is also my first time meeting Kim Myung Min (a.k.a Yangcrates) in K-drama land.
Little did I know that this drama will be one of my most anticipated dramas. The plotline is so good! Initially, my friends mentioned that it’s somehow similar to the American series, How to Get Away with Murder. However, the series proved itself to be unique in its own way.
Law School K-drama Review
Throughout watching the series, I’ve encountered several societal issues that are very timely in today’s time. In this review, I will share with you five societal issues tackled in the said series. Let’s begin!
A quick plot recap: The drama’s setting revolves around Hankuk Law School. There, a prosecutor-turned-professor, Yang Jong Hoon (portrayed by Kim Myung Min), is met with an unusual case. Known as Yangcrates due to his straightforward teaching method, his class takes a mixed response upon finding out he is accused as the perpetrator of the case.
Media manipulation
Media nowadays has a strong power to influence its audiences. In Law School, there are some scenes where media played a vital role in helping our main leads. For example, when Yang Joong Hoon is booked as the main suspect, news outlets were pretty rough dragging his name and his occupation.
However, the series also portrayed that relying too much on the public can backfire in the end. I love how the situation clapped back when Ko Hyeong Su’s deeds were revealed throughout the drama. I appreciate the drama’s attempt to portray how a media outlet can make or break a person.
Academic Dishonesty
In academe, cheating and plagiarism are often considered grave sins. The drama made no exceptions to present this issue. As we all know, getting into Law School is pretty tough anywhere in the world, so students who enter Law School are perceived to be intelligent.
Kang Sol B and Yoo Seung Jae are usually considered the top of their classes. However, the two share both secrets of being dishonest to their studies. It was ironic for Seung Jae’s case as he entered medical school before. Most students looked up to him as their hyung only to reveal that his dark secret.
Various types of abuse
I hate it when a lead is being abused in a drama I watch. Here in Law School, their take on this issue is very educational. It introduces a new perspective in the shoes of the victim. I’d also like to commend that the show was able to present this topic properly.
First, I wanted to discuss Kang Sol B’s mom. I really felt bad about Sol B’s situation for having a very toxic and manipulative mom. Sure, she might know what’s best for her daughter, but controlling too much can restrict Sol B to excel on her own. Luckily, their family was able to seek help and accept their flaws by attending counseling sessions.
Aside from Kang Sol B’s family, Jeon Ye Seul’s situation made me so mad that I wanted to punch Ko Young Chang! A little spoiler, Ye Seul is pictured as the campus crush, and unfortunately, she’s in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend, Ko Young Chang. As much as she wanted to break free, circumstances are preventing her from doing so.
I thought Ye Seul would continue being a martyr, but it’s refreshing to see a female lead standing up for herself, and our Hankuk Law School squad was very supportive of her.
Ugly side of Politics
Politics in every aspect is always present in K-dramas. In Law School’s case, a deeper side of politics has is shown to its audience. To simply put, being a greedy politician is ugly. You’ll start doing things you didn’t know you were capable of, and you start ignoring the law for your own benefit.
Assemblyman Ko Hyeong Su is a perfect example of a greedy and corrupt official all over the world. His representation is so amazing that I knew deep inside that this type of politician exists. It’s a good introduction to everyone who’s timid or neutral when it comes to incompetent officials.
It’s actually a depressing thought to uncover how Ko Hyeong Su worked his way to his position now knowing that it was all pure heck of evil deeds.
Social Status
Although the series is not a chaebol-guy meets poor-girl formula, the series still presented inequality when it comes to social status. For example, Ko Young Chang receives special treatment even though Yeseul has filed complaints against him. Another is Lee Man Ho, who was terribly used as an object and lived under threats and constant manipulation.
Its a perfect depiction of this lyrics, “Ang hustisya ay para lang sa mayaman,”* from Bamboo’s Tatsulok. The disparity of the rich and the poor when it comes to justice were very much visible in this series. It made me realize that not every suspect that was put to stand is always guilty. Sometimes, they are just wrongfully accused, and when it’s time to prove that they are not guilty, it’s already too late.
*Justice is only for the rich.
Concluding Thoughts
This 16-episode series gives us a lot of things to ponder. Aside from the hardships of being a law student, viewers are taken on a journey in seeking and providing justice to the people who rightfully deserve it. I love how free-spirited Kang Sol A is an influence and a ray of sunshine to the people around her.
Cheers as well to the Hankuk University Law School professors! Hoping that all educators are as hardworking as them.
You can stream Law School on Netflix.
All images used are from JTBC and Kim Ho Bin.
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