School 2015

School 2015, officially titled Who are You: School 2015, is a gripping and well-received drama that came out of Korea's KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) in 2015. A part of the long-standing "School" series, this is the sixth installment that continues to delve deep into the intricacies, challenges, and the ephemeral joys of high school life. However, each installment explores different narratives, so there is no need for prior familiarity with the series to understand School 2015.

The storyline of School 2015 is one filled with drama, mystery, romance, and intense emotions. It weaves together the lives of twin sisters with starkly contrasting lives. One, Lee Eun-bi, hails from an orphanage in Tongyeong and is the target of intense bullying while at school. She is a gentle and kindhearted individual who struggles against adversity. Her twin sister, Go Eun-byul, is a popular student at a prestigious school in Seoul. Unlike her sister, she has a cold and aloof personality. However, the sisters' paths intersect, and their lives get inadvertently switched.

The sixteen episodes of School 2015 continue to depict the gripping turn of events in their lives, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats. Alongside the twins' narrative, the show also addresses darker, more real-world themes of teenage life such as the pressures of societal expectations, bullying, Examinations, friendship, and first love.

The main cast includes revered young actors of their time, Kim So-hyun, who impeccably plays both Eun-bi and Eun-byul, Yook Sung-jae as Gong Tae-Kwang, and Nam Joo-hyuk as Han Yi-an. Kim So-hyun’s dual role as the twins brings admirable depth and versatility to the characters. She successfully traverses between both characters, making the audience empathize with their disparate circumstances in life. Yook Sung-jae, a member of K-pop band BTOB and an accomplished actor, brilliantly portrays his character's complex emotional journey. Nam Joo-hyuk is equally appealing in his portrayal of his character's struggles and sweet-hearted demeanor. The chemistry among the lead characters serves as a compelling component in holding the viewer’s interest.

School 2015 cleverly incorporates a mix of light-hearted moments and intense sequences rife with emotional struggles. The narrows and highs of teenage life are depicted with remarkable sensitivity. The first love, bitter rivalry, class politics, and peer pressure are not simply dramatized but engage in meaningful discourses of these issues. It also showcases elements of mystery, suspense, and unexpected reveals that make it an engaging viewing experience.

The series is characterized by its vivid and aesthetic cinematography. The choices of a backdrop - the fast-paced, glamorous life of Seoul contrasted with the tranquillity of Tongyeong – play an unsaid role in maintaining the tone of the series. There is an impressive balance between narrative development, characterization, and visual storytelling. The soundtrack is markedly impactful, with tracks from popular K-pop bands like Tiger JK and Baechigi, adeptly mirroring the series' emotional tone.

One standout aspect that makes School 2015 a worthy watch is its authenticity in handling sensitive issues like school bullying. It does not shy away from showing the harsh realities while encouraging viewers to reflect on the consequences and potential solutions. This is intertwined with the exploration of the identity crisis that the protagonists undergo, making it a deeply poignant and relatable narrative.

To wrap, School 2015: Who Are You offers more than just a captivating drama. It gives a sensitively nuanced portrayal of the often-overlooked issues people wrestle with during high school. While doing so, it also brings a thrilling and emotional roller-coaster of a storyline that keeps the viewers hooked till the end. If you're a fan of the high school K-drama genre or a newcomer seeking an immersive cultural-emotional experience, School 2015 is worth exploring.