K-dramas often delve into the dark side of ambition, exploring how the pursuit of power and wealth can corrupt individuals and tear relationships apart. From ruthless corporate battles to cutthroat political manoeuvring, these narratives expose the human cost of materialism. Now, Netflix is stepping into this arena with a fresh take on the theme: Hierarchy. Seemingly inspired by the popular Spanish series Elite or Turkish series Duy Beni or the Indian version of Elite aka Class, this K-drama throws viewers into the heart of Jooshin High, a prestigious institution for Korea's elite. Here, social status isn't just about popularity - it's a matter of survival. However, the arrival of a mysterious transfer student disrupts the established hierarchy, igniting a power struggle that threatens to shatter the lives of those at the top. Starring Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, and Kim Jae Won, Hierarchy promises a captivating exploration of ambition, jealousy, and the lengths people will go to maintain their place in a cutthroat social order. However, it doesn’t live up to the expectations one had hoped for.
The story revolves around the rich kids at Jooshin High School, a premier academic institution that only admits crème-de-la-crème of the higher class society. Kim Ri An (played by Kim Jae Won) is the most influential rich kid at the school. His grandfather founded the school since then his family has had the calling card in all of the school’s matters. He was dating Jeong Jae I (played by Roh Jeong Eui), the daughter of his family’s competitor Jaeyul Group. The two break up and Ri An does not take it well. Then we have Kang Ha (Lee Chae Min), a common-class student who is enrolled in the school through a scholarship. The school only does this to keep up its reputation of doing charity and giving a chance to people of lower economic strata as well.
Kang Ha is confident and fearless in his approach which does not sit well with the rich crowd. The crowd is equal parts curious and disgusted by him. Kang Ha has an agenda of his own though. The scholarship student before him passed away after a car fatally hit him, but Kang Ha believes there is more to the story. He gets close to Jae I to spite Ri An, and eventually makes his way to finding the truth about his friend’s death.
The supporting cast contributes well to the story. The revelation of their secrets and weaknesses further tells us how truly corroded and corrupt this rich lifestyle is. Despite having money at their disposal, they lack honest interactions in their life which come by forming truthful relationships. We see that not only the students but also the staff at Jooshin High School are controlled by those in power. Each person is a puppet to strings held by those wielding power. The drama shows warring conglomerates engaging in an intense but concealed game of power play. But it only ends up being a minor side plot. The only effect these conglomerates have is they dictate the young heir’s code of conduct.
As the story moves to a conclusion, we see these troubled rich kids finally get their heads straight and make informed decisions about their lives and plans ahead. The story is more or less wrapped up nicely with most of them paying for their bad deeds. Jooshin High School has also revamped its mannerisms and strict classicism, but the divide between the rich and poor remains the same. If the post-credit scene is anything to go by, there is a possibility of these rich kids reconvening for another murder soon. For now, there is no news of season 2 Hierarchy.
Director Bae Hyeong Jin of Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow fame and writer Choo Hye Mi of About Time fame helm the creative chair for this drama. The writer’s imagination comes alive stunningly in the director’s visual execution. Close-up shots aptly mirror the confusion and restlessness in Jae I’s mind. The drama also incorporates flashbacks to take the viewer back to witness the secrets that threaten to, and eventually harm these rich kids.
While there is no shortage of teenage thriller dramas in the same vein, the twists and side quests in Hierarchy lend an interesting angle to the story. The students of Jooshin High are victims of an age-old hierarchical system based on one’s wealth and influence. Their academic life is just an extension of their personal life which is riddled with all sorts of games, manipulations and loveless relationships. Hierarchy has the potential to become truly intense and nail-biting but the overload of subplots in the main story took away its charm halfway into the story.
The drama ended up having an ambitious start which soon turned to something predictable and prepared for the sake of taking the story ahead. The idea of the drama felt repurposed from those that came before, be it in Western media or Korean media. There isn’t something new in this show that would invoke interest in the audience. But if you like to see an unconventional high school or relive days of The Heir and Boys Over Flowers, then perhaps Hierarchy will serve to be a good nostalgic trip.
WHAT HAPPENED IN SEASON 1?
The series weaved a complex narrative around a murder at the prestigious Jooshin High School. Kang Ha, a scholarship student, seeks revenge after his brother, In Han, is found dead. As he uncovers the truth, it becomes clear that In Han was bullied by a group of wealthy students, including Kang Ha's former friend Ri An and his girlfriend, Jae I. Following several episodes, a few interesting moments and memorable performances, the season finale is where it drew more intrigue. Hierarchy's finale delivers a sense of justice. Professor Ji Soo, the one who killed In Han in a hit-and-run accident, is arrested. However, the blame extends beyond her. The school's administration, who turned a blind eye to the bullying culture at Jooshin, face consequences. The students involved, including Ri An, are forced to confront their actions. Ri An apologizes to Kang Ha, taking responsibility for his role in the bullying. Woo Jin, another student who knew the truth about In Han's death, also comes forward. He even risks his father's political campaign to expose the cover-up. There's a sense that these characters can learn from their mistakes and become better people. The season ends with a sense of hope for Jooshin. The school has a new principal, suggesting a potential shift in its corrupt culture. The former bullies, including Ri An, Woo Jin, and He Ra, return to school, seemingly remorseful. However, the ending is far from definitive.
LOVE STORY TAKES BACKSEAT:
Hierarchy also featured a complicated love triangle between Jae I, Kang Ha, and Ri An. The show delves into Jae I's past, revealing a traumatic experience that led to her initial withdrawal from Ri An. While there are hints of feelings between her and Kang Ha, Jae I ultimately decides to focus on rebuilding her life before committing to a relationship.
A Cliffhanger Hints at Season 2
The post-credits scene throws a wrench into the hopeful conclusion. A new murder occurs within the school walls. The identity of the victim remains a mystery, but it could be Ju Won, the son of the former principal and the one who blackmailed Jae I. Additionally, Ri An receives a threatening text, possibly from Kang Ha.
This cliffhanger leaves the door wide open for a second season. There's a lingering question of whether Kang Ha, despite achieving justice for his brother, has resorted to violence himself. Perhaps season 2 would explore this new mystery while also following Jae I as she navigates her newfound freedom. The unresolved love triangle could also be revisited. While Hierarchy was originally billed as a limited series, the ending leaves enough room for continuation.
Hierarchy premiered on Netflix on June 7, 2024, and features seven episodes. What are your thoughts on Hierarchy? Tell us in the comments below.
Watch the trailer for Hierarchy here:
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