Drama Special Season 7: The Red Teacher (2016)

A story that will make you laugh to death and melt your heart, the story you deserve.

WATCH THIS IF YOU WANT TO FEEL GOOD AFTERWARDS, if you want a story that will have everything we, as viewers, deserve.

The Red Teacher use the comedy of writing smut fanfiction in the 1980s to tell the story of the educator's redemption touching on topics such as lack of sex education and general bad education biased by misogynistic, traditional and harmful stereotypes that hurts true teaching. The transformation of a man that begins as a teacher and ends up as an student thanks to his own female students, finally understanding that there is more to school than discipline.

The relationships between students and the protagonist are represented phenomenally thanks to the performances of the entire cast, although obviously those of Jung So Min and Lee Dong Hwi stand out with undeniable on-screen chemistry and flawless acting, they are so good together I am dying to see them back again, even if they only get together to eat. This story is so complete that it surprises you that it only lasts an hour, it handles the comedy in a masterful way thanks to the talent that Dong Hwi has, he makes you die of laughter in your seat with each scene he is in; Although to say that it is only comedy is to belittle everything else it has to offer since it handles the drama equally well, I even have to admit that I tear up in some parts.

It is a special that in just one hour achieves what others try to do with 16, shows a perfectly written script with complex characters who confront their reality in different ways but always with the same goal of making it better. It's fun and deep with performances that are not far behind and will make you feel refreshed after watching it, like lemonade on a hot day is what we all need.

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Hilarious, Emotional and Meaningful

Completed - 6/23/2022

This very short drama special started out with funny scenes of innocent high school girls discussing 'important' topics such as, what is sex? where do babies come from? is condom a candy? how does 'it' go up? But what transpires the whole premise is the discovery of the first volume of a banned erotic novel. Of course, what high school girls wouldn't be excited about that? Even their mean and strict high school teacher is obsessed.

The story also took place between 1986-87 when anti-communism sentiments were high and the government was controlling. We witness students being mistreated by teachers, and subordinates being mistreated by supervisors. The tone of the second half of this drama special changes quite quickly from funny to emotional.

Through it all, our heroine Soon Deok, played by the amazing Jung So Min, is central to all that is happening. She stands out among others due to her independent, forward thinking personality, and inspired those around her, esp. her teacher Tae Nam. It's quite difficult to like Tae Nam in the beginning. Who knew erotic novels could change a mean and selfish teacher to care and risk so much for his students?

I am glad to discover this drama special through an MDL article. I recommend this unique special to those who want something different - funny yet meaningful and emotional.

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