I recently finished watching "Hierarchy" on Netflix, diving in without even seeing the trailer. Just from the poster, I had a feeling it would be the Korean answer to shows like "Gossip Girl," "Elite," and "Pretty Little Liars." After watching, my initial impression held true. The plot was fairly predictable, and the twists didn’t really surprise me.

Set in Jooshin High School, the most prestigious institution in South Korea, the series revolves around students chosen from birth to attend. These students include Jeong Jae Yi, the eldest daughter of the Jaeyool Group, Kim Ri An, the heir to the Jooshin Group, Yoon He Ra, the youngest daughter of an international trading company, and Lee Woo Jin, the second son of a powerful politician. In stark contrast, the poor students, though wise and cheerful, face a different reality.

The story kicks off with Kang Ha transferring to Jooshin High School, bringing with him a secret that threatens to unravel the entire establishment. As expected in high school/teen suspense dramas, the rich students bully the poorer ones, with the administration turning a blind eye to their misdeeds. We also see the pressures these privileged kids face: maintaining family reputations, inheriting businesses, and dealing with envy.

While the storyline wasn't disappointing, it wasn't particularly outstanding either. The series felt like it was trying too hard at times, and the storytelling wasn’t as seamless as it could have been.

On the positive side, the production quality was top-notch. The show looked incredibly expensive, with meticulously designed sets and costumes. The cinematography was stunning, with each shot looking cinematic and the colour grading flawless. The background music was catchy and perfectly conveyed the emotions of each scene.

Overall, "Hierarchy" is a decent watch. It’s a good time-pass drama that’s bearable but somewhat below average. If you’re a fan of western teen dramas like "Elite," you might enjoy it—just don’t go in with high expectations.