High School Return of a Gangster is one of the cases when you find joy when you least expected it. I decided to give it a try solely because of Lee Seo Jin because it's been a long time since I saw him act. I don't like school settings in dramas and I usually try my best to avoid them. But now I have found a new drama to add to my favourites list and I cannot be happier.

The thing is, the drama is not what I expected to be, I thought I'd be watching a revenge of the ML againtst the bullies and that would be the main focus. He deals with the bullies within two episodes and that's where the real shit begins. The story shows how one person can change the lives of many if he wants to. It's a story about personal growth, toxic parenting, loyalty and strong firendships. It was serious when it had to be, it had sublte comedic moments, overall a perfect balanced plot that is hard to find in kdramas nowadays.

I heard that the webtoon is BL and even though I'm a big fan, I loved how they decided to exclude that part here. Because the bromance was on fire. The dynamics between Deuk Pal and Se Kyung at the beginning were so intense but they ended up creating the strongest friendship to ever exist.

And let's talk about some REAL character development here. I loved how each character went through some changes and they changed for the better. For some, it was harder and slower. I hated Hong Jae Min with passion ever since he appeared on the screen. In the end, he was one of my favourite characters. The drama makes you believe that there's always a room for change, you just have to want it.

Deuk Pal will forever stay in my heart as one of the strongest, most adimrable character. His charimatic persona lead the drama so seemlessly, he was full of heart and love for the people around him, he stands steady on his feet but he's lil softie who's also insecure about a lot of things. A man who respects the people around him but is never scared to use his sharp tongue and tell you the truth straight to your face in the most brutal way. I loved how he wasn't perfect in any way and that's what made him humane.

I don't know what's going on with these young actors but damnnn they did so well. Yoon Chan Young is such a talanted boy, he had a very difficult task and he did it perfectly.

Overall, a must-watch! The drama is very addicting, it's short and new things happen in every episode. The story progresses quickly and keeps you wanting for more. And most importantly, the ending actually made sense so you won't have a bitter taste in your mouth after finishing it.