Recommendations

This recommendation may seem somewhat orthodox, as these movies are really different in plot and genre. However, i still find them pretty sinilar in the sense that to both theres much more than what they seem like in the beginning. Both movies feature a little plot twist so its best to go in uninformed. ((They start off as (fake)documentaries, however [spoiler] also focus on the directors and tell the story of how these documentaries came to be.))

Both dramas center around uncovering hidden truths within a school setting. High Cookie focuses on the mysterious and dangerous allure of a magical cookie that grants desires but comes with a steep price. On the other hand, Teach You a Lesson takes a more grounded, analytical approach, following a specialized team as they resolve complex student issues and restore harmony to challenging school environments.
Compelling Character Dynamics: The character writing in both series is top-tier. Instead of typical high school tropes, you get multi-layered leads who are highly intelligent, calculated, and determined to protect those who matter to most to them.
The Brilliant Kim Mu Yeol: The absolute highlight for fans is seeing actor Kim Mu Yeol shine in both series! He shows incredible range, transforming from the enigmatic, calculative exam consultant Yoo Seong Pil in High Cookie into the highly charismatic, sharp, and commanding field supervisor Na Hwa Jin in Teach You a Lesson. His screen presence alone makes both shows worth watching

School violence and bullying are central themes.

Teach You A Lesson has some clips from the prequel of Study Group 2 at episode 2, 2:33, specifically, the tattooed gangsters.

They also share the same 'Blue String Universe'.

it follows two leads whose relationship is tested by conflicting loyalties, misunderstandings, and difficult choices. as they face hardships together, they uncover hidden truths, challenge long-held prejudices, and grow closer through their shared journey.

ambitious women rises through a ruthless political landscape while their relationship with a powerful ruler develops alongside their shared goals. like many of the stories above, it blends romance with court intrigue, ambition, and the pursuit of power.

it follows two leads who grow through hardship and rely on each other to overcome obstacles. both challenge the circumstances they were born into and work together to build a better future.

fallen nobility
court tensions
competing love interests
fate versus free will
love in turbulent times
shifting alliances
resilience after loss
rebuilding one's future

young general male lead
strong female lead
noble family setting
family schemes and rivalry
survival and resilience
strategic alliances
romance
capable leads
character growth
changing fate

resilient female lead
aristocratic family dynamics
manipulation and rivalry
seeking justice
strong partnership between the leads
personal growth and redemption
romance amid adversity

intelligent leads
romance
politics
power struggles
growth through hardship
working toward peace and stability

* smart female lead
* romance
* leads working together
* misunderstandings between the leads
* power struggles
* character growth

-Both are Japanese productions
-Both have two friends helping out a mother
-Both have a beautiful and somber story

super toxic, no happy scene, the top is a big red flag. the mc is a poor soul who is trapped with a mafia boss.

Time travel/loop thriller/mystery dramas
Reset leads live the same day over and over, KTIMNTN leads live the same 4 years over and over.
Slight romance.

It mainly tells the love story between the witty and cute Cui Xiao Xiao and the sinister and handsome demon Wei Jie in a chaotic time and space zone. Master once said to Cui Xiao Xiao, who has a ten-injury fate, is actually very lucky. If she had been born two hundred years earlier, according to her Yin destiny, she would have become the nemesis of the evil master Wei Jie. If that happens, frail Xiao Xiao will be hunted to the end of the world, her bones broken and ashes raised.

Xiao Xiao secretly calls out: "What a close call. Wei Jie is a cold and cruel person. Fortunately, he was killed by his cowardly disciple Qin Ling Xiao two hundred years ago. There is no such devil in the world anymore! Leaving only his notoriety to last forever. Later, Cui Xiao Xiao accidentally travelled back to two hundred years ago and took a handsome and unruly young man as her apprentice.

Cui Xiao Xiao was very happy and secretly prayed to her Master’s spirit in heaven: Our Lingshan Fu Sect has finally blossomed! I will definitely train my disciples to become talents! After praying, she turned to look at her tall and well-built beloved disciple and asked with a smile: "Disciple, I forgot to ask, what is your surname?" The disciple looked into the master's shining eyes and said slowly: "My surname is Wei, the name is Wei Jie."