Dream High is a beloved coming-of-age musical drama that combines youthful ambition, music, and romance. With its fresh cast of rising stars, catchy performances, and inspiring story, it quickly became a cultural hit and set the stage for the global rise of K-pop-themed dramas.
Plot Summary
Kirin Art High School is the place where Korea’s next generation of idols are trained. Among its students are six very different dreamers:
- Song Sam-dong (Kim Soo-hyun), a country boy with hidden musical genius.
- Go Hye-mi (Bae Suzy), a talented but arrogant singer who must learn humility.
- Jin-gook (Taecyeon), a troubled but gifted dancer seeking direction.
- Pil-sook (IU), a shy girl with big dreams and an even bigger voice.
- Yoon Baek-hee (Ham Eun-jung), once Hye-mi’s friend turned rival.
- Jason (Jang Woo-young), a charming dancer with effortless charisma.
Together, they struggle through fierce competition, personal insecurities, and friendship rivalries as they chase their dreams of becoming stars. Along the way, they discover the value of love, hard work, and believing in themselves.
Highlights
- Kim Soo-hyun shines as Song Sam-dong, capturing both innocence and determination, and showcasing strong musical talent.
- Memorable performances by Suzy, IU, and Taecyeon, all of whom went on to become major names in K-drama and K-pop.
- Catchy OST (“Dreaming,” “Maybe,” “Someday”) that became fan favorites and boosted the drama’s popularity.
- Themes of perseverance and self-discovery resonate strongly with young audiences.
- One of the first dramas to blend K-pop culture with a school drama format, influencing many later series.
What Could Be Better
- Some supporting storylines feel rushed compared to the main love triangle.
- Predictable rivalries and conflicts may feel cliché to seasoned drama viewers.
Verdict
Dream High is a charming, inspirational youth drama that launched careers and captured the excitement of chasing big dreams. While lighthearted and sometimes predictable, its heart, music, and memorable cast make it a must-watch for fans of both K-drama and K-pop.