Hierarchy

In Hierarchy, South Korea’s elite Jooshin High School harbors dark secrets and power struggles. Kang Ha (Lee Chae Min), an outsider with a mysterious past, disrupts this rigid hierarchy when he transfers in. Among the privileged are Jung Jae Yi (Roh Jeong Eui), Kim Ri An (Kim Jae Won), Yun He Ra (Ji Hye Won), and Lee Woo Jin (Lee Won Jung), each from powerful families. Kang Ha's presence challenges the established order as he uncovers hidden agendas and social injustices. Beneath their polished exteriors, Jooshin’s top students engage in rivalry, manipulation, and revenge, questioning what true power and loyalty mean. The tension heightens when Kang Ha’s mission for justice unfolds, causing unexpected alliances and betrayals among the students. As his secrets unravel, the students face their darkest selves and confront the cost of privilege and ambition. With intense performances and a gripping narrative, Hierarchy delves into themes of revenge, privilege, and social power, making it a captivating watch for fans of mystery and youth dramas.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 하이라키
🌎 Also Known As: Hairaki
🎭 Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Youth
🏷 Tags: Rich Family, School Bullying, Love Triangle, Discrimination, Revenge
✍ Screenwriter: Choo Hye Mi
🎬 Director: Bae Hyun Jin
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 7
🗓️ Aired: June 7, 2024
📅 Airing Days: Friday
📺 Original Network: Netflix
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 5 min.
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Kang Ha’s dramatic entrance at Jooshin High, unsettling the elite students.
Jung Jae Yi’s powerful monologue on privilege and family expectations.
The intense confrontation between Kang Ha and Kim Ri An in the school corridors.
Lee Woo Jin’s betrayal scene, which shocks his friends and viewers alike.
The flashback revealing Kang Ha’s past and his motivations for revenge.

Filming Locations

Jooshin High School scenes were filmed at a prestigious private school in Seoul.
Lavish mansions in Gangnam served as the residences of the elite students.
Urban night scenes shot in Seoul’s financial district, highlighting wealth.
Traditional homes in Incheon depict Kang Ha’s modest background.
Various scenes were shot in Jeju Island, providing a stark contrast to Seoul’s elite backdrop.

Visual Design and Costumes

The characters’ outfits reflect social hierarchy, with designer uniforms for the elite.
Dark color palettes for Kang Ha’s attire emphasize his mysterious, rebellious nature.
The lavish decor in Jooshin High emphasizes wealth and privilege.
Accessories like luxury watches and jewelry symbolize the wealth of the elite.
The minimalist costume design for Kang Ha enhances his outsider status.

Themes and Messages

Social hierarchy and the divide between wealth and poverty in Korean society.
The moral implications of revenge, as Kang Ha seeks justice for his brother.
Friendship and betrayal, with shifting alliances among the main characters.
The pressures of family expectations and the lengths people go to uphold honor.
The quest for identity in a society dominated by power and privilege.

Interesting Facts

Inspired by real-life elite school scandals in South Korea.
The drama has drawn comparisons to popular Western series like Elite and Gossip Girl.
The cast underwent training to portray privileged characters authentically.
Director Bae Hyun Jin used various color schemes to reflect characters’ emotions.
Lee Chae Min (Kang Ha) performed his own stunts in several action scenes.

Awards

As of November 8, 2024, the Korean drama Hierarchy has not received any awards. The series premiered on June 7, 2024, and while it has garnered significant viewership and attention, official award nominations and ceremonies typically occur later in the year or the following year. Therefore, any potential accolades for Hierarchy may be announced in upcoming award seasons.

Real-Life Loves on Set

As of November 8, 2024, there have been no public reports or confirmations of any real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of the Korean drama Hierarchy. The actors, including Roh Jeong-eui, Lee Chae-min, Kim Jae-won, Ji Hye-won, and Lee Won-jung, have maintained a professional rapport, focusing on their performances and the series’ success. While on-screen chemistry can sometimes lead to off-screen relationships, no such developments have been reported for this particular drama.