High School King of Savvy

High School King of Savvy is a unique and humorous Korean drama that blends high school charm with corporate chaos. Seo In Guk takes on the dual role of Lee Min Suk, a carefree high school hockey star who’s suddenly forced to pose as his older brother, Lee Hyung Suk, an elite executive at a major IT company. What begins as a simple favor quickly turns into a complicated double life full of secrets, surprises, and self-discovery. As Min Suk navigates boardroom meetings by day and school life by evening, he encounters Jung Soo Young, portrayed by the talented Lee Ha Na, a quirky and kind-hearted office employee who becomes entangled in his fast-paced, dual-identity world. Despite their age gap and professional differences, sparks begin to fly in unexpected ways. Their slow-burn romance adds warmth and emotional tension to an already chaotic setup. Adding to the drama is Yoo Jin Woo, played by Lee Soo Hyuk, a cold and calculating executive who begins to suspect something is off with Min Suk. Meanwhile, Min Suk’s classmate and Soo Young’s younger sister, Jung Yoo Ah (played by Lee Yeol Eum), harbors a massive crush on him, creating a love square full of awkward encounters and heartfelt moments. Filled with laugh-out-loud scenes, touching character growth, and clever social commentary, High School King of Savvy explores themes like identity, growing up, and what it means to be true to oneself. The drama masterfully balances rom-com energy with office drama, making it a must-watch for fans of K-dramas that dare to be different. If you're searching for a fresh storyline with heart and humor, this one hits the mark.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 고교처세왕
🌎 Also Known As: King of High School Life Conduct, High School King, Gogyocheosewang
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Romance, Youth, Drama
🏷 Tags: Double Life, High School Student, Office Romance, Identity Swap, Sibling Relationships
✍ Screenwriters: Yang Hee Seung, Jo Sung Hee
🎬 Directors: Yoo Je Won
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 17 (including 1 special)
🗓️ Aired: June 16, 2014 – August 11, 2014
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Min Suk’s unexpected first day as an executive delivers hilarious chaos as a teenager fakes his way through the corporate world.
The rooftop kiss between Min Suk and Soo Young becomes a fan-favorite romantic moment filled with vulnerability and charm.
The reveal of Min Suk’s true identity shocks the office and intensifies the emotional stakes between all characters.
Min Suk defending Soo Young from office gossip shows his maturity and deepening affection, marking key character growth.
Sibling reunion between Min Suk and Hyung Suk delivers emotional closure, as the two reconcile after years of distance.

Filming Locations

tvN studio sets in Seoul served as the main backdrop for COMFO company interiors, including the executive offices.
Min Suk’s high school scenes were filmed at real schools in suburban areas of Seoul to enhance authenticity.
Street cafés and alleyways in Hongdae appear in dating and after-school hangout scenes, capturing youthful energy.
Han River park locations were used for romantic walk scenes and deep conversations between the leads.
Modern apartment complexes reflect the lifestyle contrasts between office workers and high school students.

Visual Design and Costumes

Seo In Guk’s dual wardrobe shifts from school uniforms to sleek suits, highlighting the contrast in his double life.
Lee Ha Na’s modest, pastel-toned outfits reflect her shy and awkward character while adding visual softness.
Lee Soo Hyuk’s fashion-forward business attire reinforces his elite, cold image as a rival executive.
Warm lighting and soft hues in office scenes create a comedic yet heartwarming workplace atmosphere.
Sharp color contrasts are used to distinguish between Min Suk’s high school world and his corporate environment.

Themes and Messages

Living a double life symbolizes the tension between youthful freedom and adult responsibility.
Coming of age in an adult world shows how challenges help shape identity and maturity.
Love knows no age boundaries as Soo Young and Min Suk navigate a romance across different life stages.
Truth vs. deception is a central theme as Min Suk learns the cost of hiding his real self.
Workplace dynamics and power are explored through comedy, showing both the absurdity and humanity of corporate life.

Interesting Facts

Seo In Guk won praise for portraying both a teenager and a businessman with realism and charm.
The drama marked Lee Ha Na’s comeback after a long hiatus, reigniting her career in Korean TV.
Lee Soo Hyuk’s cold but elegant character became a fan favorite and boosted his popularity.
High School King of Savvy was one of tvN’s standout romantic comedies in 2014, praised for its unique plot.
The series includes a special episode (ep. 17) offering extra insight and interviews with the cast.

Awards

🏆 Awards and Nominations for High School King of Savvy

2014 Korea Drama Awards:
- Excellence Award, Actor – Seo In-guk (Nominated)
2016 tvN10 Awards:
- Best Kiss – Seo In-guk and Lee Ha-na (Nominated)
- Best Chemistry – Seo In-guk (as Lee Min-suk) and Seo In-guk (as Lee Hyung-suk) (Nominated)

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no confirmed real-life romance between the cast members of High School King of Savvy. While Seo In Guk and Lee Ha Na portrayed a memorable on-screen couple with strong chemistry, their relationship has remained strictly professional off-screen.

Their believable romantic tension led to fan speculation, especially after their kiss scene gained attention and was nominated for “Best Kiss” at the 2016 tvN10 Awards. However, neither actor has confirmed any personal involvement beyond their work on the drama.

Both Seo In Guk and Lee Ha Na have expressed admiration for each other’s acting skills in interviews, but their bond was rooted in mutual respect and collaboration during filming. Therefore, any love story in High School King of Savvy exists solely within the show’s fictional world.