Sky Castle K-drama Review: The Dark Side of South Korean Education System

Sky Castle is a critically acclaimed South Korean drama that aired from November 2018 to February 2019. The drama centers around the lives of wealthy families living in a luxurious residential community called Sky Castle, and their obsession with getting their children into prestigious universities. The screenwriter is Yoo Hyun Mi and the director of the series is  Jo Hyun Taek. Here is my review of the K-drama, Sky Castle.

The drama is an intense and compelling exploration of the societal pressure and expectations placed on young people in South Korea, particularly in regards to education. But this concept is very familiar to anyone in Asia. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and the performances by the cast are outstanding. The drama manages to balance serious themes with moments of humor and heartwarming moments. I especially loved how the scenes in the hospitals serve as comic relief as the tension increases, until it explodes in a climactic scene.

One of the most impressive aspects of Sky Castle is its ability to tackle difficult topics such as suicide, mental health, and family dysfunction in a sensitive and thought-provoking way. The drama doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of the characters’ actions, but also manages to portray their motivations and struggles with empathy and nuance.

The Writing

I was definitely in awe of the incredible writing. The series is so well-written and has convincingly blended drama, humor and pathos. The dramatic scenes are carried out in utmost control and nothing is overdone. Sky Castle digs deeper into the darker side of the education system and creates an edge of the seat thriller. This is a series where not just kids but also parents come of age.

The writing is very compelling almost towards the end until the finale falls flat. The ending is too good to be true and the resolution and some character developments are so rushed. There is this unnecessarily forced happy ending and at the end of it, we are not convinced. The problem is that the untangling of events in the final episode felt too abrupt and far-fetched.

The cinematography and production design of the drama are also exceptional, with stunning shots of the Sky Castle community and the surrounding landscapes. But the frequent camera movements and the close-up shots of the characters felt annoying. The soundtrack of the drama is also worth mentioning, as it adds to the overall emotional impact of the scenes. The track “We All Lie” by Hajin pops up in pivotal scenes elevating the tension and drama. It is such a great track.

The Acting

Sky Castle is a family drama. The series is a great example of well written female characters. Women lead the show here. Yeom Jung Ah and Kim Seo Hyung are so good at what they do that we end up hating them (they both play the most unlikeable characters ever written for television). The characters are all well-rounded and flawed.

Jung Joon Ho and Kim Byung Chul are exceptional in portraying both humor and drama. Young actors Kim Bo Ra, Kim Hye Yoon and Lee Ji Won are extremely talented. Sky Castle would not be Sky Castle without them.

Overall, Sky Castle is a must-watch drama that offers a compelling story, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes. It is a commentary on the intense pressure and expectations that many young people face in South Korea, but it also speaks to a broader audience about the importance of mental health, family, and community.