CRITICAL REVIEW: “HIGH SCHOOL RETURN OF A GANGSTER”
Without reducing my appreciation for the main role actor: Yoon Chan Young, who succeeded very well in playing Song Yi Heon & Kim Deuk Pal, 2 different characters, let me give a review of this drama.

INTRODUCTION
“High School Return of a Gangster” is a South Korean web series that blends the genres of fantasy, drama, and high school life. The series has attracted attention for its unique premise of a gangster's spirit inhabiting the body of a high school student. While the concept is fresh and intriguing, the execution has received mixed reviews.

PLOT SUMMARY
The story follows Kim Deuk-Pal, a 47-year-old gangster who dreams of attending university despite his lack of formal education. One day, he witnesses Song Yi-Heon, a 19-year-old high school student, attempting suicide due to severe bullying. In a twist of fate, Kim Deuk-Pal’s spirit enters Song Yi-Heon’s body. The series explores Kim Deuk-Pal's efforts to navigate high school life, confront bullies, and form a bond with Choi Se-Kyung, a seemingly perfect student dealing with domestic violence.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND DEPTH
The series introduces characters with significant potential for growth. Kim Deuk-Pal’s transition from a hardened gangster to a compassionate high school student is central to the narrative. However, this transformation often feels rushed and lacks the nuance needed to make it fully believable. Similarly, Song Yi-Heon’s struggles with bullying and depression are presented poignantly, yet the show does not delve deeply enough into his emotional journey, leaving his character arc somewhat superficial.

PACING AND PLOT EXECUTION
The premise of body-swapping is promising, but the series struggles with execution. The shift from gangster drama to high school life feels abrupt, and the transitions between these worlds are not always seamless. Certain plot points are left unexplored, leading to unanswered questions and a sense of incompleteness. A more balanced pacing could have allowed for a more thorough exploration of the story's themes and characters.

TONE AND GENRE SHIFTS
The series oscillates between comedy, drama, and action, which can be disorienting for viewers. While the blend of genres has the potential to create a rich narrative, the lack of a consistent tone makes it difficult to fully invest in the story. The gangster elements sometimes clash with the heartfelt moments, leading to an uneven viewing experience.

SECONDARY CHARACTERS
The supporting cast in “High School Return of a Gangster” is underdeveloped. While the main characters receive attention, secondary characters like Choi Se-Kyung, who has a compelling backstory involving domestic violence, are not given enough screen time to fully explore their motivations and growth. This lack of depth in secondary characters detracts from the overall richness of the narrative.

CENSORSHIP AND ADAPTATION CHOICES
One significant point of discussion among fans is the removal of the original BL (Boys’ Love) theme from the web novel. This censorship affects the dynamics between characters, particularly the emotional complexity and relationships that could have added depth to the story. Fans of the web novel have expressed disappointment with this change, as it alters the essence of the source material. We don't understand why Choi Myung Hyun [Se Kyung's father] hates Song Yi Heon so much!
The removal of the original BL (Boys' Love) causes the story of Se Kyung's father's jealousy towards Song Yi Heon to turn into hatred. And this totally ruins the entire story.

VISUALS AND DIRECTION
The cinematography effectively captures both the gritty gangster world and the bright high school setting. However, some action sequences lack finesse, and inconsistent lighting in certain scenes detracts from the overall visual experience. Despite these issues, the series manages to create a visually appealing contrast between the two worlds.

OVERALL VERDICT
“High School Return of a Gangster” is an ambitious series with an intriguing premise that ultimately struggles to find its footing. While it offers moments of genuine connection and unexpected humor, the execution of its unique concept falls short in several areas. The character development, plot pacing, tone consistency, and adaptation choices all contribute to a viewing experience that feels like a blend of missed opportunities and occasional brilliance.

For viewers willing to overlook its flaws, the series provides an interesting take on the body-swap genre and high school drama. However, those seeking a more polished and cohesive narrative may find “High School Return of a Gangster” lacking in several critical aspects.

CONCLUSION
“High School Return of a Gangster” presents a unique and engaging concept that could have been a standout in the body-swap genre. However, its execution leaves much to be desired. The series’ strengths lie in its fresh premise and occasional moments of emotional depth, but it is ultimately hampered by rushed character development, inconsistent tone, and underdeveloped secondary characters. Fans of the web novel and viewers new to the story may have differing opinions, but the series’ potential is undeniable despite its shortcomings.