Seo Hye-jin, played by Jung Ryeo-won, is a beloved instructor at a hagwon in Korea, known for her dedication to her students and willingness to go above and beyond to help them succeed. She even meets with public school teachers to discuss students’ grades, despite not always receiving respect in return. The drama, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, explores the competitive world of test prep and the different methods used by schools and hagwons to prepare students for university entrance exams.
The teacher in the drama disapproves of hagwons, highlighting the contrasting views on education in Korea. The pressure to gain entry into top universities is intense, as it can significantly impact future job opportunities. Lee Joon-ho, played by Wi Ha-jun, is portrayed as a hagwon success story, having attended a top university and secured a good job. His relationship with Hye-jin, his former teacher, is central to the storyline, as he decides to take the recruitment test for hagwon instructors to be closer to her.
Despite already achieving success, Lee Joon-ho’s decision to work at a hagwon prompts concern from Hye-jin, who warns him of the demanding nature of the job. However, his true motivation is revealed to be his desire to be with Hye-jin romantically, despite the significant age difference between them. The drama portrays their budding relationship and the potential obstacles they may face, adding an element of suspense and drama to the storyline.
Overall, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is praised for its enjoyable romance storyline set in the unique backdrop of an after-school academy. The drama sheds light on the lengths that students and parents are willing to go to in order to achieve academic success in Korea. Lead actors Jung Ryeo-won and Wi Ha-jun bring a dynamic chemistry to their roles, adding depth and entertainment to the narrative.
Both actors have a strong background in romantic roles, with Ha-jun appearing in popular shows such as Squid Game and Romance Is A Bonus Book, while Jung has starred in dramas like Wok of Love and Diary of A Prosecutor. The drama is directed by Ahn Pan-seok, known for his work on successful romance dramas like Something In The Rain and Secret Affair. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon has aired on tvN in South Korea and is available for international audiences on Viki.com, showcasing the universal appeal of its storyline and characters.
