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by Piano Kaewchaiyo (8th)

What does the word “hierarchy” mean? Is it a threat to society, or is it something else? According to Google, the word “hierarchy” is defined as a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. In my opinion, hierarchy can sometimes be dangerous because those in positions of higher power tend to push others down. This doesn’t apply to all billionaires and millionaires, but greed is a part of human nature. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person.” Deep, isn’t it? However, I’m not discussing that kind of hierarchy today. I’m talking about the global, limited-time Netflix K-drama series titled “Hierarchy.”

Hierarchy is a South Korean television series on Netflix, released in 2024, which features a romance love triangle. Directed by Bae Hyeon-jin, it stars actors Roh Jeong-eui, Lee Chae-min, Kim Jae-won, Ji Hye-won, and Lee Won-jung. The series currently consists of seven episodes, and as a dedicated romance series watcher, I had to watch them all! (Just kidding—I’m on episode six, but I’m getting there!)

Background Summary

The series opens with a shocking scene of a car crashing into a man running through an alleyway. This man is later revealed to be Kang In-Ha, the fraternal twin brother of scholarship student Kang-Ha. The story is set at Jooshin High School, an elite institution in South Korea attended by the wealthiest 0.01% of students. Beneath its polished exterior, Jooshin High hides many dark secrets.

It’s revealed that In-Ha may have been killed by the car of a wealthy Jooshin student and bullied to death by the school’s privileged elite. When Kang-Ha transfers to Jooshin High, he faces numerous challenges, but his ultimate goal is to uncover the truth about his brother’s death and seek revenge on those responsible. The school administration has hastily covered up In-Ha’s death, further fueling Kang-Ha’s suspicions.

The series’ title, “Hierarchy,” reflects the stark social divide at Jooshin High: wealthy students dominate the top of the social ladder, while scholarship students are at the bottom, facing bullying and mistreatment. Kang-Ha, however, refuses to abide by these rules and openly disrespects Ri-an, the son of the school’s founders.

Four main wealthy students play significant roles in the series: Kim Ri-an, Jung Jae-i, Yoon He-ra, and Lee Won-jung. Ri-an, a football player, is one side of the love triangle and has been dating Jae-i for a long time. Jae-i, a central character, comes from a glamorous yet troubled background as the daughter of the Jaeyul Group owners.

Episode Summaries

In Episode 1, Kang-Ha is invited to a party by rich students as a prank. Undeterred, he shows up to challenge their privileged lifestyle. He meets Ri-an after being dared to kiss Jae-i, Ri-an’s girlfriend, which enrages Ri-an and sparks ongoing conflict between the two.

As the series progresses, Kang-Ha begins to develop feelings for Jae-i, though she pushes him away for unknown reasons. Meanwhile, Ri-an warns Kang-Ha to stay away from her, but Kang-Ha can’t help himself. Amid this drama, Kang-Ha starts uncovering disturbing truths about Jooshin High and the cover-up of his brother’s death. Working with other scholarship students, he gathers evidence that could tarnish the school’s pristine reputation as well as the social standing of Jae-i and Ri-an.

In a dramatic twist, Jae-i is sent to New York for an arranged marriage to the chairman’s son, who is later arrested for drug use. Jae-i returns, prompting a confrontation with He-ra, who accuses her of being a traitor and reveals her longstanding feelings for Ri-an. Meanwhile, He-ra’s father goes bankrupt, forcing their family to rebuild their former status.

By Episode 6, Kang-Ha is heartbroken as Jae-i continues to reject him. Then, the shocking revelation comes: Jae-i is the one who killed In-Ha. This revelation leaves viewers grappling with questions. Why did she do it? To protect Ri-an? To save herself? These mysteries will be unraveled in Episode 7.

True Meaning of the Series

After watching six episodes of Hierarchy, I’ve come to reflect more deeply on life. The series explores how wealth and privilege can divide people, but it also shows that both the rich and poor face challenges, albeit in different ways. It reminds us that social status doesn’t define a person’s worth.

To me, love transcends social hierarchies. Kang-Ha’s resilience and simplicity inspire me—his open heart is a lesson in kindness and determination. This series has left a lasting impression on me. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. So, even a romantic TV show like this can leave your heart and mind full!