High School Return of a Gangster () is a 2024 South Korean fantasy teen action television series starring Yoon Chan-young, Bong Jae-hyun and Lee Seo-jin. Based on the manhwa of the same Korean title by Horol. It was aired on Lifetime from May 29 to June 19, 2024, every Wednesday at 14:00 (KST). It is also available for streaming on TVING, Wavve and Watcha in South Korea, and on Viu in selected regions. The first two episodes premiered at CGV Theater and were released on February 22, 2024.
High School Return of a Gangster was the top viewed drama on Viu in Thailand and Indonesia during its release.
Cast and characters Main Yoon Chan-young as Song Yi-heon/Kim Deuk-pal Song Yi-heon: A 19-year-old high school student who suffered from bullying and decided to end his life. He is the illegitimate son of Chairman Bae, owner of one of the largest construction companies. Kim Deuk-pal: A 47-year-old gangster of the Chilsung Gang who dreams of studying and joining high school, as he wasn't able to study due to his poor background. One day, his soul enters the body of Song Yi-heon when he tries to stop the boy from committing suicide. Unable to escape the body of the young student, he finds out that the real Song Yi-heon was severely bullied, which caused him to commit suicide. He decides to punish his bullies and help him to get into university with good grades. During the process, he befriends the school's class president and popular boy, Choi Se-kyung. Bong Jae-hyun as Choi Se-kyung The school's class president and a model student who is seemingly perfect in everything, but harbors a secret. He later develops a special friendship with Song Yi-heon. Lee Seo-jin as Kim Deuk-pal (special appearance) A 47-year-old gangster whose soul enters the body of Song Yi-heon after he tries to save him. He is the respected leader of the Chilsung Gang.
Supporting
People around Kim Deuk-pal Won Tae-min as Kim Dong-soo A member of the Chilsung Gang, and the right-hand man of Deuk-pal. Ko Dong-ok as Jong Cheol A member of the Chilsung Gang. Lee Geung-young as Seo Chil-sung The founder of the Chilsung Gang and Deuk-pal's mentor.
People around Song Yi-heon Hwang Bo-ra as Lee Mi-kyung The secretary of Chairman Bae, and the one who manages Yi-heon's household. Lee Hee-jin as Song Min-seo The mother of Yi-heon who raises him alone and was a former teen star.
People around Choi Se-kyung Seo Tae-hwa as Choi Myung-hyun The father of Se-kyung and the Chief Prosecutor.
People from high school Joo Yoon-chan as Hong Jae-min Classmate and the leader of the bullies who tormented Yi-heon, but later becomes his follower and friend. Lee Jeong-han as Byeong-cheol Classmate and one of the bullies of Yi-heon. Jung Ji-in as Kim Ye-ji One of the girl students who befriends Yi-heon.
Production
Development The original manhwa created by Harol was a BL story. However, the producer stated that there could be limitation on production investment and backlash for a BL content. Therefore, it's produced as a bromance-themed story instead.
References
External links