School 2021


School 2021 is a 2021 South Korean television series directed by Kim Min-tae and starred Kim Yo-han, Cho Yi-hyun, Choo Young-woo and Hwang Bo-reum-byeol. It is the eighth installment of KBS2's School franchise. The series tells the story of 18 students who choose a path rather than an entrance examination. It depicts their growing period of dreams, friendship, and excitement as they struggle through the undefined boundaries. It was premiered on KBS2 on November 24, 2021 and aired every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:30 until January 13, 2022.

Synopsis

School friends helping each other overcome the barriers that come up while taking a less chosen path. In the course they learn valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship.

Cast and characters

Main

Supporting

Nulgigo Architecture Design Class 2-1

  • Kim Kang-min as Ji Ho-sung
  • Seo Hee-sun as Go Eun-bi
  • Yoon Yi-re as Lee Jae-hee, Lee Jae-hyuk's twin sister.
  • Lee Sang-jun as Lee Jae-hyuk
  • Lee Ha-eun as Jung Min-seo
  • Kim Nu-rim as Jong-bok
  • Kim Jin-gon as Hong Min-ki
  • Park Ga-ryul as Jo Tae-ri, class president who is a bit harsh and speaks directly.
  • Jung Ye-seo as Lee Hyo-joo
  • Kim Cha-yoon as Kim Myung-ah
  • Cha Joo-wan as Choi Tae-kang, captain of the school's taekwondo club.

Teachers

  • Kim Gyu-seon as Song Chae-rin
  • Lee Ji-ha as Gu Mi-hee
  • Kim Min-sang as Lee Han-soo
  • Park Geun-rok as Shin Chul-min
  • Shin Cheol-jin as Oh Jang-seok, 65-year-old school principal
  • Go Eun-min as Kim Young-na, a 20-year-old teacher.
  • Im Jae-geun as Yeo Sam-yeol, a 50-year-old teacher.

Families

Ki-joon's family

Production

Development

Originally planned to be produced in 2020 under the name School 2020, and to air in the second half of 2020, the series was delayed for completeness. The script was revised and the name was changed to School 2021.

Casting

In February 2020, Kim Yo-han was confirmed male lead. Ahn Seo-hyun was cast as female lead, but was removed from the series due to a disagreement between her father – who also served as her talent manager at that time – and the producers. Later, Kim Sae-ron was offered the female lead role, but rejected.
In April 2021, Kim Young-dae and Cho Yi-hyun joined the cast. On June 21, casting of the four main characters was confirmed. On July 15, it was reported that Kim Young-dae has dropped out of the series. On July 23, it was officially announced that Kim Young-dae withdrew. On July 27, Choo Young-woo was offered the role of transfer student, which originally Kim Young-dae was playing. On July 28, it was reported that Choo Young-woo officially joined.
On August 5, it was announced by Kurznine Entertainment that Seo Hee-sun would debut as an idol trainee in the series. At the same time, Mystic Story announced that Kim Kang-min also joined the cast of School 2021. The next day, August 6, the cast line-up for teachers and families was announced. On October 13, script-reading site was revealed by releasing photos.

Filming

On November 13, after one of the cast members of the series was tested positive for COVID-19, the production and presentation of School 2021 were suspended.

Music

On September 24, it was reported that producers Yoon Il-sang, artist Yoon Min-soo of Vibe, and Mamamoo's RBW Entertainment were participating in the School 2021 album production together and working on the songs. It is progressing along with the production of the drama.

Release

School 2021 was originally scheduled to premiere on November 17, 2021. However, it postponed to November 24 after Kim Yo-han was tested positive for the COVID-19 pandemic.
A special broadcast titled 2021, Let's Go to School! to promote the series was aired on November 18. The production team said: "Through a special broadcast, we will present an exciting time by showing a fresh and refreshing story and teen romance once again."