[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Moorim School" Episode 12

The truth is what drives episode 12 of "Moorim School". The students are driven by their individual motivations to prepare and compete in the school's competition, but the for the main four, the truth behind the actions of adults and behind their pasts are the real driving force.

Chi-ang is the most exposed in this quest for truth, which is a relief after too many episodes of silent brooding and staring that was difficult to read and interpret. He throws himself into achieving his goal and fails. While I was personally rooting for him to succeed, in terms of character growth, the plot point was perfect. He needed to be broken in order to see what really matters: his friends who are the people who don't deceive him and lie to him like his tight-lipped father. Kim Beom-soo made another appearance as the imposing Wang Ha-o. His entrance heralded the last leg of the drama where the students finally delve into the pasts that brought them together.

As for Si-woo, his love for Soon-deok is sweet as is their relationship, but it is the relationship with Chi-ang that pushes him to grow and better himself. Again, I wish for more dialogue between the two and fewer mournful stares. Hongbin has been showing marked improvement throughout the series in his acting and this episode was an example of his best. Lee Hyun-woo, on the other hand, seems to have shrunk from his normal expansive television presence.

At this point I'm hoping for more of the teachers, but I doubt that they will make a greater impact on the storyline. The students outside the main quartet have been receiving some very much appreciated development even though that development is merely a tool to further the plot. I liked finally seeing Yeob Jeong break out of his prickly shell and go crazy in the fight against his brother. His situation mirrors Chi-ang's: he feels a family pressure that makes him despeate to win.

The highlight of the episode was not Si-woo's sudden mastery of his magical ability, but the friends coming together to confront Chi-ang's father and Dean Hwang, two men of many secrets. Fights over love and pride defer to the powerful bond between the friends, which is where the strength of this drama has always lain.

Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Moorim School" is directed by Lee So-yeon-I, written by Yang Jin-ah, and features Hong Bin, Lee Hyun-woo, Shin Hyun-joon, Seo Ye-ji, and Jung Yoo-jin.

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