"Moorim School" Episode 2 recap

"Moorim School" episode 2 plays out like a typical school drama with bullies, puppy love, competition, and burgeoning hopes and dreams and comes in with a shaky Nielsen rating of 4%. It is heavily laden with character stereotypes and a predictable plotline. But what it does have going for it is the inclusion of the international cast and the promise of intrigue.

The elements of mystery surround Si-woo's past and mystical abilities, Chi-ang's family issues, and the story behind Moorim itself. Si-woo is a typical troubled idol with an overinflated ego and a tragic backstory. Lee Hyun-woo gives Si-woo a depth that belies his current behavior and makes me hope we'll see more than his ego acting out. Perhaps they will stop focusing on his necklace and tell us what it means. Chi-ang's character suffers a similar fate. He is the stereotypical rich kid with an ego the size of South Korea and and grandiose sense of entitlement. Both boys have to learn humility and something about themselves while at the Moorim School. It is a coming-of-age drama with martial arts, a Mr. Miagi-like headmaster, and some hoodoo.

The other students are equally as stereotyped from the poor, optimistic working girl, to the daughter of the headmaster. There's an evil daddy, a mysterious dude in a coma, and cruel students who pick on the new kids. What is unique is the international cast, as I said before. Ghanaian actor, t.v. personality, and model Sam Okyere is a stand out amongst the foreign cast. It is rare to see non-Korean actors on Korean television who can actually act. Okyere leads a cast of people who don't sound like they're reading teleprompters.

The action sequences are goofy. I support martial arts scenes in a drama about a magical martial arts school, but perhaps with less dramatics. There is enough grandeur in the beautiful location of the school and the hints of the supernatural.

We got to meet the students last episode and now we meet the teachers who teach courses like martial arts training and meditation. I'm interested to see how they fit into the colorful cast of students and how they help the two male leads to mature beyond their currently selfish incarnations.

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 Hyeon-joon, Seo Ye-ji, and Eugene Jung.

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