Lee Eun-sam is firmly holding the center of the drama with her deepened acting.
The drama ‘Cheongdam International High School 2’ (written by Kwak Young-im, directed by Lim Dae-woong and Park Hyung-won), which was first released on major domestic OTT platforms on the 3rd, expands the suspense and emotional lines of the characters from season 1, providing an immersive experience that surpasses its predecessor. The unpredictable plot developments, stylish direction, and the passionate performances of the lead actors have garnered praise for the series' overall quality.
At the center of it all is Lee Eun-sam. She plays the role of Kim Hye-in, a transfer student from a humble background at Cheongdam International High School, and she has successfully portrayed a wide range of emotions from survival in school to romance and plot twists.
In particular, in episodes 1 and 2, Hye-in's shock and anxiety after witnessing Oh Si-eun's (played by Han Da-sol) fall, as well as her complex inner fears of having her weaknesses exposed to the world, were expressed in detail, enhancing the drama's immersion. The scene where Hye-in boldly confronts Hwang Bo-seok (played by Yoon Jae-hyun), despite being severely bullied, provided a thrilling catharsis.
Additionally, Hye-in's budding romance with the mysterious new student Lee Sa-rang (played by Won Kyu-bin) was portrayed smoothly. Although she was taken aback by Sa-rang's unconditional support, Hye-in's flustered demeanor piqued curiosity about the future of their relationship.
The rivalry between Hye-in and her nemesis Baek Je-na (played by Kim Ye-rim) also contributed to the drama's vitality. In a crisis due to a school violence incident, Hye-in desperately sought help from Je-na, but received a cold response. However, as crucial information came into Hye-in's hands, the situation took a turn, adding to the fun. Later, with Je-na's help, Hye-in's confident expression as she entered 'Diamond 6' was completed with her unique stable acting skills.
In this way, Lee Eun-sam continues to solidly hold the weight of the drama as the lead in ‘Cheongdam International High School 2’, just as she did in the previous work. She delicately expresses Hye-in's emotional changes as she interacts with characters with various narratives, showcasing a realistic performance as if she were a real person. Expectations are rising for Lee Eun-sam's performance, which perfectly captures Kim Hye-in's joys and sorrows with her outstanding acting skills.
‘Cheongdam International High School 2’ is released every Thursday and Friday at 5 PM on major domestic OTT platforms such as Netflix, Wavve, and Tving. Viewers can watch the episodes released that week on the comprehensive channel MBN every Friday at 12:10 AM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
