5 Things to Know About Netflix's New Korean Drama, 'The School Nurse Files'
Another TV series that’s dividing the Internet.
If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, chances are you have heard about a new series called The School Nurse Files. Joining smash hit titles It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and Itaewon Class, both of which have found global success earlier this year, the show is the latest K-drama to land on Netflix. In fact, The School Nurse Files is exclusively produced by the streaming service. Premiered on September 25, the series has quickly received much attention on social media for its unique storyline. For those looking for something new to binge-watch, learn all about the show — from its cast members to a potential second season — below.
The series illustrates the story of Ahn Eunyoung (Jung Yumi), a school nurse who possesses the extraordinary power to see human desires, feelings and spirits in the form of multicolored jellies. At her workplace, Moglyeon High School, Eunyoung teams up with Chinese literature teacher Hong Inpyo (Nam Joohyuk) to protect students from evil spirits that emerge from the school building’s forbidden basement, using weapons like a lightsaber and BB gun.
Just from the synopsis, you’ll realize that The School Nurse Files is unlike any other K-drama we’ve seen. Comprised of just six episodes, the inaugural season is packed with surreal graphics that may seem bizarre, or even corny, at first glance. Despite the mixed reactions, the show is loved by many for its distinct style. Ahead, we cover some of the things you should know about the new release. Scroll down to learn more about the series.
While you’re at it, check out some of the best K-dramas of 2020 so far.
The series is based on an award-winning novel.
Netflix
The School Nurse Files is a story inspired by Chung Serang’s 2015 novel titled School Nurse Ahn Eunyoung. Since the show’s debut, the book has been topping charts once again after being re-released in South Korea.
“When I read the novel, I saw a lot of potential in terms of experimenting with different cinematic effects and aesthetics,” director Lee Kyoungmi tells Star News. “I could see the four-dimensional story developing into a plot led by a female hero. We developed the idea of creating a coming-of-age series where characters learn how to accept themselves for who they are.”
The story is all about jellies.
Netflix
As mentioned, The School Nurse Files features jellies in diverse shapes, sizes and colors. It is a bizarre concept that some struggle to grasp even after watching the entire season. Instead of explaining the science or mechanism behind the show, directors Lee and Chung leave it to the viewers’ imaginations to enjoy the story.
Each of the jellies represents different energies and spirits. Small orange octopus shapes and blue, circular jellies are always around but don’t cause any harm, while a gigantic toad-shaped character can induce a massive earthquake and sinkhole in the ground. Green moss-like jellies help add strength and speed during a basketball game, and a large whale swims across the sky at night to guard Moglyeon High School.
The cast features up-and-coming names in the Korean model industry.
Netflix
Apart from the lead roles played by Jung Yumi and Nam Joohyuk, The School Nurse Files cast includes rising models in the fashion industry. Hyun Wooseok, who appears as Seungkwon, a student at Moglyeon, frequently appears in publications like GQ Korea and Nylon Korea. With this breakout role, the model is expected to star in more shows in the future.
Signed under the same label ESteem Models, Park Sejin plays the role of Seungkwon’s classmate, Jang Radi. Park has previously appeared on titles like Love Alarm.
Finally, Song Heejun is another name to watch from the series. The actor has been featured in various music videos including Dean’s “What 2 Do” and Annyeongbada’s “Tear Drop.”
The show has received mixed reactions.
Netflix
From comments like, “I am obsessed with School Nurse Files (and the ducks)” to reactions such as, “Five minutes into the School Nurse Files: What the f**k am I watching,” the series has been getting both positive and negative feedback from viewers. Mainly due to the lack of explanation behind what exactly the jellies do and why they exist, fans have expressed confusion throughout the episodes. A Twitter user comments, “This was so weird but really refreshing and fun to watch. It easily became one of my faves because it’s so different from other K-dramas. The story is so unusual and creative, that it keeps me interested to keep watching. It also addresses some social issues. I need season two.”
As of now, there are no plans for a second season.
Netflix
Although fans are dying to know if the story will continue with more episodes, it seems like there are no plans for a second season yet. “You’ll have to ask Netflix about [the second season]. I just felt like as long as I have the support from somewhere, I would be able to do it,” Lee shared in an interview. Meanwhile, Chung told Yonhap News: “There haven’t been any conversations yet, but I’d love to participate if the second season ever happens. If it doesn’t, I’ll write out what I had in mind as a book instead. I’m going to provide answers to all the mysteries from the first installment.”
