The plot of “Hierarchy,” a passionate high school drama replete with love and jealousy, begins when secretive transfer students enroll in Jooshin High School, where the top 0.01 percent of students rule as the law.
The tight tone of the recently released poster draws attention to Jung Jae Yi (Roh Jeong Eui), the reigning queen of Jooshin High School and the daughter of the influential Jaeyool Group. Her anxious expression begs the question of what secret she is hiding beneath her cold façade, and the cell phone she is holding only serves to heighten the intrigue.
The transfer student Kang Ha (Lee Chae Min) draws notice from the wealthy kids with his unusual tie color. His face is scarred, yet his eyes are bright with resolve. His clenched fist raises suspicions that the new transfer student might be questioning the established order at the prestigious school.
The norms and hierarchy of the school, as represented by Kim Ri An (Kim Jae Won), also seem a little shaky. The mystery is heightened by the contrast between the aspirational Yoon He Ra (Ji Hye Won), who may be vying for Queen Jae Yi’s position at the top, and the mysterious Lee Woo Jin (Lee Won Jung), who watches them. The adage “everyone has a secret worth dying for” alludes to a strong storm that is threatening the school.
A thrilling teenage scandal caused by unanticipated conflicts is the subject of the recently released main trailer, which heightens the suspense. Whispering, “I killed someone,” Jung Jae Yi takes a nervous glance before pulling the trigger. I claimed to have killed someone.
There could be unsettling things happening at Jooshin High School given the recent death of a pupil.
But Kang Ha’s move to the school upsets the well-arranged chaos. Enraged, Kang Ha makes the pledge, “I’m going to expose it,” and sets out to uncover the mystery within the institution. Kim Ri An, meantime, acts hostilely toward Kang Ha and claims that there is a reason why people no longer experience dread. Furthermore, the developing plot is made more intriguing by Kim Ri An’s surprise at getting a separation notice from Jung Jae Yi.
Jae Yi gets a menacing text message from an unidentified source as tensions between Kang Ha and Kim Ri An continue to rise. There seems to be a concerning gulf between Jae Yi, Ri An, He Ra, and Woo Jin. This is indicated by Jae Yi’s query, “Is there a single thing you’re fine with others knowing?” and the uncertainty and tears that follow.
At the elite 0.01% party, Kang Ha, dressed in a navy tie, draws attention. Despite the derision, many are curious about what the reality is that he will reveal. Amidst their agony, there is growing suspense for the reality they will face as their long-kept secret—one worth dying for—comes to light.
Director Bae Hyeon Jin emphasized, “We meticulously worked on the details of each space, like the designs, textures, and lighting,” adding, “Jooshin High School takes pride in its established order, which has never been challenged.” “We also used structural elements to serve as metaphors about the characters’ circumstances,” he continued. “From the staircases, which represent the hierarchy at Jooshin, to the old building, which embodies the school’s pride and traditions.”
View the primary trailer here: