SKY Castle (2018–2019) User Reviews

I think every student should watch this with their parents

[Misss25 · 8/10 · 17 August 2022]

This drama is so stressful. Watching it, I was thinking about myself as being a student. I have never gone through this much. Maybe this drama is exaggerating much yet this practice is done someplaces. Like I watched a documentry where I got to know Korean students actually reads 12-14 hours.

However, I loved this drama. It has so many leyers, you can't but wandering around. Everyone is hiding something, everyone is trying to reach the top of the pyramid by any means. It also shows the bad side of Korean education system or can say harsh education system and misuse of power so amazingly. What happend in end, clarifies what actually education,moral, happiness actually means. Power doesn't buy happiness and peace of mind.

terrific execution and powerful storytelling

[aminifatimaaa · 10/10 · 12 February 2019]

SKY Castle is a satirical drama that criticizes practices from corrupt business hierarchy to extreme parenting environments. The drama has impeccable directing, story is full of plot twists, comedy is subtle and melds well, and the cliffhangers are absolutely wild. The drama tends to often be dramatized, especially as it is a satirical work, but the underlying themes are never truly lost. Brilliant directing and production, engaging plot, convincing acting with a powerfully befitting soundtrack to boot. This drama is very well worth your time.

A Memorable, Multi-faceted, Major Game-Changing, MEGA Combo Package K-Drama

[reunitingall · 10/10 · 9 November 2022]

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who co-created the most powerful and influential K-drama I've ever seen.

Like many extremely stressed out and struggling students in Korea (and other parts of this world), my younger, Korean cousin committed suicide while in high school, due to the ruthless, Korean education system.

I was so angry about this for the longest time (like many others), and I even shared my own expressions regarding this subject.

But since I seemed to have an invisible and silent voice in this world, I was so grateful that this K-drama has had one of the highest views, ratings, and popularity, which means it has reached many within humanity, and hopefully touched many Souls with deeply heartfelt Life lessons.

The story seems to get better with each episode, and is multi-faceted with an abundance of relatable Life themes, to include (but not limited to):

facade vs authenticity, dishonesty vs honesty, back-stabbing vs loyalty, sympathy (from the logical mind) vs empathy (from the feeling Heart), mental intelligence vs emotional intelligence, shallowness vs deep character, superficial success vs true/Soul success, control vs freedom, conditional love vs Unconditional Love (for the self/others/interconnected Life), and much more.

Like other highly creative, well-made K-dramas, this one also includes:

a very well integrated web of stories (even with some exaggerations that enhances the moments)

outstanding and convincing actors/actresses /

raw emotions and heartfelt feelings /

intriguing, interesting, and even refreshingly BOLD characters that grow on you, especially most of the female characters (and some male characters) who reminded me of the authentic, wild, raw, courageous, confident, assertive, BOLD, and/or expressive, lioness-like female characters from the popular Netflix TV show, Ozark

engaging dialogues where verbal expressions and non-verbal cues perfectly matched

as well as drama, hilarious comedy, suspense, action, romance, friendships, Soul connections, dark/shadow/unknown aspects of humans, unexpected twists, hardship, tragedy, and more (to include effective contrasts).

This K-drama also shared a great reminder of why it's so important and highly beneficial to Be Inner Wealth (Prosperity Consciousness) FIRST AND FOREMOST, that includes personal values, deep character, Heart-centered intentions, Life interests/passions/dreams, positive beliefs, etc.; and especially Unconditional/True Love (for the self), which helps us to fully, truly, and UNconditionally love others as well, since we cannot give to others what we don't believe we have from within.

Unconditional Love is the most powerful force within this world and beyond.

I trust that this invaluable story has encouraged, supported, uplifted, empowered, and inspired many within humanity, especially students of this world, who can truly benefit from major changes/transformations.

It's Really Good

[princeadofo · 10/10 · 4 February 2019]

Wow, every episode just keeps get better as the story unfolds. It really brings awareness on the social issues concerning the education system and also how the high class members of society desperately tries to make sure their child succeed in every way. It also brings to light the stuffs students have to go through in dealing with pressure at home and at school.

Basically a piece of pure art

[caiojcfreitas · 10/10 · 15 April 2023]

This is what I call a amazing dorama.

Sky Castle is a dorama when you thing is going really high, they climb higher and make you be more than surprised. I remember when I watched it was at least one plot twist by episode.

I really recommend you to give a try. Sky Castle is a type of drama that every single character you need to keep an eye open because they could turn your hope into angry. This was a nonstop watching dorama, once you start you get addicted to the point you only think about what will happen and with who.

All of the families and his stories are really interesting. Each of one have your own feeling but make us rethink about how we should treat our family.

The OST was also amazing. I'm not the type of person that keep listening to the soundtrack once I finished the dorama but "We all lie" keeps in my mind everytime I remember of Sky Castle. The best OST I ever heard.

Exceptional and complex

[evegasatan-22578 · 10/10 · 31 May 2022]

I enjoyed watching this show. The story depicts the realities of a highly competitive society and complexities in the family. The struggle to be the best in one's environment in order to survive is a crucial point. This challenge apparently drives people to edges.

I noticed how forgiveness and reconciliation is quite easy for everyone.

I like the diversity of characters and roles in the plot. Each one deals with his own thing. For instance, the hilarious pyramid-obsessed dad was very traditional and authoritative yet lovable since he tried to adjust his restrictive character to preserve his love to his family.

Dr. Kang's wife is a typical mom who struggled to accommodate her in-laws' expectations as well as her social community by denying her flawed past. Maybe she was under the impression that her pretense will serve as a survival tool in order to co-exist against societal biases. However it eventually caught up on her. One can run but can't hide forever. She wants to protect her family at all cost even if entails resorting to drastic measures.

On a different note, coach Kim's dark tones and manipulations went overboard by taking advantage of desperate people's weaknesses at the same time gratifying her own. Although she may be evil on one side, but her soft spot surfaces when her daughter is involved. Also, when she got caught, she attempted to spare her men.

Hyena's tragic fate was undeserving. Her flaws could have been dealt with differently considering her existing circumstances. It's true that she had a perplexing personality that displayed a devious character in the making. Her struggle for love and acceptance went wayward. This is quite disturbing in the real sense. However, her other side also showed a loving daughter and strength of character. She wasn't given the chance to prove her worth thou.

In general, at least each one's unique battle shares a moral lesson for viewers.

Success isn't everything

[wedmcdfcdjlbctenqn · 8/10 · 17 April 2022]

Let's just get it out of the way that you shouldn't expect a realistic show when watching Sky Castle. It's definitely satire and has some extreme situations with over the top reactions. But this is one of the better shows to combine laugh out loud comedic moments with man-tear-inducing serious situations.

During the 20 episode season we get introduced to the 4 families who reside in a high society residential area aptly named Sky Castle. Where despite the high luxury life, we find out that each family has their flaws. Some bigger than others. Where the pressure which is put on their children to be even more successful in life, has a literal pressuring effect on the kids.

The entire cast is wonderfull, including the younger actors. The girl who plays Hye-na especially had my eyes teary as the season went on. I also think the writing is pretty damn amazing, where you are able to despise and root for the same characters as the show progresses. The character Cha Min-hyuk (the law school lecturer with the 2 sons) especially comes to mind. Oh my God, I really hated this guy yet still felt a bit sorry for him when things start to turn against him. "Didn't your wife tell you anything?" :D

The ending is a bit too easily wrapped considering what type of characters these people were in episode 1, and how they ended up. I dont think people change that drastically. But again, this isn't supposed to be a realistic show. I was entertained for 20 episodes, the show did it's job. Very well even.

A superb Korean drama that provides insight to its society

[daryopeek · 9/10 · 4 July 2019]

Honestly, one of main reason why Korean dramas aren't my cup of tea, is due to their big love of romantic comedy flick across so many cliches and plots. Sky Castle, being told as story about college entrance drama among residents of so-called Sky Castle, an exclusive housing complex for renowned scholars and doctors in the country.

Sky Castle begin with so much things to be explored. The nature of parent-child communication, the Asian perspective on college, the hardships and its system, and the high-class and low-class perspective (while it's too cliche to be true). The story feel so original for me, along with the characters that aren't so blatantly evil, so as the episodes go, I feel a sense of empathy for them. With the nature of conflict that getting more complex, each subplot also begin to develop nicely during each episode,to make the tension between the plot more shifted. The news of Korean being crazily into cram school and college depicted here with interesting ways, so that we got insights to what's (probably) happening to the country beside their Kpop.

As many fans pointed out, the additional four episodes due its popularity bring the prolonged closure that feels too different than the early episodes that feature many dark topics. While it's a shame to be a letdown, Sky Castle still makes me mesmerized and cried in the penultimate episode. The biggest award should be addressed to Yum-jung Ah who played the complex character Han seo-jin. Her heavy character backstory in the series provide much insights about her and how it affects the action.

What's turning me from giving the perfect score is the highly unreal characters in Lee-so im family. Like being a hero and angel and playing the opposites of Han family, makes me annoyed. The acting is okay, but the logic behind their action are so questionable (forgiving so many bad people around them easily) it's so dull.

However, being a Korean drama, we got many cliches like comedic subplot with exaggerating acting. I think it's best to overlook those kind of things because as a whole, Sky Castle provide an original story with many touching/deep subjects that maybe we can't have for a long time.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 9/10 · 2 February 2019]

This one is a surprise. The plot had so many layers, with comedy, drama, tragedy, even crime and especially mystery, taking over and keeping the interest high throughout the whole drama. The tension was just right as well as the thrill that it provided to be entertaining. The characters, moreover, where unique and dynamic, each one different from one another and helped built a nice story. So, unsurprisingly, the performances were top notch from everyone, but I should give special credit to the kids, that were remarkable. Finally, the cinematography had an odd shooting way, but it was okay overall. So, 9 out of 10.

Help me release my hatred on tutors

[madbird-61243 · 7/10 · 25 December 2018]

The plot is on middle class parents trying every means to let their children study medicine in top universities. The story is a bit exaggerated with a mum loses her life because of this. But a bit of exaggeration does keep the story interesting to follow.

The supertutor in the story causes the breaking of a family because she malteach tbe son of the family. In reality, this is not too possible. But i would say many of the tutors in my place are doing bad jobs and cause their students' failure to be admitted to universities. These tutors are simply too lazy to perform for what they have been paid, and destroy the futures of their students without any guilt at heart.

I hope the supertutor in the drama would be punished because of her deed.

Fathers of the families are all acted by familiar faces. The interpreter in Mr Sunshine, the site supervisor in DOTS and the assistant in KMHM. They light up the whole drama with their super acting skill.

This drama reminds me of another drama Investigation Couple. A student jumping down from a building because of illusion caused by taking of medication to boost his spirit for studying. The pills are supplied by his mother. Again a tragedy because of unreachable goals on children education.

Both drama give reminder to parents not to exert excess pressure on their children.

Seeing up to epd 14. below is the updated comments

Hye na is the best actor among the lads. She is cunning, full of plan to reocover her identity. Among the mums, writer mum is the worst. Her facial expression has no much difference in every scene.

Twin mum's response to her lying daughter is adorable. This forgiving mum is our role model. Character of lads can still be reshaped. It is unwise to be too harsh with their foolishness.

2 daughters' mum is too obssessed with academic results of her children, thus making too much compromise for an effective tutor. One thing is that she like to throw water to someone whom she feels doing wrong, including the super tutor. In our society, we believe that we should not make extreme reaction to a person who is obviously wrong or cheating you. This would only arouse unreasonable hatred and retaliation.

It is amazing how the writer makes up an education thriller. No beautiful female lead. No handsome male lead. No romance. All are middle aged roles. But still achieve the highest seeing rating in korea. Unfortunately it is not on netfix. Foreign watchers simply miss this fascinating drama.

After watching epd 15 and fast forwarding epd 16, i am a bit disappointed with the drama. I feel that the end of the drama is rotten. I have to lower the score from 8 to 7.

The plot turn unreasonable. The supertutor is not God. How can she plot the death of hya na and frame woo jin as killer, just being a tutor and has just one assistant. The parent meeting and fight is utterly unnecessary. It makes the series a soap drama.

Rumour says that the drama is extended from 16 to 20 epd. That is probably the reason behind why the story suddenly turns unreasonable and elongated illogically.

Like Secretary Kim, i just cannot figure out why seeing rate is so high. I hate unresonable storyline my self. Perhaps i am more demanding than average audience. But epd before 15 is perfectly ok. So it still score a rating of 7.

Updated Happy ending. It is my cup of tea. But even if it is a sad ending, i would accept. I think the watching rate will even be higher.

What's so great about being a doctor .... ?

[Sippytea · 8/10 · 10 April 2022]

All this chaos because everyone wants their kids to become doctors. Wonderfully acted and the story line is engaging compared to the plethora of rom-coms littered on my Netflix home screen. A tad too long, the final act last a couple episodes more than necessary. I can't say I enjoyed it on a personal level because holy ... 90% of the cast is sooo unlikable. Most of the time I was going ... eff these rich ass people ... Which goes to show you how well acted the families are.

Exaggerated but entertaining

[phd_travel · 7/10 · 3 September 2020]

The 2nd highest rated series in drama history is worth a watch. But it is far from perfect. The premise that people could make much fuss over grades and Seoul National University is hard to accept at first and seems silly. But it gets better later. The characters range from unlikeable and one dimensional to sanctimonious - either good or bad. Sometimes they feel like caricatures. The drama has a lesson to impart. We start off with a set of parents with the wrong values to a rather unlikely murder followed by lots of angst and finally to forgiveness and redemption and learning the right values. The message is clear - it's bad to pressure children to do well in school. The show got better towards the climax even if the melodramatic scenes were over wrought with the begging and tears. I liked the funny parts like throwing Professor Cha out of the house and how they started fighting after the murder.

The acting is fine. The child actors don't get to show that much acting range - it seems their roles are underwritten but when they do get a chance to act they are fine. Kim Hye Yoon as an ambitious girl overacts a bit. The adults are good - it's primarily their show. Lead actress Yum Jung Ah gets better towards the end. The actors playing Professor Cha and Dr Kang are good. The crazy coordinator looks quite witch like.

20 episodes means the show is quite complete. There is an ending that has everything wound up neatly.

How is the cumulative rating of episodes 8.7?

[parulmalik-17191 · 3/10 · 3 November 2020]

Exaggerated and very narrow in its scope. There was no need for 20 episodes. Was also wondering how the overall rating adds up to 8.7 when most episodes are not even that highly rated?

Korean Masterpiece of Writing and Timing.

[AJ_McAninch · 9/10 · 6 May 2020]

A masterpiece, and not just the brilliant acting but also the writing, direction, OST, sound effects, camera work-all of it in perfect sync, perfect timing as each scene weaves its tragi-comic spell. The satire on these parents is spot on and very satisfying, but the effects of such obsessive behavior are wrenching for their kids. The series is relentless from the beginning in exposing the narcissism and danger of parental intrusion in their children's lives for their own self-glory.

Greed .. Money .. Power .. Is it really the way to happiness ?

[sayahmaissa · 9/10 · 23 February 2019]

This series .. Not only demonstrate the family relationships and how much parents can do for their child or to make it clear , they are ready to killf or their own greed using their children.. But it also state the cruelty of the world we are living in and how even money and power can't bring the joy , a human is looking for , 'cause simply a person can never be only satisfied with only the things he has .. But he must necessarily be on the top of the PYRAMID .... I think every single person should watch this .. From the children to the parent .. 'Cause the kids need to stand up for themselves and never give up their happiness for their parents and the parents never use their children to make the dreams they couldn't reach by pushing them . Love .. Is the only way to happiness

We all lie, that's the truth

[alaningle7 · 10/10 · 18 June 2019]

Outstanding drama with superb acting from the entire cast and great cinematography. The couples in an exclusive gated housing complex (Sky Castle) have ambitions for their children's education to make them the best whatever the cost. It is apparently a reflection of how some Korean parents put so much onus on their Children's ability to excel in their chosen career path (hopefully exaggerated) The various families all have differing ideas of what a parents role is and the acting certainly makes you believe they are real families. Suicide, conflict and murder will eventually make people appraise what is important in their life's.

Well-deserved K-Drama with Highest Episode Rating 🙌🏼

[pilawsopo · 10/10 · 6 April 2020]

Apart from it being well-directed and well-written, I love how intellectual it is-dealing with cryptic philosophy books such as "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" written by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and even Richard Dawkin's revolutionary evolution idea found on his book "The Selfish Gene".

As I finished it, I remembered this memorable and enlightening quote from the film Dead Poets Society:

"Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."

And I couldn't agree more...

Just Perfect

[noraemad-86336 · 10/10 · 2 February 2019]

For me this work was perfection in all kinds of ways, I wish many people around the world be able to understand the great message that this drama is trying to deliver. I highly recommend watching it you'll never regret it.

Brilliant storytelling

[ellenj-11573 · 9/10 · 21 November 2023]

Sky Castle was just phenomenal. As a teacher, I'd heard about the Korean educational system and what it was doing to the kids. And, while I think this rendition was a little exaggerated, I'm not sure it was that far off the mark.

All the actors were amazing. But two deserve special mention. Yum Jung-ah commanded every scene she was in. This talented woman can convey a world of emotion with the subtlest expressions. Equally good was Kim Seo-hyeong whose ominous presence provided just the right touch of mystery and menace. I kept thinking the plot would give the audience a slick, easy conclusion, but it didn't.

It did not live up to the hype

[brit-50448 · 7/10 · 11 August 2021]

I am basically halfway through ( I will also update once I finish) and I saw alot of people compare this to penthouse saying this is the og but alot of the plot points dont even make sense... I am confused because so many people on here rated it 10 and had good things to say. The characters don't even make rational decisions. This has absolutely nothing to do with them going above and beyond to reach their goals being the people they are. When I say this I mean in terms of their actual character development they do not develop in any shape or form - even if the goal is not to make everyone a "better" person character development is as simple as not constantly making dumb decisions that create the same outcome ... its so redundant and most of what I have watched is alot of characters moving in circles. Take the in house tutor for example... her actions make no sense when it comes to her goal. The new neighbor ( the wife) also keeps going back and talking to seo jin even though she literally knows how much seo jin hates her and will never listen to what she says... the couple that is always sucking up to seo jin and her husband bc of the husbands job also make 0 sense and it seems like they are just there as a filler. The twins father and his wife also make 0 sense because their dynamic is completely unhinged with absolutely no development at all.

I don't even feel the drama element and I am all around super disappointed with the character development and I just hope some of yall rated it 10 for the ending or something because I am only continuing to watch to see if it was worth it.

I agree with both 10/10 and 1/10 ratings of this series

[KatieDuncan44 · 9/10 · 30 September 2023]

Let me explain, the show is very emotional, intense and deep. Not in the beginning so much so, but towards the end. I cried a lot in the last four episodes.

So, it's odd that such a serious and intense show with very emotional aspects to it also seemed very fake and silly on purpose?

Some of the characters came off as unreal, too unrealistic to seem serious. It made the show look like a joke in a way.

It didn't jive or mesh with the very serious and emotional aspect to the show.

But, in a way, it added comedic relief for the characters at times to seem so silly in an unrealistic way.

Many of the main characters weren't likeable at all. They were so cringe you'd hope they'd fail. But, a character that's normal, sane and likable comes along and is like the voice of reason amongst the other crazies. It adds a nice contrast. That one serious, realistic and normal character against the unrealistic nutty people. Many improve by the end of the show.

Sometimes, the plot circled over petty stuff, especially in the beginning. It dragged. But, that maybe were in only two episodes. Overall, the show was very interesting and engaging and left with many cliffhangers at the end of each episode.

The show was very strongly trying to teach you something. I'm not sure what that it. It's so obvious what they were trying to teach. But, at the same time it's confusing because are they saying you don't need to try so hard and force others to?

Personally, what I learned from this show is to not be so focused on your goals that you don't notice who you can help, and don't notice your friends, your family. Don't be so focused on your goals because of pride and prestige. Don't be so focused on your goals to the point that you are willing to harm others.

Don't use other people and your children as a trophy or a way to gain self esteem or clout. Don't have an inferiority complex motivating you to succeed.

That spending time with family is important.

Quite Long, Slow and Dragging...Kurosawa style of story-telling...

[superstore88 · 7/10 · 26 April 2020]

I watched this show because it is rated #1 as well as in viewership. This show only caught my interest and attention starting from Episode 14....The show is too boring and dragging from the beginning and I almost gave up because I fall asleep...the story and plot does seem going anywhere....the first part of story telling is too long...you could probable delete 5 to 6 episodes without affecting the story...My definition of a 10 score is excitement and interest from beginning to end...I still consider Crash Landing on You as my #1 and Kingdom as my #2...this won't be in my top 5 list...I've got to watch the other K-dramas..

tried so hard and failed

[e52 · 1/10 · 21 February 2019]

It somehow managed to get more and more stupid each ep, I'm still in awe I wasted my time, you don't have to, go do something nice for yourself. It's another Kdrama about rich ahjummas, what did i expect anyway? (As a matter of fact I expected nothing but ok I do agree that Kim Seohyung is hot) One star for idk trying?

Baffled

[zalacdkey · 10/10 · 22 October 2019]

The first episode is seemingly quite mundane to begin with - however it suddenly goes from 0-100 and you're hooked. The acting is amazing, it's unlike any Korean drama I've ever seen before thus making it unique for its genre. The script is very well written, the acting is amazing and the way that it has been filmed is in many scenes very well thought of and artistic. There are details and symbols within each episode which are of importance for the storyline - it's a very well made show. It's worth noting that it satirically portrays a real life mindset reflected in the life's of many individuals and is surely an eye opener if observed from a certain perspective hence the pressure many parents put on their children when it comes to education and studying.

The drama of the year

[tatiakhachishvili · 10/10 · 2 March 2019]

Its not about love story drama,between lovers.its about us-humans.its drama about human's greedy,pride,power and mindless crimes.