Get ready for a new “girl crush” protagonist who is about to take the K-Drama world by storm!
Studio Dragon, the powerhouse production company known for global hits, and Jaedam Media have officially announced their collaboration to bring the popular Naver webtoon High School Queen to the screen. This partnership marks a significant step in the industry, stemming from a strategic MOU signed between CJ ENM and Jaedam Media last year to jointly plan and produce webtoon-based IPs.
So, what makes High School Queen so special? The story, created by writers Kriti and Nehae, offers a thrilling twist on the reincarnation trope. It follows Kim Cheong Ha, a Joseon-era Queen who was also the kingdom’s greatest swordswoman. After meeting an unjust death amidst palace politics, she wakes up in the body of Park Da Jin, a modern-day high school student suffering from severe bullying.
Unlike the original Da Jin, the reincarnated Queen isn’t one to back down. Embracing the freedom of the modern era, she uses her royal authority and elite martial arts skills to confront her tormentors, delivering satisfying, “cider-like” vengeance that fans of the webtoon absolutely love.
This production is breaking the mold with its release strategy. Instead of waiting to see if the drama is a hit before expanding, the studios are planning a “One-Source Multi-Use” (OSMU) strategy right from the start. This means we can expect not just a drama, but potentially films and animations expanding on this universe simultaneously.
Jaedam Media CEO Hwang Nam Yong expressed his optimism, stating that the collaboration will showcase the richness of the webtoon’s world. A Studio Dragon representative confirmed their intent to develop the IP across multiple genres of visual content from the very planning stage, rather than sequentially.
With Jaedam Media previously handling the IP for massive hits like Weak Hero and Seasons of Blossom, and Studio Dragon at the helm of production, expectations are sky-high for this action-romance series. Now, the biggest question remains: Who do you think should play the badass Queen-turned-high-schooler?