Synopsis

Na Du-su is a troublemaker, a constant headache for his teachers and everyone around him. When he learns that his classmate, the model student Ho-chul, is facing difficulties, he does everything he can to help him. In the end, their friendship transforms Na Du-su from a troublemaker into a good student. Adapted from the 1976 novel *Story of Yalkae* by Jo Heun-pa, this film sparked the boom in youth films, followed by many sequels. The film became so popular that its young cast—Lee Seung-hyun, Kang Joo-hee, and Kim Jung-hoon—who were all high school students at the time, became instant teen stars. It stood out with its fast-paced and fresh scene transitions, witty dialogue, and well-composed settings. Choi Chang-kwon's score, which gives off a western-film-like vibe, perfectly complements this film full of witty images.

Director

Seok Rae-myung

Born on May 10, 1936, Seok Rae-myung graduated from Kyungbok High School and later completed his studies at Korea University’s Law School. He worked as an assistant director on over 50 melodramas before making his directorial debut in 1971 with *Even Though I Hate You*, starring Choi Mu-ryong and Moon Hee. Five years later, he released *High School Delinquents*, based on the cheerful novel *Yalkaejeon*. This film caused a youth film craze, featuring the misadventures of Na Du-su, a troublemaking student. Following its success, Seok made several other films, including *High School Delinquents: The Long Legs and the Short Legs*, *Yalkae March*, *Girls' High School Delinquents*, and *Our High School Days*, all starring Lee Seung-hyun, Kim Jung-hoon, and Kang Joo-hee. In the 1980s, he shifted from high school films to a series of youth films targeted at college students, such as *Don Quixote on Asphalt* with Choi Jae-sung and Choi Soo-ji, and *My Love, Don Quixote* with Choi Jae-sung and Park Jung-hoon. The high school and youth films of the 1970s and 80s that he created hold an indispensable place in Korean film history.