South Korean drama series portraying gangsters as heroes have sparked controversy. Two notable examples are the 8-episode series “High School Return of a Gangster,” jointly released by OTT platforms Wave, Tving, and Watch, and JTBC’s TV series “My Sweet Mobster.”

“My Sweet Mobster” depicts former gang leader Seo Ji-hwan (played by Um Tae-goo), who has disbanded his gang and now operates a social enterprise predominantly staffed by ex-convicts. The series explores his romance with Go Eun-ha, a kids’ content creator (played by Han Sun-hwa). In “High School Return of a Gangster,” the spirit of gangster second-in-command Kim Deuk-pal (cameo by Lee Seo-jin) inhabits the body of bullied high school student Song Yi-heon (played by Yoon Chan-young), transforming him into a resolver of school violence.

A scene from the drama "My Sweet Mobster." Um Tae-goo (left), who has transformed from a gangster boss to the CEO of a social enterprise, and Han Sun-hwa, a kids' content creator he falls for. /Courtesy of JTBC

Both dramas are based on web novels of the same name. “High School Return of a Gangster” replaces the original’s homosexual subtext with high school friendships and growth, while “My Sweet Mobster” includes a more socially conscious view of former convicts. The actors’ performances have contributed to the dramas’ high acclaim.

The protagonist “gangster” is depicted in a favorable light. Yoon Chan-young, starring in “High School Return of a Gangster,” delicately portrays both a timid bullied high school student and a 47-year-old gangster, skillfully depicting emotional acting that overcomes school and domestic violence. The drama has topped the charts on Asia’s OTT platform VIU in Thailand and Indonesia and is broadcast in over 70 countries worldwide.

A scene from the drama "High School Return of a Gangster." Actor Yoon Chan-young (left), playing the bullied high school student possessed by the spirit of gangster second-in-command Kim Deuk-pal, confronts members of the gangster organization. /Courtesy of Numberthree Pictures

Um Tae-goo, known for his husky voice and charismatic appearance in films like “The Age of Shadows” and “Night in Paradise,” extracts a just and pure inner character within his role. In his new role, he convincingly portrays a romance with Go Eun-ha. The drama has ranked third in popularity according to the drama competitiveness researcher GoodData Corporation.

Despite their creative efforts, criticism has arisen for glorifying gangsters from their very premise to the plot development. Gangsters are depicted as respectful to their mentors and well-mannered in “High School Return of a Gangster,” and as agents of justice confronting injustice and exerting a positive influence on society in “My Sweet Mobster.”

The drama producers have clarified their intent is not to advocate violence for catharsis, but accusations persist that they romanticize gangsterism. Cultural critic Ha Jae-geun commented, “At a time when ‘MZ gangsters’ who boast about being gangsters are emerging on social media, we should be cautious about content that glorifies gangsters and creates illusions.”