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Parents' Guide to

Boys Over Flowers

By Amanda Dyer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Lighthearted Korean drama features bullying, gossip.

TV KBS , Netflix Drama 2009
Boys Over Flowers Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Boys Over Flowers TV Show: Scene 1
  • Boys Over Flowers TV Show: Scene 2
  • Boys Over Flowers TV Show: Scene 3

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

isleofview
isleofview Parent of 11-year-old
April 8, 2022
age 9+

Super Cheesy Disney-esque Staple to add to your Feel Good Collection

This is the drama that got me started on my K-drama kick because of how clean and uplifting a lot of the shows are (on a media discernment journey (Christian)). Very Disney Channel-esque. If you think you have a concern, this is so squeaky clean that Nickelodeon's Victorious is more racy than Boys Over Flowers will Ever be. Of course, it is a drama- so there will be lots of highs and lows. The part I love about the female lead and this series is that she always perseveres and that life isn't all sunshine and roses like in Western Hollywood media. There will always be bad out there, but forgiveness and friendship overcome the worst of woes and this sends a positive message about how to get through hardships.
weirdo43210
weirdo43210 Parent of 10-year-old
January 23, 2023
age 10+
Really good
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Korean drama BOYS OVER FLOWERS is a re-adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series by the same name. It follows the story of Geum Jan-di, a high schooler from a struggling family who is admitted into a prestigious private academy after saving the life of a student there. While attending, she makes enemies with the wealthiest group of bullies known as the Flower Four. Gu Jun-pyo, leader of the F4, makes it his mission to torture Jan-di. However, after witnessing her resilience Jun-pyo begins to see her in a different light.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This internationally recognized series is praised for its quirky and passionate lead. Geum Jan-di has a strong inclination for justice. Watching her persevere against her entitled upperclassmen is what makes Boys Over Flowers a surprisingly empowering series. However, as the show goes on Geum Jan-di gets more involved in the personal drama of the F4 and the moral of the series is lost. Although seeing clumsy Gu Jun-pyos' transition from a spoiled brat into a more considerate human being is entertaining, it is difficult to forgive and forget some of his past atrocities.

For younger teens beginning to explore complex relationship dynamics, the series may send mixed messages about dating and romance.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about bullying. Have your teens witnessed or experienced cyberbullying or more traditional bullying? In what different forms can this behavior present itself? What defenses can you use against it?

  • Characters are defined by their wealth and status in the series and rarely intermingle. Why do you believe there is this separation? Is it realistic?

  • Families can also talk about courtship. Gu Jun-pyo often pushes a relationship onto Jan-di without receiving her consent. What are some problems with this approach? What are some proper ways to court someone you're interested in?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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