Fragile is a Korean high school series with a hidden BL subplot. After being ostracized by her classmates, the main character struggles with rumours about her reputation. She befriends a new exchange student who doesn't care about the gossip. They grow closer with a few other girls, forming a tight-knit circle. The protagonist is in a steady relationship with her boyfriend. However, she feels insecure and suspects he may be cheating on her.
As an unofficial SKAM Korea remake, Fragile has similar plots and characters to the original series. Due to cultural differences, most storylines are tamer in this watered-down adaptation. Even so, I'm still entertained. The teen drama feels stereotypical, but I adore the friendships, get caught up in the relationship angst, and gasp at the catty fights. While the BL content exists, this minimal subplot doesn't emerge until the end.
Fragile Summary
Title:
프래자일
Series Info:
South Korea (2024)
Genre:
School drama
About:
Fragile is a spicy & romantic school drama.
Plot
Ji Yu is a teenager who lives with her single mother. She struggles academically, which becomes a source of tension with her perfectionist mother. Besides getting poor grades, Ji Yu is ostracized in school. Many classmates gossip about her tarnished reputation behind her back, but she tries to ignore the rumours. Su Jin, an ace student, antagonizes Ji Yu with catty comments. Even though Su Jin bullies her, Ji Yu avoids confrontations and suffers in silence.
A Ra is a new exchange student. Proud to go against the norm, she makes a statement with her school uniform, wearing pants instead of skirts. Despite the rumours surrounding Ji Yu, A Ra isn't influenced by the gossip and still befriends her classmate. The pair also grows close to Mi Na and Eun Su from their class. Mi Na is bubbly and slightly ditzy, while Eun Su has a cheerful disposition and a lighthearted sense of humour. Through Eun Su, they also meet Ye Ri, a Southeast Asian student who faces mistreatment due to her background. The girls are glad to include Ye Ri in their social circle.
Ji Yu is in a steady relationship with her boyfriend, Chan Seong. A doting and affectionate partner, he takes her on casual dates outside school, like the internet cafe. They are sometimes joined by San, Chan Seong's best friend. Both play on the school's basketball team. Ji Yu and Chan Seong are sexually active, but they must hide their relationship from Ji Yu's mother. However, Ji Yu feels insecure and wonders if Chan Seong is faithful. She believes he may be talking to Su Jin behind her back. Despite these worries, Ji Yu avoids confronting her boyfriend.
Ji Yu meets Do Ha and Su Ho, a pair of popular senior students. Do Ha accidentally broke Ji Yu's phone earlier, so they became acquainted. Ji Yu's friends, especially Mi Na and Eun Su, have crushes on these handsome seniors. They seem impressed that Ji Yu knows them. A Ra and Ye Ri are less smitten. They think these guys are shameless flirts. Later, Do Ha invites Ji Yu to a meal, which she cautiously accepts. While no boundaries were crossed, San is disturbed when he sees her on a date with another guy. San insists that Ji Yu tell Chan Seong the truth.
Fragile Trailer
Fragile Cast
Characters
Ji Yu
Kim So Hui (김소희)
Ji Yu is a teenager struggling with academic pressures and tension at home with her perfectionist mother. At school, she faces bullying and rumours, choosing to suffer in silence rather than confront her tormentors. Ji Yu is in a secret relationship with her boyfriend, Chan Seong, but she feels insecure about her loyalty. Despite being ostracized, Ji Yu befriends A Ra, Mi Na, Eun Su, and Ye Ri. The five girls form a tight-knit social circle.
Kim So Hui
Kim So Hui (김소희) is a Korean actress. She is born on September 9, 2004. Her portfolio includes the 2024 high school series, Fragile.
Supporting Cast
Chan Seong
Kim Eo Jin (김어진)
San
Kong Ju Han (공주한)
A Ra
Kwon Hui Song (권희송)
Mi Na
Moon Ji Won (문지원)
Eun Su
Ye Ri
Su Jin
Do Ha
Cha Se Jin (차세진)
Su Ho
Cha Ji Hyuk (차지혁)
Ji Yu's mom
Si Jung
Fragile Review
Review
Drama Review Score: 7.4
Fragile is the unofficial Korean remake of SKAM, the popular Norwegian show with many adaptations worldwide. Back in the day, its gay storyline had a lot of buzz. Unfortunately, Fragile isn't considered a part of the famous franchise. Like a bastard child, the Skam family won't claim this series as one of its own. It's a shame the first Asian remake doesn't receive the same recognition as its European counterparts. If the collaboration had succeeded, I'd like to see even more Asian countries recreate this beloved teen drama.
Although branded differently, Fragile has similar plots and characters to the first season of the original series. Those familiar with the franchise will notice the parallels in narrative arcs. I haven't watched SKAM for years, but many moments in the Korean remake evoke deja vu. That said, there are cultural differences. Fragile takes a reserved approach, tackling gritty themes with greater caution. The dialogue feels tamer, the relationship scenes seem more modest, and the conflicts carry less edge. Each aspect of the story is softened to suit a conservative audience. It's not as daring or unfiltered as I would've hoped.
From bullying to boyfriend troubles, Fragile doesn't stray far from typical high school tropes. The teenage melodrama may seem silly and trivial, but the plots develop deeply enough that I become emotionally invested. Soon, I get caught up in the relationship angst or gasp at the catty fights. However, Ji Yu's romance with her boyfriend feels tiresome, taking up more of the plot than I'd like. The couple argues frequently, and while a few conflicts can be interesting, they mostly annoy me. Unsurprisingly, the boy-girl drama doesn't resonate with a BL watcher like me.
After a slow start, Fragile picks up around Episode 3 once Ji Yu befriends the other characters. Their girl squad, one of my favourite parts from SKAM, remains a highlight in this remake. I love how the series depicts their friendship dynamic. Five teenage girls form a sisterhood, supporting each other through the highs and lows of adolescence. They share playful banter, exchange advice, and offer tough love in a way only close friends can. Whether Ji Yu and her friends are getting along or clashing over their strong personalities, these interactions are engaging.
My favourite character is A Ra. I love her intelligence, maturity, fierce loyalty, and courage to go against the norm. She reminds me of everything I loved about Season 1 Noora from SKAM (before she was contaminated by her toxic boyfriend). Ji Yu is okay as the main character, although she can be passive and spends much of the series moping. The actress (Kim So Hui) delivers an acceptable performance, while everyone else is decent. Most cast members take a while to settle into their roles, but they start embodying their characters naturally by the end of the series.
Fragile has a hidden BL subplot. A gay character has feelings for his male friend, culminating in a short kissing scene. However, his minor storyline doesn't come into focus until the end. Overall, I enjoyed this Korean remake. For those unfamiliar with SKAM, I'd still recommend starting with the Norwegian original, which remains the superior series and a beloved classic for good reason. That said, Fragile brings its own unique charm to the table. I liked the drama enough to hope for another season, especially since the BL arc is just starting to take shape.
Summary
Dramatic story
Fragile has a similar plot to the original Skam. The story doesn't differentiate itself much from your stereotypical teen drama, but I still like the characters and their friendships.
Minor romance
Fragile has a minor BL subplot with a closeted gay character and a short kissing scene. However, it only emerges near the end. The straight couple's romance is the main focus.
Acceptable acting
Although Ji Yu is too mopey, her actress (Kim So Hui) delivers an acceptable performance. The rest of the cast takes a while to settle into their roles, but they soon embody their characters naturally.
Happy ending
Fragile has a mildly happy ending that emphasizes Ji Yu's character growth, although you may not like how her relationship turns out. The finale also teases the start of the BL storyline.
Pretty artistry
This series has pretty visuals. However, it looks like a generic teen K-drama and lacks a unique identity. It's missing the rawness, grittiness, and coolness of the original Skam, which I prefer.
74%
Fragile is an enjoyable teen drama with characters and friendships that I adore. The BL subplot is relatively minor, while the straight couple's relationship angst can be frustrating.
Fragile Episodes
Episode Guide
- Start Date September 9, 2024
- End Date October 28, 2024
- Episodes 8 episodes
- Episode Length 25 minutes
Fragile has a total of 8 episodes. Each episode is around 25 to 30 minutes long. It is a medium-length BL drama, and you can finish the entire series in under 4 hours. Fragile started on September 9, 2024 and ended its season on October 28, 2024.
Fragile Information
Links
- MyDramaList Fragile MyDramaList
- Wikipedia Fragile Wikipedia
- Wikipedia 프래자일 Wikipedia
- YouTube Fragile YouTube
STUDIO X+U
STUDIO X+U is a Korean studio. Its portfolio includes the 2024 high school drama, Fragile, which has a minor BL subplot.
Director
Ahn Ji Hoon (안지훈) is a Korean director. His portfolio includes the 2024 teenage drama, Fragile, the Korean remake of SKAM with a BL subplot.