If you’re wondering Where To Watch I Am a Running Mate, the full series is now available for binge-watching on Tving with a subscription. I Am a Running Mate’ is a new Korean drama that feels both fresh and oddly familiar. It’s set in a high school, but what it talks about is politics. The kind of politics people see in real life, but through the eyes of students. The full series dropped on TVING on June 19, 2025. All eight episodes are now available.
This K-drama is directed by Han Jin-won, who co-wrote Parasite. Why it matters: Han Jin-won isn’t just a name-drop. He brings the sharp, uncomfortable realism of Parasite into a teen setting. That experience makes I am a Running Mate feel more grounded and darkly insightful than your average school drama. Expect quiet commentary, not just classroom drama. That alone caught people’s attention.
The story follows Noh Se-hoon, played by Yoon Hyun-soo. He used to be a top student. Then, something unexpected happens. His image takes a hit. Now, he’s laughed at across the school. That’s when Yang Won-dae (Choi Woo-sung) asks him to join the school election as his vice-president running mate. Noh Se-hoon says yes. But later, things change. He feels betrayed. So, he switches sides. He ends up teaming up with Kwak Sang-hyun (played by Lee Jung-sik), who’s also running.
At the same time, Se-hoon’s close friend Park Ji-hoon (Lee Bong-joon) ends up on the opposite team. The election turns intense. Alliances shift. Emotions get tangled. Everyone is trying to win. But no one fully understands why. The drama doesn’t just talk about school rules or homework.
What viewers are saying:
– “Honestly didn’t expect to be THIS into a student council election.”
– “It’s like watching a mini version of real politics. Kind of scary.”
– “Finally, a youth drama that doesn’t treat teens like idiots.”
It shows how even students can get caught up in power. From campaign speeches to gift-giving to dirty tricks, everything feels like a smaller version of grown-up politics.
A Sharp Look at School Politics That Feels a Bit Too Real
The setting is a high school. But the ambition? That feels way bigger. The characters act like real politicians. They form teams. Break trust. Make promises. Fight rumors. Try to control opinions. Even use gifts to sway others. It’s fast-paced and full of conflict. It may sound heavy, but it’s not boring. The pacing stays tight. The focus is always clear: the student election.
Why are they so obsessed with winning?
While the show never fully explains it, many Korean schools do give real influence to student councils—budgets, school events, even discipline input. The drama exaggerates this a bit for storytelling, but the obsession with “winning” is meant to reflect adult-style political hunger. That helps the story stay grounded. Still, not everything works perfectly. Some parts feel a little odd.
For example, it’s not always clear why these teens care so much about the election. They act like it’s a life-or-death mission. But the drama never explains what real power the student council holds. That makes it harder to believe why they’re so intense about winning. Some of the behavior feels too dramatic without enough reason.
That said, Noh Se-hoon’s character stands out. His journey feels the most real. He starts off as someone who just wants to fix his image. But by the end, he changes in ways no one expects. There’s this moment where it looks like he’s lost in the game he tried to win. The ending gives you something to think about.
Cast, Production, and Overall Impressions
One interesting part of this high school political K-drama 2025 is how it treats the school like a small version of real society. Power, trust, and betrayal—these play out just like in adult politics. That’s why it feels more real than it seems at first. The cast is full of younger actors, but they carry the show well. Yoon Hyun-soo gives Noh Se-hoon a lot of depth. Choi Woo-sung and Lee Jung-sik keep things intense. And Lee Bong-joon brings emotion in a quiet, steady way.
There’s also Kim Ji-woo, who plays Ha Yu-kyung. She’s known as the school’s “first love” type. But she’s not just pretty. She’s smart and strong. Her role gives the show a nice balance. Viewers will likely enjoy how real and relatable she feels. The drama was filmed from March to September 2023. It finally aired in June 2025. All eight episodes are up, which means viewers can binge them at once.
For people looking for something a bit different, I am a Running Mate is worth checking out. It’s not about big fantasy plots or over-the-top romance. It’s about how people—even teenagers—can get pulled into power struggles. The way it shows school elections with such seriousness is both funny and a little sad.
There are some weak points. Some characters don’t feel fully explained. A few parts are hard to believe. But overall, it keeps you watching. It’s not trying to be perfect. It’s trying to be honest. And that makes it stand out.
Should You Watch It? Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique concept | A few characters are underused |
| Realistic political parallels | Stakes sometimes feel vague |
| Bingeable 8-ep format | Less emotional depth in side plots |
| Strong lead performance | Slightly uneven tone |
If You Liked This, Try These Recs (Expert Curation)
If you liked I am a Running Mate, check out:
- Class of Lies (darker, mystery-heavy school drama)
- How to Buy a Friend (student alliances & secrets)
- Extracurricular (teens caught in grown-up corruption)
Fans of youth dramas, political stories, or coming-of-age shows might really enjoy it. And if you’re just curious about how a high school political K-drama 2025 can feel this real? Give it a shot. It might surprise you.
Also Read: K-Drama: The Red Flags You Can’t Ignore (Toxic Love)
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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