In my opinion, Crash Course in Romance revolves around the social pressures and expectations of raising a teen in a status-driven environment. Having to meet those standards and the psychological and physical consequences. The circumstances were brought about by some, but as a parent of six, I blame a great deal on the parents depicted here.

But that is the theme even though the title emphasizes romance. Although romance is a part of the development of the main plot, it is in the background. The main leads are like stars on a much larger stage.
Choi Yeol (Jung Ho) is a charismatic, rich and very capable math teacher who is initially a workaholic. A private institution hires him to teach, and he's good at what he does, but at a price. On the other hand, the other lead, Nam Seon (Jeon Do Yeon), a restaurant owner, seems to live an average life raising her niece, Nam Yi. After watching the first few episodes, I didn't recognize Jeon Do Yeon at all.

Later, I realized she was the same lead actress from "Kill Bok Soon"! Her characters are so different from one another. In C Course, she is the polar opposite of Bok Soon, so I give her props for her acting. In C Course, her wardrobe seemed very plain and ordinary at times. I found her mannerisms to be sweet and caring. It is of course circumstances that bring them together, and their loyalty, trust, and ability to love are tested as they overcome various obstacles and challenges. Along the way, there are twists and turns. Mostly the pressures of academic standards and expectations placed on the kids along with Nam Yi and her friend Lee Jae.

I was irritated by Cho Hee and her bratty entitled daughter Soo Ah (spawned by her mother). In the All-Care Women's Group, Cho Hee was the ringleader. In my mind, they should be called ACITFG, The All Care in Their Feelings Group.

The "romance" part of the series develops as Mr. Choi needs food he can stomach. At Nam Seon's restaurant, he finds that. Past situations lead him to believe it's destined for him to be with Nam Seon, help her niece after she was kicked out of the special class etc. It's different from the typical gitty 20-something romance you see. It was cool. It has been called cringey by some, but I disagree. Those who seek love with the right heart and intention deserve it.

Apart from the school drama, there were some nice lighthearted moments in the show. The series takes a turn after the murders of a student and a teacher, Lee Jae's brother Hee Jae was quiet and mysterious. However, their mother was no better than Cho Hee's mother (Soo Ah's mother).

I began to suspect Mr Choi's assistant Ji Hee after he refused to tell him where he lived. In addition, he dodged his old friend who knew who he was. However, at first, I did not suspect murder. It seemed more like a status issue to me. Maybe he was embarrassed about living conditions or maybe he had a relative he was ashamed of. Because Ji Hee was a very capable and smart assistant. He wouldn't be a dangerous criminal, would he? It was their intention to make you feel that way, of course. Nevertheless, Dude was evil from the moment he treated Nam Seon disrespectfully.

In addition to Nam Yi's kidnapping, another issue with this series was how they just brushed it under the rug. There is no counseling, no one-on-one discussion. I thought the girl wanted to leave with her mom because of the trauma associated with everything in that community. Am I missing something? It's true that Ji Hee died, but mentally it's not easy to return to normal after that ordeal. She couldn't have forgotten, she remembered all of her friends' names and statuses in the hospital, so... anyway...

I give Crash Course above average marks. To me, it does have small flaws (what show doesn't) but it's a good watch. Check out Kill Bok Soon! You will see a totally different person!! Jeon Do Yeon is fire in that movie!