“Duty After School” and “Alice in Borderland”

Television series possess the ability to captivate audiences by examining the intricacies of
human experiences through diverse cultural lenses. This essay compares and contrasts the
worlds depicted in “Duty After School,” a Korean series, and “Alice in Borderland,” a Japanese
series. Although both narratives revolve around young protagonists navigating extraordinary
circumstances, they offer distinct viewpoints on adolescence and the challenges it entails.
“Duty After School” centre’s around duty, sacrifice, and personal growth. It follows a group
of delinquent high school students who discover purpose and redemption through participation
in a school-based disciplinary program. The series highlights the transformative power of
education and underscores the significance of responsibility and teamwork. In contrast, “Alice in
Borderland” delves into themes of survival, identity, and the consequences of choices. The
storyline revolves around a group of friends trapped in a parallel reality, compelled to
participate in deadly games to stay alive. This series probes existential questions and explores
how individuals adapt and evolve when faced with life-threatening challenges. “Duty After
School” predominantly unfolds within the confines of a school environment. The strict
hierarchical structure of the Korean education system serves as a microcosm for the characters’
challenges. The series accentuates the disparity between the regimented discipline of the
school and the chaotic lives of its delinquent students, under scoring the transformative
potential of education. On the other hand, “Alice in Borderland” transports viewers to a
dystopian version of Tokyo, where the city becomes an ominous playground for perilous games.
The deteriorated urban landscape reflects the characters’ psychological turmoil, intensifying the
bleak and uncertain nature of their predicament. This setting heightens the suspense and
intensity of the narrative, showcasing the characters’ fight for survival.

In “Duty After School,” the characters undergo significant personal growth throughout the
series. Initially burdened by their past mistakes, they evolve and mature, recognizing the value
of friendship, trust, and responsibility. Each character’s journey highlights the potential for
redemption and change, emphasizing the transformative power of second chances. Contrarily,
“Alice in Borderland” concentrates on the individual development of characters in response to
extreme challenges. The series delves into their psychological states and the moral dilemmas
they confront. The characters’ motivations, desires, and flaws are laid bare as they confront
their fears and make life-or-death decisions, illustrating the complex nature of human behaviour
or under pressure. “Duty After School” and “Alice in Borderland” present distinct narratives
exploring the struggles of adolescence. While the former emphasizes personal growth,
responsibility, and redemption within the school environment, the latter examines survival,
identity, and the consequences of choices in a dystopian realm. Both series offer captivating
stories that resonate with audiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by young
individuals and their journey towards self-discovery.