TVING is set to shake up the K-drama world once again with its newest original series, “Proxy Exam” (대리수능), premiering in 2026. Described as a manipulative crime thriller, the drama dives deep into the dark side of Korea’s most competitive academic challenge—the college entrance exam. With a star-studded cast and a high-stakes plot filled with betrayal, deceit, and ambition, Proxy Exam promises to be one of the most intense and socially reflective thrillers of the year.
Proxy Exam takes viewers into the ruthless world of elite students fighting for top scores in Korea’s college entrance exam, where every point can change one’s destiny. When a brilliant but wealthy student agrees to secretly take the test on behalf of someone else, what begins as an academic favor spirals into a dangerous game of manipulation, secrets, and betrayal. As families and schools become entangled in this web of deceit, the story exposes the hidden corruption within Korea’s education system and the immense pressure faced by students and parents alike. The exam becomes more than just a test of intelligence—it becomes a survival game where only the most cunning can win.
Cast and Characters
The drama features an impressive lineup of talented actors ready to deliver emotionally charged performances:
- Bae Hyun-seong as Nam Jae-yeop, a top student from a wealthy background who becomes trapped in a dangerous scheme.
- Cha Kang-yoon as Kang Geon-tae, a scholarship student from a low-income family, whose friendship and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.
- Park Yoon-ho as Joo Hee-dong, a friend who gets caught between moral choices and survival instincts.
- Uhm Ji-won as Shim Kyung-oh, a mother desperate to secure her child’s success, no matter the cost.
- Park Hyuk-kwon as Nam Dong-sik, an ambitious father and political figure with dark secrets.
- Baek Ji-won as Baek Sun-hee, another parent whose determination to protect her son drives the tension even higher.
Together, this cast forms a dynamic mix of youth and experience—capturing the fierce emotions and generational conflicts at the heart of Proxy Exam.
Direction and Production: The series is directed by Park So-yeon, known for her gripping and sharp storytelling in Pyramid Game. Produced by Studio Dragon, Sidus, and Studio Wooyoungsoo, Proxy Exam ensures top-notch production values, intense cinematography, and a dark, psychological atmosphere that amplifies the drama’s themes of ambition and deceit.
Reasons to Watch
If you’re a fan of intense academic thrillers like Weak Hero Class 1, Pyramid Game, or Extracurricular, Proxy Exam should be at the top of your 2026 watchlist. The series doesn’t just focus on exam pressure—it delves into the moral and psychological consequences of a system that values success over integrity. Expect shocking twists, complex character arcs, and a chilling look at how far people are willing to go to survive in a world defined by competition.
With its razor-sharp premise and a cast that delivers both intensity and vulnerability, Proxy Exam promises to be a thought-provoking and suspenseful drama that mirrors real-world pressures. It’s not just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of morality, survival, and human greed.
Image Sources @TVING X
