Notes from the Last Row (South Korean Television Series)

Notes from the Last Row (Korean: 맨 끝줄 소년; revised romanization: Maen Keukjul Sonyeo; literally translated as Boy in the Last Row) is a South Korean streaming television series released on Netflix on June 26, 2026. Directed by Kim Kyu-Tae and written by Jang Myoung-Woo, the drama spans six episodes and adapts the Spanish play El chico de la última fila (The Boy in the Last Row) written by Juan Mayorga.

Promotional graphic for Notes from the Last Row

Production Background and Adaptation

The series is based on Juan Mayorga's acclaimed 2006 Spanish play El chico de la última fila. The adaptation transitions the narrative framework into a serialized television format for Netflix, focusing on the psychological and creative dynamic between a seasoned academic and a gifted student.

Plot Synopsis

Heo Mun-Oh (portrayed by Choi Min-Sik) is a university professor of Korean Literature known for his blunt demeanor and hot temper. Harboring deep-seated frustration and an inferiority complex from failing to achieve his personal aspirations as a writer, Mun-Oh hides his vulnerabilities behind a stern exterior. His perspective shifts when he encounters the unexpected writing talent of Lee Kang (portrayed by Choi Hyun-Wook), an engineering student who sits in the back row of his literature lectures. Recognizing Kang's raw ability, Mun-Oh begins offering him secret literature tutorials, gradually developing an intense professional and psychological obsession with the young writer's work.

Actor Choi Min-Sik plays university professor Heo Mun-Oh

Actor Choi Hyun-Wook plays engineering student Lee Kang

Cast and Characters

The series features an extensive ensemble cast distributed across primary student groups, faculty associations, and supporting roles.

Main Cast

Choi Min-Sik as Heo Mun-Oh
Choi Hyun-Wook as Lee Kang

Supporting Cast

Additional cast members associated with Lee Kang's circle include Lee Jin-Woo as Kim Se-Yun, Han Ji-Eun as Seon Min-Hui, Kim Jong-Tae as Kim Se-Yun's father, Moon Jeong-Hee as Kim Se-Yun's mother, and Jung Yi-Seo as Kim Jeong-Hu. Lim Jae-Hyuk portrays Oh Jae-Sik, while Jo Dan appears as a young Lee Kang.

Other supporting and guest roles are filled by Song Ga-Yeon, Lim Ha-Ri, Han Si-A, Ahn Hyeon-Jeong, Jo Wan-Ki, Kim In-Kwon, Mun Yong-Il, Kang Hak-Soo, Ha-Min, Jo Young-Mi, and Kwon Ha-Young, alongside cameo and minor appearances by Jang Yeon-Woo, Kim Seong-Jae, Kim Sung-Kyung, Lee Dong-Chan, Song Hoon, Jang Eui-Don, Park Si-Hyun, Lee Yo-Sung, Lee Yeon-Joo, and Park Yong.