Volcano High

Prologue

17 years of feuding, sparked by the Great Teacher's Battle, has stripped authorities of their power, as self-indulgence, disguised as self-control, grips the student body. The schools have fallen into disarray. However, there is a legend. The one who acquires the Secret Manuscript will end the chaos. It is a legend that disrupts the Martial Court of Volcano High. Now, in the 108th year of Volcano...

Plot

Having been expelled from previous schools due to the lack of control of his powers, Kyung-soo is determined to graduate and attend Volcano High(the last school who will accept him). On his first day, he doesn't fit in due to him being an outsider and the only friends he makes are Shimma and Golbangi, whom the latter warn him of Chae-yi's reputation as Icy Jade.

In another room, Hak-rim is seen using his powers to make a tea based antidote for the principal. He is able to prevent a fight between Kyung-soo and Jang Ryang(after the latter hated the smell of Fujian Tofu).

Meanwhile, trouble ensues with Vice Principal Hak-sa who is determined to be principal of Volcano High from the former headmaster and despite his fears of Jang Ryang, he enlists his help to frame famed martial arts student, Hak-rim, for stealing an ancient manuscript that is believed to help end the 17 years of feuding. However, he soon runs into several problems after successfully framing and imprisoning Hak-rim. The principal is not only alive, but is in a happy induced coma and adding to Hak-sa's problems is that the Dark Oxen gang having taken over the school.

Most students begin to believe Kyung-soo framed Hak-rim, despite his denial. However, Chae-yi believes him and tells her friend, Yo-seon that she suspects Ryang of framing Hak-rim. This is confirmed when Ryang shows up with intentions to make her, his queen so they could rule Volcano High together. Chae-yi refuses the offer and Kyung-soo tries to defend her. During a fight with Ryang, Kyung-soo is able to defeat him, but later is injured temporarily from the whole thing when he becomes distracted with his parents' plea to behave himself.

Realizing that Ryang could hinder his efforts to take control of Volcano High and prevent him from taking the manuscript, Hak-sa calls forth Mr. Ma and his gang known as the Five Teachers to help him retake control of the school. They succeed and begin punishing the students for minor infractions. Kyung-soo tries to avoid being in trouble at all times, afraid of the shame he could bring to his family if expelled one last time. However, Mr. Ma recognizes him from a previous school and this forces him to fight.

One day, Hak-rim and Kyung-soo meet in visitation and realizing he may be the students only chance to bring order into the school once more, he trains Kyung-soo to master his powers properly. Although Kyung-soo refuses again, he slowly begins to realize the meaning of Hak-rim's warning that he can't escape his fate and must help restore order in the school by finding the said manuscript. He begins to master his powers in the boys shower room and accidentally gets Chae-yi wet. However, by this time, she begins to have feelings for him and vice versa.

Ryang is angered by this, but more so with Hak-sa when he discovers what the vice-principal has done in recruiting the Five Teachers. He tries to remind him of their original deal, but Mr. Ma sends him away. Kyung-soo finally fights Mr. Ma during the climax of the film and after a lengthy battle is able to defeat him. Opening the box, Kyung-soo reveals there is no manuscript to the shock of Hak-sa and the remaining four teachers. However, the students don't care and they realized the meaning Hak-rim's words about the manuscript being a metaphor because he knew Kyung-soo was the one who was able to restore order in the school. Hak-sa eventually loses it as the remaining four teachers willingly abandons him after the loss of Mr. Ma.

With that, the charges against Hak-rim are dismissed and he is set free. The principal is back to normal and is able to run the school again. Kyung-soo is able to fight Ryang fairly and win without worry of expulsion. Kyung-soo is finally able to graduate and make his family proud for once. Hak-sa is seen in the same induced coma after his loss of favor.

Cast and characters

Soundtrack

The movie released different soundtracks in South Korea, in Japan and in the US. The original Korean soundtrack was scored by Park Young and features mostly rock music, including two songs from Korean nu metal band R.F. Children. The Japanese soundtrack was written by Daita (former guitarist of Siam Shade), and is similar in style, with rock music. The US version is a completely altered version from the original featuring hip hop music.

American version

The American version of the film released in late 2003 was edited by MTV and featured voice acting by hip hop artists Snoop Dogg, Method Man, Lil' Jon, Big Boi, and Mýa.

This Kung Faux parody version of the film aired only on MTV.

Comic

There is also a manhwa set before the movie called Volcano High Prelude. It was distributed in the United States by Media Blasters.