The new Netflix K-drama Teach You A Lesson has been dealing with some controversy over the original webtoon material, “Get Schooled,” for its portrayal of excessive violence, corporal punishment, and racism towards students and bullying. The series director, Hong Jong-chan, worked closely with the screenwriter to ensure the script didn’t reflect that aspect of the webtoon. In fact, Hong stated during the press conference that he wanted to take the source material and “approach the story through a more refined lens and create something meaningful,” offering support to the victims.
In its place, Teach You A Lesson – out now – is one of the smartest, best-written, and most addictive feel-good dramas of the year — so far. Centered on the rise of school violence and the decline of school administrative authority, the South Korean government’s Ministry of Education established the Educational Rights Protection Bureau (ERPB) under the Teacher Rights Protection Act, which granted the legal authority to reform the school system. Under the authority of Ministry of Education leader Choi Gang-seok (Lee Sung-min), who lost his daughter to school violence, his team at the ERPB do whatever it takes to protect the victims of any form of violence (physical, emotional, mental, etc) – whether it be the students, teachers, or parents.
Former Special Forces Captain Na Hwa-jin (Kim Mu-yeol) uses his special skills of investigation and strength to lead the ERPB team, which consists of likeable characters – the unhinged Inspector Hanrim (Jin Ki-joo) and the geeky District Deputy Manager Geun-dae (Pyo Ji-hoon). Each episode focuses on a new school that has been affected by corruption or delinquency, which undermines the school system or access to learning. Like many legal K-dramas, Teach You A Lesson pulls at the heartstrings when hearing from the victims, evoking anger over the lack of justice and relief when a solution is granted.
With the increase of bullying worldwide– especially with cyberbullying and the controversy surrounding Telegram, Teach You A Lesson feels like a necessary story to highlight these injustices that, truthfully, are often ignored. It’s especially evident in socioeconomic issues: the powerful take advantage of the system, while those of lower economic status pay the price.
It’s not just bullying that is the issue. There are two episodes featuring overbearing parents (although I don’t know why it’s always the mothers) who put the pressure on their children to the point of suicidal ideation. Though it can be extreme, it’s something children have faced, especially under the pressure of the education system – again, worldwide.
There is a disturbing episode surrounding false accusations towards a teacher, leading to his self-exit, which paints the idea of sexual assault and harassed survivors negatively. There is a high rate of grooming and sexual assault/harassment towards students in schools and universities, and the writers should have also pointed that out during that episode or one of the episodes. But, it doesn’t make the storyline of false accusations not valid, as it does happen. It’s just disappointing that the series didn’t elaborate on the cases when grooming, sexual assault, and harassment does happen.
The series is well-written and entertaining, leaving viewers engrossed in the story and eager to see what happens next. There is an overarching story that is so fascinating and unexpected, which won’t be revealed here; it should be experienced rather than told.
Kim is brilliant as the stern yet righteous Hwa-jin. Not to mention, he may be the next action superstar the West doesn’t know about. The man portrays the character in the most John Wick-like way, with his fight scenes almost on par with a spy film. It begs the question: Why is this man not an action star in international films yet?
Kim and Lee both portray their characters with so much heart and conviction. Their chemistry over their shared loss is emotional and uplifting, wanting to honor their lost loved one. The supporting characters are equally enjoyable. Jin is hilarious and very refreshing as an unhinged character who believes there’s still good in this world, despite the pain in their past. When she comes on screen, you just know you’ll be entertained. There is a sense of hope that there are still people like this in the administration who want to do good. But, as the show reiterates, there are good teachers, students, and parents who want to do right for their school and community – it’s just the bad apples. They are simply plucking the bad apples.
Though there are protests against Teach You A Lesson, along with the actors may be busy with their schedules, not continuing this series with more seasons feels like an injustice to those who want to feel there’s some hope for the wrongs in this corrupt world. Like all films and dramas in this world, one would hope to have some sort of escapism – because in reality, especially those who have been affected by school injustice, there are those who don’t have that luxury.
Teach You A Lesson is out on Netflix now.
Update: 6/7/26 – Added review
