Key facts
- Netflix's new Korean drama 'Teach You a Lesson' has topped global non-English rankings.
- The 10-episode series is based on the webtoon 'Get Schooled'.
- It follows a government-backed vigilante unit addressing school violence and declining teacher authority.
- The show has garnered significant viewership since its release on June 5.
- Educators have expressed mixed reactions to the drama's portrayal of the education system.
Netflix's new Korean drama 'Teach You a Lesson,' directed by Hong Jong-chan and adapted from the webtoon 'Get Schooled,' has rapidly ascended to the top of the platform's global non-English rankings for the week of June 1 to 7. The 10-episode series, which premiered on June 5, explores the severe issues plaguing South Korea's education system, including rising school violence and diminished teacher authority.
The drama centers on the Educational Rights Protection Bureau, a government-sanctioned unit that intervenes in troubled schools to address bullying, false accusations, and systemic failures. It has achieved significant popularity, amassing 6.4 million views in its first three days and ranking as Korea's most-watched series by June 10.
Beneath its action-packed narrative and cathartic resolutions, 'Teach You a Lesson' prompts a critical examination of the purpose of education in a system perceived to be in crisis. The series depicts a society where student rights and aggressive parental influence have led to classrooms where disruptive students openly challenge educators, leaving teachers feeling powerless.
While the drama has resonated with audiences for its brisk pacing and crowd-pleasing elements, it has elicited a divided response from Korean educators. Some teachers acknowledge that the series accurately reflects the dire conditions in some schools and the frustrations of educators. However, others express concern that the show's violent approach to resolving conflicts could be misinterpreted as a necessary part of education, and find its resolution unrealistic. The debate highlights the deep-seated frustrations and sense of helplessness felt within the teaching profession.