New South Korean Netflix Series "Teach You a Lesson" Divides Opinions Amidst Popularity

Netflix's new South Korean series, "Teach You a Lesson," has sparked divided opinions while climbing the streaming charts. The show, which premiered June 5, delves into the premise of extreme measures taken to curb school violence and restore order when traditional methods fail. It quickly became a hit, topping Netflix's daily Top 10 in South Korea and securing the second spot globally among non-English language programs, according to FlixPatrol.

The story centers on the Office for the Protection of Educational Rights (OPDE), a government-established institution tasked with intervening in extreme cases involving students, parents, or teachers. The series tackles issues such as school bullying, illicit activities, student pressure, and conflicts between parents and educators, as its inspectors strive to protect victims and re-establish control.

However, the production was mired in controversy even before its release. Based on the webtoon "Get Schooled" (참교육), the series faced scrutiny due to the original work's suspension on international platforms following accusations of racism, misogyny, and excessive violence. Concerns were raised by educators and related organizations, with some critics arguing that the narrative presents violence as a problem-solving tool within the educational system. Conversely, others suggest the adaptation has toned down the more contentious elements of the source material.