Netflix's new Korean drama "Teach You a Lesson" has emerged as one of the streaming platform's biggest global hits, reaching No. 1 in dozens of countries even as debates over its controversial origins continue to dominate online discussions.
As per Koreaboo, the action school drama, starring Kim Mu Yeol, has rapidly climbed Netflix rankings following its release. According to reports cited by Korean online communities, the series reached No. 1 in 43 countries and became one of the platform's most-watched non-English-language shows within days of its debut.
The success is particularly notable given the controversy that has followed the project for years. As reported by the outlet on June 11, "Teach You a Lesson" was already considered one of Netflix Korea's most controversial productions before it premiered because it is based on the Naver webtoon "Get Schooled."
The drama centers on a special organization tasked with addressing problems within South Korea's education system, intervening in cases involving disruptive students, abusive parents and unethical teachers when traditional institutions fail to protect victims.
While the premise focuses on education and social issues, much of the public conversation has centered on the source material. The webtoon has been previously criticized for its misogynistic themes, racism, corporal punishment and far-right ideology. In 2023, the title was removed from Naver Webtoon's North American platform amid backlash, but was still available in South Korea.
The Netflix adaptation has more recently been targeted with criticism after a scene with comments about breast reduction surgery went viral, leading to renewed claims that parts of the story are anti-women.
Despite the criticism, many viewers have argued that the adaptation differs substantially from the original webtoon. Supporters say several controversial elements were toned down or removed, and that the television series should be evaluated on its own merits.
According to The Star, director Hong Jong-chan acknowledged concerns surrounding the source material during a June 5 press conference in Seoul. He said the production team sought to approach the story through a "more refined lens" and focused on the concept of supporting victims rather than emphasizing controversial aspects of the original work.
Leading actor Kim Mu Yeol also described his character, Na Hwa-jin, as someone who not only understands people's suffering but takes action to help them. He said the role reveals deeper emotional layers as the story progresses.
Different opinions have made debates on social media with one side seeing the adaptation differently than the original and the other side questioning if the success of the adaptation has indirectly benefited the original webtoon.
