South Korean series “Teach You a Lesson” fuels teacher‑rights debate

The Netflix original series Teach You a Lesson, adapted from the Get Schooled webtoon and directed by Hong Jong Chan, became the highest‑opening Korean series of 2026, scoring 54,881 points in its first week. The drama follows the fictional Teacher‑Rights Protection Agency as it tackles school violence, parent‑harassment and online abuse, echoing real concerns among South Korean educators. Episode 5 dramatises the 2023 suicide of a Seoul elementary‑school teacher after prolonged parental intimidation, a case that sparked nationwide protests with hundreds of thousands gathering before the National Assembly and prompting the government to formally acknowledge the tragedy in February 2024. The series also drew praise for actress Park Ji Yun’s chilling performance as the antagonist Lee Ji Young, a selfish parent whose actions drive a teacher toward despair.

The show’s popularity and its stark portrayal of systemic pressures on teachers have intensified public discussion on protecting educators and reforming the complaint system in South Korea.