Netflix’s Teach You a Lesson is quickly becoming a global hit.
The series debuted at No. 5 on Netflix’s global TV chart the day after its release, then climbed to No. 3 just two days later. It also reached No. 1 in 25 countries, including Korea, and entered the Top 10 in 86 countries.
Based on the popular webtoon, Teach You a Lesson follows the fictional Educational Rights Protection Bureau, an organization created to restore order in schools where teachers’ authority has collapsed. The series tackles school violence, attacks on teachers, hostile parent complaints and juvenile crime, with Kim Moo Yul starring as Na Hwa Jin, a former special forces officer sent into troubled schools to take control.
Viewers have praised the show’s cathartic setup, with some calling it “a school version of ‘The Roundup.’” Kim Moo Yul’s intense presence, physicality and action scenes have also become a major part of the buzz.
But the drama did not arrive without controversy. The original webtoon previously drew criticism over racist and hateful expressions in certain episodes, and concerns continued after the adaptation was announced. In 2025, the Korean Teachers & Educational Workers’ Union even called for production to be halted, saying the premise could glorify violence in schools.
Kim Nam Gil was also once linked to the lead role. He reportedly received the offer twice but ultimately turned it down. After fans raised concerns about the source material, Kim said it was true he had been offered Teach You a Lesson, adding, “If people feel uncomfortable with it, I think it’s right not to join that kind of project.” He also noted that scheduling and other factors played into his decision.
Now, with the series rising fast, some are wondering whether passing on it was a missed opportunity. Still, Teach You a Lesson was never an easy bet before its release, given the concerns surrounding its source material and violent premise.
Reactions remain somewhat divided. Many viewers say the show delivers a satisfying release from real-world frustrations, while others argue its approach to solving school problems may feel too aggressive. Even so, the overall momentum is strongly positive, with the series earning attention for shifting its focus toward victims’ stories and the fight to restore teachers’ rights.
Kim Nam Gil might have brought a different take to Na Hwa Jin, but Teach You a Lesson has found its own sharp identity with Kim Moo Yul. The question now is how much higher the Netflix hit can climb.
Here are the divided reactions from viewers of Teach You a Lesson:
>> Netflix’s ‘Teach You a Lesson’ Team Speaks Out on Lead Actor Change and Original Work Controversy
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