Teach You a Lesson

the flaws of Korean schools and society

A perfect episodic drama that displays the flaws of Korean schools and society throughout 10 episodes, each episode showing us another unique problem that happens not only in Korean school and society but globally. All told in a humorous yet dark way of storytelling.
As there are a lot of mainly Korean issues handled in this drama too, most of the themes can be applied to countries and schools everywhere: bullying, drug abuse, and game addiction are only a few of the major topics displayed.
Each episode deals with a new problem portrayed by another school.

Episode 1: Bullying by a spoiled son of a powerful politician who thinks he can get away with everything. All teachers and students are too scared to do anything. This issue seems to be the most common problem at schools in Korea.

Episode 2: The rise of school gangs who focus more on making quick money by being thugs than on studyinf for a proper job. Thus interfering with the interests of students who actually wanna study properly instead of becoming thugs. One of the ERPB members got introduced here too, Bong Geun-Dae who is a hacker and goes undercover at this school full of delinquents. This was one of the episodes that seemed the most over-the-top and is probably less common in Korea but might be more relatable to people abroad especially the US. It was quite a funny episode tho and the two main thugs were very handsome, one of them looking like Choi Siwon 😂😂😂

Episode 3: This episode deals with defamation of teachers caused by students who are active and popular on social media, and gain power through their followers and by sharing videos and articles online which causes them to manipulate everyone around them. Defamation and online manipulation also seem to be a uniquely Korean phenomenon that also happen a lot at school and from which both students and teachers suffer from. The third member of the ERPB, Im Han-Rim got introduced in this episode too! And I am obsessed with her from the first second!

Episode 4: This episode shows the bribing and manipulation of teachers and hagwons by the influential parents of students. This seems to happen a lot in Korea as well, parents pressuring teachers, those teachers then mistreating less-influential students who are smarter than the kids of influential parents. Up to the leaking of exam materials and answers…

Episode 5: This episode deals with the issue of parents pressuring teachers to favor their kids and it is shown through an elementary school where students don’t have much power but it is the parents that are causing problems for teachers, harrassing them, interfering in their personal lives and even stalking and physically and mentally abusing them. To the point that many teachers commit suicide. I think something like this actually happened in real life in Korea once when a teacher committed suicide due to the pressure from parents.

Episode 6: This episode is about juvenile delinquents and how they partake in violence, theft, and even drug abuse. Because they are still underaged they cannot go to prison. The ERPB changes the rules tho and sends them to a prison. This one was one of the darkest episodes so far. From this episode on, we also start seeing more of how these schools are all connected to drug dealing and drug abuse and all of this then connecting to the ML’s past trauma of loosing his wife who got murdered by a student.

Episode 7: This episode was about game addiction and gambling. This was one of the more unrealistic episodes too. I think debt in itself, especially to loan sharks seems to be a common thing in Korea or at least in K-Dramas. But I personally cannot imagine that this episode was a realistic depiction of it. Not saying it doesn’t happen. I am sure it does but i dont think it’s as common as some other things like bullying or pressure from parents.

Episode 8: This episode shows the pressure that students get from parents who want their kids to get into good schools like SKY or med / law school. I think this was one of the most realistic episodes and again we have the issue of drug abuse tied in this one too and how even mothers buy it for their kids just to see good results… I really wanted someone to slap that mother! she ticked me off soooo much!!!

Episode 9 +10: These two episodes take place at the same school, namely the one where the ML’s wife used to work at and also died by the hands of one of the students. The first of the two episodes is about exploitative bullying in which a group of students use one student to access all his online accounts without paying him. Which seemed a bit unrealistic too bcs how can a kid have so much access to money / a bank account or credit card ? This kind of exploitation does happen I think but more in cases of a rich student who is a loser and becomes the cash cow of the perpetrators… However, I liked how it all les up to the showdown in the last episode! I also liked how the heroes rarely had to lose and always came back with a smart way to get out of the accusations towards them. At the end they were even suspended too but they still came back in a satisfying way! I love dramas that do that! It might not be realistic but it is so cathartic! It makes me feel relieved and happy and thats what matters when watching drama!

In general, I loved the story, the realistic issues being presented in a somewhat unrealistic yet cathartic way, and ofc the characters! The 4 main characters of the ERPB were all so cool and fun and unique. Each of them had a different power and used it in a smart way! It was so pleasing to watch it every episode! I also think that this drama would actually be a great re-watch! It’s fun, satisfying but also dark with deep, serious topics being discussed. As a teacher myself I approve.
It had a controversial theme nonetheless but not even by the end of the drama, you will fully agree with the ERPB’s actions they take against students… It does such a good job at convincing the audience of their opinion 😂😂😂
Loved it! 10/10!!! Everyone has to watch!

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When adults are afraid of children, it will be the end of society.

A very good drama. You won't have even 1 minute to be bored. Good acting from all the actors. The emotional energy that ML transmits trough his eyes is powerful. For the first time in my kdrama watching i like FL shouting . it's nice, and her form of expressing, has a deep psychological understanding.

It's called a fantasy, but I'm afraid is not. Many may say it's exaggerated. yes, some phases are exaggerated, to have an impact, because I always believe that Life beats Film. All fantasies are inspired by reality.


But I think not many people, especially teenagers, will not understand the seriousness and what messages are being sent through this drama. When adults are afraid of children, it will be the end of society. yes, because more are actually disconnected from their soul, values, connections need, many of them are superficial, don't have real knowledge and the hate grows more and more.

I think we are slowly we are heading towards a society without integrity... absolutely adrift... I wished to have this inspection Team in real life in all the countries.

And people that have values and integrity, and care for the communities will be so powerful, valuable, like as a luxury product.


Korean society scares me. the perfect world that they want to seduce us... for me it's started in the last months to crumble. now i understand why the suicide rate is so high in korea.

in many dramas alcoholism, hatred, malice against children from adults for certain mistakes, bullying, and in reality, on social platforms in Korea... from anything from such simple, small things... not knowing the truth. people, young people, teenagers do not realize the gravity and pain they put in society... probably this is the moon and suicide in the world of celebrities... I don't even want to imagine what happens in normal life, among ordinary people.

I recommend this drama. I wish they will make us a surprise, announcing a Part 2.

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Definitely defines what a "true education" means in south korea.

It's how writers tells a deep story such as this limited series, but not just normalizing the dark reality of education systems happening around IRL, but what matters is on how it really resonates to many even outside SK.

The back to back hit in Netflix really deserved the hype up until now its still on the top 10!! And so, another favorite this 2026 with one of my go-to genres ever since psychological action and crime dramas came in!!! I love the aspect and characters of this drama portraying the dark reality of educational system in Korea. Even I myself can resonate a lot with each and every episode, as few of them touches my heart as it really came into such realistic incidents and scenes. I really appreciate the directors and writers of this limited series in which it portrays truth, trust and reliability in every incidents and accidents. actually it's true based on some comments that there few flaws that were kept left behind, but it was a bit short but discreet. Very straight to the point, the stories behind every cases really resonates me a lot. Justice is served, but without discipline and when power comes in, it became a bigger problem. One thing for sure is in every crime served with sentences and evidences, it definitely “teach you a lesson” ☺️

Regarding the cast and characters, I have just noticed that one of the main leads, which is Kim Mu Yeol is not my first drama with him. It was high cookie (2023) and Juvenile Justice (2022), as well as Lee Sung Min in other law and crime kdramas such as Reborn Rich (2022), Once Upon a Small Town (2021), Juvenile Justice (2022) (but yea i think its kind of a reunion of them two haha), and many more. Also to Jin Ki Joo who really outshines her role in an action film rather than romance. I think it definitely suits her ever since watching her last 2020 in her 2019 drama, A Secret Life of My Secretary, and as she started to be so invested in high school actions series and stories like in this drama and in her first action role in 2025 Undercover High School. She made a remarkable performance in this drama, recognizing her so many potentials to enter in another series like this but as a detective or police officer. And of course, I've been waiting for P.O's comeback and other leading roles but he still gave so much impressions after seeing him during the pandemic with his remarkable role in Hotel Del Luna (2019) and Good Partner (2025). And now, seeing them all shine was really perfect, even a great casting and characters that even I myself wondered the trainings and efforts they had for this drama was totally paid off.

Overall, I totally loved the hype of this drama because of how it hits hard to many viewers even outside SK. I just can't believe that it really exceed my expectations after seeing tons of thriller, action, comedy dramas like this. It's not just limited to high school, but also the politics are definitely involved because of its injustice of education system by using their powers to control. Really a great watch, really recommended for beginners. Even can be binge watchable in just a day.

Really appreciated the casts, the production, director and writers fir making this drama so remarkable and unforgettable as it takes time for me to move on because totally this limited series made me happy and satisfied from beginning til the end.

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BLOODY VIOLENCE LIKE WEAK HERO + KIDS PEDDLING DRUGS, KILLING TEACHERS, ED POLICE BEATING THEM

Hm wth is Netflix doing to S Korea with this drama? Do S Korean schools look like this??? I didnt think so. I think this is trying to do some damage to S Korean image... ?

For sure, AMERICAN SCHOOLS ARE FULL OF DRUGS LIKE THIS

SO THIS DRAMA IS A LOT WORSE THAN WEAK HERO / STUDY GROUP BC WE SEE SCHOOL KIDS SELLING DRUGS, KILLING THEIR TEACHERS AND EACH OTHER,
AND YEAH THE ED POLICE BEATING THEM

THIS IS A NIGHTMARE AMERICANIZED PROPAGANDA
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The fantasy of this drama is too painful to watch, bc the plot is based on overpowered MC who never does wrong, beats up students but never harms them... He too never gets hurt and has miraculously powerful powers, and has political backing that is based on integrity and never goes away. IT IS A FANTASY FOR SURE.

In real life, this "education police" is ripe for abuse. Sure these super hard cases are solved but in real life, the lines would get blurred so easily and the educational police could be bullies too... and there would be severe consequences, e.g. the education police could severely injure or even kill some of the bad students

and teachers are not all angels and victims are not all angels
And in real life, victims and abusers are usually from troubled families, sometimes poor and sometimes rich, and rich and powerful are definitely privileged and often abusive, so those deep societal issues have to be addressed

So - setting that fundamental drama flaw aside -

This review builds on the great review by @HappyPacket. I watched only 3 eps so far and I really appreciate the SA, beating, cell phones, etc issues the review pointed out so astutely

I agree that the drama went overboard with portraying teachers ONLY as good guys , and giving them permission to beat up students too, like hitting students' palms with a stick or the education police really beating up bad students.

Imo the drama went overboard too with portraying victims as stupid, dumb, naive, isolated, and/or passive, as victims incapable of self defending - but I think that was done to exaggerate to really show the traits that all victims do have
And the drama went slightly overboard to show how the other students and teachers did not care - but again it really showed what it REALLY LOOKS LIKE IN REAL LIFE - the environment of selfishness.

Hiding real SA *sexual assault and harassment" is a LOT MORE COMMON than false accusations of SA, and I agree that the real SA should have been addressed. That "livestream influencer" girl was first a victim of real SA. Teachers and many adults do such bad stuff to kids and other adults, and most victims just eat the sh.t and stay silent, and if they speak up, the society shuns them, because the perpetrator is usually a skilled sociopath/psychopath.

I am also glad that the false accusation of SA was brought up as a part of sociopathical manipulation, bc sociopaths are actually very common and we never talk about it.

In this case, the drama showed us how a sociopath works, and it was very obvious, nobody from the audience could miss it in. In real life, it is often done behind the scenes via gossip, gaslighting, making deals, and the other people "beat up"/destroy the victim, and the lying sociopath stays well hidden. SOCIOPATHS ARE SUPER DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY ARE "NICE PEOPLE" AND EXTREMELY WELL HIDDEN.
MUCH OF BAD STUFF IN THE WORLD HAPPENS BY SOCIOPATHIC MANIPULATION where the sociopath manipulates others to harm/destroy the victim and the sociopath stays hidden and "innocent". https://www.recoveryplusjournal.com/2017/10/the-empathy-trap/


and yeah there are also psychopaths, the ones who directly attack, and often from a well camouflaged position, usually in a positions of power, like Congressman and his son. Most who you call "sadists" are actually psychopaths

The last thing that the other review did not mention and imo is the KEY to everything is that all this beating up of few bad guys and the teachers beating up any student is .... very stupid bandaiding.
Yeah sure there are always some sociopaths/psychopaths who are bad apples and cause problems. BUT
The real problems are all the OTHER students, who never said a word, who blindly obeyed bullies, who GENUINELY LAUGHED at bullies' beating up, humiliating the victims. *** THAT *** is the problem.
The real problem is that we saw ONE other student who was raising questions and trying to raly other students, but we also saw how all other students just ran away.
The real problem is that we saw only 3 complaints to this "educational police" - how come no other students complained to anyone, not even other teachers or their own parents
The real problem is that the victims were dumb and did not take any action.
The real problem is that the bullied teachers were dumb and did not take any action. We saw some teacher talking about it but we never saw teachers join together to take action.
The real problem is that the teachers and principal were corrupt and/or dumb and did not take any action
The real problem is that the parents did not take any action. The bullying was either by kids who had parents who "beat up" / destroyed other kids' parents and teachers, or by kids who had no functional parents.
The parents of bullied kids never took any proper action.... They did not know their kid was bullied.... they did not care.... OR they were naive and stupidly stood up to the bullies and destroyed themselves and the kid
The parents of OTHER kids never took any action.... did their kid even tell them about bullying that prevented learning and destroyed students' lives?

So until this GENERAL SOCIETAL SITUATION changes, the bad guys have a free reign
And the general situation will NOT change by teachers beating the students or parents beating the students. it can change ONLY if the students inwardly know what is right and what is wrong and stand up together against any violations.

I dislike the drama for so much violence. The "education police" beats up students, and students beat each other up just like in Weak Hero or Study Group.
I will fast forward this for research, just to see what other people like to watch, and what the current bullying strategies are


InspectorMegre 14 hours ago

In summary:
well this drama shows it as it is - the OTHER kids participate!!!!!! THE OTHER KIDS DO WHAT THE BULLY SAYS... or stay silent or LAUGH, fu.king idiots, and teachers too. As simple as that. THE PUBLIC IS **** S T U P I D *****

THE PUBLIC IS **** S T U P I D *****
THE PUBLIC IS **** S T U P I D *****
THE PUBLIC IS **** S T U P I D *****
THE PUBLIC IS **** S T U P I D *****
None of this would happen nor continue if the public was not THAT stupid.

And Dae Seok and otehrs are so blindly immature to commit suicide. Those bully idiots are NOT worth anyone's attention, and esp not life. Go take some martial arts class, run fast, and change schools.

WHERE ARE PARENTS AND FAMILY OF VICTIMS???

If all the kids got up and shut up those bullies - it would be over.

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Good but overhyped and overrated

I checked out this drama to see what all the hype was about. And after watching it, I get it — but only partially.

What worked for me: This might be the first time I've watched a drama where bullies actually got exactly what they deserved, delivered in the same way they treated their victims. That was deeply satisfying. The first episode was easily the strongest and hooked me immediately.

However, I do think this drama is overhyped. It's good, but nothing more than that.

The main issue for me was a lack of emotional connection to the characters. Toward the end, I found myself losing interest. I believe the drama would have benefited from featuring fewer individual stories and exploring each one in greater depth. That would have allowed viewers to properly invest in the narrative and the characters. Instead, it felt more like watching a fantasy play out rather than a grounded, emotionally resonant story.

Verdict: Worth watching for the satisfying comeuppance and a strong opening episode. But temper your expectations — this is not the masterpiece the hype might suggest.

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Excellent story-telling and character development.

I read True Education years ago, right when it got cancelled on (English) Webtoon due to a string of controversial storylines by the author, revolving around reverse racism and the like. Before that point, the manhwa was wonderful at crafting a unique spin on school violence. Instead of being an underdog student, it is a vengeful teacher as the main character, whose craziness and believable mastery of fighting make for a much more enthralling story.

The show naturally gravitates away from the webtoon when it comes to certain characters and plot points. Ten episodes is not enough time to adequately develop them all, but in the little time that is given to characters each episode, the storytelling provides a great characterisation. Moreover, given the wide variety of cases that the ERPB deal with, we will likely see a second season of the show that addresses more complex situations in detail.

Story:

I truly enjoyed the story. They provided us with a heartbreaking backstory for both Hwa-jin and Han-rim that fundamentally characterises them for the audience. The show tackles modern school violence, the use of social media, the corrupt education system, the lack of guidance for students and teachers, each providing a satisfying conclusion. My personal favourite are the four juvenile delinquents sent to prison as a taste of their possible future. It is this type of punishment that draws the audience to TYAL as it handles school violence outside of the realm of the classroom too.

The character Deputy Director Bong is a new character made for the show and as much as I enjoyed his theatrics, I did find the romance with Han-rim unnecessary. Han-rim's character should have been used to circumvent the criticism a male teacher might receive for their handling of female school violence, as well as discussing the backwards stereotypes over female teachers and soldiers. Bong is an outsider perspective, mirroring the audience, as we follow the main characters.

Additionally, the concept of a "final enemy" didn't really bode well for me at the end. I found Gyu Cheol's character interesting but not enough so to warrant so much screen time to him as some ominous final boss.

Acting:

This show has some BRILLIANT acting. In fact, I am writing this review rather late, but I still think about Gyeom Ma's actor in Episode 6. The infamous "Bully Killer" when they describe him in a flashback, showing the actor, tormented by his decision, wrapping a pen into his hand and then charging into the classroom. We don't see the violence but we hear it. Visceral. The blood pools and spills outside of the classroom door. The bodies fall onto desk. And Gyeom is screaming. The blood is all over his face. And we, as the audience, can truly feel the despair he must have felt to take the lives of his bullies. Similarly, Jin Ki Joo's performance as a teenage Ha-rim being beaten bloody and teary-eyed before receiving help from Hwa-jin is a moving scene, that does well to help situate Ha-rim in the audience's mind as a great character. The actor for Gyu Cheol has a distinct, porcelain face. His down-turned eyes always give the impression he is never giving the person his full attention, like he is innately above them, and I love it, it magnifies his arrogance for the audience to see.

The fight scenes were punchy and classic. Overall, I enjoyed this show plenty, and it acts as a redemption to alienate itself from the source material's original controversy, yet remains consistent and familiar through the characters and the cases that the EPRB investigate.

Hoping for a second season, based on all the reception, we will likely see one, and I am interested in the direction they will choose to take, as I want the show to examine Korea's education system rather than singling out certain individuals.

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Like it a lot. Definitely will watch season 2.

I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. What makes this drama so satisfying is its central message that every action has consequences and, sooner or later, karma finds its way back to those who deserve it. Watching justice unfold, whether through redemption or retribution, gives each story a rewarding emotional payoff that keeps you invested.
The drama starts exceptionally strong with its first story arc, which is easily the most impactful and emotionally gripping. The writing is sharp, the conflicts feel personal, and the lessons delivered leave a lasting impression. It sets a very high standard that immediately hooks the audience.
As the series progresses, the pacing slows somewhat with the later stories. They aren't quite as intense or memorable as the opening arc, and some episodes take more time to build their themes. While this slight dip in momentum is noticeable, it never takes away from the overall enjoyment of the series. The stories still carry meaningful messages and continue exploring the idea that people eventually face the consequences of their choices.
What I appreciate most is that the show doesn't rely solely on dramatic actions, twists. Instead, it focuses on human nature, personal growth, accountability, and the quiet satisfaction of seeing balance restored and yeah, those flying and slapping scenes are perfection. There's something deeply gratifying about watching characters learn difficult lessons and seeing justice served especially with those who feel entitled as if everyone in this world owes them something.
Overall, Teach You a Lesson (2026) is a satisfying watch from beginning to end. Although the latter half doesn't quite match the incredible strength of its opening story, the drama remains engaging, thoughtful, and emotionally rewarding. If you enjoy anthology-style stories centered on morality, consequences, this series is definitely worth watching.

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A fantasy but feels really possible

All the episodes were fast paced. I loved the portrayal of teachers and students.

The main cast of 4 was very interesting and comedic with real feeling. Even though this was a comedy/action genre, the usual lack of feeling was absent. They somehow felt like real people with superpowers instead of comics with fighting skills.

I liked the different school visits. Every time a new school was shown, I tried to remember where(which series) I had seen it before. Was a good side quest during the series. Not going to go into that much.

The plot itself was strong mainly because of its simplicity. The loss of daughter and fiancé giving the lead cast purpose in their lives. They then try to be impartial in their investigation. That is the part that is fantasy as far as I’m concerned. No one human has that much objectivity. It’s their superpower, let’s say. This simple plot line was beautifully woven through the various activities that the ERPB undertakes.

I really enjoyed the first 4-5 episodes for the sheer novelty of beating up thugs in the guise of school children. I also liked how every case was unique in the earlier episodes. The last 2-3 episodes were somewhat repetitive if not boring exactly. I would like to have seen the killer kid end up differently…. Not sure what ending I’d give him as a story teller, but it would have surely been darker. I also have to laugh at the sheer idiocy of the opposition presidential candidate for not performing an independent background check on someone who has murdered. He could have then claimed to have better ideas for the ERPB and won the elections.

My favourite storylines in no particular order:
The online gambling
Parents harassing teacher for no reason
The med school mother
The vocational school

I guess I liked all the stories not linked to the main plot line.😅

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I recommend it

I liked the show even though it was not what I usually watch/like to watch I enjoyed it
The show starts with MC doing aura farm and damn that’s cool. I was hooked to few first episodes because of MC’s aura farm but the story hooked me even harder. The show have a great mysterious story which we will uncover that over different episodes
The show was episodic but it didn’t felt that way to me. Every episode have their own story but they are also connected to previous ones
Some of the backstories can be agonizing to some ppl so it may not be for everyone
I also really liked how it felt like that characters (specially when the minister talks about the rules and how ppl should treat teachers)

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