Visually Stunning, Emotionally Flat: Miles Deserved Better
The drama starts with a premise that has genuine potential, but the writing never quite understands what makes a romance compelling. The biggest problem isn’t even the lack of chemistry between the leads—it’s the romantic dialogue itself. After more than 20 episodes of buildup, the first kiss comes with the immortal line, “Want to feed you some pork?” That moment pretty much sums up the writers’ grasp of romance.To Miles’ credit, he does everything he can to sell the relationship, bringing warmth, longing, and genuine romantic energy to his scenes even though as per script, he isn't supposed to confess his love earlier on. Unfortunately, the chemistry is so one-sided that it often feels like he’s flirting with a decorative pole that happens to have an excellent skincare routine. The female lead is pretty, but her expression toward the ML rarely differs from the one she gives her parents, friends, coworkers, the ML’s cat, or the office furniture.
FL’s characterization doesn’t help either. She initially denies knowing the ML, yet later becomes upset when he doesn’t acknowledge their past connection. The double standard made her character feel frustratingly shallow.
Ironically, nearly every side couple generated more sparks than the main pairing. The second lawyer and the FL’s best friend were delightful together, while the sister and her love interest were equally charming. Much of the supporting cast brought more warmth and personality than the central romance.
Where the drama truly shines is in its production quality. The cinematography is beautiful, the costumes are well chosen, and the soft color palette creates an elegant, calming atmosphere throughout.
With stronger writing, better romantic dialogue, and a tighter 16-episode run, this could have been a memorable romance. Instead, it’s a visually beautiful drama carried largely by its supporting cast and one very hardworking Male lead.
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Fifty Shades of Red, Dramatic Slow Motion, and Plot Pending
I started this for the female-centric political intrigue angle.You know:
scheming, strategy, morally questionable decisions made in beautiful robes, people ruining each other’s lives through intelligence rather than dramatic staring and slow motion.
Excellent.
I was ready.
Instead, ten episodes in, the drama is thinking very hard about plotting rather than actually plotting.
Everyone speaks with tremendous seriousness, music swells like dynasties are about to collapse, and yet I kept waiting for the actual narrative intelligence to arrive.
I actually think the director was ambitious.
You can see what this drama wants to be.
Some scenes are beautiful. The costumes — especially the female lead’s — are excellent. There are flashes where the show briefly convinces you something smarter and grander is about to happen.
Alas.
The follow-through proved less committed.
It also cannot decide whether it wants to be a full-length drama or a short drama stretched to mid-length. It lacks the narrative density for the first and the pace for the second, which somehow makes it feel both rushed and draggy.
Also, what exactly happened between this production and the color red?
Politics? Red.
Trauma? Red.
Emotional conflict? Extremely red.
At one point I started wondering whether the writer was processing unresolved emotional events exclusively through crimson lighting.
And the random CGI realm/dimension moments?
Personal preference perhaps, but I struggle when ancient-setting dramas suddenly look like somebody briefly opened the wrong fantasy editing software.
Acting-wise, a mixed bag.
Chen Duling looks stunning and absolutely wears the costumes instead of letting them wear her. She visually feels right for this world. I just wish the emotional sharpness consistently matched the visual authority of a supposedly strategic female lead.
Zhou Yiran, meanwhile, feels somewhat miscast for the ambition of the role. Not because he is terrible — he is perfectly watchable — but because the drama seems to want a heavier, more politically intimidating presence than he naturally brings. The script keeps insisting we are dealing with dangerous people while I kept feeling oddly safe.
The dubbing also did nobody any favors.
That said, at least the fans are being fed.
Plenty of visuals, longing stares, slow motion used with astonishing confidence, and enough accidental tension between half the male cast that I briefly wondered whether production itself had entered a shipping crisis.
I kept waiting for the stronger, smarter version of this show to arrive.
I gave it ten episodes of political optimism.
The optimism has now expired.
(Dropped at Episode 10)
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A Love-Hate Psychological Drama
This drama is about human psychology—how people, when emotions are at their peak, say and do things without thinking, which eventually end up hurting themselves. They try to hurt each other because they can’t stand seeing the person they still feel attached to with someone else. At the same time, they hate each other for making their lives miserable.The drama pulls into the world of marriage and relationships, where cheating is clearly wrong and being cheated on is deeply painful. But how you handle it also matters. Trying to hurt the other person in return only leads to both sides getting suffered and there are no winners in the end.
The acting of every single actor is superb. The OST songs are also heartbreaking and reflect the lead character ‘s emotions very well. This is one of my favorite dramas and made me a fan of the lead actress. I highly recommend it
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One of the best K Drama I have watched so far
Anyone who wants to watch something wholesome should watch this drama. I am sure you won't be disappointed.Even though the English Title is ‘We All Are Trying Here’ but the literal translation of the native title, “Everyone is Fighting their own Worthlessness” fits better. While looking at the poster I thought its going to be either boring or overly serious drama. I don't watch trailers or read synopses before watching a drama thus I didn't have any idea of the plot.
It took me just one episode to get stuck with it. Thank god I started watching it after it ended or else I would have been thinking about the drama unit the next episodes would come. Usually I binge watch the dramas I like but for this one I took breaks after each episodes to absorb everything the drama wants to tell.
In every episode there are quotes to take notes on and remember for a lifetime. My favourite one is
“ What's there to life? Nothing!
But we can't just die either, so we need enough strength to get through the day!
That's why people watch movies and eat good food!
That's why people go on trips, fall in love, have s**,
get hammered all night long, and yell at the top of our lungs!”
I might not re-watch it, not because it's not worth it but because I want to cherish this first experience forever. I'll talk about this drama forever, whenever I'll get bore or tired of life I'll think about this drama. This drama has healed something in me that will be with me forever ✨.
Everything in this is on point, the writing, the acting, the complexities of the characters, everything. It's just not the story of Eun-a and Dong-man . It's included each one of the so called side characters. This drama helped me to realised that my favourite genre is “SLICE OF LIFE”.
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Frustrating, Realistic, and Weirdly Sweet
The drama did a very realistic job portraying the struggles many women face in marriage, especially while living with in-laws and dealing with a mama’s boy husband. The unpaid labor, pressure to have kids, and mother-in-law constantly babying her son made me angry throughout the show. I genuinely wanted the female lead to divorce him at multiple points.
What frustrated me the most was how infertility and motherhood were handled. I hated the idea that if a woman says she doesn’t want kids, there has to be some hidden reason behind it. Some women simply do not want children, and that should be enough.
Honestly, the show raised my blood pressure because it felt too realistic at times. But that’s also why I think it worked. The acting felt natural, the emotions felt genuine, and I was never bored. The husband frustrated me for most of the drama because he rarely stood up for his wife, but the ending became surprisingly sweet once both leads finally started opening up to each other.
The drama jumps between different topics.. moving out, pregnancy pressure, infertility, emotional distance, and reconnecting as a couple — so it can feel a little scattered. But overall, it was an engaging watch that made me feel anger, frustration, sympathy, and sweetness all at once.
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Wishing upon the shooting stars ~Where Story, Soul and Stars Align ✨
"WISHING UPON THE SHOOTING STARS"is a beautifully crafted series that deserves every bit of praise it receives.The director and writer have done a remarkable job weaving a story that feels deeply human and honest. The core message is powerful: **accept the truth, let go of past mistakes, stop assuming you are unloved, cherish the people around you, love yourself, and release unnecessary pressure.** These values are delivered with such grace and subtlety that they touch you without even realizing it.
**Chen Hao Wei and He Xiang Yong** bring their characters to life with such warmth and authenticity. Their chemistry is natural, effortless, and genuinely moving. Every scene between them feels lived in and real.
The story itself is tender and layered, never rushed, never forced. It flows beautifully and leaves you feeling full rather than empty when it ends.
And the OST is absolutely stunning. Every track fits so perfectly into the emotional beats of the series that the music alone tells its own story.
A truly special production from every angle. Highly recommended. 💕✨
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A Taste of Your Own Medicine
In a world where teachers have lost their grip on the classroom and discipline has become little more than a polite suggestion, the government launches a bold solution: the Educational Rights Protection Bureau (ERPB). Na Hwa Jin, a no-nonsense inspector is tasked with restoring order where chaos reigns supreme. Armed with unprecedented authority, Hwa Jin and his team are dispatched to troubled schools across the country, confronting unruly students, broken systems, and the uncomfortable truth that respect cannot be legislated into existence. Part school drama, part social commentary, Teach You a Lesson asks a timeless question: when the old rules no longer work, how far should society go to write new ones?What makes the drama stand out is how it broadens its lens beyond the usual school bullying narrative. It explores conflicts in all directions, from student against student to teacher against parent, and even the misuse of legal systems. Each case reveals a different layer of dysfunction, making the story feel less like a simple revenge tale and more like a commentary on accountability. The ERPB’s approach is simple but striking. They make perpetrators experience the consequences of their own actions, giving them a taste of their own medicine. Violence is met with violence, manipulation with manipulation, and abuse of law with the law itself. It is harsh, but in the context of the drama, it feels like a twisted form of justice that is oddly satisfying to watch.
The emotional backbone of the story lies in its origin. The bureau was created by Minister Choi Gang Seok after the tragic death of his daughter, Choi Ga Yun, who was also Na Hwa Jin’s fiancée. Her death at the hands of a student becomes the catalyst for everything that follows. Despite their grief, both Hwa Jin and Gang Seok carry forward Ga Yun’s belief that teachers should not live in fear of their students. This shared loss adds a quiet weight to the narrative, grounding all the action and retribution in something deeply personal.
Na Hwa Jin himself is easily the highlight of the drama. As a former special forces operative turned inspector, he brings a commanding presence that is both intimidating and charismatic. His methods are ruthless, but his personality remains surprisingly laidback and even playful at times. There is a clear distinction in how he handles different perpetrators. With students, he holds back, keeping his punishments relatively restrained. With adults, however, he shows no mercy. This contrast not only reinforces his moral code but also makes his character more intriguing. Kim Mu Yeol fully embodies Hwa Jin, delivering a performance that is both magnetic and intense. The action sequences, especially, are executed in a way that keeps the adrenaline high and the tension sharp.
Structurally, the drama follows a case-by-case format, with each episode focusing on a new school or conflict. However, it never feels disconnected. Episodes often reference previous cases, creating a sense of continuity that ties everything together. The formula is familiar but effective. We are shown the problem, the ERPB steps in, and the lesson is delivered. While the bullying, violence, and abuse can be difficult to watch, they serve a purpose. They build emotional weight so that when the punishment finally comes, it lands with full impact. The satisfaction comes not just from seeing justice served, but from seeing it served in a way that mirrors the crime.
Interestingly, the drama also manages to keep the viewing experience enjoyable rather than stressful. From early on, it establishes the ERPB as highly competent, capable of navigating both physical confrontations and political maneuvering. This creates a sense of security for the audience. Instead of worrying about whether the protagonists will succeed, you find yourself anticipating how they will turn the tables. Even moments that seem like setbacks often reveal themselves as calculated moves. This approach makes the show incredibly bingeable, as each episode delivers a sense of closure along with anticipation for what comes next.
Given its webtoon origins, it is no surprise that the drama occasionally leans into exaggerated or comical elements. Some cases feel almost over the top, with characters that seem larger than life. The Guun High School storyline, in particular, stands out for its almost cartoonish energy. At times, the logic may not hold up under scrutiny, but that is part of the charm. This is not a drama that asks to be taken too seriously. It thrives on its boldness and its willingness to push boundaries. That said, not every character lands perfectly. Im Han Rim, played by Jin Ki Joo, can feel a bit overbearing at times. Her tendency to shout and her somewhat awkward delivery make her character harder to connect with, especially compared to the more grounded performances around her. It is a noticeable contrast, though it does not detract too heavily from the overall experience.
On the technical side, the drama delivers as expected. The visuals are polished, and the cinematography enhances the intensity of key moments. The action sequence at the end of episode two is particularly memorable, combining dynamic action sequence with sharp camera work. The soundtrack also deserves a mention, with its hip and energetic tracks that perfectly match the tone of the series. It is one of those rare cases where the opening and closing themes are worth watching every time.
In the end, Teach You a Lesson is a highly engaging and binge-worthy drama that knows exactly what it wants to be. It may not always be realistic, but it is consistently entertaining and thought-provoking in its own way. At its core, it delivers a simple yet powerful idea: actions have consequences, and sometimes the most effective lesson is the one you experience yourself. With a standout performance from Kim Mu Yeol and a narrative that balances action with social commentary, this is a drama that leaves a strong and lasting impression.
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Right amount of everything
I love revenge dramas that have social commentary littered through it. And this one was so good. It was rightly paced and it tackled a wide range of social critiques. Though I could say that it could have gone on a little longer, made the final antagonist more challenging, the stakes a bit higher so to say. I did feel that plotline was a bit rushed but overall I really loved it.I loved the action scenes they were top tier.
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Total Disappointment
It's similar to Study group but a worse version. It’s too overdone. And by overdone, I don't mean the fight scenes but the students and the events.It didn't feel like a high school drama to me. Bong geun dae and the education minister are good but I didn't like ML and FL. FL is annoying and ML constantly has the same facial expression, just smiling.Even the students' acting was better. I couldn't connect with the characters. Every episode has the same vibe. Overall it's soulless, not funny, and boring.Was this review helpful to you?
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Mental Illness is Not A Crime
What a great show! A massive highlight to mental health awareness for everyone. We all need to understand that having a mental illness is neither a shame nor crime. Mental illness is not something to be taken lightly, we may not be able to see it on people around us because people tend to hide, ignore, or push away this type of hardship. At the end of the day, we may become Song Yu Chan who pushed Jung Da Eun to take a spoon she can't hold, and add more burden to them.Most part of the show are painful, yet very realistic. However, it's heartwarming and relieving because there are certainly hope and sunshine waiting for them. Some parts of them may a beautiful morning while some others may be cold dark night, that's life. I like the addition of doctor Hwang Yeo Hwan, it adds comedy touch to the show.
Not so much complaint on this show. I personally prefer more patients case rather than personal one, but I think they did it on purpose to highlight that "a doctor can get sick". There should be more explanation about Jung Da Eun past, what burden caused her depression in her past internal medicine department. Additionally, I think the number of comedy is uneven. The first part of the show has more of it, so it is a bit more difficult to cleanse all the pain in the second part of the show.
Should I recommend this show? Unless you get bored easily with slice of life genre, then it's a YES, DEFINITELY. In conclusion: everyone can catch a cold, everyone can have an indigestion, so is mental illness. There's no guarantee it won't hit you.
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The drama is worth the watch. Cliche,Yes. Bad,No. Definitely Good.
I personally liked the drama for the story,the romance,the emotions and all. I feel like the time for romantic involvement was a little less but the ml and fl clash up a lot so that compensates for it in a funny sense. People will call a drama lomg if it has 16 episodes and can be done in 12 or 14 and this one was exactly that but that wasn't the issue here so a new problem! It didn't feel good and this and that. I don't think the drama was based on that kind of angst,not every kdrama is a angst,thriller,suspense,romance etc. It was different from the cliche of villains being too smart,sometimes villains are dumb. And most people in this drama were emotion-wise involved so that part is covered well. And about the ml being angry with the fl, it wasn't justified as it is a company setting but his feeling of being betrayed was completely justified but people are outright calling his ego? What ego?He was hurt and what he did was wrong but there was no ego in my opinion. The part about regaining memories? I think he keeps remembering things slowly but you just don't act on it because it doesn't make sense for you,he remembered everything because that momemt in jeju was the most important to him,most impactful,the kiss was impactful. That's why he remembered everything not because of a dress colour. And for one, the ml is shown smart with good intuition from the start so why do people have such a problem with him being able to solve his problems?Among other things ,the only thing that bothers me the most is that the chairman slapped the employee? can you do that? like what? But genuinely i don't feel like the ml did something other than getting angry and when his actions led to bad outcome(which he didn't think would happen normally) he took responsibility of it and became rational. Was in love with her before he thought she was married so couldn't be with her but to protect her, was ready to get married fast. I feel like the story had a lot of potential and that it was actually good. If it really disappoints you then you.were totally looking for a drama with a particular cliche. This had many too but you wanted just one in particular.Was this review helpful to you?
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hated the ending, wasted all of the stories potential in 5 minutes
Good things first (skip to the rant if you want to see how the ending is bad)the acting and chemistry in this drama is actually so good. the Main FL actually has chemistry with all of her love interests to be honest. to the point that if you had just showed all of her scenes with ML and the SMLs (without taking into consideration screen time since the ML will obviously show up more) then i genuinely believe you would not be able to point out which one is the true ML of the series since she fits in well with all of them.
small criticism, i didn't really see the build up for the romance. like, it felt kind of sudden to me how he just started liking her seemingly out of nothing really. but that may just be me, maybe i wasn't paying proper attention? during the scenes that actually set up the romance plot between the FL and ML.
other than that, i like that while she didn't lose herself after marriage that they kept it somewhat balanced with the fact that she became a little more respectful and tolerant compared to when she was single, but again, not to the point that it feels like a completely new character. because i feel like usually the FL either does a 180° after marriage and she is suddenly the model wife, OR she keeps on being super rebelious and it brings her and the ML a lot of more problems.
RANT about the ending:
like... you had SUCH a compelling story, honestly, and you built and built and built tension all throughout the episodes, all for THAT to be how the main political power struggle was resolved?!?!?! AND we didn't even get to see what happened AFTER?!!! no resolution?!!? nah, you suck. like actually. not only was that ending anti climactic as hell, but you also fumbled on HOW you actually close the show. there was NO resolution what so ever! all we see is the newly revealed main villain die at the end and yall leave in between flames and he carries her into the the night...CUT!! that was it... that's how it ended. fucking fade to black as some random ass monologue is going on in the background...... genuinely so dissapointed. after weeks of waiting for all of the episodes to be out so that I didn't have to wait week to week to watch as episodes dropped i seriously regret dedicating a whole day to just finishing this drama since i was left so unsatisfied.
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A Powerful Knockout Punch By Justice in the Classroom
This Drama got me Hooked in less than 15 mins of the first episode itself because I was hesitant as it was on School bulling, but it turned out to be a rather satisfying and made a better point. Based on the controversial webtoon Get Schooled. this is an absolute sledgehammer to the genre which tackles with school violence, bullying, and the collapse of authority with a fearless approach that rarely pulls its punches.Actors Phenomenal performance what made this drama outstanding in this genre, Kim Mu-yeol as Na Hwa-jin, a relentless investigator who becomes the nightmare of bullies and corrupt administrators alike. Supporting him brilliantly are Lee Sung-min, Jin Ki-joo, and Pyo Ji-hoon, who bring depth, conviction, and emotional weight to the story.
One of the drama's most touching and unforgettable elements comes from Song Young-gyu. His performance was limited to first episode but it was leaving a profound and lasting legacy on screen.
The cinematography is nothing short of electrifying. Every school corridor feels like a battlefield, captured through sharp camera movements, dramatic framing, and striking visual contrasts.
What makes Teach You a Lesson stand out is its willingness to confront uncomfortable realities. It isn't merely an action drama; it's a provocative examination of power, justice, and accountability within the education system.
At last Teach You a Lesson is an explosive, hard-hitting K-drama that combines stellar performances, cinematic visuals, and a powerful soundtrack with a story that sparks discussion long after the credits roll. If you're looking for a drama that entertains while challenging societal norms, this lesson is one worth taking.
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My June Recommendation movie
Watch this because recommendation challenge from 𝑨𝒒𝒖𝒂. Let’s talk movie….This movie is a journey between Mara & Gali.
Mara is an aspiring architect who finds herself at a painful crossroads after failing her licensure exam. Crushed by a sense of inadequacy and feeling like a disappointment to her family, she retreats to a quiet apartment building owned by her family to pick up the pieces of her shattered confidence. Everything begins to change when she meets Gali, her quiet and mysterious new neighbor.
Wanting to communicate better with her young niece Hailey, Mara decides to learn Filipino Sign Language (FSL). Coincidentally, when she attends her classes, she discovers that the instructor is none other than Gali himself.
While the classroom introduces them, their friendship really starts when Mara accidentally locks herself out of her apartment. Stranded and frustrated in the hallway, Gali notices her predicament and steps in to help, inviting her into his space. It’s this simple, quiet moment of hospitality that completely breaks the ice between them.
Their friendship deepens further when Mara agrees to step outside her comfort zone and become Gali’s partner for an upcoming dance recital. Through their rehearsals, Gali introduces her to a completely different way of experiencing music and dance—through vibrations and movement rather than sound. At the same time, Gali finds comfort in Mara’s sincere effort to understand him, something he rarely experiences in a hearing world that often treats him with awkward pity or isolation.
But as they spend more time together, the reality of their differing worlds begins to creep in. Mara discovers Gali’s gentle personality, but also the heavy emotional walls he has built due to painful, isolating experiences in his past. At the same time, Mara is still wrestling with her own deep-seated fears of failure. Both of them struggle with their own internal anxieties and misunderstandings, forcing them to realize that love requires patience, empathy, and a genuine understanding that goes far beyond spoken words.
So, how does it all end? Will Mara and Gali be able to break through their struggles and find a way to stay together? Or will they finally break under the weight of the pressure and the barriers between them?
That's pretty much the story without giving anymore spoilers.
What I love:
+ The way the director shows Gali’s world through silence and muffled sound—not for drama, but for understanding—makes him real, not just a trope.
+ The breaking point of Mara & Gali—love how it feels so real, it hurts in the way only real love can. You can feel all their insecurities, but also the love they feel for each other….
What I think will be better:
- I don’t know how to put it into words… But the way it ended, I felt like something was missing for the closing curtain…
- They never show us how Mara surprises her family about her FSL ability… It feels just the first reason for Mara to learn FSL in the first place, become useless in the end, and become just another plot to introduce FL & ML.
Overall this one amazing movie. Not another cheesy romance, but fill with something meaningful.
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Tries to make a point but has its own flaws
Show tells us how not only the students but also the teachers get bullied by student bullies and how a newly formed Govt org deals with those bullies. Each episode deals with different bullies in different schools.Starting scenes of most eps were very traumatising to watch for me with all the graphic bullying of helpless students by their school bullies and few suicide scenes too, so I mostly ended up skipping all such scenes.
Then the ML arrives and kicks their asses - literally! 😁 And it was very satisfying to watch! And I think that satisfaction was the reason I continued to watch it till the end. Fl does great action too! Also special mention to all the actors who acted as bullies in each episode, they all did really good acting. 👏👏
But the show has few major issues. (Minor spoilers)
1) Firstly romance b/w fl and 2nd ml (Deputy Director Bong) was totally unnecessary because they didn't have an ounce of chemistry whatsoever! I understand they were trying to make an age appropriate pairing but then they should have checked the pair for chemistry before casting.
I have watched many of FL's work and I have always liked her pairings with her costars but this time they should have casted someone else to be her pair or should have skipped romance altogether because it wasn't necessary at all! The last few scenes b/w them look so forced and bad.
2) Secondly, the theme of the show itself is an issue in some episodes, especially where they showed that girl student make false SA accusation. They somehow indirectly made it seem as if all such cases are false and all teachers are innocent in the concluding scene of that ep when in reality so many teachers actually SA their students. And so many children are afraid to speak out fearing no one will believe them.
So I wish they had showed that the other foreign language school teacher had actually SAed her and because no one helped her, she became what she became instead of showing that just being denied admission in that school as the reason she became a bully, which didn't make any sense.
3) Also there was no need for that lady teacher to suddenly start using cane beating punishment on that student all of a sudden. It seemed so silly. She could have simply thrown her out of the class, cancelled her marks or put her name on the notice board for misbehaving in the class or done something else instead of just beating her which has only a temporary effect on such people.
Also couldn't the school or org just ban phones in classrooms? That would have saved so much bullying. They could have asked them to keep their phones in their lockers and not use it on the school premises.
4) Fourth being how they dealt with that psychological evaluation episode. Like it was so stupid the way they revealed that teacher's evaluation in front of her colleague and even revealing she was trying to kill herself indirectly.
I mean they should have called her separately and informed her about such sensitive matters especially for a person who was attempting suicide just mins before that evaluation scene and fl actually almost saw it herself!
Overall an interesting drama with a different perspective. 7.8/10
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