I think that more than any genre of media production, it’s imperative that TV shows/series are able to master the art of nailing the first episode. It’s just like with the opening line of books. It could make or mar the entire book because you want to grab the reader or audience’s interest so strongly that it would only take a visceral tug to pull them away.
Sadly, many series are not able to achieve this. I talk about Mr. Queen any chance I get, and I may risk sounding like a broken record but it truly was a masterpiece in that regard. It grabbed my interest from the very first episode and didn’t let go. I haven’t seen a k-drama series since then that was able to pull this off as impeccably till I saw ‘Teach You a Lesson.’
Teach You a Lesson (2026)
Based on the Naver Webtoon ‘Get Schooled’ the series follow the prevalence of campus violence in schools. It becomes so serious that the South Korean government establishes the Educational Rights Protection Bureau (EPRB) under the Teacher Rights Protection Act. The goal is simple: Reform the educational system.
Whatever means necessary, no matter how unconventional. Physical or psychological pressure but the teachers and students of South Korea must get it right, and under the dexterous leadership of the Minister of Education, his ace and near son-in-law, an eccentric investigator, and a technophilic officer, they set to get the job done.
My Thoughts and Rating
Unless you’re familiar with how Korean action dramas are, you may think I’ve given you little to work with, and the premise isn’t scintillating enough to pique your interest, but I assure you, this movie is to die for.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a drama where each episode had its individual thrill. And not just that, each had a very poignant lesson. It was the most beautiful part of the drama.
Understanding that the educational system comprises of not just students but teachers, parents, and society as whole, is paramount. Trust me when I say, top to bottom were reformed.
For the characters, each interpreted their roles impeccably. My favourite character was Na Hwa Jin, the special forces officer and ace of the group as I’d earlier mentioned. I don’t know for anyone else but my love for him started from his facial features. He looks like if John Cena and Mark Walhberg had a baby, and I do like those two men considerably, I was immediately endeared to him. Superficial? Maybe. Sue me.
I love the themes explored, as well. Reformation. Love. Trust. The pressure on students by parents. Bully culture. You name it. I don’t know how a single cinematic piece can be so rounded and totally capture all that needs to be captured. ‘Teach You a Lesson’ was not some cute metaphor. The directors meant to teach you a lesson. Not one but several.
I haven’t written this highly of a series since Mr. Queen, so you already know what my doing so now means. Even if you claim to not be a k-drama lover, and I’m referring to the category that says this, but would watch Squid Game and Alchemy of Souls, yes, this is for you.
A solid 9/10 from me. No notes!
Jhymi🖤
Images from IMDb.