The case drew much public backlash.
Koreaboo
2 minutes ago
Recently, the K-Drama, Teach You A Lesson, was added to Netflix’s catalog.
| Netflix
Starring actor Kim Mu Yeol as Kim Hwa Jin, the series is based on the webtoon, Get Schooled. Get Schooled tells the story of a government official sent to schools to tackle the bullying and other shocking issues in schools.
The series has seen backlash over alleged racism and sexism, even resulting in the series being discontinued in the United States.
Popular Korean Webtoon Introduces A Sudden, Extremely Racist Plotline — Publisher Responds To Criticism
Amid the controversy, some have pointed to a possible real-life parallel in one of the drama’s episodes.
Episode 5 begins with Choi Ji Seon, a grade 1 teacher at Hyeongjung Elementary School, attempting to end her life inside a classroom, leaving instructions behind for her mother to read her diary.
| Netflix
Through flashbacks during the episode, it is revealed that the teacher endured severe harassment from a student’s mother, which escalates to much more widespread harassment after an incident involving the student fighting another. The school’s principal tells her to endure when she brings the issue up.
Hwa Jin is brought in as a substitute teacher and ultimately resolves the situation.
| Netflix
This episode is meant to highlight what teachers sometimes endure, including the 2023 Seoi Elementary School Case.
In July 2023, a 24-year-old teacher was found dead by suicide in her classroom’s storage room by two colleagues. While the investigation was occurring, the teacher’s diary was discovered and detailed the numerous complaints she received from parents.
Unlike the episode, the parents involved in the bombardment of the teacher did not face any consequences, and the teacher was not saved in time.
A post making a comparison was shared, and quickly went viral.
@kdrama6_my
Shoking tragic truth about the 5th episode of kdrama ‘Teach You A Lesson’#teachyoualesson #kdrama #drakor
♬ Kamu Dan Kenangan – musicality.id
You can watch the trailer for the drama below.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had self-harming thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to your local confidential support for people in distress or to call the Lifeline. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s # is 988, OR you can call 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK).