Lead

The Korean drama series "Teach You a Lesson" has held the top spot on Netflix's non-English show chart for four consecutive weeks, according to data released by the streaming platform. The series, which premiered June 5, has drawn millions of viewers globally, with its run extending from a strong debut to a sustained chart presence.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Yonhap News Agency's English service have tracked the series' weekly performance in detail. The show debuted at No. 1 with 6.4 million views for the week ending June 7, according to Yonhap. It then doubled and tripled that figure in subsequent weeks, with Yonhap reporting 21.1 million views for the week ending June 14, 11.8 million for the week ending June 21, and 7.3 million for the week ending June 28. The series also ranked in the top 10 in 91 countries and regions during its second week, and in 69 countries during its fourth week, per Yonhap's reporting.

The South China Morning Post has focused on the series' social relevance, describing it as a drama that "does not sugarcoat the harsh reality of school bullying." The outlet has also highlighted the show's global appeal, noting it topped Netflix's global non-English rankings for the week of June 1-7 and has become a "highly rated breakout hit." The Post's coverage has emphasized the series' setting in a climate where parents are vigilant about school bullying.

Key Claims

  • The series is based on the webtoon "Get Schooled," as reported by both Yonhap and the South China Morning Post.
  • It follows a team of inspectors at the fictional Education Rights Protection Bureau, a detail reported by Yonhap and echoed in SCMP's coverage.
  • The cast includes Kim Mu-yeol as Na Hwa-jin, Jin Ki-joo as Im Han-rim, and Pyo Ji-hoon as Bong Geun-dae, according to Yonhap.
  • The series debuted at No. 1 on Netflix's weekly non-English show chart, as reported by Yonhap.
  • It accumulated 21.1 million views during the week ending June 14, claimed the No. 1 spot in 46 countries and regions, and reached the top 10 in 91 others, per Yonhap.
  • In its third week, it amassed 11.8 million views and was the most-watched show in 19 countries and regions, according to Yonhap.
  • In its fourth week, it accumulated 7.3 million views and was the most-watched show in six countries and regions, with a top-10 presence in 69 others, per Yonhap.
  • The series initially garnered 6.4 million views in its debut week and ranked in the top 10 in 48 countries and regions, as reported by Yonhap.
  • The South China Morning Post reported that the series topped Netflix's global non-English rankings for the week of June 1-7 and has become a "highly rated breakout hit."

Perspectives

Director Hong Jong-chan – In an interview reported by Yonhap, Hong addressed controversies surrounding the original webtoon, including backlash over racial and sexist depictions. He said the production team "put a lot of effort into making a good story in a more refined way" and aimed to "highlight the cathartic appeal of the original work while enriching the characters with depth and emotion."

Actress Jin Ki-joo – Jin credited the series' popularity to its "clear message of justice," telling reporters, "Victims should be able to find comfort and get back on their feet, while perpetrators should realize what they did wrong and reflect on their actions." She also expressed fascination that a story she thought was confined to South Korea gained global popularity, noting that director Hong had explained that "schools around the world also have their own issues."