Netflix’s 'Teach You a Lesson' rises to global No. 3 amid rapid worldwide success and controversy

Netflix’s new series ‘Teach You a Lesson’ has quickly become a global sensation after its release, climbing to number 3 on the worldwide charts and expanding its number one rankings across multiple countries.

According to OTT ranking site FlixPatrol, the series reached number 3 in the Netflix global Top 10 TV shows as of June 8, earning 674 points. It moved up from number 5 on its release day, June 6, showing strong upward momentum. It now sits just behind ‘The Witness’ in first place and ‘Michael Jackson: The Verdict’ in second place.

The series distributed by Netflix has also seen rapid growth in country level rankings. It has reached number one in 27 countries including South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Peru, Indonesia, Bolivia, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, and Pakistan. This is a major increase from just two countries on its first day, representing more than a tenfold expansion.

Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama tells the story of a newly created Teacher Rights Protection Bureau established to restore order in an education system where boundaries between students, teachers, and parents have collapsed. The bureau intervenes in school conflicts and delivers decisive solutions that many viewers describe as satisfying and cathartic.

The series is directed by Hong Jong-chan. The script is written by Lee Nam-gyu. Both are known for creating socially reflective stories that explore moral and emotional dilemmas. The cast features Kim Mu-yeol as Na Hwa Jin, Lee Sung-min as Choi Kang Seok, Jin Ki-joo as Im Han Rim, and Pyo Ji-hoon as Bong Geun Dae.

Despite its strong performance, the series faced controversy before release due to concerns about the original webtoon’s alleged racist and sexist content. Critics pointed to depictions of harsh disciplinary actions against students, racially insensitive portrayals, and scenes that framed feminist education in a negative light. The backlash was significant enough that the webtoon was reportedly removed from its North American platform after criticism from overseas communities.

In response, the production team stated that they were aware of these concerns and carefully adapted the story. They removed problematic elements and reworked the narrative to focus on a more grounded interpretation of the Teacher Rights Protection Bureau within a Korean educational context.

After release, audience reactions have been largely positive. Many viewers praised the series for its satisfying sense of justice and its portrayal of institutional intervention in schools. Online discussions include calls for similar systems to exist in real life and praise for how the drama addresses issues of school authority and discipline, although debate over the original source material continues.

SEE ALSO: Lee Kwang Soo gushes over longtime girlfriend Lee Sun Bin as Hyori praises their relationship

Share this article  SHARE

SHARE