Netflix series “Teach You a Lesson” is gaining strong attention from viewers around the world, and actor Kim Mu Yeol is receiving praise for his leading role.
Released on June 5, “Teach You a Lesson” follows the Teacher Rights Protection Bureau, a group created to protect teachers and the education system from students, teachers, and parents who cross the line.
The series quickly became a major hit, ranking No. 1 globally among non English Netflix series just 3 days after its release.
The lead role of Na Hwa Jin was first offered to Kim Nam Gil. However, the original webtoon had faced criticism over expressions accused of being racist and sexist, and it was previously removed from a North American platform.
After the controversy, many of Kim Nam Gil’s fans opposed his possible casting. Kim Nam Gil later explained through social media, “I was offered ‘Teach You a Lesson’, but I need time to review it myself and politely tell the people who made the offer whether I will reject or accept it”.
He added that at the time, he did not have the time or energy to think about anything other than “The Fiery Priest”.
Kim Nam Gil later addressed the project again during the press event for “The Fiery Priest 2”. He said, “It is a project I already rejected once,” and added, “If many people feel uncomfortable, I think it is right not to do that kind of project.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the original work, the series moved forward. Netflix previously stated that the production was made “with a sense of responsibility” because it deals with “a story that is needed in this era.” The platform also said it was aware of criticism and concerns about some episodes.
Kim Mu Yeol eventually took on the lead role after trusting director Hong Jong Chan, whom he worked with on “Juvenile Justice”.
Kim Mu Yeol explained, “The director has experience working carefully on sensitive issues through ‘Juvenile Justice.’ I worked on this project with trust again”.
He added that the experience was satisfying and said the team made the series as “something more than just simple consumption”.
After its release, “Teach You a Lesson” received strong reactions both in Korea and overseas. Kim Mu Yeol also gained extra attention for being compared to Hollywood star John Cena, with some viewers calling him the “Korean John Cena”.
John Cena even posted Kim Mu Yeol’s photo on social media, while Kim Mu Yeol replied, “Now you can see me”.
With the series becoming a global hit, Kim Mu Yeol’s role in “Teach You a Lesson” is now being seen as a possible career defining character.
