Controversial Drama Tops Netflix Despite Accusations of Anti-Women Bias Against Original Work
Netflix’s Teach You A Lesson is facing major backlash.
The new K-Drama starring Kim Mu Yeol has stirred controversy from the start. It’s based on the webtoon Get Schooled, which was slammed for misogyny, racism, corporal punishment, and far-right ideas. The webtoon even got removed from Naver Webtoon’s North American site in 2023—but stayed available in Korea.
Soon after the drama dropped, it hit No. 2 worldwide on Netflix and reached No. 1 in 43 countries. Despite the success, the backlash continues.
A recent scene about breast reduction surgery went viral for its unrealistic and misogynistic tone. Critics said the writing promotes harmful attitudes.
“Did the original work ever apologize for being anti-woman and did they delete that scene?”
“Sure, those with a good stomach can watch it all they want. I can’t watch shows that are low-level.”
“It’s fun, so it would’ve gone up to that ranking. Isn’t it the best for everyone for those who don’t find it palatable to just not care about it?”
“Everyone’s on such a low level.”
Online debates rage on whether the drama should be judged separately from its source or if watching it supports the controversial webtoon messaging. Some fans argue the series toned down the original’s worst elements.
Check out some key scenes and fan reactions below:
Despite the drama’s divisive nature, it remains one of Netflix’s top non-English series this week.
No official responses from the production or platform so far. Monitoring the situation.