Netflix’s ‘Teach You a Lesson’ tops charts worldwide as late actor Song Young Gyu remembered through his final performance

Netflix’s new Korean drama, 'Teach You a Lesson,' has exploded in popularity, dominating both domestic and global rankings just one day after release. But beyond its breakout success, the series carries a deeper emotional weight for viewers: it marks the final performance of late actor Song Young Gyu, who passed away last year. As the drama gains momentum, tributes to the actor continue pouring in online.

‘Teach You a Lesson’ dominates Netflix in 25 countries

According to OTT ranking platform FlixPatrol, 'Teach You a Lesson' ranked No. 3 globally in Netflix’s TV category as of June 7. After debuting at No. 5 on June 6, the series climbed two spots in just a single day.

The drama reached No. 1 in 25 countries, including South Korea, Bolivia, Hong Kong, India, Oman, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. It also performed strongly in English-speaking markets, landing within the Top 10 in Australia (No. 6), Canada (No. 5), and New Zealand (No. 6).

The series immediately topped Netflix’s “Top 10 Series in South Korea Today” following its release and quickly entered the upper ranks of Netflix’s global TV charts. Despite facing controversy before release over its original webtoon and casting issues, viewers have largely responded positively once the show premiered.

On June 9, Good Data Corporation revealed that 'Teach You a Lesson' recorded 54,881 points on the integrated TV-OTT drama buzz rankings for the first week of June, debuting at No. 2 among all dramas. It became the highest-scoring Netflix original released in 2026 so far and ranked 12th in all-time TV-OTT opening buzz rankings.

The drama also topped the news and video categories. In cast popularity rankings, Kim Moo Yeol placed first, while Jin Ki Joo ranked fifth, Lee Sung Min ranked eighth, and Pyo Ji Hoon ranked ninth, placing the entire main cast within the Top 10.

Data producer Won Soon Woo commented, “Alongside positive reactions to the series itself, viewers are actively discussing real-life issues surrounding education, and expectations for a second season are already forming.”

Song Young Gyu’s final role leaves viewers emotional

Amid the drama’s growing popularity, one performance in particular has deeply resonated with audiences: the appearance of late actor Song Young Gyu in Episode 1 as politician and ruling party presidential candidate Ryu Kwang Pil.

The character attempts to cover up his son’s school violence case using political influence and power. In order to protect his status, he commits corruption and pressures the education system, only for both his crimes and his son’s actions to be exposed through the intervention of the fictional Teachers’ Rights Protection Bureau, ultimately leading to his imprisonment.

Though his screen time was relatively short, viewers praised Song Young Gyu for powerfully portraying both the arrogance of a powerful politician and the anxiety of a man cornered by crisis, heightening the drama’s tension throughout the episode.

Born in 1970, Song Young Gyu debuted in the 1994 musical 'Murtle the Turtle Sage.' Over the years, he appeared in numerous films including 'Public Enemy 2,' 'Extreme Job,' 'Hope,' 'A Hard Day,' and 'V.I.P.' He also built a strong reputation through dramas such as 'The Chaser,' 'Golden Time,' 'Misaeng,' 'Hot Stove League,' 'Reply 1988,' 'Narco Saints,' and 'Big Bet.'

His role as the planning office manager in Misaeng and Chief Choi in Extreme Job remain especially beloved among Korean viewers.

Song Young Gyu was found deceased inside a vehicle at a residential complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on August 4 last year, just 10 days after being referred to prosecutors without detention on DUI charges. He was 55 years old.

At the time of his passing, he had been actively working on three projects simultaneously, including SBS drama 'The Winning Try,' ENA series 'The Defects,' and the stage play 'Shakespeare in Love.' 'Teach You a Lesson' had completed filming before his death, effectively making it his final work.

“His presence changed the immersion completely”

Following the release of 'Teach You a Lesson,' viewers have continued sharing messages mourning Song Young Gyu online.

Many fans and viewers commented online, “Song Young Gyu was overwhelming even with such a short appearance,” “Knowing this was his final work makes it even sadder,” “He was an actor who could express everything with just his eyes,” “He acted so well in Teach You a Lesson… this is heartbreaking,” and “I didn’t even know he had passed away. May he rest in peace.”

His commanding presence and emotionally layered performance have been widely praised for elevating the drama’s intensity.

The series itself has also received strong reactions from audiences. Many viewers wrote comments such as, “This deserves to be No. 1,” “It’s incredibly satisfying,” “I binge-watched it in one day,” and “Kim Moo Yeol’s action scenes are insane.” Some critics, however, argued that the drama relies too heavily on fantasy-style catharsis.

Still, many viewers appear to connect deeply with the drama’s portrayal of collapsing authority within schools and its fantasy-driven resolution of real-world frustrations surrounding education.

What is ‘Teach You a Lesson’ about?

'Teach You a Lesson' is a 10-episode series set in an educational environment collapsing under problematic students, teachers, and parents. The story follows a fictional government agency called the Teachers’ Rights Protection Bureau, which intervenes on behalf of victims to restore order within schools.

Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name, the series adopts an omnibus format, with each episode focusing on a different school and incident.

The drama is directed by Hong Jong Chan, known for 'Juvenile Justice' and 'Dear My Friends,' while writer Lee Nam Kyu, known for 'Daily Dose of Sunshine' and 'The Light in Your Eyes,' handled the screenplay.

The cast includes Kim Moo Yeol, Lee Sung Min, Jin Ki Joo, and Pyo Ji Hoon.

Director Hong Jong Chan explained, “I’ve seen frustrating real-life stories through the news as well. The fantasy setting of the Teachers’ Rights Protection Bureau was appealing. I thought the original’s charm was how this organization fearlessly resolves the frustrations of reality while standing from the victim’s perspective.”

He added, “Rather than presenting clear answers, I hope this drama allows viewers to reflect on the various violations of teachers’ rights happening in reality.”

‘Juvenile Justice’ reunion raises anticipation

Another reason the series has attracted attention is its creative reunion. Director Hong Jong Chan and Kim Moo Yeol reunited after 'Juvenile Justice,' while Kim Moo Yeol and Lee Sung Min worked together again following both 'Juvenile Justice' and 'The Devil’s Deal.'

The series also marks the first Netflix project for Jin Ki Joo and Pyo Ji Hoon.

During the casting process, Kim Nam Gil was reportedly offered the lead role of Na Hwa Jin but publicly declined due to controversies surrounding the original webtoon. Kim Moo Yeol later took on the role, saying he chose the project because it explores current educational realities and systemic issues.

Lee Sung Min, who plays Education Minister Choi Kang Seok, said he aimed to portray “someone who never compromises when it comes to restoring education.” Jin Ki Joo, who plays former special forces inspector Im Han Rim, shared that she studied videos of real soldiers to prepare for the role.

Meanwhile, Pyo Ji Hoon portrays the original drama character Bong Geun Dae, a genius who graduated from KAIST in just two years but infiltrates schools with his naturally nerdy personality.

Kim Moo Yeol commented, “When working on Juvenile Justice, the director and I carefully approached difficult and sensitive issues. This project was equally satisfying. Rather than focusing solely on the controversy, I tried to focus on what kind of story this truly is. I acted sincerely, and I hope viewers can feel that sincerity.”

Production team says they focused on “creating a good story”

Although the original webtoon faced criticism before production for depictions of corporal punishment and hateful expressions, the drama adaptation has been praised for significantly reworking the material.

Director Hong Jong Chan explained, “We tried to preserve the cathartic elements of the original while adding more emotional depth and complexity to the characters.”

He continued, “We fully understood the concerns people had. The production team worked hard to create a good story.”

Now racing through Netflix rankings across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and English-speaking countries, 'Teach You a Lesson' is earning worldwide attention, while also leaving behind a lasting emotional resonance as the final work of veteran actor Song Young Gyu, who spent more than 30 years quietly building a remarkable acting career through countless supporting roles.