Will Netflix's global no. 1 Korean drama 'Teach You a Lesson' get a season 2?

'Teach You a Lesson' has captured viewers around the world the moment it was released and rose to the top of the global rankings.

The series depicts the activities of the Teacher Rights Protection Bureau, an organization established to protect South Korea's educational environment and teachers' authority, which have been undermined by students, teachers, and parents who cross the line. Its refreshing and satisfying storyline has resonated with audiences beyond national borders.

Actors Kim Moo Yeol, Lee Sung Min, Jin Ki Joo, and Pyo Ji Hoon lead the cast.

6.4 Million Views in Just Three Days After Release... Global No. 1 Non-English Series

After premiering on June 5, 'Teach You a Lesson' recorded 6.4 million views in just three days.

Views are calculated by dividing a title's total viewing hours by its runtime, making the metric an indicator of how many people actually watched the show. Riding that momentum, 'Teach You a Lesson' ranked No. 1 in Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows category. The series quickly attracted not only domestic viewers but also international audiences, writing a remarkable success story in a short period of time.

What is particularly noteworthy is the subject matter of the series.

'Teach You a Lesson' directly tackles uniquely Korean social issues, including the collapse of teachers' authority and problems within the educational system. Because the story is deeply rooted in Korean realities such as intense academic competition and violations of teachers' rights, it was considered a subject that could feel unfamiliar to overseas audiences.

Yet the drama not only succeeded domestically but also reached No. 1 globally among non-English shows, creating what many consider a major surprise. The fact that a distinctly Korean social issue resonated across borders makes the success of 'Teach You a Lesson' even more meaningful.

No. 1 in Buzz Rankings During the Second Week of June... Climbed to the Top in Just One Week

Buzz rankings have also mirrored the drama's success.

According to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex rankings released on June 16, True Education ranked No. 1 in the integrated TV-OTT Drama Buzz category for the second week of June (June 8–14).

After ranking second during its first week following release, the drama climbed one more spot and reached the top in its second week. The achievement is particularly significant because it surpassed several other popular dramas released in June.

The cast also contributed to the show's buzz.

In the integrated TV-OTT Drama Cast Buzz rankings, Kim Moo Yeol ranked third, while Jin Ki Joo placed fifth. Kim Moo Yeol had previously ranked No. 1 in the actor buzz rankings during the first week of June.

With both the drama and its cast occupying top positions, the numbers demonstrated that the popularity of True Education is not a temporary phenomenon.

A Message From a Teacher in Malaysia: "Please Make Season 2"

Kim Moo Yeol personally shared one of the overseas reactions he received, highlighting the drama's impact. He shared, "The drama had just been released when a teacher from Malaysia sent me a message saying, 'I was deeply moved and comforted by this series. I hope there will be a Season 2.'" 

He continued, "I was honestly surprised. We worked hard on the project and hoped many people would enjoy it, but I never imagined it would resonate beyond borders, especially with teachers."

The fact that a drama dealing with teachers' rights touched educators in another country demonstrates that the message of 'Teach You a Lesson' is not limited to Korea alone.

Reunion With the Director of 'Juvenile Justice'... Na Hwa Jin Becomes a Career-Defining Role

One reason Kim Moo Yeol decided to join 'Teach You a Lesson' was his trust in the creative team behind the project.

He explained, "What impressed me was how the director handled a difficult subject in a way that was accessible and entertaining for everyone. I also had great trust in the director, whom I worked with previously on Juvenile Justice."

He continued, "While dealing with ten episodes, I wanted to approach the material with the same sensitivity and depth. There were moments when I became tired and even doubted myself, but whenever that happened, I found strength in the director's unwavering energy and passion."

As the series gained popularity, Kim Moo Yeol's character Na Hwa Jin has increasingly been described as one of the defining roles of his career.

Kim Moo Yeol said, "We started this project carefully because there were concerns and worries surrounding it, but because we truly loved the work, I think that passion transformed into positive energy."

He gave credit to his fellow cast members and explained, "The decisive factor was that all of the actors were so good. Everyone came to the set with dreams and passion. Every actor and staff member loved the project wholeheartedly."

So, Will There Be a Season 2? The Director Responds

The biggest question on viewers' minds is ultimately whether 'Teach You a Lesson' will return for a second season.

With the first season simultaneously claiming the No. 1 spot globally and topping buzz rankings, expectations for a follow-up season have naturally grown.

Addressing the possibility, director Hong Jong Chan, who helmed 'Teach You a Lesson,' said, "Nothing has been decided yet, and it still doesn't quite feel real to me." However, he added a positive note, saying, "If the response continues to be good, there may be good news."

While it is clear that no official decision has been made, the drama's strong viewership performance and continued dominance in buzz rankings create favorable conditions for discussions about a sequel.

Considering Netflix's tendency to evaluate renewals based on viewership metrics and audience engagement, True Education's current performance could work in favor of a Season 2.

Another factor is Kim Moo Yeol himself, who has openly expressed enthusiasm for a second season, even mentioning the possibility of a special appearance by John Cena.

As 'Teach You a Lesson' continues to attract strong attention both in South Korea and overseas during its second week of release, the remaining points of interest are how much further its records will grow and whether that momentum will ultimately lead to a second season.

Kim Moo Yeol's Top 7 Career-Defining Works

Looking at Kim Moo Yeol's filmography, one characteristic stands out clearly.

With every project, he completely transforms his physique and overall presence to immerse himself in his characters.

Whether revisiting knife-fighting techniques or gaining and losing 15 kg (33 lbs) for a role, his extreme dedication to physical transformation helped elevate him from a genre specialist to a star with multiple blockbuster hits.

A ranking of seven representative works from his career offers a clear look at how he has expanded his acting range over the years. From television and film to OTT platforms, these are seven of Kim Moo Yeol's most notable projects that captured both public popularity and critical attention.

No. 7 - 'Bad Guys: Vile City'

A Rookie Prosecutor Wrestling With Justice

In OCN's 'Bad Guys: Vile City' (2017–2018), Kim Moo Yeol portrayed No Jin Pyung, a third-year rookie prosecutor newly assigned to the Seowon District Prosecutors' Office.

The series followed the growth of an ordinary man who initially feared field investigations but gradually stepped into the dangerous world of hunting violent criminals.

Set in a brutal environment where the line between good and evil was often blurred, Kim convincingly portrayed the character's psychological evolution and significantly raised his public profile through the role.

No. 6 - 'Forgotten'

A Chilling Performance That Required a Physical Transformation

Director Jang Hang Jun's 2017 mystery thriller 'Forgotten' featured Kim Moo Yeol opposite Kang Ha Neul.

Kim Moo Yeol played Yoo Seok, an older brother who returns home after being kidnapped but appears strangely different from before.

To create a frailer image for the role, Kim Moo Yeol altered his physique through strict dieting and cardio training. He also performed intense action sequences without a stunt double. His unsettling portrayal of a mysterious character was widely praised for heightening the film's suspense.

No. 5 - 'Honest Candidate'

A Successful Comedic Transformation

The 2020 film 'Honest Candidate' marked a very different chapter in Kim Moo Yeol's acting career.

He played Park Hee Chul, the chief secretary to politician Joo Sang Sook (played by Ra Mi Ran), who suddenly becomes incapable of telling lies. The role allowed Kim to overturn the tough image he had built through thriller and action projects by showcasing his comedic side.

His chemistry with Ra Mi Ran generated positive word of mouth, helping the film attract 1.53 million moviegoers despite being released during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The success proved that his acting abilities were not confined to a single genre.

No. 4 - 'My Beautiful Bride'

OCN's 'My Beautiful Bride' (2015) marked Kim Moo Yeol's return to television after a five-year absence.

He played Kim Do Hyung, a seemingly ordinary bank employee who pushes himself to the limit in search of his missing fiancée, portrayed by Go Sung Hee.

Matching the character's background as a former special forces operative, Kim performed demanding action scenes without stunt doubles while also delivering emotionally rich romantic performances.

The drama solidified his reputation as an actor perfectly suited for genre productions and remains a favorite among devoted fans.

No. 3 - 'The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil'

In the 2019 crime thriller 'The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil,' Kim Moo Yeol played detective Jung Tae Seok of the Cheonan Police Department's violent crimes unit.

His character joins forces with gangster boss Jang Dong Soo, played by Ma Dong Seok, in pursuit of a serial killer. To visually embody the rough and relentless detective, Kim gained an impressive 15 kgs (33 lbs).

Despite sharing the screen with the physically imposing Ma Dong Seok, he projected enough intensity to become one of the film's central forces.

The movie was officially invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival and received praise both domestically and internationally.

No. 2 - 'Juvenile Justice'

In Netflix's 2022 drama 'Juvenile Justice,' Kim Moo Yeol portrayed Cha Tae Joo, an associate judge in juvenile court.

Unlike Judge Shim Eun Seok (played by Kim Hye Soo), who openly declares her hatred of juvenile offenders, Cha Tae Joo believes in their capacity for rehabilitation and treats them with empathy.

Kim Moo Yeol delivered a nuanced performance, portraying a character burdened by his own painful past as a former juvenile detention center inmate.

Critics praised him for bringing depth and credibility to a role that could have easily become one-dimensional.

The series ultimately reached No. 1 globally in Netflix's non-English TV category and became a worldwide success.

No. 1 - 'The Roundup: Punishment' (The Roundup 4)

The Role That Cemented His Status as a Blockbuster Star

The 2024 film 'The Roundup: Punishment' represents the peak of Kim Moo Yeol's career to date.

He played Baek Chang Gi, the fourth-generation main villain of The Roundup franchise and a ruthless former special forces mercenary.

To prepare for his showdown with monster detective Ma Seok Do (played by Ma Dong Seok), Kim gained 10 kilograms and drew upon knife-fighting techniques he had learned in his twenties to create a sharp, disciplined fighting style.

His cold, expressionless demeanor and deadly gaze earned praise from audiences and critics alike, with many describing him as "the most threatening and survival-oriented villain in the franchise's history."

When the film surpassed 10 million admissions, Kim officially earned the title of a "10-million-actor"—a designation reserved for stars of Korea's biggest box-office hits.

An Actor Who Transforms Himself for Every Role—What's Next for Kim Moo Yeol?

Looking across Kim Moo Yeol's most notable works, a clear pattern emerges.

For 'Forgotten,' he lost weight. For 'The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil,' he gained 15 kilograms. For 'The Roundup: Punishment,' he added another 10 kilograms.

Time and again, he has used his body as a tool to fully embody his characters.

From prosecutors, detectives, judges, and bankers to political aides and villains, he has consistently taken on roles with completely different personalities and professions, presenting a new side of himself each time.

For fans, the biggest question now is simple: What kind of character will Kim Moo Yeol portray next?

Having reached a career high point with his villainous role in The Roundup 4, attention is now focused on whether he will return to heroic or comedic roles in his next project—or continue exploring darker characters.

One thing is certain: Kim Moo Yeol is not an actor who stays in one place for long. His seven defining works are proof of that.