Overcoming Controversy, 'True Education' Revealed: Kim Mu-yeol and Lee Sung-min Say, "We Are Confident" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid controversy surrounding the original webtoon, the Netflix series 'True Education' was unveiled, with the team directly explaining the work's direction and message. Director Hong Jong-chan stated that while preserving the original's satisfying tone, the adaptation was crafted with a refined perspective.

On the 5th, a press conference for the Netflix series 'True Education' was held at the Ambassador Seoul Fullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Director Hong Jong-chan, along with actors Kim Mu-yeol, Lee Sung-min, Jin Ki-joo, and Pyo Ji-hoon, attended and shared various insights.

'True Education' is a work depicting the bold activities of the School Authority Protection Bureau, which stands on the side of victims to correct schools.

Director Hong Jong-chan, known for delivering social messages and delicate, character-driven direction through 'The Boy Judge' and 'Dear My Friends', joined forces with writer Lee Nam-gyu, who has warmly yet sharply captured reality through works such as 'Morning Comes to the Psychiatric Ward' and 'Radiant'.

Regarding the adaptation of the original webtoon of the same name, Director Hong Jong-chan stated, "We focused on preserving the original's satisfying tone while paying close attention to adding depth and emotion to the characters."

Kim Mu-yeol takes on the role of 'Na Hwa-jin', a sharp-witted inspector from the School Authority Bureau, raising expectations. 'Na Hwa-jin', a former member of the Special Warfare Command, is a character who delivers a refreshing blow to the scene where problems occur.

He said, "I found the script fun to read. It seems to be a work that presents difficult issues in an easy-to-understand way. It's a comprehensive gift set containing satisfaction, joy, and moving moments. It embraces all genres. It feels like I've made about ten works."

Kim Mu-yeol reunited with director Hong Jong-chan and actor Lee Sung-min following Netflix's 'The Boy Judge'. He explained, "In the previous work 'The Boy Judge', we handled difficult and sensitive issues with caution and sensitivity, so I worked with trust again this time. I was satisfied once more. I believe we created a work that goes beyond simple consumption."

He continued, "This is the third time I've worked with senior actor Lee Sung-min. Meeting him was simply wonderful and brought a sense of relief. It gave me confidence that I could do anything, and he was a spiritual pillar for me both within and outside the work."

Notably, during the production of 'True Education', news broke that Kim Nam-gil had been cast. At the time, he publicly stated his decision to decline the role: "'True Education' was just one of the offers I received, and I had declined it once before. I am not unaware of the controversies or issues. I believe that if many people feel uncomfortable, it is right not to do such a work."

In response, 'True Education' assembled a new cast, with Kim Mu-yeol selected as the protagonist 'Na Hwa-jin'. He cautiously remarked, "Casting is something that happens with every project. Originally, this was something we knew among ourselves, but the fact that many people found out is a separate issue."

He added, "I focused on thinking about the work. I hope people judge my acting based on the performance. I believe actors should be known through their works, and I hope my sincerity is recognized through this work."

Lee Sung-min portrays 'Choi Kang-seok', the Minister of Education who established the School Authority Protection Bureau. He shared, "It deals with very difficult issues, but the story of resolving them dramatically and satisfyingly seems to have provided catharsis. That point was a decisive factor in choosing this work."

He also said, "I am grateful to the director for casting actors from the previous work and for always being someone I can trust. I was confident that this work would be loved just as much as 'The Boy Judge'."

He also spoke about working with Kim Mu-yeol. He said, "Meeting Mr. Mu-yeol is always an exciting experience. It was a fascinating experience to see his face change with each work. Being able to see a different side of him in this work made me very happy during the production."

Jin Ki-joo played 'Im Han-rim', a rookie inspector from the Special Warfare Command. Jin Ki-joo shared, "While reading the script, I felt overwhelmed every time I encountered moments where victims were protected in the script. I wanted to participate in this work with everyone involved, so I joined with trust."

In 'True Education', the newly created series original character 'Bong Geun-dae' is played by Pyo Ji-hoon. 'Bong Geun-dae' is a genius who graduated from KAIST in just two years but is tasked with infiltrating the school by disguising himself as a student due to his innate nerdiness.

Pyo Ji-hoon said, "I also found the script very fun and really wanted to participate. I especially enjoyed watching Netflix's 'The Boy Judge', and when director Hong Jong-chan contacted me, I really wanted to be part of it. When I heard that senior actors Lee Sung-min and Kim Mu-yeol would also be joining, I remember telling the director that I really wanted to do this work."

He continued with a smile, "Actually, I think my image helped a lot with the casting. I think my image of being somewhat naive and not very smart was helpful, so I tried hard to utilize that aspect."

Director Hong Jong-chan said, "'Bong Geun-dae' must be able to find solid footing for viewers within 'True Education'. He must be lovable and grow while being pushed around by the three seniors. From an entertainment perspective, he was lovable, which is why we made the casting offer."

'True Education' is a drama based on the webtoon of the same name. The webtoon faced controversy from the production stage for glorifying corporal punishment and violence in schools and using racist and hateful expressions.

Director Hong Jong-chan, while expressing empathy for concerns about the original, stated, "The production team made efforts to create a good story with a refined perspective."

He continued, "We also encountered frustrating stories in reality through the news. The fantasy setting of the School Authority Protection Bureau was appealing. I thought the charm of the original lay in the School Authority Bureau boldly resolving the frustrations of reality and making eye contact from the victims' perspective."

He emphasized, "Rather than presenting answers, I hope this work becomes one that, while observing the scenes of school authority infringement occurring in various realities, large and small, prompts each of us to question what we can do from our own positions."

Meanwhile, 'True Education' will be fully released on Netflix at 5 p.m. today.

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*This content was translated by AI.