A satisfying 'true education,' between fantasy and reality [Kim Na-yeon's Diagonal Line]

*This content was translated by AI.

[Editor’s Note] Kim Na-yeon's personal perspective on movies and OTT content.

The series "True Education," which directly targets the sensitive realities of school violence and the collapse of teachers' authority, has been unveiled. While it boasts thrilling action and a weighty social message, the premise of a Teachers' Rights Protection Bureau that employs violence remains an issue that must ultimately be addressed.

True Education is a Netflix series depicting the bold activities of the Teachers' Rights Protection Bureau, which stands with victims to set schools right. It is a new adaptation of a popular webtoon of the same name.

Prior to its release, we previewed episodes 1 through 3 of the work at a press screening. Set in a school where teachers' authority has collapsed, the series primarily follows characters from the Teachers' Rights Protection Bureau who are deployed to the school front lines to directly punish problematic students, parents, and teachers in an effort to protect the crumbling educational environment.

School violence scenes that cross the line appear from the very beginning, creating discomfort, yet the seemingly unrealistic story gradually feels like it carries the weight of reality. As the Teachers' Rights Protection Bureau begins its full-scale intervention, the work shifts into a tone of cathartic satisfaction.

The bold action sequences that subdue opponents to the point of making one wonder, "Is this even allowed?" serve as a major strength of the series. At the center of it all is Kim Mu-yeol's solid action foundation. Kim Mu-yeol skillfully navigates between toughness, flexibility, and human qualities, bringing three-dimensionality to his character.

In addition, Lee Sung-min, who plays Minister of Education "Choi Kang-seok," the founder of the Teachers' Rights Protection Bureau, anchors the drama with his signature stable acting. Jin Ki-joo and Pyo Ji-hoon also inject vitality into "True Education" with natural performances that seem tailor-made for them.

Structured as episodic segments, "True Education" drives immersion with a plot that leaves no room for boredom. The decisions each character makes at crossroads and the resulting changes further add persuasiveness to the story.

Through various portraits of students, parents, and teachers, "True Education" exposes the raw reality of the school front lines. It does not stop at simple punishment but shines a light on the issues from the victims' perspective. However, whether the premise of a Teachers' Rights Protection Bureau that permits violence can convincingly resonate with viewers between fantasy and reality remains a challenge the work must resolve.

Previously, the original webtoon of "True Education" sparked controversy even during its production phase for glorifying corporal punishment and violence within schools and using racist and hateful expressions.

Director Hong Jong-chan, while acknowledging concerns about the original work, stated, "The production team has made efforts to create a good story with a refined perspective." He added, "Rather than presenting a definitive answer, we hope this work will raise questions and reflections on what each of us can do from our respective positions amidst the various educational infringements occurring in reality."

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*This content was translated by AI.