Teacher protection team from 'teach you a lesson' appears in real life

Following the popularity of the series "teach you a lesson", the Gyeonggi provincial office of education has established a teacher rights protection team to provide legal support and handle complaints.

According to JoongAng Ilbo on 13/7, Director Ahn Min Seok signed the decision to launch the Teacher Rights Protection Team. This team comprises two main departments: emergency response and comprehensive legal support. Ahn Min Seok directly leads the unit, overseeing the handling of professional infringements and malicious complaints from parents.

Under this mechanism, each affected individual will have a single point of contact to oversee the entire process, from receiving information and verifying incidents to providing legal advice, psychological support, and recovery assistance. For serious cases, a rapid response team, including lawyers, education inspectors, and experts, will be available to support teachers. Incidents reported via the hotline will be assessed for urgency to ensure a timely response.

Korean media has likened this model to a real-life version of the Bureau for Pedagogical Rights Protection featured in the series "Teach You a Lesson". In the show, Na Hwa Jin, portrayed by Kim Moo Yeol, is an inspector who intervenes in school violence incidents that the conventional education system cannot resolve. He is joined by Education Minister Choi Kang Seok (Lee Sung Min), martial arts expert Im Han Rim (Jin Ki Joo), and technology genius Bong Geun Dae (Pyo Ji Hoon).

Trailer for "Teach You a Lesson", a 10-episode series that premiered on 5/6. The work topped Netflix's most-watched non-English film chart for four consecutive weeks. Video: *Netflix*

The office plans to recruit approximately 50 dedicated staff members, including education experts, current or retired teachers, and external specialists. Additionally, the legal support team will comprise lawyers, field investigators, and litigation support personnel as needed. To attract qualified individuals, the office has established compensation and reward schemes commensurate with the specialists' positions.

Ahn Min Seok emphasized, "We do not leave teachers to resolve incidents on their own. This first specialized education protection model nationwide aims to become a new standard, contributing to the perfection of the teacher protection system. The office will serve as a solid shield, allowing teachers to dedicate themselves fully to teaching and students to learn in a stable environment."

Ahn Min Seok, Director of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, signs the decision to establish the "Teacher Rights Protection Team" on 13/7. Photo: *Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education*

Korean media suggests that the establishment of this protection team, following the broadcast of "Teach You a Lesson", underscores the social relevance of the series. The show portrays teachers grappling with the gap between ideals and reality, while also reflecting the prevalence of school violence and systemic shortcomings in education. In reality, incidents of teachers' rights being infringed upon, coupled with pressure from parents and inappropriate student behavior, have shown an increasing trend.

In an interview, director Hong Jong Chan stated that the project does not advocate violence but aims to convey the victim's perspective. According to him, the series highlights the crucial role of adults in protecting and guiding students. "Our work is not intended to provide solutions. I hope it provokes reflection among viewers," the filmmaker said.