In case you have just concluded watching the series 참교육, then your search for Kdramas Like Teach You a Lesson would most likely indicate that you are looking for more than just another school drama. This is because the show featuring Kim Moo-yul, Lee Sung-min, Jin Ki-joo, and P.O was not necessarily about school in the ordinary sense of the word. Featuring the Education Rights Protection Bureau, the drama covered a wide range of topics from bullying and drug trafficking to gambling on the internet, pressure in education, corruption of school boards, and even politicians taking advantage of such tragedies to their own benefit.
One reason why this show kept me hooked was its amazing skill at mixing socially relevant topics with thrilling action and comedy. At one point, we see Na Hwa-jin chase down some young delinquents, and the next scene will have us laughing our heads off with the funny antics of Han-rim and Geun-de. The underlying theme is that once institutions lose sight of their responsibility towards the common man, somebody has to take charge and do the needful.
This is why searching for Kdramas similar to Teach You a Lesson may prove to be challenging. Few series succeed in combining aspects of social critique, action, drama, and revenge like the ones found in the ERPS’ journey. Fortunately, the list of dramas provided below possesses some of the features mentioned above, regardless if they employ the use of vigilantes, critique of institutions, or avengers.
Kdramas Like Teach You a Lesson
Study Group
If you loved seeing Na Hwa-jin come into a hopeless situation and change everything up against bullies who believed themselves to be invincible, then Study Group will definitely rank high on your must-watch list. The series, featuring Hwang Min-hyun as Yoon Ga-min, revolves around a student with the most innocent dream of studying. However, the catch is that his school is among the worst, with fists doing all the talking. Similar to Hwa-jin, Ga-min always finds himself intervening on behalf of those weaker than him, putting himself in danger each time.
The reason why Study Group is such a great continuation is how much action it delivers while conveying a surprisingly moving message regarding education. Underneath the amazing fight sequences and rivalries between the school gangs, there lies the tale of a generation of young people who are seeking help and hope to create something more in their lives. Even though Ga-min doesn’t have as much power and access as ERPS, he is just as willing to go up against an unfair system. Humour also plays an important role in the Study Group’s narrative, which means that even its darkest moments will be able to entertain viewers.
Taxi Driver
Let’s face it, there is no drama that really embodies the theme of Teach You a Lesson than Taxi Driver. This TV show stars Lee Je-hoon as Kim Do-gi, where we watch how he runs the Rainbow Taxi, an underground private justice agency for those seeking vengeance against their tormentors after having been let down by the very same law-enforcement bodies that should have protected them. Each episode brings a story of harassment, bullying at school, fraud, kidnapping, and other injustices. Ringing any bells yet? Just like the ERPB, Rainbow Taxi helps those who are helpless!
In terms of similarities, there is no better feeling than seeing terrible individuals receive their just desserts. From Hwa-jin catching the corrupt school committee to Kim Do-gi making the scammer regret his decision forever, these two dramas know exactly what we crave to watch. On the other hand, it is not easy to forget that in these series there is an awareness of how human lives suffer when there is corruption. Underneath all this confrontation is the struggle of the common individual fighting an oppressive system that serves only to protect the oppressor. (Some of these characters can be so awful that you will always root for the Rainbow Taxi crew.)
Juvenile Justice
One of the most intriguing things about the kdrama Teach You a Lesson was how it dared to pose challenging questions regarding juvenile delinquents. Na Hwa-jin would repeatedly come across students who used their young age as a cover-up to escape taking responsibility, prompting people to ask themselves at what point society should decide to punish or rehabilitate the offender. If you find the subject matter appealing, then Juvenile Justice should definitely be a drama you should watch. This show stars Kim Hye-soo playing Judge Shim Eun-seok, a firm believer in juvenile crime.
Contrary to most legal dramas that only concentrate on legal matters, Juvenile Justice delves into the various social issues that lead youths into crime. Some are neglected victims, while others deliberately use the law in a way that suits their interests. This makes for an intense drama without providing easy solutions. Like in Teach You a Lesson, the series forces the viewer to look beyond black-and-white thinking about evil and good while at the same time satisfying the need for justice. By the end of the series, one finds themselves debating some of the issues Hwa-jin did while investigating crimes.
The Judge from Hell
Now, this one may not have schools, teachers, or education policies at its centre, but give me a chance to explain why this Korean drama will appeal to you. If watching Teach You a Lesson for the sake of seeing how arrogant bad guys got their dues is what brought you joy, The Judge from Hell will make it to your list. With Park Shin-hye and Kim Jae-young acting as Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on, respectively, it tells a story of a devil inside a judge punishing those who evaded justice during their life.
What makes the show so amusing is how it refuses to allow the audience to sympathise with its antagonists. It gives viewers someone who believes he or she will never be caught, and then gives that individual even worse consequences that are delivered by an even scarier individual. Despite being considerably darker in nature and even more supernatural and comedic, this drama series shares a surprising similarity with the others. It takes the premise of justice not coming in traditional terms to an extreme level. Sometimes the justice takes the form of a demonic judge; other times, it takes the form of Na Hwa-jin simply strolling through the hallways of a school.
Weak Hero Class
As Teach You a Lesson was focused on adults coming to the rescue of the students, in Weak Hero Class, the question is asked about how a situation would be if nobody comes to help. Featuring Park Ji-Hoon as Yeon Si-eun, the drama is focused on an exceptionally smart and small-looking individual getting himself involved in violent activities. Along with Choi Hyun-wook, as Ahn Su-ho and others, he faces life in this tough world.
There isn’t an intervention from an organisation such as the ERPB to help the victims in this drama, and this adds to its emotional impact. All the conflicts presented in this drama appear to be personal, as the students have to face the problems alone. However, even with the difference in their tones, these two dramas focus on presenting the actuality of school violence and neglect within schools. Seeing Si-eun go up against all odds is just as emotionally impactful as seeing Hwa-jin speak out against those who neglected the students they were meant to protect.
Special Mention
Brave Citizen
If you’ve ever seen Na Hwa-jin stand up to a bully and wished more teachers would be like her, then this movie is definitely for you. Brave Citizen features the actress Shin Hye-sun playing So Si-min, a former boxing champion who accepts a job as a substitute teacher in a high school. Despite her intention of being safe enough to secure a permanent position in the same place, she finds out that a single student turns the whole school into a playground of threats and violence.
What is presented below is a story that stands out among others regarding takedowns of bullies in Korea’s cinematic history. Like Teach You a Lesson, this movie examines the situation that arises from the reluctance of the authority to take appropriate steps towards punishing obvious misbehaviour. As Si-min finally realises that her students’ well-being is much more important than her professional status, we see action, humour, and satire that are almost identical to the ERPB’s experience. Witnessing her challenging the system that puts convenience above all else is equally gratifying as seeing Hwa-jin take down another corrupted person.
Did we miss any K-dramas like Teach You a Lesson that deserve a spot on this list? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below!
