Seoul: Jin Ki-joo, who takes on the role of a no-nonsense inspector who holds bullies accountable in "Teach You a Lesson," on Tuesday credited the popularity of the hit Netflix drama series to its clear message of justice.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jin plays Im Han-rim, a former special forces soldier who is now an inspector at the fictional Educational Rights Protection Bureau (ERPB), established to protect the rights of teachers and students. She is one of the three inspectors of the ERPB, with the other two played by Kim Mu-yeol and Pyo Ji-hoon.
"Victims should be able to find comfort and get back on their feet, while perpetrators should realize what they did wrong and reflect on their actions," Jin told reporters in a group interview. She emphasized that although it seems like an obvious principle, it is not always the reality, making it gratifying to see it depicted clearly in the drama.
Buoyed by its cathartic message at a time when no clear resolution seems to exist against school bullying and other issues in the public education system, the webtoon-based series debuted at No. 1 on the weekly non-English show chart on Netflix. Jin expressed her fascination with how a story she thought was confined to South Korea has gained global popularity and thanked international viewers for their support.
"In our first meeting, director Hong Jong-chan explained that schools around the world also have their own issues," she said. "While cultures vary, we seem to go through similar patterns of change. It made me think that things like selfishness among people are playing out in much the same way everywhere."
When asked about the mixed reviews surrounding her performance as Han-rim, a character defined by her fearless personality and aggressive voice, Jin said she leaned into those traits to reflect Han-rim's own life journey as a survivor. She highlighted the challenges Han-rim faced as a fragile child who overcame intense training to become strong.
Expanding on Han-rim's personal history, Jin shared that one of the most personally touching scenes for her was when Na Hwa-jin (Kim Mu-yeol) saved her from bullies. "Hwa-jin's line in that scene was so powerful, I felt shivers run through me," she said. This moment persuaded her on why Han-rim followed Hwa-jin into the military.
Jin concluded by reflecting on the notion that "Teach You a Lesson" is a story about "good adults" supporting younger and weaker people. She expressed her desire to become such an adult by staying true to her words and taking responsibility for her actions.