Netflix’s series Teach You a Lesson shot straight to No. 1 on the Global Non-English TV chart right after release, and amid the buzz, actress Jin Ki-joo personally responded to pockets of criticism surrounding her acting.
Teach You a Lesson follows the newly established Teacher Rights Protection Bureau as it steps in to fix a broken education system plagued by boundary-crossing students, teachers, and parents. In the drama, Jin Ki-joo makes a striking transformation as Im Han-lim, a bureau inspector and former Special Forces operative.
In a recent interview, Jin discussed the research she did for Im Han-lim and shared behind-the-scenes stories. “When I read the script the writer gave us, I felt it was a great project,” she said, adding that the drama is receiving a positive response despite debates. Some had previously raised controversy over alleged sexist elements in the story. But she noted, “I liked that victims find comfort while perpetrators show reflection.”
Jin also addressed Im Han-lim’s tone, revealing, “Senior actor Lee Sung-min’s ideas helped a lot,” and that she studied character work by repeatedly watching Special Forces training footage.
Jin said she channeled Im Han-lim’s journey—from fleeing cruel students to becoming someone formidable—through her voice. “Imagine how hard it must have been for Han-lim to get here,” she said. “I figured the scolding would be ingrained in her body. It wasn’t something I used as a concept or a device, but I understand it might have sounded loud.”
Meanwhile, the show’s popularity is fueling speculation about a Season 2. Jin shared her hopes, saying, “If Season 2 happens, I’m curious to see how the relationship between Im Han-lim and Bong Geun-dae will develop.”