Netflix’s latest Korean drama, Teach You a Lesson, has taken the streaming world by storm, rapidly climbing both domestic and international charts just one day after its release. Beyond its immediate popularity, the series carries a poignant significance for viewers: it features the final performance of the late actor Song Young Gyu, who passed away last year. As audiences continue to embrace the show, heartfelt tributes to the actor have proliferated across social media platforms.

According to FlixPatrol, a platform tracking OTT rankings, Teach You a Lesson achieved the third position globally in Netflix’s TV category as of June 7. After debuting at number five on June 6, it moved up two spots in a single day, reflecting its swift rise in popularity. The series has reached the number one spot in 25 countries, including South Korea, Bolivia, Hong Kong, India, Oman, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. It has also made a strong impact in English-speaking regions, ranking within the Top 10 in Australia (sixth), Canada (fifth), and New Zealand (sixth).

Immediately after its release, the series topped Netflix’s “Top 10 Series in South Korea Today” chart and quickly entered the upper ranks of global TV charts. Despite pre-release controversy surrounding the original webtoon and casting decisions, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive following the premiere.

Good Data Corporation reported on June 9 that Teach You a Lesson recorded 54,881 points on the integrated TV-OTT drama buzz rankings for the first week of June, debuting at the second position among all dramas. It has become the highest-scoring Netflix original released in 2026 so far, ranking twelfth in the all-time TV-OTT opening buzz records. The series also topped rankings in news and video categories, while cast popularity surveys revealed Kim Moo Yeol at first place, Jin Ki Joo at fifth, Lee Sung Min at eighth, and Pyo Ji Hoon at ninth, placing the entire main cast within the Top 10. Won Soon Woo, a data analyst, noted that viewers are not only reacting positively to the series itself but are also actively engaging in discussions about real-life issues in education, with expectations for a second season already forming.

Among the many performances in the series, the late Song Young Gyu’s appearance in the first episode has had a particularly profound impact on viewers. He portrays politician and ruling party presidential candidate Ryu Kwang Pil, a character attempting to use political influence to cover up his son’s involvement in school violence. In his pursuit to protect his social status, the character engages in corruption and pressures the education system, only for both his own crimes and his son’s misconduct to be exposed through the fictional Teachers’ Rights Protection Bureau, ultimately leading to his imprisonment.

Although his screen time is brief, Song Young Gyu received widespread acclaim for convincingly portraying both the arrogance of a powerful politician and the desperation of a man trapped by his circumstances. Born in 1970, Song Young Gyu debuted in the 1994 musical Murtle the Turtle Sage and later appeared in films including Public Enemy 2, Extreme Job, Hope, A Hard Day, and V.I.P. He also earned recognition for his work in dramas such as The Chaser, Golden Time, Misaeng, Hot Stove League, Reply 1988, Narco Saints, and Big Bet. His roles as the planning office manager in Misaeng and Chief Choi in Extreme Job remain especially beloved among viewers.

Song Young Gyu was found deceased inside a vehicle at a residential complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on August 4 last year at the age of 55, shortly after facing DUI-related legal proceedings. At the time of his passing, he was simultaneously working on three projects: SBS drama The Winning Try, ENA series The Defects, and the stage play Shakespeare in Love. Having completed filming for Teach You a Lesson prior to his death, the series became his final performance.

Since the show’s release, viewers have expressed deep admiration and sorrow online for Song Young Gyu’s work. Many comments highlight how impactful his short appearance was, noting the emotional depth he brought to his role. Fans frequently remarked on his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions, emphasizing how much more poignant his performance feels knowing it was his last. His presence has been credited with enhancing the dramatic tension and overall immersion of the series.

The drama itself has also been well received. Audiences praised its engaging storyline and strong performances, with viewers reporting binge-watching the series in a single day. Some critics, however, pointed out that the show occasionally leans on fantasy-driven catharsis. Nevertheless, the portrayal of collapsing authority within schools and the series’ resolution of systemic educational issues has resonated with many, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the narrative.

Set in a troubled educational environment, Teach You a Lesson follows the Teachers’ Rights Protection Bureau, a fictional agency that intervenes to restore order in schools affected by problematic students, teachers, and parents. The series, which spans ten episodes, is based on a Naver webtoon of the same name and employs an omnibus format, with each episode focusing on a different school and incident.

The drama is directed by Hong Jong Chan, known for Juvenile Justice and Dear My Friends, and written by Lee Nam Kyu, whose previous works include Daily Dose of Sunshine and The Light in Your Eyes. The main cast features Kim Moo Yeol, Lee Sung Min, Jin Ki Joo, and Pyo Ji Hoon. Director Hong Jong Chan expressed that the story’s fantasy elements allow for the exploration of real-life frustrations in the education system while preserving the emotional impact of the original webtoon.

The series has also generated excitement due to creative reunions: Hong Jong Chan and Kim Moo Yeol worked together again after Juvenile Justice, while Kim Moo Yeol and Lee Sung Min have collaborated on multiple projects previously. Although Kim Nam Gil declined the lead role due to controversies surrounding the webtoon, Kim Moo Yeol accepted the part, citing its focus on current educational issues.

The production team emphasized their efforts to craft a compelling story while reworking controversial elements from the original material. By adding emotional depth and complexity to the characters, they sought to maintain the webtoon’s cathartic appeal while addressing audience concerns.

As it continues to climb Netflix charts across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and English-speaking countries, Teach You a Lesson has not only captured widespread attention but also serves as a lasting tribute to Song Young Gyu, who quietly built an impressive career spanning more than three decades through countless supporting roles. His final performance leaves a memorable mark on viewers and the series alike.