By Lee Minji
Jin Ki-joo Leads as Im Han-rim in Netflix K-Drama ‘Teach You a Lesson,’ Tackling School Bullying and Justice
Actress Jin Ki-joo steps into the powerful role of Im Han-rim, a former special forces soldier now serving as an inspector for the fictional Educational Rights Protection Bureau (ERPB). This bureau was established to protect the fundamental rights of teachers and students, placing Im Han-rim at the forefront of justice in the new **Netflix K-drama series “Teach You a Lesson.”** She is one of three dedicated ERPB inspectors, working alongside characters played by Kim Mu-yeol and Pyo Ji-hoon.
During a recent group interview, Jin Ki-joo shared her perspective on the show’s profound impact: “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. … It seems like such an obvious principle, but things do not always unfold like that in reality, so it was good to see that clearly demonstrated in the drama.” Her statement highlights the series’ commitment to delivering a clear message against injustice.
The **webtoon-based series** quickly captivated audiences, debuting at No. 1 on the weekly non-English show chart on Netflix. Its compelling and cathartic message resonates deeply, particularly at a time when clear resolutions for **school bullying** and systemic issues in public education often seem elusive. Jin expressed her fascination with the drama’s global reach, noting how a story she initially felt was confined to South Korea gained widespread international popularity, thanking overseas viewers for their enthusiastic support.
“In our first meeting, director Hong Jong-chan explained that schools around the world also have their own issues,” she recounted. “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.” This universal appeal underscores why “Teach You a Lesson” has become a globally recognized **Korean drama series**.
When questioned about the mixed reviews concerning her portrayal of Han-rim — a character defined by her fearless personality and aggressive voice — Jin Ki-joo explained her deliberate choices. She leaned into these powerful traits to authentically reflect Han-rim’s tumultuous life journey as a survivor. “Think how tough it would have been for a fragile kid like Han-rim who used to run away from bullies to go through intense, almost unbelievable training to become a strong person. … I think (her voice) was something ingrained within her as she overcame all that,” she elaborated, offering profound insight into the character’s development and resilience.
Delving further into Im Han-rim’s personal history, Jin shared that one of the most personally touching scenes for her was when Na Hwa-jin (played by Kim Mu-yeol) came to her rescue while she was being chased by bullies. “Hwa-jin’s line in that scene was so powerful, I felt shivers run through me. It completely persuaded me on why Han-rim followed Hwa-jin into the military, and she would always follow him without asking why,” she stated, highlighting the deep bond and pivotal moment that shaped Han-rim’s life.
Ultimately, “Teach You a Lesson” stands as a powerful narrative about “good adults” who offer crucial support to younger and more vulnerable individuals. Jin Ki-joo affirmed her personal commitment to embodying such an adult by consistently staying true to her words. “I want to be a person who keeps her word, someone who takes responsibility for her actions and words, someone who can protect people younger than her,” she concluded, reflecting both her personal aspirations and the inspiring core message of the popular **school bullying drama**.
