Netflix is no stranger to adapting bold and provocative content, but its series Get Schooled is already facing serious backlash before it even airs. Based on the Korean webtoon of the same name, the drama is drawing criticism from educators who believe it sends the wrong message about how schools should function. At the center of the firestorm is the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU), a powerful voice in South Korea’s education sector.

The KTU has publicly demanded that Netflix cancel the adaptation, according to Anime News Network, citing concerns about the show's portrayal of violence and the disrespect it shows to teachers. In a statement titled “Violence Is Not True Education,” the union argued that the series distorts the role of educators and undermines efforts to promote a respectful, rights-based learning environment. While Netflix has yet to respond formally, the controversy is raising questions about the line between creative expression and social responsibility.

A Dangerous Message About Authority and Violence

Does Get Schooled Endorse Violence in the Classroom?

The main premise of Get Schooled involves a government official who uses physical force to “correct” student behavior in schools. For the KTU, this narrative is not just troubling, it is dangerous. The union argues that depicting violence as a legitimate tool for maintaining order could normalize aggression in classrooms and erode democratic conflict resolution. They believe the story legitimizes state-backed force, effectively endorsing corporal punishment, which has been banned in South Korean schools.

KTU also takes issue with how the original webtoon portrays educators. Teachers are often shown as ineffective or overly ive, creating a simplistic good-versus-evil dynamic that does not reflect the real challenges faced by education professionals. According to the union, this one-sided portrayal reduces the complex role of teachers and discourages meaningful conversation about how to both educators and students.

Concerns Over Representation and Social Impact

Why Get Schooled Sparks Deeper Concerns Beyond the Screen

Beyond its treatment of teachers, Get Schooled has also been criticized for its portrayal of marginalized groups. Critics note that the webtoon often casts women and people of color as antagonists, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This, combined with the show’s focus on violent solutions, raises broader concerns about the cultural messages the series may be sending to viewers, both in Korea and abroad.

While Netflix and the show’s creators have promised a more sensitive approach in the live-action version, many remain skeptical. The director and writer, Jong-chan Hong and Nam-kyu Lee, respectively, have strong track records, but the KTU insists that creative credentials are not enough to justify adapting a story with such contentious themes. As the debate intensifies, the fate of Get Schooled may come down to how far entertainment companies like Netflix are willing to go in balancing storytelling freedom with social ability.