Teach You a Lesson (2026) s01e05 Episode Script
Episode 5
1
-[bells chime]
-[chalk scrapes]
HYEONJUNG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
YEAR 1, CLASS 3
[simple recorder tune plays]
YOON SE-A
KIM U-JIN
WE DO NOT CLIMB ON THE WINDOWS!
OUR DREAMS
OUR AMAZING HAND TREE
[music stops]
HOME OF THE HEAR
[woman]
I'm so sorry.
I want to live.
But living has become unbearable.
[haunting music plays]
[woman breathes shakily]
If you read my diary, you'll understand.
Mom, whatever you do,
don't forgive the person
who did this to me
[sniffles]
[breathes shakily]
[gasps]
[music stops]
[woman breathes shakily]
Hello. Are you Choi Ji-seon?
[breathes shakily]
[Han-rim] I see
you haven't received the news.
Today, we're carrying out psychological
evaluation for elementary school teachers.
Your appointment's for now.
Will you follow me, please?
[breathes shakily]
I really like
what you've done with the room.
[breathes shakily]
Thanks.
[uneasy music plays]
[music stops]
Today's mental health assessment
is being conducted
in elementary schools nationwide.
There will be no negative consequences
based on the results of the test,
so you are encouraged
to answer as honestly as possible.
3. I'M DOING RELATIVELY WELL
NOT AT ALL
[woman]
the TCM clinic I mentioned?
Sorry?
For your skin condition?
It seems to be getting worse.
Excuse me, Miss Choi.
Based on the results of your assessment,
I wish to inform you that you have
been placed on administrative leave.
[woman] You said there'd be
no negative consequences.
Elementary school teachers everywhere
are stressed out.
All across the country,
we are burned out and depressed.
What you're doing is telling her
to give up on being a teacher.
Don't you think
that it's preferable to dying?
[rock music plays]
In accordance with the psych results
and the orders of
the Educational Rights Protection Bureau,
you must take a leave of absence.
LET'S BECOME A GOOD TEACHER!
TOMORROW I'LL MEET THE CHILDREN
[woman]
is an elementary school teacher.
I'm afraid something's wrong at work.
I found things in her diary
that I'm very worried about.
[sniffles] Sir, please,
do what you can to help my daughter.
WILL IT END IF I DIE?
TEACH YOU A LESSON
[music stops]
HYEONJUNG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Can you tell me
what's gonna happen to me now?
-First, you need to see a doctor.
-Miss. Your mother.
She brought us
some of your personal belongings.
She figured you'd need them.
You're saying my mom knows about this?
Your mother is the one
who brought your case to our attention.
Seeing the doctor and receiving treatment
is the best thing you can do for her.
Shall we go?
Miss, do you know who's gonna
take care of the children in my class?
Don't worry. A new homeroom teacher
is on the way.
No. Don't do it!
That teacher will end up like me.
No! There's no need to worry about that.
Uh, this new teacher is
a real piece of work.
[kids shout]
[jaunty music plays]
[sighs]
NA HWA-JIN
All right, kids.
Why don't you all sit down, okay?
Quiet down.
Careful! Watch out! It's time to sit down.
I said quiet!
[shouting continues]
Quiet!
[shouting stops]
[chuckles]
-[shouting resumes]
-[child 1] Teacher!
If you were in a fight with
our tae kwon do master, who would win?
Sir, do you think you can beat Naruto?
Excuse me, sir,
I need to use the bathroom.
-This is not time for a bathroom break.
-I need to go, sir!
-Just wait a minute. I said hold on.
-I need to pee! Sir, please!
Hey, kid, what are you doing?
No! Not here! Just hang on!
[upbeat music plays]
[child laughs]
I gotta go too! I gotta use the bathroom.
[laughs]
Me too! Me too! My turn! Me too!
Faster, faster!
Quick! Faster. I gotta go!
[Hwa-jin] Here's some nice omelet.
Lots of good protein. Who wants some?
-[child 2] I want egg!
-[child 3] Me too!
Nobody wants to eat their tomatoes?
[music fades]
[child 4] Teacher!
-Hm?
-Can you make me a frog?
This isn't the moment to be making frogs.
Do what you're told.
[child 4] Please, sir, make me a frog.
This isn't the time for origami!
Just do as I said.
[cries]
[lively music plays]
Don't cry. I wasn't angry with you.
So you flip this side over again.
And then you fold like this,
and like this.
Then you fold the back legs.
Yeon-Seo, have you ever eaten
frogs' legs for dinner?
-Yuck! Do people really eat frogs' legs?
-Well, I've tasted them.
-[Yeon-seo] Huh.
-[Hwa-jin] There you go. One pretty frog!
Hop! Whoa!
[kids shouting]
[chuckles wryly]
[music stops]
[groans]
[sighs]
[breathes heavily]
Ga-yun,
was teaching always this hard?
Those damn frogs,
they killed me! [chuckles]
[chuckles]
LET'S BECOME A GOOD TEACHER!
[Ji-seon]
about the ways
to express our feelings with words.
For example, what do you say
when you're feeling really happy?
[poignant music plays]
Very good. "I'm happy
and I'm in a really good mood."
It's important that we learn
to express our feelings with words.
So, children, when we are in class, I hope
you will always tell me how you feel.
Okay?
I'm so happy to be here.
Let me tell you my name.
CHOI JI-SEON
Hello, everyone!
It's so nice to meet you all.
My name is Miss Choi Ji-seon.
I hope we will all get along together.
You all know who I am now.
So, maybe you would like
to introduce yourselves to me?
[kids] Yeah!
So, how about you?
My name is Kim Yong-hun.
My name is Lee Yeon-seo.
[exhales]
You're Kim U-jin, right?
It's all right, U-jin. You can sit down.
A round of applause.
-[child 1] Goodbye.
-[child 2] Bye, Miss.
[Ji-seon] Bye-bye, children.
See you tomorrow.
Hello, U-jin's mom.
U-jin, see you tomorrow!
-Say goodbye to your teacher.
-[Ji-seon] See you tomorrow.
Miss Choi, please take good care
of my U-jin.
Of course, ma'am.
Thank you for trusting me.
If it's all right with you,
may I contact you from time to time
if I have any questions or concerns?
Of course, ma'am.
You may contact me by using the Talk Mate
app. Feel free to leave your message.
Work hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
You live in the Stern Apartments, right?
Oh. Yes.
[woman] Come on.
Well done today.
-Shall we go?
-[woman] Did you bring your jacket?
Did you remember your lunchbox?
[cell phone buzzes]
This is U-jin's mom. I'm just
a little concerned about something.
Earlier, when you told U-jin to sit,
your tone was much too harsh.
I'm just concerned that he might think
that you don't like him.
[Ji-seon]
to make sure he doesn't feel that way.
[cell phone buzzes]
[U-jin's mom]
it will be bad for his self-esteem.
You understand, right?
[sighs] Of course.
[Ji-seon]
not to negatively impact his self-esteem.
[poignant music plays]
Hm.
[music fades]
You're not sure, is that it?
You want me to explain it again?
[sniffles]
[child 1] Miss, I know the answer.
I can do it!
-[child 2] Me too!
-[children shout]
Quiet please.
[U-jin cries]
It's okay.
[somber music plays]
[cell phone buzzes]
[U-jin's mom]
In the future, don't make him
solve math problems in front of the class.
[cell phone buzzes]
About the incorrect answers
on U-jin's spelling report.
Mark them with something other than
a slash. It's bad for his self-confidence.
[cell phone buzzes]
"Don't do that. No. Stop."
Please refrain from using
words of restraint such as these.
[cell phone buzzes]
When he clashes with one of the other
kids, take my child's side no matter what.
Avoid using words that imply commands
or orders. Make suggestions or requests.
Do not force him to greet people
with the traditional bowed head.
Feeling obliged and pressured to bow
to people is bad for his self-esteem.
Do not scold children
for being too loud in the classroom.
It crushes their spirit.
[kids shouting]
[child 1] You can't catch me!
[child 2] Ha! You missed me!
-[child 3] Miss, here! Look at this!
-[child 4] So cool!
-[laughter]
-[man 1] You're overreacting. Seriously.
-Ji-seon!
-How come you're late?
I told you she'd make it.
[woman] I've missed my bestie.
[man 1] Ji-seon!
[all sing wedding march]
No way! What date is it?
-[man 1] It's in the invitation.
-Sorry, one moment.
Where's the venue?
[U-jin's mom]
It may distract the boys
and it's inappropriate.
-[man 2] A toast to Won-ho!
-Ji-seon, come on, relax.
-[man 2] Cheers!
-[all] Cheers!
-[cell phone buzzes]
-[gasps]
[Ji-seon breathes shakily]
LONG TIME NO GET-TOGETHER
[U-jin's mom]
of posting this?
What if the children see this?
You're exposing them
to unnecessary sexualized content.
How did she find my Instagram account?
[U-jin's mom]
you spend all your time partying.
You realize it's my taxes
that pays your salary.
Spend more of your time
prepping your class.
[Ji-seon]
if her comments concerned the children.
But she's crossed the line. We're talking
about my private and personal life.
Change your Instagram account.
Better still, stop using social media.
Why should I?
I haven't done anything wrong.
I tried to fight them on it.
I even pressed charges.
Then the parents signed a petition.
Really. I tried my best to talk with them.
They complained that I always
sided with the teachers.
They didn't even listen to a thing I said.
No matter what I did, they shut me down.
And in the end, everyone suffered.
The entire school body did.
[sighs]
REMOVE "INSTAGRAM"?
DELETE APP
DELETE "INSTAGRAM"?
DELETE
[poignant music plays]
[Ji-seon]
go back on Instagram after I retire.
I need to consider the children.
[coughs]
[breathes heavily]
HOME OF THE HEAR
[exhales]
[music fades]
U-jin?
You like this?
I call it the Home of the Heart.
Here, you can play
and have fun with all your friends.
How are you feeling today, U-jin?
What would you like
to do with your friends?
I like to have fun and play with them.
[Ji-seon] That sounds great.
This is your Home of the Heart.
Here, you are allowed
to express all your feelings.
So why not
do what your feelings tell you to do?
Okay. My turn now.
[upbeat music plays]
-Yeah!
-[child groans]
[kids shouting happily]
[Ji-seon] Whoo!
Careful, everyone. Watch out.
-U-jin, you're so good!
-[Ji-seon] Whoa!
[cheering]
-Bravo, U-jin!
-[U-jin] Yeah!
Over here! Pass!
That's it, Eun-ho! Well done. Very good.
-[U-jin] Pass, pass!
-[Yeon-seo] Hey, over here! Pass the ball!
[music stops]
-[U-jin groans]
-[tense music plays]
U-jin. I'm really sorry.
[child 1] I got it!
-[gasps] Ow!
-Stop, U-jin!
[U-jin's mom]
Refrain from using words of restraint.
When he clashes
with one of the other kids,
take my child's side no matter what.
[child 2] Ow! U-jin, stop. That hurts!
-[child 2 cries]
-U-jin!
[cries] I want my mommy!
Mommy!
-It hurts. My eye hurts!
-Seo-jun, you okay?
[Seo-jun] Mommy!
[sighs]
[Seo-jun cries]
-[music fades]
-[Ji-seon] Hello. Thank you for coming.
I'm sure you must be feeling
a little shocked. Please, have some tea.
I spoke with Seo-jun.
He told me his version of what happened.
Boys will be boys, and when
they play sports, these things can happen.
And sometimes, they fight.
I understand that.
Thank you for being so understanding.
The children have apologized and made up.
Are you saying you made U-jin apologize?
U-jin was at fault,
so of course he had to apologize.
My son told me that Seo-jun pushed him
first. He started the whole thing.
So he's the one who should apologize.
Excuse me.
My son's been seriously injured.
He could have lost an eye.
My son has also been injured.
Imagine how hurt he must have been
to be crying.
[Seo-jun's mom] That's
an interesting thing to focus on.
We are trying to move past this
for the children's sake.
Your son hurt my U-jin's feelings!
If he is traumatized by this,
it's your fault,
and I'll make sure your son pays for it.
-What?
-Ladies, please.
I'm begging you. Please calm down.
Miss Choi, as their teacher,
why aren't you speaking up?
We all know that U-jin is a loner and
doesn't get on with the other children.
Now I've met you,
I understand why that is.
-Watch it!
-[Seo-jun's mom] Try me!
Call a meeting then.
You won't be so full of it then.
-All right! Bring it on.
-Sit down.
Call a meeting. I'm game.
Please, ladies, calm down.
I'm begging you.
You need to calm down. Please.
Mrs. Lee, I have the feeling
that a school violence committee meeting
would be unfavorable for U-jin.
-Why don't we all just apologize--
-You do realize all of this is your fault?
I told you to always take U-jin's side
if there were fights at school.
And you told me you were on board.
[sighs] Ma'am, I never said
that I agreed with that.
What did you say?
Why are you suddenly changing your mind
instead of speaking up back then?
I will speak with Seo-jun's mother--
What will you say
at the violence committee meeting?
[Ji-seon] Well…
-I have to tell them exactly what I saw.
-[Mrs. Lee] Yes, and?
What exactly did you see?
[sighs]
Give me your phone number.
It's against school policy to give out
our personal numbers. We use Talk Mate.
Are you saying I can't reach you
after work hours?
You wanna go and enjoy your life
after what you've done to my son?
-No, ma'am. I didn't say that--
-Give it to me!
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
You do realize that?
And right now, my husband is really angry.
Maybe I should call him.
-Yeah?
-[gasps softly] I'm sorry, ma'am.
A homeroom teacher
isn't qualified to help you with that.
[scoffs]
[cell phone buzzes]
-Hello. Good morning.
-This is U-jin's mother.
Mrs. Lee.
How did you find my private number?
[Mrs. Lee]
What are you gonna say to the committee?
[breathes shakily]
-[Mrs. Lee]
-I have to…
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
[sighs]
[cell phone continues buzzing]
[sighs]
[Mrs. Lee]
Yes, ma'am?
[Mrs. Lee]
take so long to answer?
[uneasy music plays]
-Hello? Are you there?
-Uh… Uh…
[exhales] My apologies, ma'am.
[cell phone buzzes]
[Mrs. Lee]
Why aren't you answering me?!
It's just that I'm in the middle
of prepping the class.
[cell phone buzzes]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
-[cell phone rings]
-[gasps]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[Mrs. Lee]
if there were fights at school.
And you told me you were on board.
You want to go and enjoy your life
after what you've done to my son?
[cell phone buzzes]
[distorted]
all this is your fault, right?
And you told me you were on board.
-[screams]
-[Mrs. Lee]
Miss Choi!
[cell phone buzzes]
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
Miss Choi! Miss Choi!
-[cell phone buzzes]
-[breathes shakily]
[doorbell chimes]
[music fades]
Hello, Miss Choi.
Why aren't you answering your phone?
Do you feel guilty, Miss? Is that it?
Come down. Let's talk face to face, okay?
[woman] Who is it?
I'm just going out for a moment.
Where to?
Where are you going?
[sighs] That makes no sense.
U-jin was not the cause of it!
It's unacceptable.
Why would the committee rule against us?
[sighs] There's nothing to worry about.
All you need to do
is submit a written apology.
-It was you, wasn't it?
-Sorry?
You took their side.
You're mistaken, ma'am.
I didn't take sides.
Just because I was a little critical
about your work,
you bullied my son just to get back at me.
[tense music plays]
You don't deserve to be a school teacher.
I can't trust you with my son,
so you should quit.
And my husband is very angry with you.
I advise you to watch out.
[breathes shakily]
[exhales deeply]
[sighs]
[music stops]
Papa?
[sighs, tuts]
U-jin, come with me.
Come on, let's go.
I said let's go!
Mr. Kim, right now
we're in the middle of class.
[Mr. Kim] What the hell?
[Ji-seon gasps]
Sir, please stop it. Think about U-jin.
What the…
Who the hell do you think you are? [tuts]
Let's go.
Out of my way.
[kids cry]
[Ji-seon] Don't worry, children.
It's all right, Ji-yeong. Don't cry.
TEACHERS' RIGHTS PROTECTION COMMITTEE
NOTICE TO ATTEND
VICTIMIZED TEACHER: CHOI JI-SEON
[Mrs. Lee]
I don't care.
Even if what I did is against the rules,
I'll just apologize later.
Go ahead and call the ERPB.
[gasps softly]
Did you think I'd just sit back
and watch a teacher abuse her power?
I filed a complaint against you.
[gasps]
You picked on U-jin,
and humiliated him in front of the class.
When I raised the question with you, you
encouraged another child to ignore him.
You lured my son
into that Home of the Heart thing,
and that's where
you emotionally abused him.
But, ma'am, none of this is true.
We'll see about that.
The police will investigate anyway.
I would never humiliate
or emotionally abuse U-jin.
Are you saying I imagined it all?
That I'm doing this to get back at you?
And his behavior, how do you explain that?
You say you've done nothing wrong,
yet my son spends his time crying at home.
I feel very sorry for U-jin, ma'am,
but you have no right to do this.
No right?! U-jin's been wronged, but his
teacher won't take responsibility for it.
Do you want me to resign? Is that it?
I went to see a lawyer too.
The law has been changed.
So even if you accuse me
of child abuse, I…
I won't be suspended immediately
like before.
I don't really care.
Go and teach.
And when your day is done,
head to the police station
where you can help the investigation.
The whole process can be very long.
Maybe more than a year.
If you can't handle it,
you should quit teaching.
[haunting music plays]
And when they find me innocent,
what will you do then?
Well, of course, I'll apologize.
That's all I can do.
Because that's the law.
[breathes shakily]
[inaudible speech]
[woman]
I saw this on a parents' forum.
Have you seen it?
This looks really serious.
1-3 HOMEROOM TEACHER
AT HYEONJUNG ELEMENTARY IS A CHILD ABUSER
[tense music plays]
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING
SO SHOCKING
[breathes shakily]
PLEASE SHARE THIS POST UNTIL THE DAY
CHOI JI-SEON IS PUNISHED
MS. CHOI 010-0235-7462
[cell phone buzzes]
[kids chatter]
[woman] All right. First grade, Class 3.
Come on in, please.
[Ji-seon] Okay, let's go.
How about an orange?
[Mrs. Lee] Would you like some more rice?
Is that enough? Enjoy your meal.
[child] Thank you.
-Are you ready?
-Yeah.
-Let's do it.
-[both] Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[principal]
the school to complain.
Some are even coming to see me
to discuss this in person.
They're saying that if I allow you
to keep working here,
they'll stop sending their children
to our school.
[recorder music plays]
I'm sorry.
It's not fair to tell you
to hold on and to hang tight.
HOME OF THE HEAR
[music stops]
TEACHER
KIM U-JIN
[haunting music plays]
KIDDOS IN YEAR 1, CLASS 3
KIM U-JIN: THOUGHTFUL, SMILEY
KIM YUN-U: VERY CONSIDERATE
[music fades]
MS. CHOI, BE HAPPY
[Hwa-jin]
she were standing alone in a dense forest.
IT'S HARD TO OPEN MY EYES IN THE MORNING
In a place where people
were watching her from all around,
ready at any moment
to pounce on her and rip her to shreds.
A woman all alone and defenseless.
I'M MAKING MY OWN STUDENTS UNHAPPY
WILL IT END IF I DIE?
[Han-rim] So why
are the police investigating?
She followed the curriculum
and the teaching protocols.
Because once a report has been filed,
the police have to investigate.
So these people can file a complaint
without any proof?
They're the rules.
Seriously?
In this kind of case,
suspicion alone is all that's required.
This data shows
that the number of teachers
that have been reported for child abuse
over the past few years
has increased to over 11,000.
And yet only 1.6% of them
end up being prosecuted.
This means that most of these teachers
have been subjected
to undue stress and anxiety
even though they'd done nothing wrong.
[Hwa-jin] Even if the teacher
is found not guilty,
the person or parent
who has filed the report
cannot be punished
for making false accusations by the judge.
Many parents are taking advantage of that.
Even if they're wrong
and the teacher's innocent,
they just say, "My bad."
You gotta be kidding!
The problem is
the current wording of the law
gives an ambiguous definition
of emotional abuse.
These are invisible wounds.
They have no choice
but to believe the parent.
And it's very difficult
for teachers to prove otherwise.
The teachers are exhausted and alone.
Despite the fact
that most of them will be found innocent,
until then, a full investigation
has to be done.
And sometimes, the teachers
are removed from their class.
The teachers are told not to hit children,
not even with a flower,
but this is like handing
a loaded gun to the parents.
How do we expect them to block the bullets
that are being fired at them? [exclaims]
Unbelievable!
Currently, it means that if a teacher
is reported to the school for child abuse,
we've got no way to protect them.
[Gang-seok bangs table]
Well, then,
we must be their shields.
It's not going to be easy.
To bring about change, it's one step
at a time. That's what we'll do.
First step, Inspector Hwa-jin,
you must manage those parents
who abuse the spirit of the law.
[rock music plays]
I'm all fired up after that speech.
Let's go!
"You must manage those parents
who abuse the spirit of the law."
[music stops]
[woman] Miss Choi Ji-seon?
Come with me, please.
COUNSELING ROOM
Best of luck.
[woman on PA]
Please contact the front desk.
Orderly is requested for Room 523
at the Acute Care Unit.
Visiting hours are over at 5 p.m.
I can't believe that someone would
harass another human being like that.
I swear that people
are starting to scare me.
[exhales] I get that.
But reptilians are much, much scarier.
-Rep what?
-[Geun-dae] Reptilians.
Alien beings that have infiltrated Earth.
[sighs] Aliens don't exist, Bong.
Actually, it's true. There's a lot
of evidence confirming that they exist.
Do you really believe that stuff?
[intriguing music plays]
Well, it's probably better
if we stop talking.
Why? Is my conversation
boring to you, Bong?
No. It's just that I have the impression
that it's a waste of time speaking
with people who aren't open-minded.
I understand. Deputy Director Bong?
-Yes?
-These rep--
-Reptilians.
-Yeah. The rep… whatever.
Yeah?
Well, how about I show you
something even scarier?
Uh…
Agh! [whimpers]
[exhales]
Well, then, how about I show you how to
write the character for "patience" again?
You start with the root for knife
and the radical for heart.
Then you slice the heart with the knife.
Da-dum, da-dum.
[somber music plays]
[kids shouting]
[whistle blows]
[shouting stops]
All right. So, would anyone
like to step up and solve this?
[kids shout]
[whistle blows]
Would U-jin like to give it a try?
[kids] Oh!
FRIDAY, MAY 8
DAILY REPOR
[Hwa-jin]
the children and I spent our time
solving problems on the chalkboard.
The children were very attentive.
But if you think improvement is needed,
feel free to review at home.
[Mr. Lee] Whoa! [yelps]
-[groans]
-Whoa! Are you all right, ma'am?
[chuckles] Let me help you.
Why were you hiding behind the door?
Well, this is…
Well, this is where I teach.
It's my classroom.
The new homeroom teacher.
Oh. So that means
that you're U-jin's new teacher?
Ah, you must be his mom!
I'm pleased to meet you, ma'am. [chuckles]
Welcome. My name is Na Hwa-jin.
So, what brings you to school
so early in the morning, ma'am?
Yesterday, you asked U-jin
to solve some problems, didn't you?
Yes, and I was really impressed.
U-jin is a really smart kid.
I got the feeling
that he's been working very hard.
And I'm guessing that you've been
studying a lot with him at home, right?
Well, no. Not really.
So that means he's just naturally gifted.
By any chance, are you gifted too?
I bet you did well in school
and U-jin takes after you. Am I right?
-Well, it's true I was a good student.
-I knew it!
If I may say so, you look like
a good student. You really do. [laughs]
Sir, from now on, however,
would you please not ask U-jin
to the chalkboard?
I'm afraid that it might
affect his self-confidence.
Ah! Of course, yes.
I didn't even think of that.
Thank you for enlightening me.
I appreciate it. [chuckles]
I'm so happy that we understand each
other. Now I won't have to worry at all.
I'm not sure I understand.
Worried about what?
The previous teacher was a strange woman.
I promise that I will never
become a strange teacher.
-Thanks.
-[Hwa-jin laughs]
[intriguing music plays]
NA HWA-JIN
Hello. What can I do for you?
Well, you see, U-jin keeps falling asleep.
-I was wondering what I should do?
-Go ahead and wake him up.
Every student has the right to sleep
if they want,
so I don't want to abuse his rights.
That's okay.
You have my permission to do it.
That's perfect. Thanks.
[cell phone buzzes]
Sorry to bother.
How should I wake him up, ma'am?
Just give him a little shake.
I'm afraid that physical contact
would get me accused of child abuse.
Well, why not call him by his name then?
Ah!
[cell phone buzzes]
If I speak his name too loudly
it might startle him and it could be
emotionally stressful for him.
Ask the student next to him
to wake him up.
He might feel embarrassed,
and it would traumatize him.
Then leave him alone and forget it.
But, ma'am, um, that's neglect,
which means abuse.
-Hello? Mrs. Lee? Are you there?
-[sighs]
[cell phone buzzes]
-[sighs]
-[cell phone buzzes]
Oh, give me a break!
[cell phone buzzes]
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
[cell phone buzzes]
[music fades]
[Hwa-jin]
I was just wondering
what I could use instead of a slash
to indicate the incorrect answers
on U-jin's spelling test?
[Mrs. Lee] You have lots of options.
You can use a star.
[Hwa-jin]
to mark something as important.
[Mrs. Lee] A triangle?
[Hwa-jin]
when the answer is partially correct.
-[groans]
-[cell phone buzzes]
Polygons? Semicircle?
[cell phone buzzes]
Okay.
[rock music plays]
-Just use a slash.
-[Hwa-jin]
-
-Shit!
-Shit!
-[cell phone buzzes]
[music stops]
[Gang-seok]
What are your thoughts about parents
who contact teachers directly
on their personal phones?
My understanding is that contacting
teachers on their personal phones
is a violation of their rights
and their right to privacy.
We are putting in place a pilot project
to provide work phones to teachers.
Mm. Do you think it will be effective?
Is there any real way to actually
stop parents from contacting them
using social media
or turning up at their homes?
To try to remedy this, we're planning
to have a dedicated complaints department
in each school, so that teachers
won't deal directly with parents.
But by doing that,
you're putting them in the line of fire.
Turning them into punching bags.
We will just be passing the buck
and waiting for the next tragedy.
Every time a teacher dies at school,
we always say,
"We'll find a solution.
We'll change the way we do things."
But these tragedies keep happening,
so what are we doing wrong?
There's no point in changing a system
after the events.
It must be done now
to stop them happening.
We need to find a real solution.
When we need the law,
we will call the Minister of Justice.
And when we need a person of power,
then we should call the President.
We must make sure that no more teachers
die from parents' complaints.
[all] Yes, sir.
[indistinct chatter]
Hello, Mrs. Lee. [chuckles]
I was actually just about to call you.
In class, I'm teaching the children about
greetings and how we should interact,
and I was wondering, should we wave
with the right hand or the left?
It's important. It's related
to the right and left sides of the brain.
I'm sure that's something
you might want to decide by yourself.
I wouldn't dare do that, ma'am. What would
a teacher like me know about that?
You gotta be kid…
Why don't you just do your job?
I'll call you when I need to,
so please stop calling me.
All right. Maybe then I can DM you?
No, you can't! I am telling you. No more!
-Ma'am.
-And watch your back.
I've spoken with my husband
and he's very angry about this.
U-jin's father?
Oh, I'm really sorry. Uh, um…
[bell chimes]
[woman] Customer 820. Next, please.
[Hwa-jin] Hello.
-Good afternoon.
-There you go.
What can I help you with?
I'm here to speak with U-jin's father.
Can you call him?
Um. Sorry?
U-jin's father, hello?
U-jin's dad, are you here?
I see you have a second floor.
U-jin's dad?
Are you here?
Ah. Hello. Uh, hello.
-Who are you?
-Are you U-jin's father by any chance?
Yes, I'm his father.
What? Hey!
Excuse me, sir.
I'm really and truly sorry to disturb you.
-I'm begging you to forgive me.
-I've no idea what this is about.
I do my best and I work very hard
to become the best possible teacher.
Are you the school teacher?
I heard you were angry with me
because of my poor judgment
as a homeroom teacher.
Tell me exactly what I did wrong
and I will make sure
that it will never, ever happen again.
-[chuckles awkwardly] Stand up.
-No, sir! I'm begging you! I'm so sorry!
Are you angry with me, sir, because
of the slash marks for the corrections?
When U-jin got the math answers wrong?
Or was it something else?
Was it because I used words that affected
his self-esteem, like, "Don't do that"?
The last time you came to school you were
really angry and almost hit the teacher.
-Oh!
-I deserve a beating, sir. I'm worthless.
But if you beat me, I'll get fired.
Please don't beat me, sir!
I need my job to survive!
This is wild.
-I'm begging you! Please, sir, forgive me!
-[yelps]
-[Mr. Kim] Let go!
-I'm so sorry! No! Don't beat me!
Please don't beat me!
[laughter]
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!
This is a misunderstanding.
It's not what you think.
-[onlookers gasp]
-[Hwa-jin] Please, sir!
-[laughter]
-I'm sorry! Please, sir!
Whoa, whoa! Put your pants back on!
Sir, please, pull them up, sir!
-Let me help you!
-[onlookers chatter]
You wanna fuckin' die?
[groans]
[groans]
Learn to control your temper, sir.
If for any reason I ever hear "My husband
is angry" again, then you will end up
done for.
[tense music plays]
[music fades]
I appreciate it, sir.
You taking the time to meet me.
[man] Does this place have security?
[Mr. Kim] What the hell?!
That was so embarrassing!
-Can't you handle a fucking teacher?
-[Mrs. Lee] I didn't know he'd go see you.
[sighs] I'm up for my promotion soon,
and my manager, he saw what happened.
It's because of that teacher.
Don't take it out on me!
Fuck's sake! Deal with it!
Go see the principal and file a complaint
with the Office of Education.
-Just get that bastard fired!
-Stop shouting!
I…
Damn you all. [sighs]
[door slams]
[Hwa-jin] Good morning, children.
[blows whistle]
Good morning!
[Mrs. Lee] Is that
how you train your teachers?
He went to see my husband at work
and caused a scene.
What are you gonna do?
You are not allowed in my office, ma'am.
If you'd like to contact me,
then use the app.
And if you'd like to file a complaint,
use the proper channels.
If that is not satisfactory,
then I would suggest
you contact the President.
Otherwise, you can also file a report
with the ERPB.
You think I don't know that?
You really think
I don't know what my rights are?
I'm very pleased to know that
you are aware of what your rights are.
I know you're doing this for your son.
Let me remind you
that teachers are also
loved by their parents.
[scoffs]
You're all insane.
I'll make you pay for this.
You wait and see. You'll pay.
[door opens]
[principal sighs]
[Hwa-jin] The ERPB
will take all responsibility.
We'll also assume all the consequences.
In this kind of situation,
we find that it's more important
that you assume your role as a leader.
Not just as a principal.
In the current predicament,
the teachers don't need the Bureau.
What they need is a mentor.
Someone like you, Principal Kim.
[gentle music plays]
He's right, you know.
Teachers like us have to step up.
I forget sometimes
that I'm also a teacher.
[music fades]
[child 1] I really like that drawing.
It looks so cool.
[child 2] I know, right?
U-jin, let's go.
We're leaving.
Let's go.
Come on!
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
[sighs]
[cell phone dials]
Hi. Can you call the parent council?
It's unbelievable.
I'll tell you about it later.
Hey! You're all here.
[gentle piano music plays]
Uh…
Mr. Na, what are you doing here?
I'm glad you're here.
So…
-I came here to give you this, ma'am.
-What is it?
Take a look please.
COMPLAIN
COMPLAINANT: NA HWA-JIN
Mrs. Lee, I've filed an official
child abuse report against you.
-Child abuse?
-[Hwa-jin] Yes.
I saw it all, ma'am.
U-jin was resisting and you grabbed him.
Grabbed him like this
and pulled him from his seat.
Also, I had noticed when U-jin was at gym
he had these terrible bruises--
-How dare you?
-That's terrible. Did you hear that?
My son doesn't have any bruises.
Well, Mrs. Lee, after the investigation,
the police will make that call.
I'm his mother. What gives you
the right to report me anyway?
"When a teacher becomes aware
of potential child abuse
in the course of performing their duties,
or has reasonable suspicion of abuse,
the teacher shall report it to the Child
Protection Agency or other authorities."
That is the law.
And what happens if I'm cleared?
[sighs] Well, of course, I'll apologize.
Because that's also the law.
[woman 1] I heard that she also bullied
Miss Choi, one of the homeroom teachers.
[woman 2] She harassed her so much the
poor woman starting having facial tics.
I heard that
she's in hospital being treated.
-[woman 1] Are you serious?
-Yeah.
And I heard that the mom,
she's been like that for years.
No wonder her son is so odd.
Terrifying. I'm just glad
he's not in the same class as my son.
[Mrs. Lee] Who told you that?
-[gasps]
-[woman 3] Hello, Mrs. Lee.
-[woman 1] Is it her?
-I asked a question.
No one actually said anything.
Someone posted it.
Was it that bitch Miss Choi?
-Jeez.
-Was it her?!
-[groans]
-Was it that fucking bitch Miss Choi?
-Let's go.
-Children, it's time to go.
I think I should be going too.
[laughs awkwardly]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[breathes shakily]
[cell phone rings]
[tense music plays]
[cell phone rings]
Yeah, I see you.
-[tires squeal]
-[gasps]
[horn honks]
[breathes shakily]
[Mrs. Lee breathes heavily]
[panting]
[music fades]
[Mrs. Lee gasps]
[Mrs. Lee exhales]
[sighs]
So, you were on her side?
Because of the two of you,
my son is being treated as an outcast?
It's your fault.
It has nothing to do with the teacher.
My fault? How dare you
speak to me like that?
Why not? Isn't that
how you spoke with Miss Choi?
You better watch out.
I'm gonna report you and that bitch
to the Bureau.
Yeah, the ERPB.
I know someone there.
I'll make sure you never teach again.
[Hwa-jin] Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Na Hwa-jin.
I'm an inspector with the ERPB.
[rock music plays]
I am fully aware of your behavior
towards the teacher Miss Choi Ji-seon.
-It's why I'm here.
-You can't do this.
It's against the law.
You set me up. You bastard! [gasps]
You're a big fan of the law.
Let's do it by the book.
The investigation by
the Educational Rights Protection Bureau
finds your behavior, your malicious
false complaints against Miss Choi,
to constitute defamation of character
as defined by the law.
I haven't done anything wrong!
Everything I did, I did for my child.
I did what every parent would do.
You think I'd sit back
and watch my son be harmed?
It's the teacher's fault!
She knew nothing!
She doesn't even have her own child!
How could she understand how I feel?
In that case, I'm sure you can appreciate
how bad her parents feel.
Imagine her mother
watching her own child
suffering every day.
So what?
I don't care about that bitch.
I just care about U-jin.
The same as every parent in the world.
[breathes shakily]
[Ji-seon] Are you sure
that this looks like me?
-[laughter]
-[Ji-seon] Right!
I think that maybe
I'll look better in red?
-[laughter]
-[Ji-seon] What do you think, U-jin?
[chuckles] I'll do some drawing too.
So, U-jin,
I'm really happy to see you.
What made you want to call me today?
I did what you told me to, Miss.
You told me
to do what my feelings tell me.
I was having a really hard time today
and I wanted to see you.
Well, tell me
why you were having a hard time?
[sniffles]
[gentle music plays]
[sniffles] I feel so bad for you, Miss.
[breathes shakily] My mom,
she hurt you a lot, didn't she?
Oh, U-jin.
Don't worry about that.
[sniffles]
[cries]
[sniffles]
[Ji-seon] Okay?
[U-jin cries] My mom hates me.
She doesn't smile at me anymore.
She always seems to be angry.
Give me a hug, U-jin.
I know you've been having
a really hard time, U-jin.
It's okay.
It's all right.
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
[Ji-seon] You're gonna be okay. [inhales]
[U-jin sniffles]
Are you feeling a little better now?
[chuckles softly]
Wanna do some more coloring?
[Ji-seon exhales]
Who do you think
truly cares for that child, ma'am?
What kind of adult
do you want U-jin to be?
An adult who won't say sorry
when they're wrong?
[Ji-seon] So cute!
[Hwa-jin] An adult who lives a lonely life
in solitude with no friends or colleagues?
[laughs]
Do you want him to grow up
blind to the needs of others,
not caring about them?
Is that it?
If not, please stop.
Your child doesn't want this.
He's saying he likes his teacher.
Trust U-jin.
-Trust his teacher too.
-[Ji-seon] Really good. Well done.
-[laughs]
-A rabbit? Is that what it is?
[laughs]
[laughs] Is that how you see me?
Huh? Is that what I look like?
Come on, answer me! [laughs]
You know what,
I guess it does look like me,
so let me be the rabbit,
and you'll be the bear.
[U-jin laughs]
[U-jin laughs]
[Ji-seon] U-jin, that's beautiful.
[U-jin laughs]
[music fades]
Inspector, how did you know
that Miss Choi would be at the school?
Because she's a teacher.
The first thing I thought about
was the school.
And I suppose Miss Choi thought the same.
You were able to communicate
using telepathy.
Hey, guys. Both of you
have heard about telepathy, right?
It's when people agree on the same stuff
at the same time.
No, it's not about seeing eye to eye.
It's actually about
when someone's thoughts and their actions
are transmitted to someone else.
It's kinda like a superpower, you see?
They're making a lucky guess.
That's not a superpower.
No, I'm telling you. Telepathy is real.
-Go ahead then and prove it.
-Okay.
I need you to look into my eyes.
Now, imagine a word and I'll guess it.
[scoffs]
[gentle music plays]
Go ahead. I've sent it.
[music fades]
Sleep.
Sleep? What the hell?
Sorry, dude, but you missed by a mile,
so there you go!
I meant you have sleep gunk.
Right here in the corner of your eye.
[laughs] Sleep gunk!
That's embarrassing. He caught you!
I got it! Gone.
What do you guys wanna eat?
-Jokbal.
-Jokbal.
Oh! Whoa!
That's exactly what I was thinking!
That's exactly it. You see?
That's exactly the word
I was thinking about.
And that's exactly what telepathy is!
You see, it's true. That's what I said.
[Han-rim] Do it again.
[Geun-dae] Concentrate
and think of a color.
Let's just presume
we have two people named A and B.
A uses their position to threaten B.
A engages in behavior forcing B to react
and do things
that are beyond her job description.
Under Article 324,
paragraph one of the Penal Code,
this is defined as coercion and is
punishable by up to five years in prison
or a 30 million won fine.
DEFENDAN
In addition, A frequently
spied on B's social media account,
leaving recurring malicious messages,
going so far as to humiliate her
by making comments
on her choice of underwear.
A repeatedly bombarded B
with text messages and DMs,
and even went so far
as to visit B at her home
prompting fear and anxiety in B.
This behavior is classified as stalking,
and is a criminal offense that is
punishable by up to three years in jail,
or a fine of up to 30 million won,
based on current Korean penal law.
Later on, A had her husband
visit B's workplace
and simulate an assault
with the intention of terrorizing B.
The behavior is classified as intimidation
under Article 238,
paragraph one of the Penal Code.
This behavior is punishable
by up to three years in prison
or a fine of up to five million won.
From the day you chose… ♪
As a result of A's behavior,
B had a nervous breakdown
and suffered from depression.
She even considered taking her own life.
Consequently, A's behavior can also
be classified as assault and battery,
also a serious criminal offense.
A is Kim Ji-yeong.
And B is Miss Choi Ji-seon, the plaintiff.
The actions of the accused
are deemed criminal
when they occur in regular society.
So why then do we permit it
between a teacher and a parent?
Your eyes ♪
Still holding… ♪
[Gang-seok]
we have learned of how many parents
abuse the official complaints system.
They exert undue pressure
and stress on teachers,
depriving them
of the opportunity to educate.
So from now on,
when a teacher is accused of child abuse,
or when a complaint is filed,
the Educational Rights Protection Bureau
will dispatch an investigator
immediately on site.
In the event that the teacher
is found to be not guilty,
we will fight back and protect them.
In today's modern society,
the relationship between teacher
and student has been eroded.
So we ask you parents to ensure
that the last remaining dedicated teachers
stay in the profession.
We also promise to establish a protocol
whereby every teacher
shall have access to an annual checkup
and a full psychological evaluation
in an appropriate facility.
[clears throat]
[music fades]
[clears throat]
I wish to apologize
on behalf
of the Ministry of Education to all
the teachers and educators
who have taken their own lives,
and to all the others
who bravely fight
for a better world.
We have left you to fight alone.
To fight unprotected.
But from this day on,
you won't be alone.
[somber bells chime]
[recorder music plays]
Very good, yes. Whoa! Well done! Bravo!
[kids cheering]
You're amazing!
Yeah!
Well done, everyone.
[kids giggle]
[child 1] Come on! Yeah! Come on!
-[child 2] Yeah!
-[child 3] Come on, do it! Do it!
[music stops]
[melancholy music plays]
MOCK CSA
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT SUPPLIES
MIDTERM EXAM MARKING
OPEN CLASS PREPARATION
WEDDING DAY
IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS
SINCE COMING TO SCHOOL WITH GYU-CHEOL
MY HEART FELT HEAVY THIS MORNING
GYU-CHEOL HAS BEEN ON MY MIND
WE HAD CAREERS COUNSELING
BUT GYU-CHEOL HAS NO DREAMS
[suspenseful music plays]
WHAT SHOULD I DO… ABOUT GYU-CHEOL?
[dramatic music plays]
WILL I EVER BE ABLE TO… FORGIVE GYU-CHEOL?
I'm gonna hunt you down ♪
Yeah, I ain't playing around ♪
I'mma take your crown ♪
Man, better run, gonna hunt you down ♪
Who's the bravest? ♪
Let me know
How far you wanna take this ♪
I've been having dreams of winning ♪
I can see myself
In an esteemed position ♪
I got no qualms, I got no fears ♪
I got blood, sweat and tears
Under my belt ♪
And now I'm switching gears ♪
And there's no stopping
You got no options ♪
We win by any means necessary
You got it? ♪
-I'm gonna hunt you down ♪
-Gonna hunt you down ♪
-Yeah, I ain't playing around ♪
-Ain't playing around ♪
I'mma take your crown ♪
Man, better run, gonna hunt you down ♪
Yeah, I be coming for you
Like Hannibal ♪
Uh, I'm a killer, call me a cannibal ♪
Uh, I'mma take your crown ♪
Man, better run, gonna hunt you down ♪
[music stops]
-[bells chime]
-[chalk scrapes]
HYEONJUNG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
YEAR 1, CLASS 3
[simple recorder tune plays]
YOON SE-A
KIM U-JIN
WE DO NOT CLIMB ON THE WINDOWS!
OUR DREAMS
OUR AMAZING HAND TREE
[music stops]
HOME OF THE HEAR
[woman]
I'm so sorry.
I want to live.
But living has become unbearable.
[haunting music plays]
[woman breathes shakily]
If you read my diary, you'll understand.
Mom, whatever you do,
don't forgive the person
who did this to me
[sniffles]
[breathes shakily]
[gasps]
[music stops]
[woman breathes shakily]
Hello. Are you Choi Ji-seon?
[breathes shakily]
[Han-rim] I see
you haven't received the news.
Today, we're carrying out psychological
evaluation for elementary school teachers.
Your appointment's for now.
Will you follow me, please?
[breathes shakily]
I really like
what you've done with the room.
[breathes shakily]
Thanks.
[uneasy music plays]
[music stops]
Today's mental health assessment
is being conducted
in elementary schools nationwide.
There will be no negative consequences
based on the results of the test,
so you are encouraged
to answer as honestly as possible.
3. I'M DOING RELATIVELY WELL
NOT AT ALL
[woman]
the TCM clinic I mentioned?
Sorry?
For your skin condition?
It seems to be getting worse.
Excuse me, Miss Choi.
Based on the results of your assessment,
I wish to inform you that you have
been placed on administrative leave.
[woman] You said there'd be
no negative consequences.
Elementary school teachers everywhere
are stressed out.
All across the country,
we are burned out and depressed.
What you're doing is telling her
to give up on being a teacher.
Don't you think
that it's preferable to dying?
[rock music plays]
In accordance with the psych results
and the orders of
the Educational Rights Protection Bureau,
you must take a leave of absence.
LET'S BECOME A GOOD TEACHER!
TOMORROW I'LL MEET THE CHILDREN
[woman]
is an elementary school teacher.
I'm afraid something's wrong at work.
I found things in her diary
that I'm very worried about.
[sniffles] Sir, please,
do what you can to help my daughter.
WILL IT END IF I DIE?
TEACH YOU A LESSON
[music stops]
HYEONJUNG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Can you tell me
what's gonna happen to me now?
-First, you need to see a doctor.
-Miss. Your mother.
She brought us
some of your personal belongings.
She figured you'd need them.
You're saying my mom knows about this?
Your mother is the one
who brought your case to our attention.
Seeing the doctor and receiving treatment
is the best thing you can do for her.
Shall we go?
Miss, do you know who's gonna
take care of the children in my class?
Don't worry. A new homeroom teacher
is on the way.
No. Don't do it!
That teacher will end up like me.
No! There's no need to worry about that.
Uh, this new teacher is
a real piece of work.
[kids shout]
[jaunty music plays]
[sighs]
NA HWA-JIN
All right, kids.
Why don't you all sit down, okay?
Quiet down.
Careful! Watch out! It's time to sit down.
I said quiet!
[shouting continues]
Quiet!
[shouting stops]
[chuckles]
-[shouting resumes]
-[child 1] Teacher!
If you were in a fight with
our tae kwon do master, who would win?
Sir, do you think you can beat Naruto?
Excuse me, sir,
I need to use the bathroom.
-This is not time for a bathroom break.
-I need to go, sir!
-Just wait a minute. I said hold on.
-I need to pee! Sir, please!
Hey, kid, what are you doing?
No! Not here! Just hang on!
[upbeat music plays]
[child laughs]
I gotta go too! I gotta use the bathroom.
[laughs]
Me too! Me too! My turn! Me too!
Faster, faster!
Quick! Faster. I gotta go!
[Hwa-jin] Here's some nice omelet.
Lots of good protein. Who wants some?
-[child 2] I want egg!
-[child 3] Me too!
Nobody wants to eat their tomatoes?
[music fades]
[child 4] Teacher!
-Hm?
-Can you make me a frog?
This isn't the moment to be making frogs.
Do what you're told.
[child 4] Please, sir, make me a frog.
This isn't the time for origami!
Just do as I said.
[cries]
[lively music plays]
Don't cry. I wasn't angry with you.
So you flip this side over again.
And then you fold like this,
and like this.
Then you fold the back legs.
Yeon-Seo, have you ever eaten
frogs' legs for dinner?
-Yuck! Do people really eat frogs' legs?
-Well, I've tasted them.
-[Yeon-seo] Huh.
-[Hwa-jin] There you go. One pretty frog!
Hop! Whoa!
[kids shouting]
[chuckles wryly]
[music stops]
[groans]
[sighs]
[breathes heavily]
Ga-yun,
was teaching always this hard?
Those damn frogs,
they killed me! [chuckles]
[chuckles]
LET'S BECOME A GOOD TEACHER!
[Ji-seon]
about the ways
to express our feelings with words.
For example, what do you say
when you're feeling really happy?
[poignant music plays]
Very good. "I'm happy
and I'm in a really good mood."
It's important that we learn
to express our feelings with words.
So, children, when we are in class, I hope
you will always tell me how you feel.
Okay?
I'm so happy to be here.
Let me tell you my name.
CHOI JI-SEON
Hello, everyone!
It's so nice to meet you all.
My name is Miss Choi Ji-seon.
I hope we will all get along together.
You all know who I am now.
So, maybe you would like
to introduce yourselves to me?
[kids] Yeah!
So, how about you?
My name is Kim Yong-hun.
My name is Lee Yeon-seo.
[exhales]
You're Kim U-jin, right?
It's all right, U-jin. You can sit down.
A round of applause.
-[child 1] Goodbye.
-[child 2] Bye, Miss.
[Ji-seon] Bye-bye, children.
See you tomorrow.
Hello, U-jin's mom.
U-jin, see you tomorrow!
-Say goodbye to your teacher.
-[Ji-seon] See you tomorrow.
Miss Choi, please take good care
of my U-jin.
Of course, ma'am.
Thank you for trusting me.
If it's all right with you,
may I contact you from time to time
if I have any questions or concerns?
Of course, ma'am.
You may contact me by using the Talk Mate
app. Feel free to leave your message.
Work hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
You live in the Stern Apartments, right?
Oh. Yes.
[woman] Come on.
Well done today.
-Shall we go?
-[woman] Did you bring your jacket?
Did you remember your lunchbox?
[cell phone buzzes]
This is U-jin's mom. I'm just
a little concerned about something.
Earlier, when you told U-jin to sit,
your tone was much too harsh.
I'm just concerned that he might think
that you don't like him.
[Ji-seon]
to make sure he doesn't feel that way.
[cell phone buzzes]
[U-jin's mom]
it will be bad for his self-esteem.
You understand, right?
[sighs] Of course.
[Ji-seon]
not to negatively impact his self-esteem.
[poignant music plays]
Hm.
[music fades]
You're not sure, is that it?
You want me to explain it again?
[sniffles]
[child 1] Miss, I know the answer.
I can do it!
-[child 2] Me too!
-[children shout]
Quiet please.
[U-jin cries]
It's okay.
[somber music plays]
[cell phone buzzes]
[U-jin's mom]
In the future, don't make him
solve math problems in front of the class.
[cell phone buzzes]
About the incorrect answers
on U-jin's spelling report.
Mark them with something other than
a slash. It's bad for his self-confidence.
[cell phone buzzes]
"Don't do that. No. Stop."
Please refrain from using
words of restraint such as these.
[cell phone buzzes]
When he clashes with one of the other
kids, take my child's side no matter what.
Avoid using words that imply commands
or orders. Make suggestions or requests.
Do not force him to greet people
with the traditional bowed head.
Feeling obliged and pressured to bow
to people is bad for his self-esteem.
Do not scold children
for being too loud in the classroom.
It crushes their spirit.
[kids shouting]
[child 1] You can't catch me!
[child 2] Ha! You missed me!
-[child 3] Miss, here! Look at this!
-[child 4] So cool!
-[laughter]
-[man 1] You're overreacting. Seriously.
-Ji-seon!
-How come you're late?
I told you she'd make it.
[woman] I've missed my bestie.
[man 1] Ji-seon!
[all sing wedding march]
No way! What date is it?
-[man 1] It's in the invitation.
-Sorry, one moment.
Where's the venue?
[U-jin's mom]
It may distract the boys
and it's inappropriate.
-[man 2] A toast to Won-ho!
-Ji-seon, come on, relax.
-[man 2] Cheers!
-[all] Cheers!
-[cell phone buzzes]
-[gasps]
[Ji-seon breathes shakily]
LONG TIME NO GET-TOGETHER
[U-jin's mom]
of posting this?
What if the children see this?
You're exposing them
to unnecessary sexualized content.
How did she find my Instagram account?
[U-jin's mom]
you spend all your time partying.
You realize it's my taxes
that pays your salary.
Spend more of your time
prepping your class.
[Ji-seon]
if her comments concerned the children.
But she's crossed the line. We're talking
about my private and personal life.
Change your Instagram account.
Better still, stop using social media.
Why should I?
I haven't done anything wrong.
I tried to fight them on it.
I even pressed charges.
Then the parents signed a petition.
Really. I tried my best to talk with them.
They complained that I always
sided with the teachers.
They didn't even listen to a thing I said.
No matter what I did, they shut me down.
And in the end, everyone suffered.
The entire school body did.
[sighs]
REMOVE "INSTAGRAM"?
DELETE APP
DELETE "INSTAGRAM"?
DELETE
[poignant music plays]
[Ji-seon]
go back on Instagram after I retire.
I need to consider the children.
[coughs]
[breathes heavily]
HOME OF THE HEAR
[exhales]
[music fades]
U-jin?
You like this?
I call it the Home of the Heart.
Here, you can play
and have fun with all your friends.
How are you feeling today, U-jin?
What would you like
to do with your friends?
I like to have fun and play with them.
[Ji-seon] That sounds great.
This is your Home of the Heart.
Here, you are allowed
to express all your feelings.
So why not
do what your feelings tell you to do?
Okay. My turn now.
[upbeat music plays]
-Yeah!
-[child groans]
[kids shouting happily]
[Ji-seon] Whoo!
Careful, everyone. Watch out.
-U-jin, you're so good!
-[Ji-seon] Whoa!
[cheering]
-Bravo, U-jin!
-[U-jin] Yeah!
Over here! Pass!
That's it, Eun-ho! Well done. Very good.
-[U-jin] Pass, pass!
-[Yeon-seo] Hey, over here! Pass the ball!
[music stops]
-[U-jin groans]
-[tense music plays]
U-jin. I'm really sorry.
[child 1] I got it!
-[gasps] Ow!
-Stop, U-jin!
[U-jin's mom]
Refrain from using words of restraint.
When he clashes
with one of the other kids,
take my child's side no matter what.
[child 2] Ow! U-jin, stop. That hurts!
-[child 2 cries]
-U-jin!
[cries] I want my mommy!
Mommy!
-It hurts. My eye hurts!
-Seo-jun, you okay?
[Seo-jun] Mommy!
[sighs]
[Seo-jun cries]
-[music fades]
-[Ji-seon] Hello. Thank you for coming.
I'm sure you must be feeling
a little shocked. Please, have some tea.
I spoke with Seo-jun.
He told me his version of what happened.
Boys will be boys, and when
they play sports, these things can happen.
And sometimes, they fight.
I understand that.
Thank you for being so understanding.
The children have apologized and made up.
Are you saying you made U-jin apologize?
U-jin was at fault,
so of course he had to apologize.
My son told me that Seo-jun pushed him
first. He started the whole thing.
So he's the one who should apologize.
Excuse me.
My son's been seriously injured.
He could have lost an eye.
My son has also been injured.
Imagine how hurt he must have been
to be crying.
[Seo-jun's mom] That's
an interesting thing to focus on.
We are trying to move past this
for the children's sake.
Your son hurt my U-jin's feelings!
If he is traumatized by this,
it's your fault,
and I'll make sure your son pays for it.
-What?
-Ladies, please.
I'm begging you. Please calm down.
Miss Choi, as their teacher,
why aren't you speaking up?
We all know that U-jin is a loner and
doesn't get on with the other children.
Now I've met you,
I understand why that is.
-Watch it!
-[Seo-jun's mom] Try me!
Call a meeting then.
You won't be so full of it then.
-All right! Bring it on.
-Sit down.
Call a meeting. I'm game.
Please, ladies, calm down.
I'm begging you.
You need to calm down. Please.
Mrs. Lee, I have the feeling
that a school violence committee meeting
would be unfavorable for U-jin.
-Why don't we all just apologize--
-You do realize all of this is your fault?
I told you to always take U-jin's side
if there were fights at school.
And you told me you were on board.
[sighs] Ma'am, I never said
that I agreed with that.
What did you say?
Why are you suddenly changing your mind
instead of speaking up back then?
I will speak with Seo-jun's mother--
What will you say
at the violence committee meeting?
[Ji-seon] Well…
-I have to tell them exactly what I saw.
-[Mrs. Lee] Yes, and?
What exactly did you see?
[sighs]
Give me your phone number.
It's against school policy to give out
our personal numbers. We use Talk Mate.
Are you saying I can't reach you
after work hours?
You wanna go and enjoy your life
after what you've done to my son?
-No, ma'am. I didn't say that--
-Give it to me!
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
You do realize that?
And right now, my husband is really angry.
Maybe I should call him.
-Yeah?
-[gasps softly] I'm sorry, ma'am.
A homeroom teacher
isn't qualified to help you with that.
[scoffs]
[cell phone buzzes]
-Hello. Good morning.
-This is U-jin's mother.
Mrs. Lee.
How did you find my private number?
[Mrs. Lee]
What are you gonna say to the committee?
[breathes shakily]
-[Mrs. Lee]
-I have to…
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
[sighs]
[cell phone continues buzzing]
[sighs]
[Mrs. Lee]
Yes, ma'am?
[Mrs. Lee]
take so long to answer?
[uneasy music plays]
-Hello? Are you there?
-Uh… Uh…
[exhales] My apologies, ma'am.
[cell phone buzzes]
[Mrs. Lee]
Why aren't you answering me?!
It's just that I'm in the middle
of prepping the class.
[cell phone buzzes]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
-[cell phone rings]
-[gasps]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[cell phone buzzes]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[Mrs. Lee]
if there were fights at school.
And you told me you were on board.
You want to go and enjoy your life
after what you've done to my son?
[cell phone buzzes]
[distorted]
all this is your fault, right?
And you told me you were on board.
-[screams]
-[Mrs. Lee]
Miss Choi!
[cell phone buzzes]
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
All of this is your fault, Miss Choi.
Miss Choi! Miss Choi!
-[cell phone buzzes]
-[breathes shakily]
[doorbell chimes]
[music fades]
Hello, Miss Choi.
Why aren't you answering your phone?
Do you feel guilty, Miss? Is that it?
Come down. Let's talk face to face, okay?
[woman] Who is it?
I'm just going out for a moment.
Where to?
Where are you going?
[sighs] That makes no sense.
U-jin was not the cause of it!
It's unacceptable.
Why would the committee rule against us?
[sighs] There's nothing to worry about.
All you need to do
is submit a written apology.
-It was you, wasn't it?
-Sorry?
You took their side.
You're mistaken, ma'am.
I didn't take sides.
Just because I was a little critical
about your work,
you bullied my son just to get back at me.
[tense music plays]
You don't deserve to be a school teacher.
I can't trust you with my son,
so you should quit.
And my husband is very angry with you.
I advise you to watch out.
[breathes shakily]
[exhales deeply]
[sighs]
[music stops]
Papa?
[sighs, tuts]
U-jin, come with me.
Come on, let's go.
I said let's go!
Mr. Kim, right now
we're in the middle of class.
[Mr. Kim] What the hell?
[Ji-seon gasps]
Sir, please stop it. Think about U-jin.
What the…
Who the hell do you think you are? [tuts]
Let's go.
Out of my way.
[kids cry]
[Ji-seon] Don't worry, children.
It's all right, Ji-yeong. Don't cry.
TEACHERS' RIGHTS PROTECTION COMMITTEE
NOTICE TO ATTEND
VICTIMIZED TEACHER: CHOI JI-SEON
[Mrs. Lee]
I don't care.
Even if what I did is against the rules,
I'll just apologize later.
Go ahead and call the ERPB.
[gasps softly]
Did you think I'd just sit back
and watch a teacher abuse her power?
I filed a complaint against you.
[gasps]
You picked on U-jin,
and humiliated him in front of the class.
When I raised the question with you, you
encouraged another child to ignore him.
You lured my son
into that Home of the Heart thing,
and that's where
you emotionally abused him.
But, ma'am, none of this is true.
We'll see about that.
The police will investigate anyway.
I would never humiliate
or emotionally abuse U-jin.
Are you saying I imagined it all?
That I'm doing this to get back at you?
And his behavior, how do you explain that?
You say you've done nothing wrong,
yet my son spends his time crying at home.
I feel very sorry for U-jin, ma'am,
but you have no right to do this.
No right?! U-jin's been wronged, but his
teacher won't take responsibility for it.
Do you want me to resign? Is that it?
I went to see a lawyer too.
The law has been changed.
So even if you accuse me
of child abuse, I…
I won't be suspended immediately
like before.
I don't really care.
Go and teach.
And when your day is done,
head to the police station
where you can help the investigation.
The whole process can be very long.
Maybe more than a year.
If you can't handle it,
you should quit teaching.
[haunting music plays]
And when they find me innocent,
what will you do then?
Well, of course, I'll apologize.
That's all I can do.
Because that's the law.
[breathes shakily]
[inaudible speech]
[woman]
I saw this on a parents' forum.
Have you seen it?
This looks really serious.
1-3 HOMEROOM TEACHER
AT HYEONJUNG ELEMENTARY IS A CHILD ABUSER
[tense music plays]
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING
SO SHOCKING
[breathes shakily]
PLEASE SHARE THIS POST UNTIL THE DAY
CHOI JI-SEON IS PUNISHED
MS. CHOI 010-0235-7462
[cell phone buzzes]
[kids chatter]
[woman] All right. First grade, Class 3.
Come on in, please.
[Ji-seon] Okay, let's go.
How about an orange?
[Mrs. Lee] Would you like some more rice?
Is that enough? Enjoy your meal.
[child] Thank you.
-Are you ready?
-Yeah.
-Let's do it.
-[both] Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[principal]
the school to complain.
Some are even coming to see me
to discuss this in person.
They're saying that if I allow you
to keep working here,
they'll stop sending their children
to our school.
[recorder music plays]
I'm sorry.
It's not fair to tell you
to hold on and to hang tight.
HOME OF THE HEAR
[music stops]
TEACHER
KIM U-JIN
[haunting music plays]
KIDDOS IN YEAR 1, CLASS 3
KIM U-JIN: THOUGHTFUL, SMILEY
KIM YUN-U: VERY CONSIDERATE
[music fades]
MS. CHOI, BE HAPPY
[Hwa-jin]
she were standing alone in a dense forest.
IT'S HARD TO OPEN MY EYES IN THE MORNING
In a place where people
were watching her from all around,
ready at any moment
to pounce on her and rip her to shreds.
A woman all alone and defenseless.
I'M MAKING MY OWN STUDENTS UNHAPPY
WILL IT END IF I DIE?
[Han-rim] So why
are the police investigating?
She followed the curriculum
and the teaching protocols.
Because once a report has been filed,
the police have to investigate.
So these people can file a complaint
without any proof?
They're the rules.
Seriously?
In this kind of case,
suspicion alone is all that's required.
This data shows
that the number of teachers
that have been reported for child abuse
over the past few years
has increased to over 11,000.
And yet only 1.6% of them
end up being prosecuted.
This means that most of these teachers
have been subjected
to undue stress and anxiety
even though they'd done nothing wrong.
[Hwa-jin] Even if the teacher
is found not guilty,
the person or parent
who has filed the report
cannot be punished
for making false accusations by the judge.
Many parents are taking advantage of that.
Even if they're wrong
and the teacher's innocent,
they just say, "My bad."
You gotta be kidding!
The problem is
the current wording of the law
gives an ambiguous definition
of emotional abuse.
These are invisible wounds.
They have no choice
but to believe the parent.
And it's very difficult
for teachers to prove otherwise.
The teachers are exhausted and alone.
Despite the fact
that most of them will be found innocent,
until then, a full investigation
has to be done.
And sometimes, the teachers
are removed from their class.
The teachers are told not to hit children,
not even with a flower,
but this is like handing
a loaded gun to the parents.
How do we expect them to block the bullets
that are being fired at them? [exclaims]
Unbelievable!
Currently, it means that if a teacher
is reported to the school for child abuse,
we've got no way to protect them.
[Gang-seok bangs table]
Well, then,
we must be their shields.
It's not going to be easy.
To bring about change, it's one step
at a time. That's what we'll do.
First step, Inspector Hwa-jin,
you must manage those parents
who abuse the spirit of the law.
[rock music plays]
I'm all fired up after that speech.
Let's go!
"You must manage those parents
who abuse the spirit of the law."
[music stops]
[woman] Miss Choi Ji-seon?
Come with me, please.
COUNSELING ROOM
Best of luck.
[woman on PA]
Please contact the front desk.
Orderly is requested for Room 523
at the Acute Care Unit.
Visiting hours are over at 5 p.m.
I can't believe that someone would
harass another human being like that.
I swear that people
are starting to scare me.
[exhales] I get that.
But reptilians are much, much scarier.
-Rep what?
-[Geun-dae] Reptilians.
Alien beings that have infiltrated Earth.
[sighs] Aliens don't exist, Bong.
Actually, it's true. There's a lot
of evidence confirming that they exist.
Do you really believe that stuff?
[intriguing music plays]
Well, it's probably better
if we stop talking.
Why? Is my conversation
boring to you, Bong?
No. It's just that I have the impression
that it's a waste of time speaking
with people who aren't open-minded.
I understand. Deputy Director Bong?
-Yes?
-These rep--
-Reptilians.
-Yeah. The rep… whatever.
Yeah?
Well, how about I show you
something even scarier?
Uh…
Agh! [whimpers]
[exhales]
Well, then, how about I show you how to
write the character for "patience" again?
You start with the root for knife
and the radical for heart.
Then you slice the heart with the knife.
Da-dum, da-dum.
[somber music plays]
[kids shouting]
[whistle blows]
[shouting stops]
All right. So, would anyone
like to step up and solve this?
[kids shout]
[whistle blows]
Would U-jin like to give it a try?
[kids] Oh!
FRIDAY, MAY 8
DAILY REPOR
[Hwa-jin]
the children and I spent our time
solving problems on the chalkboard.
The children were very attentive.
But if you think improvement is needed,
feel free to review at home.
[Mr. Lee] Whoa! [yelps]
-[groans]
-Whoa! Are you all right, ma'am?
[chuckles] Let me help you.
Why were you hiding behind the door?
Well, this is…
Well, this is where I teach.
It's my classroom.
The new homeroom teacher.
Oh. So that means
that you're U-jin's new teacher?
Ah, you must be his mom!
I'm pleased to meet you, ma'am. [chuckles]
Welcome. My name is Na Hwa-jin.
So, what brings you to school
so early in the morning, ma'am?
Yesterday, you asked U-jin
to solve some problems, didn't you?
Yes, and I was really impressed.
U-jin is a really smart kid.
I got the feeling
that he's been working very hard.
And I'm guessing that you've been
studying a lot with him at home, right?
Well, no. Not really.
So that means he's just naturally gifted.
By any chance, are you gifted too?
I bet you did well in school
and U-jin takes after you. Am I right?
-Well, it's true I was a good student.
-I knew it!
If I may say so, you look like
a good student. You really do. [laughs]
Sir, from now on, however,
would you please not ask U-jin
to the chalkboard?
I'm afraid that it might
affect his self-confidence.
Ah! Of course, yes.
I didn't even think of that.
Thank you for enlightening me.
I appreciate it. [chuckles]
I'm so happy that we understand each
other. Now I won't have to worry at all.
I'm not sure I understand.
Worried about what?
The previous teacher was a strange woman.
I promise that I will never
become a strange teacher.
-Thanks.
-[Hwa-jin laughs]
[intriguing music plays]
NA HWA-JIN
Hello. What can I do for you?
Well, you see, U-jin keeps falling asleep.
-I was wondering what I should do?
-Go ahead and wake him up.
Every student has the right to sleep
if they want,
so I don't want to abuse his rights.
That's okay.
You have my permission to do it.
That's perfect. Thanks.
[cell phone buzzes]
Sorry to bother.
How should I wake him up, ma'am?
Just give him a little shake.
I'm afraid that physical contact
would get me accused of child abuse.
Well, why not call him by his name then?
Ah!
[cell phone buzzes]
If I speak his name too loudly
it might startle him and it could be
emotionally stressful for him.
Ask the student next to him
to wake him up.
He might feel embarrassed,
and it would traumatize him.
Then leave him alone and forget it.
But, ma'am, um, that's neglect,
which means abuse.
-Hello? Mrs. Lee? Are you there?
-[sighs]
[cell phone buzzes]
-[sighs]
-[cell phone buzzes]
Oh, give me a break!
[cell phone buzzes]
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
[cell phone buzzes]
[music fades]
[Hwa-jin]
I was just wondering
what I could use instead of a slash
to indicate the incorrect answers
on U-jin's spelling test?
[Mrs. Lee] You have lots of options.
You can use a star.
[Hwa-jin]
to mark something as important.
[Mrs. Lee] A triangle?
[Hwa-jin]
when the answer is partially correct.
-[groans]
-[cell phone buzzes]
Polygons? Semicircle?
[cell phone buzzes]
Okay.
[rock music plays]
-Just use a slash.
-[Hwa-jin]
-
-Shit!
-Shit!
-[cell phone buzzes]
[music stops]
[Gang-seok]
What are your thoughts about parents
who contact teachers directly
on their personal phones?
My understanding is that contacting
teachers on their personal phones
is a violation of their rights
and their right to privacy.
We are putting in place a pilot project
to provide work phones to teachers.
Mm. Do you think it will be effective?
Is there any real way to actually
stop parents from contacting them
using social media
or turning up at their homes?
To try to remedy this, we're planning
to have a dedicated complaints department
in each school, so that teachers
won't deal directly with parents.
But by doing that,
you're putting them in the line of fire.
Turning them into punching bags.
We will just be passing the buck
and waiting for the next tragedy.
Every time a teacher dies at school,
we always say,
"We'll find a solution.
We'll change the way we do things."
But these tragedies keep happening,
so what are we doing wrong?
There's no point in changing a system
after the events.
It must be done now
to stop them happening.
We need to find a real solution.
When we need the law,
we will call the Minister of Justice.
And when we need a person of power,
then we should call the President.
We must make sure that no more teachers
die from parents' complaints.
[all] Yes, sir.
[indistinct chatter]
Hello, Mrs. Lee. [chuckles]
I was actually just about to call you.
In class, I'm teaching the children about
greetings and how we should interact,
and I was wondering, should we wave
with the right hand or the left?
It's important. It's related
to the right and left sides of the brain.
I'm sure that's something
you might want to decide by yourself.
I wouldn't dare do that, ma'am. What would
a teacher like me know about that?
You gotta be kid…
Why don't you just do your job?
I'll call you when I need to,
so please stop calling me.
All right. Maybe then I can DM you?
No, you can't! I am telling you. No more!
-Ma'am.
-And watch your back.
I've spoken with my husband
and he's very angry about this.
U-jin's father?
Oh, I'm really sorry. Uh, um…
[bell chimes]
[woman] Customer 820. Next, please.
[Hwa-jin] Hello.
-Good afternoon.
-There you go.
What can I help you with?
I'm here to speak with U-jin's father.
Can you call him?
Um. Sorry?
U-jin's father, hello?
U-jin's dad, are you here?
I see you have a second floor.
U-jin's dad?
Are you here?
Ah. Hello. Uh, hello.
-Who are you?
-Are you U-jin's father by any chance?
Yes, I'm his father.
What? Hey!
Excuse me, sir.
I'm really and truly sorry to disturb you.
-I'm begging you to forgive me.
-I've no idea what this is about.
I do my best and I work very hard
to become the best possible teacher.
Are you the school teacher?
I heard you were angry with me
because of my poor judgment
as a homeroom teacher.
Tell me exactly what I did wrong
and I will make sure
that it will never, ever happen again.
-[chuckles awkwardly] Stand up.
-No, sir! I'm begging you! I'm so sorry!
Are you angry with me, sir, because
of the slash marks for the corrections?
When U-jin got the math answers wrong?
Or was it something else?
Was it because I used words that affected
his self-esteem, like, "Don't do that"?
The last time you came to school you were
really angry and almost hit the teacher.
-Oh!
-I deserve a beating, sir. I'm worthless.
But if you beat me, I'll get fired.
Please don't beat me, sir!
I need my job to survive!
This is wild.
-I'm begging you! Please, sir, forgive me!
-[yelps]
-[Mr. Kim] Let go!
-I'm so sorry! No! Don't beat me!
Please don't beat me!
[laughter]
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!
This is a misunderstanding.
It's not what you think.
-[onlookers gasp]
-[Hwa-jin] Please, sir!
-[laughter]
-I'm sorry! Please, sir!
Whoa, whoa! Put your pants back on!
Sir, please, pull them up, sir!
-Let me help you!
-[onlookers chatter]
You wanna fuckin' die?
[groans]
[groans]
Learn to control your temper, sir.
If for any reason I ever hear "My husband
is angry" again, then you will end up
done for.
[tense music plays]
[music fades]
I appreciate it, sir.
You taking the time to meet me.
[man] Does this place have security?
[Mr. Kim] What the hell?!
That was so embarrassing!
-Can't you handle a fucking teacher?
-[Mrs. Lee] I didn't know he'd go see you.
[sighs] I'm up for my promotion soon,
and my manager, he saw what happened.
It's because of that teacher.
Don't take it out on me!
Fuck's sake! Deal with it!
Go see the principal and file a complaint
with the Office of Education.
-Just get that bastard fired!
-Stop shouting!
I…
Damn you all. [sighs]
[door slams]
[Hwa-jin] Good morning, children.
[blows whistle]
Good morning!
[Mrs. Lee] Is that
how you train your teachers?
He went to see my husband at work
and caused a scene.
What are you gonna do?
You are not allowed in my office, ma'am.
If you'd like to contact me,
then use the app.
And if you'd like to file a complaint,
use the proper channels.
If that is not satisfactory,
then I would suggest
you contact the President.
Otherwise, you can also file a report
with the ERPB.
You think I don't know that?
You really think
I don't know what my rights are?
I'm very pleased to know that
you are aware of what your rights are.
I know you're doing this for your son.
Let me remind you
that teachers are also
loved by their parents.
[scoffs]
You're all insane.
I'll make you pay for this.
You wait and see. You'll pay.
[door opens]
[principal sighs]
[Hwa-jin] The ERPB
will take all responsibility.
We'll also assume all the consequences.
In this kind of situation,
we find that it's more important
that you assume your role as a leader.
Not just as a principal.
In the current predicament,
the teachers don't need the Bureau.
What they need is a mentor.
Someone like you, Principal Kim.
[gentle music plays]
He's right, you know.
Teachers like us have to step up.
I forget sometimes
that I'm also a teacher.
[music fades]
[child 1] I really like that drawing.
It looks so cool.
[child 2] I know, right?
U-jin, let's go.
We're leaving.
Let's go.
Come on!
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
[sighs]
[cell phone dials]
Hi. Can you call the parent council?
It's unbelievable.
I'll tell you about it later.
Hey! You're all here.
[gentle piano music plays]
Uh…
Mr. Na, what are you doing here?
I'm glad you're here.
So…
-I came here to give you this, ma'am.
-What is it?
Take a look please.
COMPLAIN
COMPLAINANT: NA HWA-JIN
Mrs. Lee, I've filed an official
child abuse report against you.
-Child abuse?
-[Hwa-jin] Yes.
I saw it all, ma'am.
U-jin was resisting and you grabbed him.
Grabbed him like this
and pulled him from his seat.
Also, I had noticed when U-jin was at gym
he had these terrible bruises--
-How dare you?
-That's terrible. Did you hear that?
My son doesn't have any bruises.
Well, Mrs. Lee, after the investigation,
the police will make that call.
I'm his mother. What gives you
the right to report me anyway?
"When a teacher becomes aware
of potential child abuse
in the course of performing their duties,
or has reasonable suspicion of abuse,
the teacher shall report it to the Child
Protection Agency or other authorities."
That is the law.
And what happens if I'm cleared?
[sighs] Well, of course, I'll apologize.
Because that's also the law.
[woman 1] I heard that she also bullied
Miss Choi, one of the homeroom teachers.
[woman 2] She harassed her so much the
poor woman starting having facial tics.
I heard that
she's in hospital being treated.
-[woman 1] Are you serious?
-Yeah.
And I heard that the mom,
she's been like that for years.
No wonder her son is so odd.
Terrifying. I'm just glad
he's not in the same class as my son.
[Mrs. Lee] Who told you that?
-[gasps]
-[woman 3] Hello, Mrs. Lee.
-[woman 1] Is it her?
-I asked a question.
No one actually said anything.
Someone posted it.
Was it that bitch Miss Choi?
-Jeez.
-Was it her?!
-[groans]
-Was it that fucking bitch Miss Choi?
-Let's go.
-Children, it's time to go.
I think I should be going too.
[laughs awkwardly]
U-JIN'S MOTHER
[breathes shakily]
[cell phone rings]
[tense music plays]
[cell phone rings]
Yeah, I see you.
-[tires squeal]
-[gasps]
[horn honks]
[breathes shakily]
[Mrs. Lee breathes heavily]
[panting]
[music fades]
[Mrs. Lee gasps]
[Mrs. Lee exhales]
[sighs]
So, you were on her side?
Because of the two of you,
my son is being treated as an outcast?
It's your fault.
It has nothing to do with the teacher.
My fault? How dare you
speak to me like that?
Why not? Isn't that
how you spoke with Miss Choi?
You better watch out.
I'm gonna report you and that bitch
to the Bureau.
Yeah, the ERPB.
I know someone there.
I'll make sure you never teach again.
[Hwa-jin] Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Na Hwa-jin.
I'm an inspector with the ERPB.
[rock music plays]
I am fully aware of your behavior
towards the teacher Miss Choi Ji-seon.
-It's why I'm here.
-You can't do this.
It's against the law.
You set me up. You bastard! [gasps]
You're a big fan of the law.
Let's do it by the book.
The investigation by
the Educational Rights Protection Bureau
finds your behavior, your malicious
false complaints against Miss Choi,
to constitute defamation of character
as defined by the law.
I haven't done anything wrong!
Everything I did, I did for my child.
I did what every parent would do.
You think I'd sit back
and watch my son be harmed?
It's the teacher's fault!
She knew nothing!
She doesn't even have her own child!
How could she understand how I feel?
In that case, I'm sure you can appreciate
how bad her parents feel.
Imagine her mother
watching her own child
suffering every day.
So what?
I don't care about that bitch.
I just care about U-jin.
The same as every parent in the world.
[breathes shakily]
[Ji-seon] Are you sure
that this looks like me?
-[laughter]
-[Ji-seon] Right!
I think that maybe
I'll look better in red?
-[laughter]
-[Ji-seon] What do you think, U-jin?
[chuckles] I'll do some drawing too.
So, U-jin,
I'm really happy to see you.
What made you want to call me today?
I did what you told me to, Miss.
You told me
to do what my feelings tell me.
I was having a really hard time today
and I wanted to see you.
Well, tell me
why you were having a hard time?
[sniffles]
[gentle music plays]
[sniffles] I feel so bad for you, Miss.
[breathes shakily] My mom,
she hurt you a lot, didn't she?
Oh, U-jin.
Don't worry about that.
[sniffles]
[cries]
[sniffles]
[Ji-seon] Okay?
[U-jin cries] My mom hates me.
She doesn't smile at me anymore.
She always seems to be angry.
Give me a hug, U-jin.
I know you've been having
a really hard time, U-jin.
It's okay.
It's all right.
[Mrs. Lee sighs]
[Ji-seon] You're gonna be okay. [inhales]
[U-jin sniffles]
Are you feeling a little better now?
[chuckles softly]
Wanna do some more coloring?
[Ji-seon exhales]
Who do you think
truly cares for that child, ma'am?
What kind of adult
do you want U-jin to be?
An adult who won't say sorry
when they're wrong?
[Ji-seon] So cute!
[Hwa-jin] An adult who lives a lonely life
in solitude with no friends or colleagues?
[laughs]
Do you want him to grow up
blind to the needs of others,
not caring about them?
Is that it?
If not, please stop.
Your child doesn't want this.
He's saying he likes his teacher.
Trust U-jin.
-Trust his teacher too.
-[Ji-seon] Really good. Well done.
-[laughs]
-A rabbit? Is that what it is?
[laughs]
[laughs] Is that how you see me?
Huh? Is that what I look like?
Come on, answer me! [laughs]
You know what,
I guess it does look like me,
so let me be the rabbit,
and you'll be the bear.
[U-jin laughs]
[U-jin laughs]
[Ji-seon] U-jin, that's beautiful.
[U-jin laughs]
[music fades]
Inspector, how did you know
that Miss Choi would be at the school?
Because she's a teacher.
The first thing I thought about
was the school.
And I suppose Miss Choi thought the same.
You were able to communicate
using telepathy.
Hey, guys. Both of you
have heard about telepathy, right?
It's when people agree on the same stuff
at the same time.
No, it's not about seeing eye to eye.
It's actually about
when someone's thoughts and their actions
are transmitted to someone else.
It's kinda like a superpower, you see?
They're making a lucky guess.
That's not a superpower.
No, I'm telling you. Telepathy is real.
-Go ahead then and prove it.
-Okay.
I need you to look into my eyes.
Now, imagine a word and I'll guess it.
[scoffs]
[gentle music plays]
Go ahead. I've sent it.
[music fades]
Sleep.
Sleep? What the hell?
Sorry, dude, but you missed by a mile,
so there you go!
I meant you have sleep gunk.
Right here in the corner of your eye.
[laughs] Sleep gunk!
That's embarrassing. He caught you!
I got it! Gone.
What do you guys wanna eat?
-Jokbal.
-Jokbal.
Oh! Whoa!
That's exactly what I was thinking!
That's exactly it. You see?
That's exactly the word
I was thinking about.
And that's exactly what telepathy is!
You see, it's true. That's what I said.
[Han-rim] Do it again.
[Geun-dae] Concentrate
and think of a color.
Let's just presume
we have two people named A and B.
A uses their position to threaten B.
A engages in behavior forcing B to react
and do things
that are beyond her job description.
Under Article 324,
paragraph one of the Penal Code,
this is defined as coercion and is
punishable by up to five years in prison
or a 30 million won fine.
DEFENDAN
In addition, A frequently
spied on B's social media account,
leaving recurring malicious messages,
going so far as to humiliate her
by making comments
on her choice of underwear.
A repeatedly bombarded B
with text messages and DMs,
and even went so far
as to visit B at her home
prompting fear and anxiety in B.
This behavior is classified as stalking,
and is a criminal offense that is
punishable by up to three years in jail,
or a fine of up to 30 million won,
based on current Korean penal law.
Later on, A had her husband
visit B's workplace
and simulate an assault
with the intention of terrorizing B.
The behavior is classified as intimidation
under Article 238,
paragraph one of the Penal Code.
This behavior is punishable
by up to three years in prison
or a fine of up to five million won.
From the day you chose… ♪
As a result of A's behavior,
B had a nervous breakdown
and suffered from depression.
She even considered taking her own life.
Consequently, A's behavior can also
be classified as assault and battery,
also a serious criminal offense.
A is Kim Ji-yeong.
And B is Miss Choi Ji-seon, the plaintiff.
The actions of the accused
are deemed criminal
when they occur in regular society.
So why then do we permit it
between a teacher and a parent?
Your eyes ♪
Still holding… ♪
[Gang-seok]
we have learned of how many parents
abuse the official complaints system.
They exert undue pressure
and stress on teachers,
depriving them
of the opportunity to educate.
So from now on,
when a teacher is accused of child abuse,
or when a complaint is filed,
the Educational Rights Protection Bureau
will dispatch an investigator
immediately on site.
In the event that the teacher
is found to be not guilty,
we will fight back and protect them.
In today's modern society,
the relationship between teacher
and student has been eroded.
So we ask you parents to ensure
that the last remaining dedicated teachers
stay in the profession.
We also promise to establish a protocol
whereby every teacher
shall have access to an annual checkup
and a full psychological evaluation
in an appropriate facility.
[clears throat]
[music fades]
[clears throat]
I wish to apologize
on behalf
of the Ministry of Education to all
the teachers and educators
who have taken their own lives,
and to all the others
who bravely fight
for a better world.
We have left you to fight alone.
To fight unprotected.
But from this day on,
you won't be alone.
[somber bells chime]
[recorder music plays]
Very good, yes. Whoa! Well done! Bravo!
[kids cheering]
You're amazing!
Yeah!
Well done, everyone.
[kids giggle]
[child 1] Come on! Yeah! Come on!
-[child 2] Yeah!
-[child 3] Come on, do it! Do it!
[music stops]
[melancholy music plays]
MOCK CSA
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT SUPPLIES
MIDTERM EXAM MARKING
OPEN CLASS PREPARATION
WEDDING DAY
IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS
SINCE COMING TO SCHOOL WITH GYU-CHEOL
MY HEART FELT HEAVY THIS MORNING
GYU-CHEOL HAS BEEN ON MY MIND
WE HAD CAREERS COUNSELING
BUT GYU-CHEOL HAS NO DREAMS
[suspenseful music plays]
WHAT SHOULD I DO… ABOUT GYU-CHEOL?
[dramatic music plays]
WILL I EVER BE ABLE TO… FORGIVE GYU-CHEOL?
I'm gonna hunt you down ♪
Yeah, I ain't playing around ♪
I'mma take your crown ♪
Man, better run, gonna hunt you down ♪
Who's the bravest? ♪
Let me know
How far you wanna take this ♪
I've been having dreams of winning ♪
I can see myself
In an esteemed position ♪
I got no qualms, I got no fears ♪
I got blood, sweat and tears
Under my belt ♪
And now I'm switching gears ♪
And there's no stopping
You got no options ♪
We win by any means necessary
You got it? ♪
-I'm gonna hunt you down ♪
-Gonna hunt you down ♪
-Yeah, I ain't playing around ♪
-Ain't playing around ♪
I'mma take your crown ♪
Man, better run, gonna hunt you down ♪
Yeah, I be coming for you
Like Hannibal ♪
Uh, I'm a killer, call me a cannibal ♪
Uh, I'mma take your crown ♪
Man, better run, gonna hunt you down ♪
[music stops]