Jung Jun-sung's Yeomin Dongnak (353) Drama 'True Education'

Kim Hong-shin's 'Human Market' published in 1981.

It is a novel that recorded Korea's first bestseller and sparked great interest.

This is because the exploits of the 'hero Jang Chong-chan,' who quenched the thirst for justice during politically and socially dark times, resonated with the public.

In particular, people found vicarious satisfaction in the 'fantasy' of punishing corrupt authorities with bare fists on behalf of the weak suffering where law and justice cannot reach.

Even now, the premise that 'the force against evil is not violence but justice' remains a symbolic issue of the era, transcending films and cartoons.

These days, the Netflix drama 'True Education' is receiving explosive attention and soaring in popularity.

While it cannot be simply compared to 'Human Market,' there are many points of resonance.

The only difference is the methodology of individual struggle and legal punishment, but the goals pursued are similar.

The drama addresses difficult problems in education, including infringement of teacher authority, school violence, entrance exam fraud, and juvenile delinquency.

At the center of this is the 'Teacher Authority Protection Bureau,' which has extra-legal authority to employ all means including corporal punishment.

It is truly a 'fantasy' setting that does not exist in reality.

While there are not a few criticisms, such as glorification of violence, the general assessment is that it is quite satisfying.

This is also evidence that many people are finding vicarious satisfaction while watching 'True Education.'

However, the drama also contains pain that cannot simply be dismissed as entertainment.

That is the reality of teacher authority infringement that has made even a government-dedicated organization necessary.

Moreover, deep distrust and frustration in the current education system play a part as well.

This well proves that 'True Education's' popularity is no mere coincidence.

Therefore, the question the drama poses to us is simple.

Have we not been preoccupied with 'student protection' and neglected to protect the truly important 'education' and 'teacher authority'?

Of course, there is a clear question about whether the 'Teacher Authority Protection Bureau' will serve as a 'universal remedy' that solves all of this.

This is because the current crisis in the classroom is that serious and the solutions are equally complex.

Still, we may hold some hope that we can restore at least some of the collapsed teacher authority.

Ahn Min-seok, the incoming superintendent of Gyeonggi Province Office of Education, has stepped forward, saying he will turn the 'drama' into reality by establishing a transition committee.

Furthermore, active discussions are underway. Attention is focused on how the drama's imagination will be reflected in actual education policy.