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On November 7, Star News reported that actor Kim Nam-gil had been confirmed to lead the K-Drama adaptation of the WEBTOON Get Schooled.
In this adaptation, Kim was allegedly set to portray Na Hwa-jin, an employee of the Ministry of Education tasked with controlling school bullies using unorthodox methods.
However, Get Schooled, also known as True Education, sparked significant controversy over its content. It was removed from international platforms and placed on indefinite hiatus on the Korean Naver app after backlash over its allegedly racist plotline. It faced criticism for themes of alleged corporal punishment and racially insensitive storylines.
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The news of the adaptation—and Kim Nam-gil’s involvement - since drew mixed reactions from both K-Drama and K-WEBTOON audiences. Especially with Kim Nam-gil’s involvement, his fans voiced concerns, urging him to reconsider taking on the role.
The uproar from his fans emphasized their hopes that Kim would consider his international and female fanbase and decline the role.
Responding to the escalating discussion, on November 8, 2024, Kim Nam-gil addressed the casting rumors directly through an Instagram Stories post.
In his post, he stated:
"Hello, this is Kim Nam-gil. Today is a fantastic day I return to you all as Priest Kim Hae Il on The Fiery Priest. I heard that a lot of you have grown worried over a casting news article that got published yesterday."
The actor clarified that he had received the script for review but was too occupied with his current drama to assess it.
"While it is true that my management company received an offer for a role on the K-Drama Get Schooled, I have not had the time to personally review the material. Since I believe it’s only polite for me to directly accept or turn down the offer, I would need to review it first before making a decision. But I have not had the time because I’m so focused on The Fiery Priest right now. I don’t have the time or the energy to even consider anything else. "
Kim Nam-gil then shared his excitement for season 2 of The Fiery Priest, premiering on November 8, and expressed hope that fans will enjoy the show.
"The entire cast and production team of The Fiery Priest are working really hard on wrapping up the final shoot to make sure it does not disappoint the fans who have adored the show and waited so long for this second season."
He added:
"Please know that I’m always trying my absolute best to not disappoint the fans who have loved and supported me through all my work. I would hope that you could continue to trust me so. I also hope that you have fun with The Fiery Priest every weekend this winter. Please stay healthy and happy."
Controversial WEBTOON Get Schooled gets K-Drama adaptation with Kim Nam-gil rumored as lead
Get Schooled is a school drama highlighting conflicts among students, parents, and teachers. Based on the Naver WEBTOON of the same name, the story follows Na Hwa-jin as he navigates a world where teachers’ authority has diminished, and students, parents, and teachers face increasing tensions.
Na Hwa-jin serves as a field supervisor for the Educational Protection Agency. The agency employs Na, a man of tough and thick skin personality with peak mental, physical, and intellectual skills.
Known as the "Grim Reaper" of school bullies, he is determined to uphold justice despite facing threats, absurdities, and challenges to his sense of integrity.
The original series, True Education, has seen a turbulent reception though the original WEBTOON, before its removal, accumulated over 99 million views. Initially popular, the WEBTOON was eventually criticized for its problematic portrayal of racial issues.
In North America, True Education’s serialization has been discontinued entirely after the storyline led to extensive backlash.
Critics have pointed out the portrayal of teachers advocating corporal punishment, instances of racial insensitivity, and issues related to feminism. The controversy has escalated due to a particular plotline disparaging Black individuals, resulting in a long-term hiatus for the series.
The news of the K-Drama adaptation has since attracted attention, particularly with the possibility of Kim Nam-gil in the lead role.
Kim’s fans have expressed concerns over the WEBTOON’s contentious themes and urged the actor to reconsider his involvement.
Very few details have been shared about the K-Drama version of True Education besides Kim being offered the lead role.
As per STARNEWS Director Hong Jong-chan, known for his Netflix series Juvenile Justice (2022) and Mr. Plankton (2024), is set to lead the adaptation.
Kim Nam-gil is a South Korean actor known for his versatility in both television and film. He gained widespread recognition for his role as the passionate priest Kim Hae-il in the hit drama The Fiery Priest (2019).
Kim’s career spans various genres, from action to deep character-driven stories. Kim is known for his leading roles in the period drama Portrait of a Beauty (2008), the adventure film The Pirates (2014), the disaster blockbuster Pandora (2016), and the crime thriller Memoir of a Murderer (2017).
His upcoming drama, the second season of The Fiery Priest is set to release on November 8, 2024 at 10 pm (KST) on SBS.
