[Dispatch=Reporter Gumi Min-ji] "We will protect the victims of school violence."

Actor Kim Moo-yeol steps forward for school violence victims. He roams through schools, punishing perpetrators and embracing victims. He expressed confidence that he is "a character that many people want and need."

In 'True Education,' the school atmosphere is a mess. Students disrupting classes, teachers abandoning their educational duties, selfish overly devoted parents. The education environment crumbles because of those who cross the line.

Lee Seong-min said, "Many issues have recently surfaced. 'True Education' resolved them refreshingly and provided catharsis. Difficult problems were expressed as simply and logically as possible."

It intensively addressed school issues that become controversial in reality. It delivers a refreshing blow to troubling news. In each episode, it punishes school violence perpetrators and takes the hands of victims.

Netflix's new series 'True Education' held its production presentation on the 5th at Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel. Attending were actors Kim Moo-yeol, Lee Seong-min, Jin Ki-joo, and Pyo Ji-hoon, as well as director Hong Jong-chan.

'True Education' depicts refreshing true education to revitalize Korean education in ruins caused by students, teachers, and parents who cross the line. It blends diverse genres including comedy, action, mystery, and drama.

It is based on a webtoon of the same name. Director Hong said, "I preserved the originality's refreshingness, and paid attention to adding three-dimensionality and emotional depth to the characters expressed in the drama" in addressing the adaptation points.

Kim Moo-yeol explained his motivation for choosing the work. "It's a work that can talk about difficult problems easily," he said, adding, "It has all genres like a comprehensive gift set—refreshingness, cheerfulness, and even emotion. It was fun."

In the drama, the education site is in ruins due to class disruption, school violence, gambling, and drugs. It tackles problems head-on in ways anyone might imagine. It resolves confusion and conflict while conveying a sense of liberation.

Lee Seong-min was also drawn to this. "Problems with education often lead to social issues. The story of dramatically and refreshingly resolving them gave catharsis," he emphasized.

It also addresses the pain of school violence victims. Jin Ki-joo, who plays Lim Han-rim, recalled, "Whenever I faced moments when victims were protected, I got choked up. I wanted to participate in (the work)."

Kim Moo-yeol plays Na Hwa-jin, a director at the Education Authority Protection Bureau. Na Hwa-jin is a former special forces officer. When problems occur on site, he delivers a refreshing blow. No matter the situation, he stands with victims and resolves incidents.

He introduced the character: "Na Hwa-jin might look a bit intimidating on the surface. In reality, he's a familiar person—like an older brother, senior, or neighbor. He has unwavering principles and strong conviction and will."

He introduced him as "a heroic figure." "Beyond understanding and sympathizing with the victims' position, he shows responsible action. A character that many people want and need," he emphasized.

He continued, "He also carries a dark past behind the cheerfulness. When meeting victims with each case, a multilayered aspect seemed to emerge in how he genuinely treated and understood them."

'True Education' generated controversy during production. Racist and sexist expressions in the original webtoon became issues. Originally Kim Nam-gil was mentioned for the role of Na Hwa-jin, but Kim Moo-yeol filled the position.

Kim Moo-yeol said, "Rather than that problem, I focused on what kind of work it is. I think actors are people who communicate through their work. I hope people will watch and understand the sincerity," he said firmly.

Kim Moo-yeol, Lee Seong-min, and Director Hong collaborated again after 'Juvenile Justice.' Kim Moo-yeol said, "In the previous work, we approached difficult stories carefully. This time too, I could work with confidence."

Lee Seong-min anchors the drama. He acts as Education Minister Choi Kang-seok. "A figure who established the Education Authority Protection Bureau so that victims in education settings wouldn't be hurt and to heal them," he introduced.

They expressed satisfaction with the on-set chemistry. Kim Moo-yeol said, "This is my third project with Senior Lee Seong-min. Each time I feel reassured, and I gain confidence that I can do anything. (He's my spiritual) support," he laughed.

Lee Seong-min also said, "I always had confidence in the director, so I was certain 'True Education' would be a beloved work. Meeting Kim Moo-yeol was exciting too. I worked happily," he recalled.

The cast added depth to the work through familiar rhythm. Director Hong said, "We had lots of conversations about how everyone viewed the work. On set, the rhythm blended well."

Characters not in the original were also added. Pyo Ji-hoon adds cheerfulness as 'Bong Geun-dae.' Director Hong said, "Pyo Ji-hoon is a character that lowers the entry barrier to watching 'True Education.' He's an endearing and growing character."

Director Hong emphasized, "The single sentence 'We will protect you' condenses everything. I wanted to carry the weight of reality but create an experience where the moment the Education Authority Protection Bureau moves, it transforms into refreshingness."

He continued, "The original's strength was being refreshing and satisfying. I tried to express it well through the four members of the Education Authority. We worked to build empathy with the story unfolding in reality," he urged expectations.

'True Education' allows viewers to feel the appeal of diverse genres in each episode. The fast-paced development is also a viewing point. He expressed confidence that viewers will laugh, become angry, and feel refreshed.

Kim Moo-yeol said, "It felt like I filmed 10 works. It was grueling work too," but added, "Though I had to act with different actors each time, the vibrant chemistry of the Education Authority became contagious. We laughed so much we got NG," he recalled.

Lee Seong-min said, "The story comes out by episode. When raising my child, I didn't pay attention to education, but I could encounter various (school violence) problems. I learned it wasn't just one or two issues," he said.

It's a work that makes you think. Kim Moo-yeol said, "It became an opportunity to think about diverse perspectives, not just parents' positions. I acted with sincerity. I ask for much anticipation and interest," he concluded.

Meanwhile, 'True Education' will be released on Netflix at 5 p.m. today.

<Photos=Photographer Seunghoon Yi>