K-Drama adaptation of “The Elementary Schooler I Love” is sparking fierce backlash over its pedophilic premise.
CNC Revolution CEO Lee Jae Sik and Meta New Line CEO Heo Jae Chul finalized production rights for the Lezhin Comics webtoon on June 25, 2025 (KST). The series follows an elementary school teacher who falls for a top online game player — only to discover he’s her student.
Director Jung Sung Hyun and scriptwriter Jung Se Hyuk have been confirmed. Casting, broadcaster, and schedule details are still under wraps.
The adaptation’s “pedophilic” plot triggered immediate outrage online:
“Are they out of their minds? I feel like elementary school parents are going to be strongly against this.”
“The title alone…”
“This is irritating—way too pedophilic.”
“WTF?”
“Can we stop with these My Mister pedophilic K-Drama plots? This isn’t normal.”
Sexualization of minors has long been criticized, but Korean viewers have grown more vocal demanding cancellations of shows with such premises.
The project is still in early development, but backlash is piling on fast.
Source: Job Post and theqoo
