South Korea’s largest teachers’ association has demanded the cancellation of an upcoming K-drama that depicts a romantic relationship between a female teacher and her elementary school student. The Korean Federation of Teachers’ Associations (KFTA) issued a public statement on July 1, 2025, calling the drama’s storyline harmful and unethical.
The drama, titled ‘The Elementary Schooler I Love’, is based on a webtoon serialized on platforms like Naver Series. It follows a female teacher who develops romantic feelings for a student after meeting him in an online game. The KFTA argues that the plot glamorizes grooming and exploits the power imbalance between adults and minors.
Teachers’ Union Calls Drama “Unacceptable and Dangerous”
The KFTA strongly criticized the drama’s premise, stating that it promotes harmful stereotypes about educators and minors.
“A plot involving an adult exploiting their position to form emotional ties with an underage student is not a romance but a glamorization of grooming. This is a serious issue that should not be romanticized under any circumstances.”
The organization also raised concerns about the potential impact on child actors involved in the production. They warned that young performers could suffer emotional and psychological harm from acting out such sensitive content.
Concerns Over Sexualization of Minors and Public Trust
The KFTA accused the drama of sexualizing minors under the guise of creative freedom. They argued that such portrayals damage public trust in teachers and normalize inappropriate relationships between adults and children.
“Portraying teachers as grooming perpetrators undermines the credibility of educators and the integrity of the school environment.”
The federation has demanded:
- The immediate cancellation of the drama.
- A strict review by regulatory agencies like the Korea Communications Standards Commission.
- Stronger protections for children and adolescents from harmful media content.
Creative Freedom vs. Ethical Responsibility
While the KFTA acknowledged the importance of creative freedom, they emphasized that it should not come at the expense of child safety. The controversy has sparked debates about where to draw the line between artistic expression and social responsibility.
The drama is being directed by Jung Sung Hyun and written by Jung Se Hyuk. No official release date or broadcasting platform has been announced yet.
Public Reactions and Industry Response
The backlash has spread online, with many social media users supporting the KFTA’s stance. Some argue that romanticizing such relationships could influence young viewers negatively. Others question whether the drama will proceed given the strong opposition.
“This isn’t just fiction—it’s dangerous messaging. Kids might think this kind of relationship is okay when it’s absolutely not.”
The production team has not yet responded to the criticism. Industry experts speculate that the drama may face delays or cancellation if public pressure continues.
Past Controversies in Korean Media
This is not the first time a Korean drama has faced backlash for controversial themes. Previous shows have been criticized for glorifying toxic relationships, bullying, and unethical behavior. However, the explicit focus on a teacher-student romance has drawn unprecedented criticism from educators and parents.
What Happens Next?
The KFTA’s demands have put pressure on both the production team and regulatory bodies. If the drama moves forward, it may face strict content warnings or restrictions. However, if canceled, it could set a precedent for how similar content is handled in the future.
