K-content, which is currently enjoying global popularity, has once again become a target of China's chronic illegal streaming. As the Netflix original series "Teach You a Lesson" continues its successful run, a bizarre situation has unfolded where some Chinese are watching the show through illegal distribution channels and leaving a massive number of reviews.

An official review page for the Netflix series "Teach You a Lesson" has been created on Douban, China's largest content review site. As of July 9, approximately 140,000 have already participated in rating the show, and the number of reviews, including critiques and viewing impressions, has well exceeded 50,000.

Netflix does not officially provide services in China. Nevertheless, the fact that hundreds of thousands of ratings and reviews have poured in over such a short period is clear evidence that locals are watching the content through illegal channels.

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University strongly criticized this situation on his social media today. Professor Seo pointed out, "If you search for 'Teach You a Lesson' on Baidu, China's largest portal site, you can easily find sites that offer free streaming."

This controversy over Chinese illegally streaming K-content is nothing new. Whenever hit works such as Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters", "Squid Game", "Culinary Class Wars", and "The Glory" have been released, some Chinese have consistently engaged in illegal viewing.

"Illegal streaming has now become a daily routine in China," Professor Seo criticized, adding, "What is even more baffling is that they feel no shame at all."

He further urged a change in attitude from local authorities, who have been standing by while copyright infringement continues. "It is time for the Chinese authorities to take more active measures," Professor Seo emphasized. "They must stop ignoring the normalization of illegal streaming and urgently implement intensive crackdowns and preventive measures against illegal activities within their country."

[Photo=Netflix "Teach You a Lesson" official trailer, screenshot of the "Teach You a Lesson" page created on the Chinese review site Douban] 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)