K-content, which is causing a global sensation, has once again become a target of China's chronic illegal streaming. As the Netflix original series "True Education" continues its global success, some Chinese netizens are engaging in the absurd act of leaving massive amounts of reviews after watching the show through illegal distribution channels.

On Douban, China's largest content review site, an official review page for the Netflix series "True Education" has been created. As of July 9, approximately 140,000 netizens have already participated in rating the series, 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 local netizens have been watching the work through illegal distribution 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 'True Education' on Baidu, China's largest portal site, you can easily find free streaming sites."

The controversy over Chinese netizens' illegal streaming of K-content is not a new issue. Previously, whenever popular works such as Netflix's "K-Pop Demon Hunters," "Squid Game," "Culinary Class Wars," and "The Glory" were released, some Chinese netizens consistently engaged in illegal viewing.

"Illegal streaming has now become a daily routine in China," Professor Seo criticized, adding, "What is even more staggering is that they do not feel any 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 should no longer neglect the situation where illegal streaming has become normalized, and urgent intensive crackdowns and preventive measures against illegal activities within their country are needed."

[Photo: Netflix 'True Education' official trailer, capture of the 'True Education' page created on Chinese review site Douban]

Reported by Kang Seon-ae | Produced by SBS Entertainment News