Director of 'Teach You a Lesson' learned of actor Song Young-gyu's death while editing the show

Hong Jong-chan, director of the Netflix series "Teach You a Lesson," has spoken about learning of the late actor Song Young-gyu's death while editing the show.

Hong spoke about Song during an interview for the series held Thursday in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

"Teach You a Lesson," released June 5, is set in a school system where teachers have lost authority. The series follows a fictional teacher protection agency as it intervenes to resolve conflicts involving students, parents and educators. It reached No. 1 on Netflix's global non-English TV chart within three days of its release.

Since the show's premiere, attention has turned to scenes featuring Song, who died last year. Song played Ryu Gwang-pil, a ruling party presidential contender and father of school bully Ryu Jun-hyeong, portrayed by Lee Seung-gyu. Though his role was not large, Song left a strong impression with his characteristically commanding screen presence.

Hong said he received news of Song's death while editing the first episode, in which Song appeared. "It was so heartbreaking. Personally, it was very hard for me," he said.

"Song Young-gyu threw himself into the role with such joy and skill. I remember thinking I had to do justice to his performance in the edit," Hong added. "He gave everything even from the script reading stage."

Song died last year while under investigation after news emerged belatedly that he had been referred to prosecutors without detention on drunk driving charges. He had been beloved as a scene-stealing character actor, delivering memorable performances in the film "Extreme Job" and the Netflix series "Narco-Saints," among other projects.