A Netflix original series gaining strong global traction has unexpectedly turned its lead actor into a viral international figure after professional wrestler-turned-actor John Cena shared a photo of him on social media.
The series, “Teach You a Lesson,” starring South Korean actor Kim Mu-yeol, has been performing strongly on Netflix’s global charts since its release. The show, based on a popular webtoon, follows a story about restoring discipline and authority in schools, featuring intense action sequences that have resonated with international audiences.
The online buzz began when global fans of the series noted a resemblance between Kim and Cena, dubbing the actor “Korean John Cena” due to his physical appearance and the character’s uncompromising approach to disciplining violent students.
The meme eventually reached Cena himself. Known for frequently posting images on his Instagram account without captions, Cena recently uploaded a photo of Kim Mu-yeol, further fueling the viral moment across social media platforms.
Kim responded in kind, leaving a playful comment referencing Cena’s iconic wrestling catchphrase, “You can’t see me,” writing instead, “Now you can see me.”
Netflix Korea also joined the viral exchange, commenting on Cena’s post with a reference to a scene from the series in which Kim’s character reacts with confusion, further amplifying online engagement.
The unexpected global attention comes amid the show’s strong international performance. “Teach You a Lesson,” adapted from a webtoon of the same name, has ranked near the top of Netflix’s global Top 10 non-English TV charts shortly after its release, drawing viewers worldwide with its portrayal of efforts to restore order and discipline in schools.
Industry observers say the viral exchange highlights how streaming platforms are increasingly driving cross-border cultural moments, where memes, social media engagement, and global fandom can amplify a show’s reach far beyond its domestic audience.
