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In Korea, the early 2000s gangster comedy film "My Boss, My Teacher" (두사부일체) is drawing renewed attention as a nostalgic classic, particularly for its unique premise of a gangster attending high school. The film's availability on various OTT platforms like TVING, Watcha, and Wavve has contributed to its re-evaluation among viewers.
The 2001 film, directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, features Jung Joon-ho as Gye Doo-sik, a powerful but uneducated gangster second-in-command who is ordered by his boss to obtain a high school diploma. He enrolls in Sangchun High School, where he initially aims for a quiet graduation but eventually confronts school corruption and violence. The cast also includes Jung Woong-in as Kim Sang-doo, Jung Woon-taek as Daegari, Kim Sang-joong as Boss Oh Sang-joong, Oh Seung-eun as Lee Yoon-joo, and Song Seon-mi as Lee Ji-seon. The chemistry between Jung Joon-ho, Jung Woong-in, and Jung Woon-taek, often referred to as the "Gye-Sang-Doo Trio," was a significant highlight.
Local bloggers recall "My Boss, My Teacher" as a legendary starting point for the gangster comedy genre, praising its ingenious character setting. They note that while the film offers pleasant energy through the trio's chaotic school experiences, it also incorporates realistic themes of school corruption and violence. The humor is derived from the stark contrast between Doo-sik's authority in the gang and his struggles as a high school student, making it a memorable and nostalgic film for many.
