Star Instructor Jo Jung-sik to Attend 'Teachers 2' Interview Amid Allegations

Star instructor Jo Jung-sik, who is under suspicion for allegedly purchasing exam questions from a current teacher, is set to attend an interview for Channel A's 'Teachers 2' on the 13th as planned.

A representative from Channel A's 'Please Take Care of My Grades: Teachers Season 2' confirmed to TenAsia on the 11th, "Instructor Jo Jung-sik is scheduled to attend the 'Teachers 2' round interview on the 13th, and there are currently no changes to this plan."

The interview will also feature Kim Seung-hoon CP, Yoon Hye-ji PD, and instructors Jung Seung-jae, Jo Jung-sik, and Yoon Hye-jung. The schedule was pre-announced, but Jo's participation drew attention after reports on the 10th alleged he purchased mock exam questions worth 58 million won from a current teacher.

Jo Jung-sik's team has denied the allegations. On the 11th, attorneys Choi Bong-kyun and Jung Sung-yeop from the law firm Pyeongan, representing Jo, stated, "The recent reports contain inaccuracies that severely damage the instructor's reputation and trust."

They further explained, "Jo Jung-sik and his legal team believe that all charges referred to the prosecution are clearly unfounded, and Jo did not pay 58 million won to the teacher in question."

Previously, a media outlet reported on the 10th that Jo had been in contact with 21 current teachers since 2020 to obtain mock exam questions for high school seniors, allegedly paying tens of millions of won in return. Consequently, he was sent to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and obstruction of business on the 17th of last month.

Meanwhile, Jo Jung-sik is a leading English instructor at Megastudy and has been appearing on Channel A's 'Please Take Care of My Grades: Teachers' series since 2023. 'Teachers 2' is an educational solution variety show that helps middle and high school students improve their grades through direct coaching from top instructors in Korea. It premiered on the 4th of last month.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr