Kim Tae-ri Shines in New Variety Show 'After School Teacher Tae-ri'

'After School Teacher Tae-ri' has made a delightful impression on viewers with its harmless fun. Following the conclusion of the tvN drama 'Jeong Nyeon' in November 2024, Kim Tae-ri has not announced any new projects until now, showcasing a different charm through her new variety show.

The first episode of tvN's 'After School Teacher Tae-ri,' which aired on the 22nd, featured Kim Tae-ri's struggles as an after-school drama club teacher, along with the clumsy yet endearing 'Potato Teacher' Choi Hyun-wook joining the mix, creating a sweet and salty episode.

The drama club was established at Yongheung Elementary School, a small school with only 18 students and no new students for 2025. With the school facing potential closure, the after-school drama club emerged as a meaningful project aimed at providing support, drawing significant attention from the start.

Kim Tae-ri, new to teaching, prepared wholeheartedly for her first class with students who were also new to drama. During the preparation, she felt the weight of being a teacher, shedding tears and seeking advice from senior actors, reflecting her sincere dedication.

In the first class, Kim Tae-ri engaged the seven children with a one-person play based on her own story, using games to make drama enjoyable and accessible. She also introduced a 'question notebook' to understand the children's unspoken thoughts and questions, pouring her passion into the project.

The children responded positively to the class, but Kim Tae-ri confessed, "It was complicated," and contrary to her resolve to "have fun," she admitted, "It wasn't enjoyable." She shared her shortcomings and desire to present a great performance at the school festival with her friend and assistant teacher, Choi Hyun-wook, showing her commitment to improvement and growth.

In the second class, 'Potato Teacher' Choi Hyun-wook joined as an assistant teacher. Nervous and stumbling, he ended up being playfully scolded by the children, bringing laughter. During break time, he forgot Kim Tae-ri's request and went to the playground, leaving Tae-ri surprised and setting the stage for a humorous confrontation between the two.

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