Choi Hyun-wook Shines in 'After School Teacher Taeri' with His Genuine Charm

Actor Choi Hyun-wook is capturing attention with his endearing awkwardness in 'After School Teacher Taeri.' In a recent episode, viewers saw Choi being scolded by Kim Tae-ri during a meal, sparking reactions like 'Is he getting a talking-to?' among the audience.

Choi Hyun-wook plays the youngest cast member and the theater club's 'Potato Teacher' in tvN's 'After School Teacher Taeri.'

The show is a new reality entertainment program that follows the cast as they open an after-school theater club at a small village elementary school with only 18 students, taking on the challenge of teaching the children.

In the latest episode, Choi suggested playing baseball with the kids and communicated actively, even making kimbap with his clumsy cooking skills to warm the atmosphere as an assistant teacher. His honest and tender side was revealed during a disagreement with Kim Tae-ri. When Kim scolded him, saying, 'You've been doing it comfortably until now,' Choi humorously retorted, 'I'm scared, I want to go home,' yet added, 'Did I really do it comfortably? I have a lot to say too,' showing his innocent frustration.

Kim Tae-ri asked, 'Is there any part you did 100% satisfactorily? Do you admit it?' to which Choi replied, 'How can I satisfy 100%? I think I did my part, even if you don't like something.' However, in an interview with the production team, Choi tearfully admitted, 'I have to do everything, and if I have to teach too... I'm not doing nothing.' The video, titled 'Why Hyun-wook is so upset,' highlighted his unseen efforts, like trying to give a hot pack to a child during class and preparing tea for a sick Kim Tae-ri but failing to deliver it. He confessed to the production team, 'I wonder if she knows how much I care about her, and I feel a bit hurt.'

The next morning, seeing Kim Tae-ri asleep in the living room while preparing for class, Choi reflected deeply and shared in an interview, 'Seeing her sleeping there made me feel sorry. It made me reflect a lot,' and added, 'I thought I should help her as much as I can, so I prepared boiled eggs, coffee, and apples with peanut butter,' hinting at the growth of the affectionate and tender youngest member.

Choi Hyun-wook quickly bonded with the children by approaching them at their level. Kim Tae-ri humorously expressed her jealousy, saying, 'The really annoying thing is that the kids might soon like Potato Teacher more than me.'

Despite his awkwardness, Choi's unpretentious charm adds authenticity, making viewers anticipate his growth as a teacher. This challenge, showcasing his candid side rarely seen since his debut, marks a significant turning point in his career.

Choi Hyun-wook has been gaining attention for his versatile performances across various genres, including 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (2022), 'Weak Hero Class 1' (2022), 'D.P. Season 2' (2023), 'Shining Watermelon' (2023), 'High Cookie' (2023), 'That Guy is a Black Dragon' (2025), and 'Weak Hero Class 2' (2025). He is set to appear in the upcoming Netflix series 'The Boy in the Last Row' and Disney+'s 'Hypnosis.'

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