Choi Hyun-wook Shines in 'After School Teacher Taeri' with Natural Charm and Humor

Choi Hyun-wook is proving his potential in variety shows with his unpretentious and natural charm in 'After School Teacher Taeri,' drawing both laughter and empathy from viewers. Following his cameo in 'Weak Hero Class 2' last year, Choi is expected to appear in several upcoming projects, including 'The Boy in the Last Row,' 'Hypnosis,' 'Sweet Part-time Job,' 'Green Light,' 'By the River Where Evil Lurks,' and 'Soul: Triangle Time.'

Choi Hyun-wook is actively participating as the youngest member and the drama club teacher 'Potato Teacher' in tvN's 'After School Teacher Taeri' (directed by Park Ji-ye and Hwang Seul-woo), which airs every Sunday. The reality show captures the challenge of the cast members opening an after-school drama club and teaching students at a small village elementary school with only 18 students.

In 'After School Teacher Taeri,' Choi adds vitality to the program with his unexpected clumsiness and sincere demeanor, rather than exaggerated reactions or calculated comments, garnering positive responses from viewers. His ability to naturally evoke laughter without trying too hard hints at his potential in variety shows.

An episode at a barbershop in Mungyeong highlighted this charm. During the hair washing process after dyeing, the hairdresser's hands became increasingly rough, even using a scrubber, but Choi accepted it with composure, eliciting laughter. His nonchalant question, "Is it always like this?" went viral as short-form content on online platforms, recording high views and becoming a hot topic.

While preparing a dance routine for the drama club kids, Choi humorously sang solemnly like a choir, unintentionally showcasing his charm and drawing laughter from Kim Tae-ri and Kangnam. When asked to sing more brightly, he enthusiastically sang but hit a wrong note, causing more laughter. His genuine reactions to unexpected moments, such as screaming upon discovering a bee, enhance the program's entertainment value and engagement.

Choi Hyun-wook's diverse charm is winning over viewers. While he brings laughter with his somewhat awkward demeanor, he also quietly fulfills his role as 'Potato Teacher,' showing thoughtful care for the drama club kids. His friendly interactions with village elders he meets by chance further highlight his approachable personality, drawing attention to his natural charm as a 'person' rather than just an 'actor.' Through 'After School Teacher Taeri,' Choi is adding a touch of familiarity to his image as an actor and expanding his presence.

Choi Hyun-wook is recognized as a talented actor, quickly building a repertoire with works like '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 upcoming series 'The Boy in the Last Row' on Netflix and 'Hypnosis' on Disney+.

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