Choi Hyun-wook Reflects on His First Variety Show Experience with 'After School Teacher Taeri'

Actor Choi Hyun-wook shares his thoughts on his first venture into variety shows as 'After School Teacher Taeri' nears its finale.

Set to conclude on the 26th, tvN's variety show 'After School Teacher Taeri' features a small village elementary school with only 18 students. The show captures the journey of Kim Tae-ri, Code Kunst, Choi Hyun-wook, and others as they take on the role of teachers, guiding the children in an after-school theater class. The recent 9th episode recorded a viewership rating of 0.7%, marking the fourth consecutive week of ratings in the 0% range.

Choi Hyun-wook, who played the role of 'Potato Teacher,' left a lasting impression with his genuine and candid interactions with the children. Despite being his first variety show, his unpolished and quirky demeanor brought natural humor, balancing sincerity and entertainment, and enhancing the show's overall quality.

Since his debut in 2019, Choi Hyun-wook has appeared in numerous popular works such as 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (2022), 'Weak Hero Class 1' (2022), 'D.P. Season 2' (2023), 'Shining Watermelon' (2023), 'High Cookie' (2023), and 'That Guy is a Black Dragon' (2025). Through this variety show, he showcased a down-to-earth and approachable charm, expanding his public appeal and trust.

Through his agency, Gold Medalist, Choi Hyun-wook expressed, “It was a fascinating and unfamiliar experience to objectively view aspects of myself I was unaware of. Being part of a program with a positive purpose was meaningful, and it was a time of growth alongside the children.”

Below is a Q&A with Choi Hyun-wook regarding the conclusion of 'After School Teacher Taeri.'Q. How do you feel about your first variety show challenge?
Taking on my first variety show allowed me to experience many new emotions. It was fascinating and unfamiliar to objectively view aspects of myself I was unaware of. As an actor, I was used to portraying someone else and showing a refined image, but in variety shows, my unfiltered, natural self was exposed, which felt awkward and embarrassing at times.

Q. What did you learn from teaching the children as 'Potato Teacher'?
Taking on the role of a teacher brought a sense of responsibility and allowed me to experience pure and warm emotions. I learned new ways to communicate with people, which naturally led to my own growth. The various situations I encountered with my fellow teachers helped strengthen our understanding and relationships.

Q. What did you gain or learn from 'After School Teacher Taeri'?
I developed a deeper interest in the theater genre and understood the significance of expressing and creating, beyond just watching. Living with the children, I realized the importance of unfiltered perspectives and free imagination. Watching them express emotions and stories in their own way taught me a lot. I found theater to be a platform for sharing thoughts and emotions, not just a performance, and it was a valuable time to reflect on my expression as an actor.

Q. A message to the viewers as 'After School Teacher Taeri' concludes
I had many shortcomings in my first variety show challenge, but I sincerely thank the viewers for watching and supporting me with warmth until the end. Being part of a program with a positive purpose was meaningful, and it was a time of growth alongside the children.

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr