'After School Teacher Taeri' Leaves a Lasting Warmth as It Concludes

'After School Teacher Taeri' has concluded, leaving a lasting warmth that will not be forgotten. This program marked the first fixed variety show challenge for actress Kim Tae-ri (26), who debuted in 2016, and it garnered attention even before its broadcast.

On the final episode aired on the 26th, tvN's 'After School Teacher Taeri' showcased the after-school drama club's successful performance of 'The Wizard of Oz' at the school festival, touching the hearts of both the audience and viewers.

The drama club students, who had been preparing diligently for about two weeks, delivered a healing performance on stage, proving their hard work. Their ability to handle long dialogues and ad-libs impressed Kim Tae-ri, Choi Hyun-wook, Kangnam, and Code Kunst, who had been with them throughout the journey. The teachers praised the students generously after their performance, adding to the warmth.

At the graduation ceremony marking the end of the school festival performance, the special bond between the teachers and students, who had become significant to each other in a short time, was evident. The students, not accustomed to farewells, surprised the teachers with heartfelt rolling papers, conveying their pure sincerity and moving the teachers.

The students also shed tears, turning the classroom into a sea of emotions, while the teachers presented certificates and gifts to the seven students as encouragement. As they shared their thoughts on the performance and checked their gifts, Joo-eun, who had always been composed, burst into tears alone. Kim Tae-ri comforted Joo-eun, expressing her heartfelt emotions, "Joo-eun has always been steadfast. Even during our camping, she would say, 'Please comfort the friends, teacher,' which left a mark on my heart."

Kim Tae-ri, Choi Hyun-wook, Kangnam, and Code Kunst embraced each student, expressing gratitude and bidding a heartfelt farewell. Code Kunst shared, "I often think about how to give love to people while working on music. I think the answer was here," feeling healed by the children's pure hearts.

Kangnam expressed, "It felt like we were in a fairy tale world, and it was the first time I had such a fulfilling experience." Meanwhile, Choi Hyun-wook revealed, "I came as a teacher, but it felt like another school for me, and I learned a lot."

Kim Tae-ri emphasized the incredible connection with the children, saying, "You are my first students," and hoped that the two weeks they spent together would have a meaningful impact on their growth. She also revealed the reason behind choosing 'The Wizard of Oz,' wishing the children would continue to love themselves.

'After School Teacher Taeri' captured the story of a small school with only 18 students, featuring novice teacher Kim Tae-ri, assistant teachers Choi Hyun-wook and Kangnam, music director Code Kunst, and seven elementary students. The journey of adults experiencing teaching for the first time and children experiencing drama for the first time, filled with pure passion and sincerity, left a lasting impression.

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