tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' achieved the highest viewership ratings of its time slot while adding significance to coincide with 'Teacher's Day.'
On 14th (Wed.), the 293rd episode of ‘You Quiz on the Block’ (directed by Kwak Cheong-a and Hong Jin-joo, written by Lee Eon-joo) aired, featuring Professor Yoo Hyeon-jae from the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting at Sogang University, actor Park Hae-soo, who has reached the peak of his acting career after 10 years of anonymity, and Mr. Kim Ji-hwon, who shares valuable life tips with children every morning, along with the heartfelt stories of Mr. Lee Myeong-hak, who returned after 42 years in teaching. The broadcast achieved the highest ratings across the metropolitan area and nationwide households, targeting all demographics, including cable general programming channels. (Nielsen Korea, paid platform basis)
Among them, the stories of true teachers who prioritize children touched the hearts of viewers and garnered praise. Mr. Kim Ji-hwon from Chuncheon Hupyeong Elementary School, who gained attention with a video that moved 73 million views, noted, "I felt that what I say becomes part of the children's lives. How they spend their mornings changes their entire day," sharing how he came to have a special morning assembly for children. Despite spreading positive energy throughout the broadcast, he also revealed a deeper story. Mr. Kim confessed to having been bullied in 5th grade and mentioned, "There was a time when I couldn't express my emotions and endured alone. I want to tell children how to accurately express their feelings, thinking they might be struggling like I did."
Mr. Kim Ji-hwon provided realistic and heartfelt advice on various concerns that children face, such as how to love themselves and the courage to say no. Regarding the difficulties adults face in saying no, he advised first sharing one’s situation, then adding, "I’m sorry," while emphasizing that one must know how to firmly refuse unreasonable demands by asking, "Why should I?" He also stated that he praises motivation and the process over results, sharing stories that first comfort the hearts of children.
The story of Mr. Lee Myeong-hak, former principal of Jungdong High School, who concluded 42 years in education, also conveyed deep resonance. Having returned to his alma mater after serving as a professor in educational studies at Sungkyunkwan University and finishing four years as principal, Mr. Lee lamented the reality of schools that raise children as if they are 'bonsai.' Notably, a letter he directly sent to parents as a principal stirred discussions even in a mom café in Virginia, USA. The letter advised against wondering how many went to prestigious universities, but instead to observe what makes their own child happy.
Although he is the principal of Jungdong High School, located in the high-achieving 'Gangnam 8th District,' his arguments against the prevalent 'academic elitism' in our society drew significant attention. Mr. Lee, who set the goal of creating a school where 'even the last student can be happy,' remarked, "Who created the equation that going to Seoul National University makes a school prestigious? To me, a prestigious school is one that has many graduates who have a positive influence on society," emphasizing that the essence of education is 'becoming a good person.' He expressed a desire to build a school where each talent is encouraged and praised, beginning to offer scholarships to students with other talents, rather than just those who excel academically. His educational philosophy, which truly considers students, resonated strongly, especially on Teacher’s Day, reflecting the meaning of a 'true teacher.'
Professor Yoo Hyeon-jae from the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting at Sogang University, who appeared on the show, highlighted the adverse effects of rampant fake news, malicious comments, and algorithms on our daily lives. He noted, "While the influence of media is overwhelming, there are no ways to regulate its dysfunction." He lamented the seriousness of fake news these days, stating that mixed news is the most dangerous. It manipulates the truth to appear more real by mixing in a bit of truth, leading to the 'hate business' era where hatred equates to profit. When the topic of malicious comments arose, Yoo Jae-suk remarked, "I don’t think we should have to endure malicious comments," adding, "It's heartbreaking to think that we should accept them as a given, even when unfortunate things happen." Professor Yoo referenced an anecdote where Yoo Jae-suk had participated in a suicide prevention campaign 7-8 years ago, saying, "I have vivid memories of that time."
The story of actor Park Hae-soo, who reached the peak of his acting career after 10 years of anonymity, was also shared. Park Hae-soo began recounting how he became interested in acting, stating, "It wasn't that acting held a deep meaning for me. I wandered a bit in high school and traveled alone a lot." He shared that he began to nurture his dreams of becoming an actor after a special connection with singer and senior Lee Soo-young, who came to promote the drama club. Having built a strong foundation through 10 years of stage performances, Park Hae-soo shared an emotional story about saving a high school girl with a performance during his obscure years. After meeting his first leading role in 'Seulgi's Prison Life' at 37, he starred in 'Squid Game' and 'Karma,' becoming a globally successful actor. He reflected, "I never even dreamed I would be on that screen. There were times I wondered if I could ever experience that world. I worked like crazy, struggled," adding, "I believe every person has their time, even if it takes a little longer."
Meanwhile, next week's broadcast is expected to feature the siblings William and Bentley, sons of Sam Hammington, who have shown tremendous growth, Judge Jeong Hyeon-sook, who officiates divorces for couples contemplating separation, and 81-year-old YouTuber Seo Woo-yeong, raising anticipation. tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' airs every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.
[Photo] tvN
[OSEN]