On the evening of February 22, 2026, South Korean audiences tuned in to the much-anticipated premiere of tvN’s new reality variety show, After School Teacher Taeri (방과후 태리쌤). The program’s debut episode offered viewers an intimate look into acclaimed actress Kim Tae-ri’s heartfelt—and at times, harrowing—journey as she stepped into the unfamiliar role of an after-school theater teacher at Yongheung Elementary School in Mungyeong, a small rural institution grappling with a dwindling student body and the looming threat of closure.
For Kim Tae-ri, best known for her lauded performances in works like Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden, the hit drama Mr. Sunshine, and films such as 1987, Little Forest, Space Sweepers, and the Alien series, this was a challenge unlike any she had faced before. The 35-year-old actress, who graduated from Kyung Hee University with a degree in Media and Communications, has long been celebrated for her depth and sincerity on screen. Yet, as After School Teacher Taeri revealed, even seasoned stars can be vulnerable when thrust into new, high-stakes environments.
The show’s concept centers on Kim Tae-ri and several fellow celebrities—including Choi Hyun-wook, who joins as the affectionately nicknamed "Potato Teacher"—as they take charge of an after-school theater club at Yongheung Elementary. With only 18 students enrolled, the school is under threat of closure due to a serious shortage of pupils, making the success of extracurricular programs like the theater club all the more significant for the community’s morale.
From the outset, Kim Tae-ri’s commitment to the project was palpable. She rose five hours before her first lesson, diligently preparing materials and rehearsing her introduction. Yet, as the moment of truth approached and she gazed at the children through a telescope from her classroom window, an unexpected wave of anxiety crashed over her.
In a candid interview segment, Kim Tae-ri confessed, “Seeing the children made me suddenly scared. The fact that I had to teach the class today, that I felt unprepared—it all hit me at once.” Overwhelmed, she broke down in tears, admitting, “My anxiety grew uncontrollably, and my mind became so complicated that I couldn’t stop crying. This is my first time being a teacher.”
Her vulnerability was laid bare as she struggled to compose herself. At one point, she lamented aloud, “How do I get rid of this thought? It’s so scary.” Even as she attempted to memorize her self-written script for the class, frustration bubbled over. Pulling at her hair, Kim Tae-ri exclaimed, “It’s too long. How am I supposed to memorize this easily?” Despite her distress, viewers saw her determination to persevere shining through.
Kim Tae-ri’s self-introduction to the students was both honest and moving. She shared, “I first tried theater as a college student. The joy I felt then was so strong that I decided to become an actress.” She continued, “Theater has always had a special meaning for me. I can never forget the feeling of standing on stage and receiving applause for the first time.” According to Newsen and TV Daily, these words encapsulated not only her personal journey but also the transformative power of theater—something she hoped to impart to her young charges.
Her appointment as the after-school theater teacher was not without its own sense of gravity. Yongheung Elementary’s struggle with declining enrollment meant that every new initiative carried weight. Kim Tae-ri acknowledged this, stating, “It felt like an important moment, so I wanted to take on the challenge.” As TV Daily reported, the sense of mission was clear: this was more than just a television show—it was a real attempt to breathe new life into a community school.
Despite her nerves, Kim Tae-ri poured her heart into the class. To introduce theater to children who had never experienced it before, she prepared a one-person play—writing the script herself and rehearsing it repeatedly. The goal for the after-school theater group was ambitious: to prepare for a performance at the upcoming school arts festival. The pressure was immense, but so was the opportunity for growth, both for the students and for Kim Tae-ri herself.
The show also highlighted the warmth and camaraderie between Kim Tae-ri and her close friend Choi Hyun-wook, whose presence as "Potato Teacher" added both levity and support. Their interactions, described by producers as having a "realistic sibling-like chemistry," brought an extra layer of relatability and heart to the program.
Throughout the episode, viewers were treated to a blend of humor, anxiety, and genuine emotion. Kim Tae-ri’s journey was anything but smooth; her tears, her moments of self-doubt, and her eventual resolve painted a portrait of someone deeply invested in making a difference. As SPOTV News noted, the reality of teaching—especially for someone with no prior experience—can be daunting even for those accustomed to the spotlight.
What made Kim Tae-ri’s experience resonate so strongly was her willingness to be vulnerable. She didn’t shy away from expressing fear or frustration. Instead, she confronted her feelings head-on, telling herself, “I am weak, I am weak,” before taking deep breaths and returning to her preparations. Her honesty, coupled with her determination, offered a powerful lesson in courage and authenticity.
The broader significance of After School Teacher Taeri extends beyond the confines of reality television. The show shines a light on the challenges facing small rural schools in South Korea, where declining birth rates and urban migration have left many institutions fighting for survival. By bringing national attention to Yongheung Elementary’s plight, the program not only entertains but also advocates for the importance of arts education and community engagement in sustaining these vital local institutions.
As the first episode drew to a close, viewers were left wondering how Kim Tae-ri and her students would fare in the weeks ahead. Would the theater class succeed in kindling a new passion for the arts among the children? Could the experience help secure a brighter future for the school? Only time—and subsequent episodes—will tell.
For now, one thing is clear: Kim Tae-ri’s willingness to embrace vulnerability, her passion for theater, and her dedication to her students have already made a lasting impression, both on screen and in the hearts of those watching.