On a chilly evening on February 22, 2026, viewers across South Korea tuned in to tvN for the premiere of a new variety show, 방과후 태리쌤 (After-School Teacher Taeri). The show, which aired at 7:40 PM, brought together an unexpected cast of celebrities—most notably acclaimed actress Kim Tae-ri—who took on the heartfelt mission of teaching after-school drama classes at Mungyeong Yongheung Elementary School, a small institution in a rural village facing the threat of closure.
For Kim Tae-ri, known for her bold roles on screen, this was a venture into uncharted territory. Not only was it her first time as a fixed cast member on a variety show, but it was also her debut as a teacher. The stakes were high, and the emotions even higher. According to 뉴스컬처, Kim Tae-ri poured her heart into leading the school’s very first after-school drama club, determined to ignite a passion for theater in children who had never set foot on a stage before.
The show’s first episode wasted no time in revealing the challenges and charm of this unique setting. Kim Tae-ri’s first day at the school was a rollercoaster of emotions. Cameras captured her tearing up as she faced the daunting task of connecting with a room full of elementary school students, many of whom were just as nervous and uncertain as she was. The sincerity behind her tears struck a chord with viewers, as did her determination to make the drama club a success.
One of the episode’s most talked-about moments came not in the classroom, but in the modest living quarters provided for the teachers. As reported by 뉴스엔, Kim Tae-ri’s first night in the school dormitory was marked by a comical yet relatable struggle: the absence of an indoor bathroom. After searching the building in disbelief, she discovered that the restroom was not only outside, but also a considerable distance from the dorm. “This can’t be real,” she exclaimed, her frustration both genuine and endearing. “Don’t lie to me. Where else would you find something like this?” Her exasperation grew when, after braving the cold to use the outdoor facilities, she realized she had left her phone behind. “This is exactly the kind of thing I don’t like,” she admitted, shaking her head in disbelief. These candid moments offered a glimpse into the less glamorous side of rural teaching—and reminded audiences that even celebrities can be brought down to earth by everyday inconveniences.
Despite these hurdles, Kim Tae-ri approached her teaching responsibilities with characteristic zeal. The drama club’s ultimate goal was ambitious: to stage a performance at the school’s upcoming arts festival. But for most of the children, theater was a complete mystery. To break the ice, Kim Tae-ri prepared a one-person play, writing the script herself and rehearsing it tirelessly. This solo performance served as both an introduction to drama and an invitation for the students to imagine themselves on stage. According to 뉴스컬처, her passion for theater—shaped by her own experiences in drama clubs and theater troupes—was palpable, and her efforts to adapt the curriculum for young beginners were both creative and heartfelt.
Kim Tae-ri was not alone in her mission. Joining her was Choi Hyun-wook, a close friend affectionately known as “Gamja Teacher” (Potato Teacher), who quickly became a favorite among the students for his playful energy and willingness to meet them at their level. As detailed in SLIST, Choi introduced himself with a flourish, gifting the children not with props or scripts, but with a cheer: “From today, we are one, we can do it, we can do it, aja aja yap!” The kids found the chant a bit too long, but gamely joined in, their voices growing louder with each repetition. When Choi tried to teach them a dance, the students pushed back, asking for a simpler song—proving that even the best-laid plans can go awry when children are involved. In a candid interview later, Choi confessed, “I thought I wouldn’t be nervous, just excited. But once I got here, I was really nervous. I just want to do my best.”
The chemistry between Kim Tae-ri and Choi Hyun-wook quickly became a highlight of the show. Their dynamic, described as a mix of sibling-like squabbles and genuine camaraderie, added warmth and humor to the proceedings. The two shared living quarters, and their interactions—ranging from playful banter to heartfelt encouragement—helped ease the tension of their new roles. As 뉴스컬처 noted, the reality of rural teaching life, with all its quirks and discomforts, was leavened by these moments of connection.
The show also introduced other celebrity mentors, including Kangnam and Code Kunst, who joined the teaching team to support the drama club’s journey. Together, they faced the daunting task of inspiring students in a school that, like many rural institutions in South Korea, is struggling to survive amid dwindling enrollment and limited resources. The urgency of their mission was underscored by the looming threat of closure—a reality that lent the show’s lighthearted moments a deeper emotional resonance.
As the first episode unfolded, viewers were treated to a blend of comedy, drama, and genuine emotion. The awkwardness of the teachers’ first encounters with the students gave way, little by little, to moments of understanding and shared excitement. The children, initially shy and uncertain, began to open up—challenging their mentors, making suggestions, and even critiquing the adults’ efforts with the blunt honesty that only kids can muster. The process of building trust and camaraderie was slow, but it was clear that, with each passing day, both teachers and students were growing—together.
For Kim Tae-ri, the experience was about more than just teaching drama. It was an opportunity to reconnect with the basics of storytelling and performance, to witness the transformative power of theater in a new generation, and to find joy in small victories. Her willingness to embrace vulnerability—whether in the classroom, on stage, or in the face of a freezing outdoor bathroom—endeared her to audiences and set the tone for a series that promises both laughter and heart.
As 방과후 태리쌤 continues, viewers can expect a journey filled with unexpected challenges, touching moments, and the infectious energy of children discovering their own voices. The show’s premiere has already sparked conversations about the value of arts education, the realities of rural schools, and the courage it takes to step outside one’s comfort zone. For now, all eyes are on Yongheung Elementary, where a group of unlikely teachers—and their equally unlikely students—are proving that sometimes, the most meaningful lessons happen after the final bell rings.