On the evening of February 22, 2026, South Korean viewers tuned in to tvN for the much-anticipated premiere of "방과후 태리쌤" ("After School Teacher Tae-ri"), a new variety program that blends celebrity, education, and heartfelt storytelling in an unexpected rural setting. The show stars acclaimed actress Kim Tae-ri, best known for her versatile film roles, as she embarks on her first-ever regular variety gig and, more dauntingly, her debut as an afterschool theater teacher at Yongheung Elementary School—a small institution in a remote village facing the threat of closure.
The first episode wastes no time in setting the stage for a mix of comedy, emotion, and real-life challenges. According to Newsen, the cast—Kim Tae-ri, Choi Hyun-wook, Kangnam, and Code Kunst—arrive at the school to take charge of an afterschool theater program designed to breathe new life into the struggling institution. From the get-go, the cameras capture Kim Tae-ri in a series of candid, relatable moments that immediately endear her to the audience. Early in the morning, she’s caught on camera with a bare face, jokingly asking, "The picture quality isn’t very good, is it?" only to realize, with comic horror, that the camera is in fact high-definition. Embarrassed, she quickly covers her face and dashes out of frame, eliciting laughter from viewers and crew alike.
But the show isn’t just about laughs. News Culture highlights that this is Kim’s first time as a teacher, and the stakes are high: her mission is to form the school’s first-ever theater club and guide the students toward a performance at the upcoming school festival. The show documents her struggles and determination as she prepares for her first class, even shedding tears on her inaugural day—an emotional moment that underscores the pressure and sincerity she brings to the role. The program’s producers tease that Kim’s journey will be filled with both comic misadventures and genuine growth, as she and her students navigate the awkwardness of first meetings and gradually build a bond through shared experiences.
One of the major highlights of the episode is Kim Tae-ri’s inventive approach to introducing theater to her young, inexperienced students. Drawing from her own background in theater troupes, she writes and rehearses a one-person play, intending to give the children a taste of what drama can be. The anticipation is palpable: how will the kids react to her solo performance? Will it ignite their passion for the stage? The episode leaves these questions hanging, promising more surprises in future installments.
The show also offers an unvarnished look at the realities of rural life—something even the celebrity cast can’t escape. Newsen reports that Kim Tae-ri’s accommodations in the school dormitory present a unique challenge: there’s no indoor bathroom. The camera follows her as she searches the house in vain, eventually discovering that the only toilet is outside, a considerable distance away. Her reaction is both humorous and sympathetic; she exclaims, "This can’t be real. It’s too much. Please tell me this is a joke. Where else would you find something like this?" Later, after braving the cold to use the outdoor bathroom, she realizes she’s forgotten her phone inside—a moment that perfectly captures the blend of exasperation and resilience that defines her experience.
The behind-the-scenes glimpses continue to paint a picture of Kim Tae-ri as refreshingly down-to-earth. The episode reveals her makeup and haircare routine, with Kim casually patting her face with cushion foundation and managing her famously thick hair with an array of products. These scenes, far from the glamour of the red carpet, show a star unafraid to be vulnerable and authentic—qualities that resonate with viewers and set the tone for the series.
Kim isn’t alone in her mission. Joining her is actor Choi Hyun-wook, who takes on the role of assistant teacher, affectionately dubbed "감자쌤" (Potato Teacher). His debut is marked by a spirited, if somewhat awkward, introduction to the theater club students. As Seoul List reports, Choi gifts the children a motivational chant: "From today we are one, we can do it, let’s go!" The students, ever candid, find the chant a bit too long and request that he say it louder. Choi obliges, leading the group in a lively call-and-response that, while imperfect, helps break the ice.
Choi’s efforts to teach the children a dance routine meet with mixed results. The choreography proves a bit tricky for the elementary schoolers, prompting requests for a simpler song. Despite these hiccups, Choi’s enthusiasm is undimmed. In a post-lesson interview, he confides, "I didn’t think I’d be nervous, I just felt excited, but now that I’m here, I’m really nervous. I want to do my best." His openness about his own jitters and determination to improve mirrors the students’ own journeys, reinforcing the show’s theme of growth through shared effort.
Back in the classroom, Kim Tae-ri’s sincerity and passion shine through. She’s not just there to instruct; she’s deeply invested in the students’ development and the success of their upcoming performance. The show documents her hands-on approach—writing scripts, coaching acting, and adapting lesson plans to suit her students’ needs. As News Culture notes, the chemistry between Kim and Choi, who share a friendly, sibling-like dynamic, adds warmth and humor to the proceedings, especially as they navigate the ups and downs of communal living and teaching in a rural environment.
Underlying all the lighthearted moments is a deeper narrative about the challenges facing small schools in Korea’s countryside. Yongheung Elementary’s struggle to stay open is a reality for many rural institutions, and the show subtly highlights the importance of community, creativity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. By focusing on the journey of both teachers and students, "방과후 태리쌤" offers viewers more than entertainment—it provides a window into the transformative power of the arts and the resilience of those determined to make a difference, no matter how humble the setting.
As the credits roll on the first episode, viewers are left eager to see what’s next: Will Kim Tae-ri’s one-person play inspire her students? Can the theater club pull off a memorable performance at the school festival? And how will the cast continue to adapt to the quirks and challenges of rural life? One thing’s for sure—this show is as much about self-discovery and connection as it is about theater, and its authentic, unscripted moments may be what keeps audiences coming back week after week.