From Top Student to Grade 8: The Shocking Journey of a 'Daechi Kid' and the Unedited Scandal of 'Teachers 2'

The Daechi-dong Myth: Why Students Flock to Korea’s Elite School District

Did you know that Daechi-dong is considered the 'heart of admissions' in Korea? For years, this Seoul neighborhood has been the ultimate destination for families seeking the best education for their children. The area is packed with private academies (hagwons), fierce competition, and a reputation for producing top university entrants. However, this pressure-cooker environment can be overwhelming, leading some students and parents to seek alternatives, as seen in the latest episode of 'Teachers 2'.
Recently, the term 'Daechi Kids' has become synonymous with academic stress and the relentless pursuit of top grades. The cultural expectation is that if you’re in Daechi-dong, you must excel—anything less is seen as failure. This myth, however, is being challenged as more students consider leaving for their mental health and personal growth.

A Bold Move: Why One Student Chose to Leave Daechi-dong

Imagine growing up in the best school district, only to leave it behind for a fresh start. That’s exactly what the featured high school sophomore on 'Teachers 2' did. Her mother explained that despite her daughter’s good attitude and detailed records for university admissions, the intense competition in Daechi-dong left her with low grades and shattered confidence. The family decided to move, hoping a new environment would help her regain her academic footing.
But the reality was harsher than expected. After transferring, her grades dropped dramatically—mock exam scores that once boasted 2nd in math and 1st in English plummeted to 3rd and 4th in school grades, and, shockingly, to 8th in English after the move. This story resonated with many Korean parents who face the dilemma of choosing between prestige and their child’s well-being.

The 'Teachers 2' Panel Reacts: Shock and Tough Love

The 'Teachers 2' team—featuring star instructors like Cho Jung-sik (English), Jeong Seung-je (Math), and Yoon Hye-jeong (Korean)—was left speechless by the student’s dramatic grade drop. Math expert Jeong Seung-je acknowledged the student’s solid foundation from Daechi-dong, but the English results were a different story. When the student cited illness as an excuse for her poor test performance, her mother’s frustration boiled over, leading to a tense on-air confrontation.
This raw family conflict struck a chord with viewers, highlighting the emotional toll of Korea’s high-stakes education system. The panel’s honest feedback—pointing out that the student didn’t try rather than couldn’t—sparked debate on whether tough love or empathy is the answer.

Cho Jung-sik’s Scandal: The Shadow Over 'Teachers 2'

While the student’s struggles took center stage, the show itself is embroiled in a major controversy. Star English instructor Cho Jung-sik faces allegations of illegally purchasing mock exam questions from a high school teacher for 58 million won. Although Cho and his legal team strongly deny any wrongdoing, the case has been sent to prosecutors, casting a shadow over the program.
The production team admitted they were aware of the investigation early in the year but chose to continue filming as most episodes were pre-recorded. Despite mounting public pressure, they announced there would be no editing or reduction of Cho’s screen time, emphasizing the need for due process. This decision has divided fans and raised questions about ethics in education and broadcasting.

Unedited Broadcast: Why 'Teachers 2' Refuses to Cut Cho Jung-sik

You might wonder why the show didn’t edit out Cho Jung-sik amid the scandal. According to producers, the investigation is ongoing, and they believe it’s premature to take action before a legal conclusion. With most episodes already filmed, they argue that editing would disrupt the show’s integrity and the students’ stories.
This stance has sparked heated debate in Korean media and online communities. Some viewers demand Cho’s removal for the sake of the program’s credibility, while others argue that everyone deserves a fair trial. The controversy has even led to calls for the show’s cancellation if trust cannot be restored.

Student Transformation: From Grade 8 to Grade 2—A Ray of Hope

Despite the drama, 'Teachers 2' delivered a remarkable turnaround. Under Cho Jung-sik’s intensive guidance, the student who had fallen to 8th grade in English managed to climb back up to 2nd grade—a feat that stunned the panel and viewers alike. This transformation was attributed to a shift in mindset, personalized coaching, and relentless practice.
The show’s format, which pairs top instructors with struggling students, aims to provide not just academic solutions but also emotional support. This episode became a talking point in Korean blogs and parenting forums, with many praising the student’s resilience and the teachers’ dedication. However, it also reignited discussions about the sustainability of such high-pressure interventions.

Cultural Insight: The Double-Edged Sword of Korean Academic Fandom

For international fans, it’s important to understand the unique culture surrounding Korean education. The 'star instructor' phenomenon is a product of both intense competition and celebrity culture—teachers like Cho Jung-sik are household names, with loyal followings akin to K-pop idols. Their influence extends beyond the classroom, shaping trends in study methods and even family decisions.
However, this celebrity status comes with high expectations and scrutiny. When scandals erupt, the backlash is swift and severe, reflecting the public’s deep investment in educational fairness and transparency. 'Teachers 2' sits at the crossroads of these cultural forces, making it a fascinating case study for anyone interested in Korean society.

Online Reactions: Heated Debates and Community Voices

Korean news outlets and blogs have been buzzing with reactions to both the student’s story and Cho Jung-sik’s scandal. Some parents empathize with the mother’s struggle, sharing their own experiences with grade drops after leaving elite districts. Others criticize the education system for prioritizing rankings over well-being.
On platforms like Naver and Tistory, bloggers dissected every detail of the episode, from the student’s study habits to the teachers’ advice. Many expressed hope that the show would spark broader conversations about reforming Korea’s unforgiving academic culture. Meanwhile, fans of Cho Jung-sik remain divided—some continue to support him, while others call for accountability.

The Future of 'Teachers 2': Can the Show Survive the Storm?

As of June 2025, 'Teachers 2' continues to air with no plans to edit out Cho Jung-sik, despite ongoing investigations. The production team insists on waiting for legal results before making any drastic changes. This decision will likely shape the show’s legacy and influence future discussions on ethics in education media.
For now, the program remains a mirror of Korean society’s hopes, anxieties, and fierce debates about what it means to succeed. Whether you’re a fan of reality TV, education, or Korean culture, this saga is one to watch—both for its dramatic twists and its reflection of deeper social currents.