Drama The Midnight Romance in Hagwon offers a captivating look into the world of private academies (hagwons) through the eyes of Seo Hye Jin, played by Jung Ryeo Won. Having taught for 14 years, Seo Hye Jin starts her journey as a private tutor for Lee Joon Ho (Wi Ha Joon). This drama sheds light on the unique aspects of South Korea’s education system, focusing on the intense environment of hagwons. Here are four key realities depicted in the show.
Classes Continue Late into the Night
In The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, students often attend classes that extend late into the night. After their regular school hours, they immediately transition to their hagwon sessions, sometimes spending more than 12 hours a day on academics. This rigorous schedule is rooted in Confucian traditions, where academic achievement is highly valued and seen as a path to social status. As a result, students are willing to sacrifice sleep and personal time to study, reflecting the intense educational pressure in South Korea.
Parents Invest Heavily in Private Tutoring
The drama highlights that parents in South Korea view schools primarily as places for achievement rather than learning. They often hire private tutors to ensure their children excel academically. This is driven by the belief that high academic performance can elevate the family’s social status. Consequently, parents are willing to spend significant amounts of money on private education, seeking out the best hagwon teachers to help their children succeed.
Fierce Competition Among Academies and Teachers
The ambition of parents and students creates a competitive environment among hagwons. In The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, multiple academies can be found in a single area, each vying for students. Teachers also compete to attract students, often by studying school tests and materials to offer the best possible preparation. Successful teaching strategies lead to recommendations from satisfied parents and students, further fueling the competition.
Popularity and High Salaries for Successful Hagwon Teachers
One of the goals for Lee Joon Ho in changing his career to a hagwon teacher is to earn a fantastic salary. Teachers who can innovate and help students achieve high academic results can gain popularity and command high fees. Some hagwon teachers even open online classes accessible to international students, potentially earning over a billion dollars per year. This shows the potential for significant financial success in this profession.
The show’s portrayal of these realities is both fascinating and eye-opening. It provides a deeper understanding of the lengths to which students and parents go to achieve academic success in South Korea.
It’s intriguing to see how The Midnight Romance in Hagwon mirrors real-life pressures and expectations within the South Korean education system. The drama not only entertains but also educates viewers about the cultural and social factors driving the intense academic environment. For anyone curious about the dynamics of hagwons and the broader educational landscape, this drama is a must-watch. It offers a compelling narrative while shedding light on significant societal issues.
So, if you’re keen on exploring these themes further, don’t miss out on the next episode of The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.
