5 Realities of Korean Education in “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon”

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon offers a dramatized yet insightful portrayal of the Korean education system. This article explores how the realities depicted in the drama compare to real-life education in South Korea.

1. The Dual Education System

In the drama, students are shown attending school and then heading to academies for extra lessons. This reflects the real-life situation in South Korea, where students often spend long hours in hagwons (private tutoring centers) to prepare for college entrance exams. This dual education system leaves little time for rest, contributing to high stress levels among students. The dedication to education in South Korea is remarkable, but it also brings about significant mental and physical challenges for young learners.

2. Trust in Academy Tutors

The drama illustrates how students and parents place significant trust in academy tutors like Seo Hye Jin, often more than in school teachers. In reality, this trust is well-founded as many parents believe that hagwon tutors offer more personalized and effective teaching methods. Tutors in hagwons are often seen as more approachable and dedicated, which is why they are highly respected and sought after. This reliance on hagwons highlights the gaps in the formal education system that parents feel need to be supplemented.

3. Authoritarian School Teachers

In the series, school teachers are sometimes shown as authoritarian figures, unwilling to listen to others. This is an exaggerated portrayal, but it does touch upon a real issue in some schools where strict discipline can overshadow open communication. In reality, while many teachers strive to create supportive environments, the pressure to perform well on standardized tests can lead to a more rigid and less flexible teaching style. This can sometimes create conflicts between teachers and students or their families.

4. Competitive Learning Institutions

The drama shows the intense competition among learning institutions, especially in areas like Gangnam. This is a true reflection of real-life education in South Korea, where prestigious academies compete fiercely to attract the best students and produce top results. The rivalry among these institutions can drive innovation and high standards, but it also adds to the pressure on students to constantly perform at their best.

5. Rigorous Tutor Recruitment

In The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, the recruitment process for academy tutors is depicted as highly competitive and rigorous. This mirrors the real-world scenario where hagwons seek the best tutors through stringent selection processes. Prospective tutors must demonstrate exceptional knowledge and teaching skills to secure positions, ensuring that only the most capable educators are entrusted with students’ academic futures.

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon does an excellent job of highlighting the intense pressures and high stakes of the Korean education system. While the drama may amplify certain aspects for dramatic effect, it provides a window into the real challenges faced by students, parents, and educators. The dual education system, reliance on hagwon tutors, and the competitive nature of learning institutions are very much a part of everyday life in South Korea. Watching this drama is both enlightening and thought-provoking, as it prompts us to consider the balance between rigorous education and the overall well-being of students. The show underscores the importance of finding ways to support students not just academically, but also emotionally and mentally.