South Korean Actress Kim Tae Ri is now all set to face a new challenge in her career as she will appear in her very first starring role in a fixed cast on a TV variety show. The initiative will be a major change in the career of the renowned actress, who thus far mainly concentrated on performing in dramas and films.
On Jan. 20, tvN revealed that a brand-new variety show, "After School, Teacher Taeri," would be airing, casting main actors Kim Tae Ri, actor Choi Hyun Wook, and entertainer Kangnam.
Entertainment news site AllKpop reports that the variety will showcase the activities of the after-school theater class offered at a small elementary school that is located in the countryside.
The name and idea that this program is based on is centered on the collaboration between the children and teachers to put on a theatrical show. The program is well marketed and classified under the category of a Reality Entertainment program.
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For Kim Tae Ri, the program represents her first fixed variety appearance since her debut. The Chosun Daily noted that the role signals a new direction in her career, as she steps away from purely scripted roles to appear as herself in a long-running entertainment format.
Known for her versatility across romance, science fiction and historical dramas, Kim will take on the role of an elementary school drama club teacher. The project also holds personal significance, as she first began acting in a university theater club.
She will be joined by Choi Hyun Wook, who appears as an assistant teacher. In the program, he is portrayed as a thoughtful drama counselor who listens carefully to children while occasionally revealing a clumsy and approachable side. Kangnam also joins as an assistant teacher, bringing his well-known outgoing personality to the classroom and acting as a mood-maker for the group.
The production team shared insight into the program's origins. In a statement, the team explained the inspiration behind the show. "After School, Teacher Taeri was inspired by real cases in which after-school programs helped revive schools at risk of closure." They also expressed hopes for audience engagement, adding, "We hope viewers will show interest and support for this one-of-a-kind theater class, where first-time teachers Kim Tae Ri, Choi Hyun Wook, and Kangnam grow alongside the children."
"After School, Teacher Taeri" is scheduled to air on tvN, with further broadcast details expected to be announced.
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