The allegations related to Jo Jeong-sik, which state that he "obtained exam questions in advance through collusion with current teachers," are causing ripples beyond the education sector into the broadcasting industry.
Having gained popularity on the college entrance exam lecture platform and risen to the ranks of a 'star instructor', as well as being active as a broadcaster through 'Teachers', the shock is even greater. Above all, criticism of the 'Teachers' production team for escalating the risk despite being aware of some circumstances is growing daily. It seems urgent to reconsider the continuation of the broadcast.
A tvN official stated on the 17th to Maeil Business Star Today, "Jo Jeong-sik was scheduled to appear in the 10th anniversary special of 'Accidentally Adult', which is set to air on July 1, but his appearance has been canceled due to internal circumstances." This seems to be a judgment that, due to the nature of the format dealing with education and culture, an appearance is not possible even with mere allegations.
On the 13th, Jo Jeong-sik and others were also scheduled to attend a media interview with the production team of Channel A's entertainment show 'Teachers 2', but it was suddenly changed to only the production team conducting it a day before. This was likely in response to the unexpectedly strong 'criticism of Jo Jeong-sik'.
Earlier, the National Investigation Agency of the National Police Agency sent 72 current teachers who had traded exam questions to the prosecution on the 17th of last month. A total of 126 people were charged, with 100 sent to the prosecution, including three private education companies and 11 academy instructors. The fact that Jo Jeong-sik, who is appearing on 'Teachers', was among them was revealed by the investigative reporting group 'Sherlock'.
The production team stated during the interview, "We talked about Jo Jeong-sik (regarding the related content) earlier this year," adding, "It was said that he was included as one of 100 witnesses, not as a personal investigation. It is an educational program, and there are students who learn, so it is not just a matter for the individual teacher, and we are watching it." They expressed their intention to proceed with the broadcast, stating, "We take it seriously," but "the subject has been predetermined due to pre-recording, so we plan to air it as scheduled."
Jo Jeong-sik's side has officially stated that they are "confident that all charges sent to the prosecution are clearly not guilty," but some argue that continuing the broadcast is an imprudent act given that 'Teachers' is a program related to youth education. Furthermore, beyond just the risk of the participants, there is a flood of criticism and disappointment regarding how the production team has responded to this issue.
In reality, while creating content that prominently features students under the title of 'educational entertainment', the production team itself is facing fierce criticism for prioritizing private interests without 'public sensitivity'. The decision to broadcast with a complacent approach of "we'll go until the controversy arises" is being pointed out as no different from tacit approval or indifference. The fact that there is still no room for editing or re-approval within the program is exacerbating the situation.
It is ironic that in a program that promotes 'education', the sense of responsibility from the production team seems to have disappeared. Waiting for things to calm down or hastily responding when public opinion worsens is no longer effective. Viewers do not remain silent. The 'sincerity' that the program intended to convey is bound to lose its persuasiveness.
The current situation is not just a crisis for a star instructor. It could also unfold as the bare face of broadcasting production that ignores viewers and public interest. There are various discussions emerging in both the broadcasting and education sectors.
While 'Teachers' takes the result of improved grades as its climax, what was even more impressive was the process of change in the students and the sincere approach of the teachers. Those moments, which cannot be captured in numbers, were the essence of the program and the reason viewers trusted 'Teachers'. However, the production team, which should have designed and taken responsibility for that flow, seems to have forgotten the original intent of the project and is standing idly by.
