[Sportschosun Reporter An So-yoon] Comedian Lee Soo-geun will shed the school uniform he has worn for years and return as a principal through "Welcome to Sookun School."
KBS2 held an online production presentation for its new variety show "Welcome to Sookun School" on the 24th. Lee Soo-geun, Lovelyz member and broadcaster Mijoo, comedian Im Woo-il, and producer Lee Won-sik attended the event.
"Welcome to Sookun School" follows a two-month journey in which children and seniors, with an age gap of as much as 70 years, gather in one classroom, take classes together, and build intergenerational understanding. The show is drawing attention to whether 12 students from across Uiseong County can overcome the generation gap and become "true friends."
Lee Soo-geun, who plays the principal in "Welcome to Sookun School," said, "There are only a few people in Korea who can pull off the role of a principal, and I'm one of them." He added, "My small height helps me meet children and seniors at eye level, so they approached me without any discomfort."
Producer Lee Won-sik explained the casting background, saying, "The reason we first brought in Lee Soo-geun as the principal was that he seemed perfect for the role. He takes good care of children and has the ability to connect across generations, so we presented the proposal to him. I was also curious how he would handle the principal role after playing student roles for so long, but he said, 'I'm old enough to be a principal now, so why wouldn't I be able to do it?' He kept the set grounded throughout filming. As for Mijoo, I heard she once dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher, and I thought her warm personality would help her connect well with children and seniors. In Im Woo-il's case, he can seem intimidating when he is quiet, but he has a surprising charm when he smiles."
Mijoo, who shone as a teacher full of empathy, said, "Because my dream was to become a kindergarten teacher, I became confident that I could make good memories with children. I also thought it would be fun to spend time with seniors, so I gladly joined."
Asked how she felt about realizing her dream through the program, Mijoo said, "Once I actually did it, I realized how admirable kindergarten teachers really are. I became careful with my words and felt a strong sense of responsibility." She added, "I like children so much that I kept following them around. While doing this program, I thought, 'If these kids are this adorable, how cute would my own child be?'" Lee Soo-geun then joked, "Are you suddenly talking about plans for a second-generation child?" Mijoo laughed and replied, "I just had that thought."
Im Woo-il, who serves as the vice principal, explained why he joined the program: "My schedule was the most open among the three of us. I was in good enough shape to say yes whenever someone suggested it. Lee Soo-geun and I are senior and junior comedians from KBS's open recruitment system. When I first joined "Gag Concert" as a rookie, he was the teacher in the "Bongsunga School" segment. That was 16 years ago, and filming this time brought back those memories. Mijoo appeared as my senior on another show, and we got close because I called her 'Senior Lee.' Also, I really like the countryside. Even though I'm from Seoul, I enjoy looking at rural scenery, so I thought this would be fun."
Finally, Lee Soo-geun expressed confidence in hosting "Welcome to Sookun School." He said, "Among broadcasters, I may be the person who has been called 'teacher' the most. In the past, I spent a long time playing a teacher in 'Bongsunga School' on 'Gag Concert,' and I also met many students when I worked as a recreation instructor." He added, "I have also communicated often with school teachers and principals, so it doesn't feel awkward at all."
Meanwhile, KBS2's "Welcome to Sookun School" will premiere at 10 p.m. on the 25th.
Reporter An So-yoon antahn22@sportschosun.com
