Actor Kim Tae-ri / Courtesy of CJ ENM
In tvN’s upcoming variety show “Curtain Up, Class,” actor Kim Tae-ri, best known for her role in film “The Handmaiden,” takes on a new challenge as she leads a drama club at an elementary school on the brink of closure.
Reflecting on her first fixed role in a variety program, Kim admitted with a laugh, “It was tougher than filming any drama I’ve done,” during an online press conference for the program on Friday. “What drew me in were the keywords: theater, elementary school and a small rural village. They just spoke to me,” she recalled.
“At first, I felt this small flutter of excitement, wondering what kind of joys and discoveries I might find there. But midway through filming, the Korean title was suddenly changed from ‘After-school Theater Club’ to ‘Teacher Tae-ri’, and I trembled as I protested, ‘No, you can’t!’” she said, laughing. “Of course there was personal pressure, but honestly, I couldn’t have endured without the other teachers. So while having my name in the title felt overwhelming, it also brought a deep sense of responsibility.”
A poster for tvN’s variety show "Curtain Up, Class" / Courtesy of CJ ENM
The show follows this one-of-a-kind after-school theater class set in a rural village school. Kim steps in as the drama instructor, with actor Choi Hyun-woo and singer Kangnam joining as assistant teachers, while music producer Code Kunst takes charge as the music director for the stage performances.
Producer Park Ji-ye shared the inspiration behind the program. “There were so many reports about the decline of rural areas and small schools facing closure. I wondered if, even through a variety show, we might create something that could offer a bit of warmth or awareness about that reality.”
Explaining why actor Kim was chosen for the cast, the producer said, “I wanted someone who would approach this project with genuine sincerity. I kept wondering who could truly put their heart into this program, and Kim Tae-ri came to mind. When I carefully reached out with the proposal, she accepted right away, and that’s what made this show possible.”
Meanwhile, Code Kunst reflected on his approach to working with the children, saying, “When I was young, my mother was an art teacher, so I have fond memories of visiting museums with her and her students. I wanted to interact with the kids not by acting childlike myself, but by treating them as independent individuals.” His thoughtful comment drew attention for its warmth.
“Curtain Up, Class” will be released Sunday at 7:40 p.m. on tvN and also be available across Asia on streaming platform Viu.
Source: Korea Times News
