Why is ‘방과후 태리쌤’ Struggling with Ratings? A Deep Dive into TVN's Latest Show

Lee So-jung | 2026.03.17

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 1asia Ten Asia
 1asia Ten Asia
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 TEN Asia

tvN's variety show 'After-School Teacher Taeri' has slid into the 0% viewership range. The series — the first regular variety show built around Kim Tae-ri's name — has fallen short of expectations, a stark contrast to the positive reception for tvN's 'Bogum Magical.'

 SNS photo
 SNS photo
'After-School Teacher Taeri' debuted on the 22nd of last month with a 1.5% rating. It dipped to 1.0% in episode two, ticked up to 1.3% in episode three, and then hit a series low of 0.9% in episode four. Given that this is Kim Tae-ri's first steady variety gig since her 2016 film debut in The Handmaiden, the poor ratings are a disappointment.

Episode two drew attention after broadcasting a conflict between actor Choi Hyun-wook, who joined as an assistant instructor, and Kim Tae-ri. Choi missed a scheduled prep meeting after spending time playing with students on the playground, while Kim stayed behind to complete lesson planning alone. The tension continued over a shared meal and intensified during outdoor lessons and script readings as both parties' preparation and role execution came under scrutiny.

 KAY’s Museum
 KAY’s Museum
During a class review, their different expectations became clear. Kim criticized Choi for underperforming as an assistant, and Choi said his efforts had gone unrecognized, expressing hurt and pressure. The episode even captured a moment when Choi cried, which split viewers. Some online commentators called Kim overly sensitive for a variety format, while others criticized Choi for a perceived lack of preparation and professionalism, sparking heated debate.

The next day’s reconciliation closed the episode, but many viewers said the installment left a strong imprint. Audiences felt they were seeing the actors' real personalities rather than scripted characters. While the conflict generated buzz, it did not translate into a ratings rebound.

Critics also targeted the show’s direction. Viewers expecting a healing-style variety program said the broadcast instead highlighted conflict in a sensational way, arguing that the emphasis clashed with the show's stated concept. Some felt the conflict-driven editing and familiar beats undermined organic tension and viewer interest. As a result, commentators questioned whether the production should rethink its directorial approach, since buzz and ratings are not moving in tandem.

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 Photo
By contrast, tvN's 'Bogum Magical,' fronted by Park Bo-gum, has shown steadier growth. The show launched on Jan. 30 with a 2.8% rating and rose to 3.6% in its latest episode. Viewers have praised Park's grooming skills, and co-stars Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon have also built favorable impressions.

'Bogum Magical' aligns with its healing-variety premise by emphasizing the cast's personal growth and quiet moments of connection. Its restrained, character-driven editing foregrounds natural relationship-building and small pleasures over manufactured conflict — a strength viewers have noted.

 KAY’s Museum
 KAY’s Museum
Both shows are tvN projects that put actors' names front and center, but their different directing choices produced divergent outcomes. An edit that leans on conflict contrasted with a steadier, concept-focused approach — and those choices showed up in the ratings. The expansion of actor-led variety formats suggests that casting alone can't guarantee success; a program’s realization and directorial vision remain decisive for viewers.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr