'Class That Crosses the Line' has etched the flames of independence activists in its heart and is awaiting the next season.
On Nov. 19, in the MBC entertainment program 'Class That Crosses the Line' (abbreviated as Senengkeul), Seol Min-seok, Jeon Hyun-moo, and Yoo Byung-jae conducted a lecture on the theme of 'The Flames of Independence Launched by the Youth in 1932.' They highlighted the stories of Dr. Lee Bong-chang, who threw a bomb at the heart of Japan at the age of 31, and Dr. Yoon Bong-gil, who shocked the world with his act at Hongkou Park in China in the same year, as well as Dr. Baek Jeong-gi, whom we must not forget.
The students waiting for the three were the women's wrestling team from Ansan City Hall. Jeon Hyun-moo and Yoo Byung-jae warmed up for the lecture by wrestling with the athletes. Yoo Byung-jae attempted an adorable ankle hold, but suffered the humiliation of being flipped by player Lee Jae-ha. Jeon Hyun-moo, showcasing his experience in wrestling commentary on 'Idol Star Athletic Championships,' talked back but ultimately lost. After the match, traces of Jeon Hyun-moo were left on player Kim Chae-oh's uniform. Jeon Hyun-moo humorously explained the source of the face paint, saying, 'I went around with a bride makeup.'
Following that, the full-scale lecture commenced. Seol Min-seok prepared historical stories to ignite the hearts of youth on the sandy stage. The stories were about Dr. Lee Bong-chang and Dr. Yoon Bong-gil, who risked their lives for independence during the bleakest period of 1932. Seol Min-seok remarked, 'Although independence activists may seem like completely different, special people from us, they embodied our ordinary selves.' He shared how they became independence activists.
Raised under Japanese-style education, Lee Bong-chang lived diligently under the name Kinoshita Shozo, striving to be recognized as a 'New Japanese.' However, he faced discrimination as a Korean and began to question his identity. Wanting to live without discrimination, Lee Bong-chang sought out the Provisional Government in Shanghai. Initially, he faced suspicion for his Japanese-accented speech and referring to the provisional government in a Japanese manner, but through conversations with Kim Gu, he made a significant decision to change the course of his life. Lee Bong-chang then executed an act of throwing a bomb at the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo. Seol Min-seok stated, 'History is not made suddenly by the awakening of someone one day; it is built through layers of triggers and relationships.'
Although Lee Bong-chang's act did not achieve its aim of assassinating the emperor, it became a fiery catalyst that changed history rather than a failure. Inspired by his act, youth began to seek out the Provisional Government, one of whom was Yoon Bong-gil. Leaving behind his two young sons, Yoon Bong-gil executed his act with the resolve that 'I will not return alive until I accomplish my mission.' He successfully threw bombs at seven members of the Japanese leadership in Hongkou Park, China, announcing the will for independence to the world. After Korea's liberation, a remains recovery team went to Japan to find Yoon Bong-gil's remains, but the shocking truth that the burial site was where garbage was burned next to the management office left everyone in shock.
In addition, Seol Min-seok spotlighted Dr. Baek Jeong-gi, who, like Dr. Yoon Bong-gil, resolved to carry out a bombing act on April 29, 1932, at the same place. Seol Min-seok noted, 'While we remember only the successful activists, there are many unknown independence activists,' imprinting his name.
'Class That Crosses the Line' is the sixth season of 'Those Who Cross the Line,' which leads the popularization of history, with Seol Min-seok, Jeon Hyun-moo, and Yoo Byung-jae delivering lectures to spread historical stories. Each episode featured different lecture locations, tailoring historical figures, events, and keywords to the students. The interconnected historical narratives resonated with elementary students facing school closures, mothers crossing the demilitarized zone, grandmothers who found their talents late, heroic firefighters safeguarding safety, couples searching for connections, and foreigners wanting to learn Korean history, delivering a blend of knowledge, fun, and emotion. The relatable lectures by 'historical storyteller' Seol Min-seok, along with the dynamic chemistry between Jeon Hyun-moo and Yoo Byung-jae, made for a successful delivery of the lectures.
As a result, 'Class That Crosses the Line' received the 'PD of the Month' award in the TV entertainment institutional sector 299th from the Korean Producers Association, acknowledging the value of historical lecture content. Despite facing criticism and controversy over Seol Min-seok's past academic degree controversy and the subsequent private life controversies of the cast members, the consistent sincere delivery of history led to recognition of the content's value.
Among the 12 episodes, the 5th achieved a peak viewership rating of 3.3%. Riding on this support, 'Class That Crosses the Line' announced at the end of the broadcast an 'emergency notice' stating it would take a break due to a surge in requests for lecture orders and promised 'the next season.' Audiences who love history are eagerly anticipating what 'Class That Crosses the Line' will bring in the next season.
[Photo] Provided by MBC.
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