Na Min-ae, a 'Seoul National University 1-tier professor' who appeared on KBS2's Problem Child in House, proved her class as a Korean language troubleshooter by delivering laughter, emotion and knowledge all at once.
On the 23rd, episode 288 of KBS2 variety show Problem Child in House season 2 (hereafter "Problem Child in House") featured Na Min-ae, a lecturer in the College of Liberal Studies at Seoul National University, invited to the rooftop room, where she and Song Eun-i, Kim Sook, Kim Jong-kook, Hong Jin Kyung, Yang Se-chan and Joo Woo-jae engaged in a dopamine-inducing quiz war over outrageous questions.
That day Professor Na Min-ae opened the conversation and drew interest by talking about Seoul National University, where she has worked for 19 years. Named No. 1 in Seoul National University's 2019 course evaluations, Professor Na Min-ae shared the students' study secrets, saying, "They are not afraid of reading. Over 70% answered that they read a lot as children," and added, "They especially said they need self-study time more than cram schools," passing on tip that caught listeners' attention. She went on to emphasize that motivation matters in studying, confessing, "In my case, my mother suffered severe depression, and the only time she smiled was when she saw a first-place report card. That became my reason for studying," which moved listeners.
Meanwhile, Professor Na Min-ae said she has definitely felt that children's book consumption has decreased recently and candidly expressed her thoughts on children's changing language habits, drawing attention. The hosts also expressed concern about the younger generation's "speech shortening culture," and Professor Na Min-ae said, "These days kids are too busy. Because society demands so much, they don't have the time to read and write," expressing regret, while adding, "That's why from third grade schools should have children read continuous-text books to build the habit. Above all, the mother tongue is the language of my most secure world. If your mother tongue wavers, there is nowhere to go," becoming emotional and delivering a sincere message. Among them Kim Sook shared an episode, saying, "I also have a habit of reading carelessly. I once read 'Gyeongbokgung night opening' as 'soy-marinated crab' and asked Eun-i unni to go with me," which made everyone laugh.
The show's signature quizzes from the rooftop room were also given, adding interest. Questions on fresh topics followed, such as "a system run by universities to help Seoul National University students prepare for employment and achieve psychological stability," "the free lodging condition demanded by the world's most famous independent bookshop 'Shakespeare and Company'," and "the life poet Na Tae-joo pursued after his illness," leading to various talks. In this context, Professor Na Min-ae encouraged everyone to practice "writing for myself," piquing curiosity. Professor Na Min-ae explained, "When I write about myself a time of recharge comes. Through this I learned to control my anger." When Song Eun-i said, "I haven't written yet because starting to write makes me feel like I'll cry," Professor Na Min-ae advised, "It would be good to try writing your parents' autobiography first. To write this I called my parents every day for 30 minutes and recorded it, and it was helpful," impressing the rooftop room members.
As a rising figure in Korean language education, Professor Na Min-ae shared various tips such as how to build a reading habit and age-specific reading roadmaps, while also emphasizing the value of life and romance, which are more important than studying. Professor Na Min-ae said, "Sometimes I even replace attendance with taking photos of scenery in lectures. I want to give a piece of romance even at university," and stressed, "It's important to do things in life because you like them. Society should wait until people find what they like," evoking empathy.
Finally, Professor Na Min-ae shared romantic anecdotes about her father, poet Na Tae-joo, touching hearts. She spoke of her father, saying, "Until elementary school he would warm my hands and feet himself. At the formal meeting my father mentioned that I often broke side-dish bowls and said, 'I'll pay you back twice, so don't harass her,' which moved me to tears," evoking envy. Saying she had never seen anyone more romantic than her father, Professor Na Min-ae revealed, "My father has an unusual sensibility. He cried three times a day and bought many gifts each time. But he didn't always consider the family's finances well; one day he went out to buy rice and came back with wildflowers instead of rice, which earned my mother's anger," sharing a cute anecdote that left warm smiles until the end.
[Photo] Provided by KBS
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