Baek Ji-young, the renowned singer, recently shared her thoughts on the pressures of raising children in Daechi-dong, a district known for its competitive education environment, and her approach to her daughter’s education. In a video posted on her YouTube channel, Baek Ji-young discussed her perspectives on children’s education, both in Korea and abroad, in a candid conversation with Na Ki-jung, CEO of Wine Bar Tap Shop Bar, and Yoon So-young, CEO of Pikabu, a baby clothing brand.
Baek Ji-young’s daughter currently attends the GIA International School in Gangnam, Seoul, which reportedly costs around 30 million won per year. All three guests in the video shared that their children are enrolled at the same school. The discussion turned to the intense atmosphere of Daechi-dong’s educational culture, known for its rigorous after-school programs and high-stakes academy tests.
Na Ki-jung recounted his own experience of taking his children to an academy in Daechi-dong, prompting the production team to ask if the environment felt different. In response, Na shared that his children worked hard, to which Baek Ji-young confessed, “We were scared.” She added that this experience made her reflect on the significance of preparation and review, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial for success.
Baek Ji-young also shared her reservations about the country’s standardized educational curriculum, commenting that it is structured to match the development of a child’s brain at certain ages. She expressed concern about the rigid approach, stating that while these curriculums might have been designed by experts, she felt that she wouldn’t strictly adhere to them for her own child. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” she said, asserting her stance on a more flexible, individualized approach to education.
The conversation then shifted to the topic of studying abroad. When asked whether she intended to send her daughter to the United States for her education, Baek Ji-young expressed that she would prioritize a good school, regardless of location. She explained, “I want to send Haim to a broader world, as long as I can,” reflecting her desire to provide her daughter with global exposure.
Additionally, Baek Ji-young shared her recent experiences with a newly opened boarding school in Japan, affiliated with a prestigious school in England. She remarked on the multinational student body, noting how the diverse environment shaped the academic atmosphere. She was particularly impressed with how the school managed the use of smart devices, which she noted could sometimes lead to addiction. She expressed a positive view of the school, saying it felt like a forward-thinking institution. When asked whether she would consider sending her daughter there, she responded affirmatively, depending on whether it was a middle school or high school program.
Baek Ji-young, who made her debut as a dance singer in 1999, has built a successful career as both a pop singer and a respected vocalist. Known for hits such as “Choice,” “Press,” “Dash,” “I Don’t Love,” and “Candy in My Ears,” she married actor Jeong Seok-won, who is nine years her junior, and the couple has a daughter, born in 2017.
Through her reflections on education and her insights into her daughter’s future, Baek Ji-young continues to navigate the balance between preserving her own values and adapting to the pressures of contemporary Korean society.
