By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
From boy band members to comedians and musical actors, teaching at school seems like the new trend. Many local stars are now shifting to schools, not as students, but as professors. It's actually a win-win strategy for everyone. Artists can share their expertise with young students who have potential, the schools are getting recognition, and students can learn the real deal from some of their favorite stars.
Park Ji-hun from the boy group V.O.S. will give lectures at Woosong Information College, while singer
Ock Ju-hyun has been appointed to teach at Dong Seoul College. Actress
Lee In-hye became the youngest star to become a professor at the age of 28, while comedian
Nam Hee-seok has been appointed as a full-time professor at the Taekyeong College in the Broadcasting and Masters of Ceremony department. Singers Mina and Jang Hye-jin will also stand in front of fans and students and pass on their experience and know-how.
Singer Park will teach as a part-time professor at his alma mater in the department of Practical Music this year.
"It feels strange because everything seems the same as 11 years ago. It was a bit confusing standing in front of students as a professor. I think realizing what the students need will be my most important task", Park said.
Musical fans and students will have the chance to listen to former girl group member Fin.K.L. Ock passing on her experience, as she will give lectures for the next two years starting Monday.
"She will be teaching two classes as a part-time instructor _ musicals and vocal training. She hesitated at first due to her personal schedules, but after some convincing, she decided to become a professor for the next two years", Im Hong-jae from the college public relations office told The Korea Times.
Hiring celebrities may be a plus in catching the attention of potential students, but the school said there was much more.
"It's not like we only want to promote our school. It's more about bringing the best faculty to our students and helping them feel proud of their school", he added.
Actress Lee also made headlines recently as she became the youngest celebrity professor at her alma mater, Korea University, in the department of Broadcasting and Entertainment.
"I'm happy because I feel like I'm becoming younger. I feel great responsibility after watching the students' bright sparkling eyes", Lee said after her first lecture.
Aspiring singers will also have the chance to learn from Mina and Jang, as the two also decided to teach at the Minzu University of China and Hanyang Women's University, respectively.
"I am planning to take full responsibility and try to bring out the musical talent hidden at schools as much as possible. These students usually have great difficulty continuing their careers as singers and finding jobs, so I will do my best to help them", Jang said.
