A recent episode of Channel A's "Teachers" showcased a brilliant yet complacent student aiming for a gifted school, igniting a fierce reaction from instructor Jeong Seung-jae.
On the show, the student, boasting an IQ of 136, is described as a "lazy genius" who has relied solely on his intelligence. Despite having impressive accolades, including learning Hangul at age three and mastering fractions in first grade, he has shown little motivation to study. This lack of effort sparked concern from the educational consultant, who pointed out the necessity of diligence in overcoming challenges.
During the episode, the student’s parents recounted their child’s curious and academically driven early years, highlighting his self-driven learning and achievements. However, the consultant noted that the student struggled with basic tasks in his records, which raised doubts about his commitment. The student's admission that he preferred to focus less on subjects like Korean and History because he felt he wasn't as good at them was particularly surprising.
In a moment of tough love, Jeong Seung-jae emphasized that innate intelligence is not enough, stating, "Gifted schools are not designed to confirm your genius; they demand hard work." The student confidently claimed he studied around 70%, but this confidence was met with skepticism and disappointment from the instructor. Jeong expressed regret for other diligent students, feeling sympathy for those who genuinely work hard but might feel overshadowed by talent.
Additionally, the episode revealed insights about the distinction between being gifted and being merely intelligent. The discussion emphasized that true brilliance involves not just having natural ability but also the determination to refine it. As the narrative unfolded, it became clear that the journey of education is as vital as the destination itself.