'Carrying Love' Jo Woo-jong "Bullied in Middle School... Ran for Class President on Teacher's Advice"

Jo Woo-jong. Photo by KBS 1TV 'TV Loads Love' broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] Broadcaster Jo Woo-jong set out to find the teacher who comforted him during his difficult school days.

On the 8th, Jo Woo-jong appeared on KBS 1TV's 'TV Carries Love' to search for his mentor from 30 years ago.

He explained that although he lived in the Gangnam 8 school district during his school days, the place he lived was Wontegol in Wonji-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, surrounded by rice fields. Jo Woo-jong confessed that while his middle school friends lived in places like the 'city,' he was the only one living in a rural-like area and was looked down upon.

He recalled, "Maybe because I showed an innocent and rustic vibe, my friends bullied me. One friend even spat on me," reflecting on his middle school days.

He continued, "Spitting is just not right. I tried not to become an outcast," adding, "When I fought back and stood up to them, the atmosphere changed to 'Don't mess with him,' so I wasn't bullied after that, but I became isolated."

That day, Jo Woo-jong searched for his second-year middle school homeroom teacher who changed his attitude. Teacher Kim Jeong-seon, who had come up from Daegu, advised Jo Woo-jong, "Don't worry about others and do what you want." Kim Jeong-seon was also in a situation where she was being ignored by students, just like Jo Woo-jong.

Later, encouraged by the teacher, Jo Woo-jong ran for class president and was elected. He explained that this election helped improve his relationships with friends.

The two reunited after 30 years through the broadcast and shared a meal while talking together.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.