Famous US Professor Calls Lee Suji's Kindergarten Parody "The Most Shocking in Korea"

Professor Sam Richardson: "Pointing Out Social Realities Beyond Satire"

A renowned American sociology professor has drawn attention after watching comedian Lee Suji's satirical YouTube video about kindergartens and sharing his thoughts on it.

Sam Richard Lee, Professor at Pennsylvania State University, uploaded a video to his YouTube channel titled "The Most Shocking Korean Video Recently." In this video, he shares his impressions of Lee Suji's "Kindergarten Satire," which previously went viral in Korea.

Previously, Lee Suji had attracted attention by posting a parody video shot in a documentary format, depicting the daily life of a kindergarten teacher. In the video, Lee Suji, playing the role of a kindergarten teacher, receives unreasonable requests and questions from parents, such as "Please use plant-based wipes containing eucalyptus, not cheap wet tissues, when changing diapers," "My child is introverted and gets drained among friends. Please group the class with other introverted children," and "Are you going clubbing?"

Professor Lee commented, "It's really funny, but at the same time, it makes me uncomfortable," and analyzed, "What's interesting is that so many people have watched this video, and they must have had mixed feelings."

He said that he checked all the translations of the video and emphasized that the content goes beyond satire and sharply points out social realities. Highlighting the concept of 'social awareness,' he remarked, "In Korea, it is difficult for parents to act like teachers," and added, "There are so many expectations for teachers to accommodate both parents and students."

He further noted, "Parents make special demands because they believe their own child is special," and predicted, "This is a topic of significant discussion in Korea, and the reason the video became so popular is likely because people recognized some uncomfortable truths within it."

Professor Lee added, "Teaching is a job that involves dealing with many people," and continued, "It's hard for teachers to just be themselves. They constantly have to blend in and read the room."

Meanwhile, the original YouTube video by Lee Suji has garnered over 6 million views, reflecting high interest from netizens.