We have compiled and organized 3-minute speeches from parent seminar speakers covering various topics. We hope these diverse examples provide practical assistance.

Topic – The Secret to Making Your Child a ‘Study God’

Hello. We sincerely welcome you all to this seminar on self-directed learning for youth. Today, we gather here to explore together ‘how to study independently.’ We have moved beyond the era of rote learning; now is the time for learning methods that empower children to learn and grow through their own efforts. So, how exactly can we enable self-directed learning—the ability to research and study independently?
The 2010 drama The Genius of Study sparked significant buzz at the time, achieving popularity with ratings nearing 30%. This drama introduced study secrets passed among top-tier students, including those in the Noryangjin academy district, leaving a deep impression on many parents and students. This reflects not only our intense focus on ‘studying’ but also confronts us with the reality that we rank first among OECD countries in private education spending. Behind this lies the earnest desire for our children to enter top-tier universities and the agonizing hearts of parents striving to make it happen. So today, for students thirsty for knowledge and parents feeling lost for methods, we’ll share the study secrets practiced by the top 3% ‘Study Gods’.
A common trait among top students is practicing ‘creative learning.’ Creative learning isn’t just about coming up with unique ideas; it’s about adding creativity to the learning method itself. Even when memorizing the same content repeatedly for a test, some students forget it immediately after the exam, while others remember it even after entering university. These ‘study geniuses’ attribute this difference to their unique imagination and symbol-based memorization techniques. For example, they symbolize or rephrase material into stories, like combining the first letters of major events in a Korean history timeline to form sentences. Research shows this method improves memory retention by over 70% compared to simple memorization, proving its effectiveness.
This creative approach can be directly applied to learning any language, including English. Vocabulary is the foundation of language learning. Rather than simply memorizing words, learning through etymology-based study, associative memorization with synonyms or words with similar pronunciations, and repeated exposure within context is far more effective. Approaching study in these diverse ways transforms what initially feels daunting into something increasingly interesting, naturally leading to improved grades. However, a crucial point here is that no matter how good a study method is, it won’t produce the same results for everyone. Ultimately, even the secrets of the ‘study gods’ are just their own methods discovered through years of trial and error; they aren’t universal solutions. Therefore, the true path to real skill isn’t merely copying study methods, but actively finding the approach that works best for you during the process.
That doesn’t mean you should ignore these secrets. Rather, for children who are completely lost and don’t know where to start, the experiences of these ‘seniors’ can serve as valuable reference guides. Parents, too, can become guides who help their children set their own direction. Ultimately, studying is not about following someone else’s path to success, but about forging your own. And that journey can begin by learning from others’ methods.
I sincerely hope all children can find some freedom from the weight of grades and discover their own potential and joy through studying. I conclude here, hoping today’s discussion serves as a small guidepost on their learning journey. Thank you.

Topic – Approach Your Child with a Mind of Letting Go

I have daughters who are about to get married. As a parent, I sincerely hope our children find precious partners, build beautiful families, and live happily. I lecture on marriage and counsel those struggling with unhappy marriages. Yet, when it comes to my own children’s marriages, I feel uncertain about how to help. Perhaps it’s because I’ve seen so many examples of unhappy families over the years. Without realizing it, I’ve been overly concerned about their marriages.
So I offered various pieces of advice, believing it was an expression of my care and love for them. But looking back now, I realize that advice might have actually burdened them, preventing them from trusting themselves, expressing freely, and fully enjoying their own lives. Only now am I gradually realizing that what my children truly needed was trust, not advice.
Suddenly, I recalled my own time before marriage. At the time, I was studying abroad in the US, so I couldn’t discuss things thoroughly with my parents. Even so, my father said this over the phone:

“We’ve raised you well up to now, so make your own wise decision about marriage. I trust you. Just be true and honest with whoever you meet.”

Those words resonated deeply with me. The responsibility of making such an important life decision on my own felt heavy, but it allowed me to seriously reflect and navigate that period. Looking back now, it might seem like I made a simple, perhaps even reckless decision to marry. Yet, behind that choice was my father’s attitude of placing complete trust in me. That trust became a great source of strength, enabling me to build my life in my own way.
But now, looking at myself as a parent, I find myself asking: did I truly trust my own children like that? It wasn’t because my children lacked the qualities to be trusted; perhaps it was my own insecurity. So, I deeply reflect on whether I unconsciously tried to guide and control my child according to my own way.
Not long ago, a friend shared the story of marrying off her daughter. Several friends gathered around and asked her, “What’s the secret to marrying off your daughter well?” She thought for a moment and replied, “Letting go.” We all burst out laughing at that. But when we heard her second daughter was also about to get married, another friend asked again, “So what’s the secret to marrying off the second one too?” She smiled and added one more thing. “Letting go even more.” Though it was meant as a joke, I thought her answer was truly wonderful. Within that seemingly lighthearted phrase lay the heart of a mother, long pondered and refined.
Ultimately, during this time when children grow up and prepare for marriage, I believe the most important preparation parents can make is ‘trust’ and ‘letting go’. We need to practice entrusting our parental worries to God and letting go of expectations for our children and their spouses. And when that letting go is truly achieved, the child gains the freedom to choose their own life and the strength to take responsibility for it.
A child’s marriage is a major turning point in life that parents cannot take on behalf of their child. All parents can do is pray by their side and quietly cheer them on. And with faith, it means letting go with slightly trembling hands. Ultimately, isn’t that letting go the greatest expression of love, helping our children live their lives responsibly?
Thank you for listening.

Topic – Steady Learning

You’ve probably thought more than once or twice that your child’s learning pace is slow. Teaching your child often leads to frustration, and moments when your voice rises in exasperation are all too common. Sometimes, even though I could handle the education myself, I end up pushing my child toward a cram school for one simple reason. When teaching makes my voice grow loud and my hand threatens to raise—I decide it’s better for both my relationship with my child and my own mental health to entrust it to a third party. As we acutely feel the role and limitations of parenthood, and our impatience toward our child grows, we often come to believe that ‘outside help’ is the best solution.
There was a figure named Kim Deuk-sin, a poet and scholar from the mid-Joseon period. From childhood, he was slower and more awkward than his peers. His father, Kim Chi (金緻), was a renowned scholar, and the sight of his son falling far short of those expectations was a source of worry for those around him. He only began learning to read at age ten, yet it took him a full three days just to memorize the first paragraph of 26 characters, and even then he couldn’t read it properly. While others mocked him, saying, “What kind of fool is that?”, his father instead remarked: “This child will surely excel in writing when he grows up. His stubborn persistence, refusing to give up despite such slowness and dullness, is truly admirable.” Around the age of twenty, Dexin finally managed to compose a single essay. Seeing it, his father wept and encouraged him: “Strive harder still. Study is not merely for passing the imperial examinations.”
After that, Dexin silently read and read again. His reading records show he read a single text over ten thousand times for as many as thirty-six different works. He said: “Since ancient times, those who succeeded through learning all achieved it through diligence. I was naturally slow-witted, so I read twice as much as others. Among my readings, I loved the ‘Baekjeon’ most, reading it 100 million and 10,000 times. That is why I named my study ‘Yekmanjae’ (億萬齋).” Here, ‘yŏk’ (億) corresponds to ten million in modern terms. It was truly a maddening amount of reading. Having dedicated his entire life to such diligence, he finally passed the civil service examination at the age of 59. It was the moment his lifelong studies bore fruit.
However, his life was not entirely smooth. He had to bid farewell to his beloved daughter first, and even while following her funeral procession, he never let go of the book in his hands. The book he held was none other than the ‘Baekjeon’. Furthermore, on the day of his wife’s funeral, while relatives wailed and cried out “Oh, woe is me,” he is said to have recited verses from the ‘Baekjeon’ in rhythm with their mourning cries. To some ears, this might sound cold, but it was the philosophy and conviction born from his ‘foolish diligence’. Though his steps were dull and slow, he ultimately ascended to the honorable position of ‘the greatest poet of his time.’ His steadfastness had, in effect, defeated genius.
The world is full of clever people. Yet how many of those ‘once-geniuses’ end up leaving no lasting legacy, no lessons to be learned, as time passes? We often forget the truth that perseverance takes us farther than momentary brilliance. The same applies to our children. Even if they seem slow and frustrating, we need the heart to watch over their steps until the end, without giving up, and sometimes the attitude of encouragement, which is harder than waiting. Trusting and watching over a child, like Kim Deok-sin’s father, is the most powerful driving force for steady growth. It’s not easy, but it’s the most effective method. Never forget that it is faith and patience toward the child. Steadfastness never betrays a child.

Theme – Why You Shouldn’t Expect Reward for Sacrifice

This is a story told by an aunt. Her eldest daughter had been preparing for college entrance exams and unfortunately failed the early admissions round. The mother, who believed her child had studied hard, must have been beyond disappointed. For three years of high school, the daughter went straight to the study hall after school almost every day, returning home past midnight. Each time, the mother stayed awake waiting, prepared snacks, and kept her company, finally going to bed herself around 1 a.m. This routine, sustained for three years, was surely a parent’s love and devotion for their child. Yet the result was failure. At that moment, my mother said these words slipped out without her realizing it: “After three years of sleeping at 1 a.m. and waking at 6:30 a.m. to prepare breakfast for him, the result is failure…” Then the child calmly smiled and said, “But I told you to just go to sleep.”
Thinking about it, the child wasn’t wrong. In reality, the child had repeatedly told her to go to sleep first, leaving only a snack on the table. It was the mother herself who chose not to listen and waited. Hearing stories of other mothers who drove their children to school and cram schools themselves, worried they might struggle, or who stayed up knitting beside their children studying all night, she felt this level of support was nothing and did it that way. She felt this was the way to ease her mind, the way she could sleep soundly. She wasn’t so numb that she could sleep peacefully on nights her child didn’t come home. Yet, she reflected, perhaps deep down, she still saw her own effort to endure sleep deprivation for her child as a ‘sacrifice,’ and perhaps she secretly hoped for some kind of reward for it. In truth, most parents feel they couldn’t give their child enough attention, caught up in their own daily routines. The thought, “I didn’t do anything special for them, just slept a little less at night.” Yet, seeing how they feel hollow and disappointed when their child fails, it’s hard to even imagine how parents who poured in far more devotion and effort must feel.
Parental sacrifice isn’t limited to the parent-child relationship. It’s often seen between spouses too. Consider a couple: the husband loves designer brands, while the wife is thrifty. One day, they went to a department store together. The husband bought expensive brand-name clothes and sunglasses for himself, but the wife bought nothing. After returning home, an argument inevitably erupted between them. The wife said, “I’m so careful with our money, why do you have to buy such expensive things?” To which the husband replied, “Why didn’t you buy something expensive too? Who said you had to be thrifty? I’m not grateful at all that you’re so frugal. It actually makes me tired.” Hearing this, the wife must have been utterly baffled. But looking back, she hadn’t lived frugally for her husband’s sake; it was a lifestyle she chose because it suited her. If she expected that choice to be rewarded with her husband’s gratitude or recognition, the relationship was bound to go awry.
A prime example of parents sacrificing everything for their children is the ‘goose dad’ phenomenon. The life of a couple living apart for a child studying abroad is never easy. Of course, the wife is also living a challenging life, caring for the child in an unfamiliar foreign country. Yet, I always wonder: if the child walks a successful path as the parents hoped, that might be bearable. But what if, by any chance, that doesn’t happen? How would those parents feel? If they were to say, “We spent years apart just to send you abroad to study, and this is the result?”, the child might respond, “Who told you to live apart like that?” Wouldn’t that be truly devastating? The life of a goose family, too, was not forced upon them by anyone, but their own choice. It likely stemmed less from the child’s needs and more from the parents’ desire to guide their child onto a more successful path through overseas education, or their wish to equip them with credentials superior to others. Thinking this way prevents parents from expecting repayment from their child.
Once phrases like “After all I did for you” start leaving their mouths, maintaining a healthy parent-child relationship becomes difficult. Children inevitably feel burdened by such parents and may even develop irritation or resentment. Ultimately, when one silently expects compensation for the effort they’ve endured, resentment toward the other person can arise, or when things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to fall into self-loathing. Therefore, regardless of who you did something for, it’s necessary to adopt the mindset that the act was ultimately not for others, but for ‘myself’. This is not only the path to harmonious relationships with others but also the path to preserving one’s own peace and happiness. When you feel you have made a sacrifice, if that sacrifice came from a genuine place, that alone is sufficient. Dostoevsky said, “There is no greater happiness than to sacrifice oneself.” The very desire to give of oneself for someone else is undoubtedly a happy thing. However, to prevent that happiness from turning into unhappiness, you must never blame the other person, even if the outcome falls short of your expectations. If it was your own choice, never forget that the responsibility for that choice lies entirely with you.

Topic – TV is no longer a ‘idiot box’

Reading is humanity’s most splendid pastime. It is the source of imagination and the supreme intellectual integration activity that deepens and enriches thought. It is well known that no activity is as effective as reading in stimulating the brain and activating imagination, going beyond mere enjoyment. So while we have long praised books, popular culture on the other side, especially TV, has been disparaged and branded with the stigma of being a ‘idiot box’. However, I now wish to question that perception. The view that dismisses TV as merely simple, harmless entertainment or a lowbrow medium that lowers children’s intelligence is overly simplistic. Today, TV, dramas, movies, games, and internet content are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, compelling us to think, ponder, analyze, and deduce. It is evolving into a medium that demands active participation and immersion, not mere passive consumption. Now, the criteria for judging what stimulates the brain and what content is harmful must change. We need to focus not on the format of the content, but on what kind of thought process it requires of us.
It is only natural for parents to be concerned about how their children spend their leisure time. However, I believe we should look beyond merely focusing on external elements like sensational scenes, explicit content, or vulgar language. We should also examine whether the content genuinely stimulates the child’s brain or merely excites the senses. Regardless of age or gender, we need a balanced perspective on ‘media bias’. As the saying goes, too much of anything is worse than too little; moderation is best. If you were engrossed in games all last week, it might be good to open a book this week. But that doesn’t mean we should automatically view immersing oneself in content like games, dramas, or movies as inherently bad. Rather, such immersion and concentration can sometimes be crucial experiences for developing expertise and cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills. The process of deeply exploring a world, grasping its systems, understanding patterns, and forming your own interpretations is by no means trivial. It can be more than mere entertainment; it can be a form of ‘learning’.
Ultimately, what matters isn’t ‘how long they watch’, but ‘how they watch’. It’s necessary to look together at what the child is watching and how it stimulates their brain. The very fact of concentrating and immersing oneself can be a positive starting point. Of course, excess can be problematic, but appropriate interest and engagement can actually be a source of vitality for the child. TV is no longer a ‘idiot box’. Like books, and sometimes even more so, it can be a tool that stimulates our thinking and broadens our world. What matters is how we utilize it. Thank you for listening.

Topic – Scolding is an opportunity to grow closer to your child

Every parent dreams of being a good parent. So, what kind of person is a ‘good parent’? Isn’t it someone who can correct a child’s misbehavior and guide them toward positive change? The true starting point of discipline isn’t simply forcing the child to conform to the parent’s thoughts and standards, but helping the child change themselves. Spencer Johnson, author of One Minute Manager, states, “Even in a minute, you can change a child’s behavior and thinking.” He emphasizes that two methods—scolding and praise—can positively influence a child. However, it is crucial to complete this entire process within ‘one minute’.
First, when a child misbehaves, clearly point out exactly what was wrong during the initial 30 seconds. Then, honestly convey how that behavior made you feel. The following 10 seconds are a moment of silence to build tension. This moment allows the child to reflect on their actions themselves. The final 20 seconds should be used to calm emotions and clearly express love for the child. “What you did wasn’t right, but you’re a good kid. Mom and Dad still love you.” The key is to deliver this message in a way the child can naturally accept.
The same principle applies to praise. When a child does something right, spend the first 30 seconds specifically praising why that action is positive. The next 10 seconds are a moment of shared silent satisfaction. In this silence, the child feels pride in their action. Finally, during the last 20 seconds, finish the praise by conveying warm feelings through a hug or affectionate gesture. This way, within just one minute, you have the power to change not only the child’s emotions but also their behavior. However, the core lies in consistently showing the child through words and actions that you are always on their side. Instilling the belief that “You are inherently a good child. Mom and Dad always love you” is the starting point for all discipline.
When children live with siblings, they naturally compare themselves and become sensitive to which child receives more affection from their parents. This can lead to feelings of relative deprivation or hurt. Therefore, when disciplining, it is crucial to first understand the child’s feelings and approach with care and caution. Discipline rooted in love that truly reaches the child’s heart allows them to feel, “I am a loved being.” This feeling becomes the most important foundation for nurturing the child’s self-esteem.
Ultimately, effective and swift home education deepens and strengthens the bond between parent and child. Discipline is not merely a time to scold the child, but a time for sincere dialogue with them. Within this, the child feels the parent’s genuine heart and can gradually change themselves. May one minute of discipline, filled with love and respect, become an opportunity to strengthen the bond between child and parent. Thank you for listening.

Topic – Shake off the anxiety about whether you are raising your child well

Hello everyone. Today, I want to talk about the anxiety surrounding the question, ‘Am I raising my child well?’ Before we begin, I’d like to share a slightly different story. It’s about Snow White’s ‘foolishness’. Why did Snow White repeatedly open the door for strangers? Her actions, continuing to open the door despite having already been deceived several times, seem incomprehensible at first glance. But if we look a little deeper, we can discern the emotion underlying that behavior.
Snow White ended up living with the dwarfs, but her days were surely never peaceful. During the daytime, while the dwarfs were out at work, she had to handle all the housework alone. Come evening, the exhausted dwarfs would likely have gone to bed early. No matter how kindly they treated her, Snow White must have felt lonely. Living isolated, without friends to share her feelings or anyone to empathize with her life, someone knocking at her door might have been more than just a visitor—it could have been a rare ‘opportunity for connection’ she felt for the first time in ages. Despite the danger lurking outside, Snow White likely opened the door, clinging to that possibility of connection.
This void of relationship is filled in similar ways in modern society. We often fill loneliness with consumption. One poet expressed that “80% of our consumption stems from loneliness.” Indeed, shopping addicts are said to be addicted to the ‘moment of purchase’ more than the items themselves. They become immersed in that fleeting feeling of being treated well, of feeling important. Many women who dedicate themselves to childcare and live isolated within the home purchase expensive educational materials or learning tools in sets for their children for similar reasons. Salespeople tempt them with lines like, “You need to prepare this much for your child to get ahead,” and the reason they are easily swayed by this isn’t solely because of the materials’ effectiveness. Beneath it all lies a vague fear: “Am I a good mother?” An anxiety that perhaps my choices are hindering my child’s growth.
Sales tactics also exploit this anxiety. Creating an atmosphere like, “Your indifference could cost your child opportunities,” makes mothers feel even more pressured. But the more fundamental reason is that during the time devoted to their child, the mother herself feels ‘lonely.’ Just as Snow White opened the door despite repeated warnings, lonely and isolated mothers open their wallets in search of a single word of connection, a thread of relationship. We must confront the fact that spending done under the guise of “consumption for the child” may actually be to soothe our own inner hunger and anxiety.
So we must ask ourselves these questions: “Am I truly giving my child what they need?” “Was this choice just consumption to soothe my own anxiety?” These questions aren’t merely about saving money; they offer an opportunity to reflect on ourselves as parents and reconsider what is truly necessary.
Along with this, there’s something I really want to tell you. Our children are growing well. And you are already doing an excellent job. All children argue, dislike studying, and make mistakes during their growth. Struggling with memorization and concentration is perfectly natural. Nevertheless, if your child is developing good character and attitude while steadily progressing forward, we should be grateful for that alone and take pride in it. You, who warmly embrace that child today, are the ‘good parent’.
If you still feel uneasy deep down, don’t carry it alone. Share your feelings with other parents around you. By exchanging information and listening to each other’s stories, you’ll find relief in knowing you’re not alone and gain practical advice. You don’t need to be perfect as a parent. If you’re giving your wholehearted effort in the time you spend with your child, that alone makes you a truly wonderful parent.
Thank you for listening.

Topic – Reducing Education Costs with Credit Cards

Hello everyone. For parents of middle and high school students, winter break might not be a purely joyful time. That’s because expenses for various academies like English, math, and tutoring, along with textbook purchases postponed during the semester, all pile up at once, causing education costs to snowball. Naturally, parents’ worries grow along with them. How are your children’s education expenses and your household finances? Providing your children with opportunities to study and an environment to nurture their talents is a natural desire for parents, but reality is never easy. As education expenses increase, wallets grow lighter, and the need to save becomes even greater.
So today, I’d like to introduce a practical and easy method to reduce the household burden without compromising your children’s education. That method is leveraging ‘card benefits’. Currently, many card companies offer ‘Study Discount Cards’ that provide discounts on various education-related expenses, such as academy fees, textbook purchases, library fees, and study room usage. For families with college-aged children, these cards can even save on TOEIC or other language test fees and major-related textbook costs, making them highly versatile. However, it seems not many people are aware of or utilizing such practical information.
For instance, ‘affiliated academy discount cards’ that partner with specific academies to offer 10-20% discounts on tuition are a prime example of saving on education costs. There are also ‘nationwide academy discount cards’ usable at a broader range of institutions. While convenient because they aren’t limited to specific academies, maximizing the discount often requires spending a certain amount on the card, so carefully checking the conditions is essential. For families with significant spending across multiple educational areas, the ‘Multi-Study Discount Card’ is also worth considering. This versatile card offers simultaneous benefits across various categories like academy fees, book purchases, and study room usage. While benefits vary based on spending, its utility is correspondingly high.
Beyond the benefits offered by card companies, there is also significant government-level institutional support. The problem is that many people overlook these systems and benefits simply because they are unaware they exist. If parents pay just a little attention, they will find that the path to saving a considerable amount on education costs is closer than they think. That’s why I wanted to share ways to save on your child’s education expenses without compromising on quality through this article today.
Information is power. By effectively utilizing various card benefits and institutional support, you can back your child’s dreams and talents while also giving your household some breathing room. Our children are our future, and indeed, the future of our nation. I sincerely hope this article offers some small help to all parents doing their best for their children. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this lengthy piece today.

Topic – Let Your Children Hear Music
Hello. I’m ○○○, a parent seminar instructor. Everyone here today is undoubtedly someone who truly loves their child. You’ve taken this precious time because you want your child to grow up healthier and happier. Yet, despite those feelings, children sometimes act differently than we hope. They might throw tantrums for no apparent reason, refuse to listen, or sometimes appear anxious. As parents, this is worrying, yet we often struggle to pinpoint the exact cause. While various factors could be at play, rather than exhaustively trying to understand every reason, creating an environment where your child feels comfortable can be more effective.
Today, I’d like to discuss one such alternative: ‘music’. For children who still struggle to regulate or express their emotions, music serves as a vital channel for feelings and a precious tool for emotional stability. A two-year-old desperately needs a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, but they can’t create it themselves. This is where calming music comes in. For instance, instead of simply saying, “It’s time for breakfast,” gently conveying it through song can elicit a much more positive response from the child. A mother singing a lullaby is also an excellent method. Especially during the morning, when children are prone to irritability, or in the late afternoon as the day winds down, a calm melody like a lullaby greatly aids in stabilizing emotions.
Some children may want their own music player and find psychological comfort by listening to music repeatedly. The very act of handling simple instruments or moving to a rhythm can be deeply comforting to a child. This connects to why some adults later become deeply immersed in playing music. In other words, music is more than a temporary mood booster; it’s a crucial element deeply involved in a child’s emotional development. As the saying goes, ‘Habits formed at three last a lifetime.’ The ways children process emotions or the habits they develop in early childhood don’t change easily even into adulthood. In fact, it’s widely known that a person’s character is largely formed during infancy and early childhood.
Does your child often seem irritable or sensitive? Do they repeatedly exhibit unstable behavior for reasons you can’t pinpoint? That doesn’t mean you must struggle to find the cause. Children are individuals too, and even parents cannot perfectly understand every aspect of their child’s psychology. What matters is creating an environment where the child can learn to manage their own emotions. Rather than digging too deeply, help them naturally find their own rhythm within an atmosphere that fosters psychological stability. This will greatly aid your child’s autonomous growth.
We are parents for whom a child’s laughter and joy are life’s greatest goals. Tonight, sing them a lullaby filled with love. How about waking them tomorrow morning with a cheerful song? You will surely see a brighter, more cheerful child. Music holds far greater power than we imagine, and our small acts can leave a deep resonance in a child’s heart. I hope this story offers warm support for your parenting journey today. Thank you.

Topic – A Child’s Life: They Must Live It Themselves

Hello, everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss the topic: ‘Who Should Live a Child’s Life?’
Have you seen the Coen brothers’ film A Serious Man? This work depicts the stifling and exhausting daily life of its protagonist, a Jewish physics professor, in a black comedy format. As the minor events of daily life pile up layer upon layer, revealing life’s absurdity, at one point I suddenly felt as if my breath had been taken away. That scene featured a Korean student. Having failed his midterm exam, the student approaches the professor demanding a grade upgrade. The professor firmly refuses, stating he cannot award points for an answer lacking even basic mathematical foundations. Yet the student quietly places an envelope of money on the desk and leaves. When the professor confronts him, the student immediately pulls out his ‘secret weapon’. His father appeared. He begged the professor to raise the grade while simultaneously threatening to file a formal complaint with the school. Where dignity and logic vanished, only stubbornness, tears, and unreasonable obsession remained. Ultimately, the professor revised the grade.
As a Korean audience member watching this scene, I too felt uncomfortable and displeased. Yet, upon reflection, can we truly dismiss this scene as merely excessive exaggeration? Can we really dismiss it as a scene that doesn’t reflect our reality at all, as an absurd setup? Honestly, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. And this scene sparked a thought: Are we truly leaving our child’s life entirely in their own hands? Or are we, perhaps, trying to live our child’s life for them, or make decisions for them?
When you think about it, behind the dazzling success of Korean players dominating the LPGA Tour lies another shadow. It’s the parents who put their own lives on hold, following their daughters around the world for their success. While their dedication is certainly worthy of respect, it also leaves a bitter aftertaste. This stems from our perception that parental care and intervention are still taken for granted, even for adult children who have already reached the world’s highest level. Of course, the desire of parents to protect their children is entirely understandable. Some might say, “That’s just a parent’s heart.” However, one crucial fact must be addressed here: excessive parental protection can sometimes be harmful to the child. And legally, this point is clear. The law treats the protected individual as ‘incapacitated.’ In other words, if parents attempt to handle matters for their adult child, it effectively declares, ‘Our child lacks the capacity to make their own decisions.’
It’s understandable. To an eighty-year-old mother, her sixty-year-old son is still likely a child. The desire to live one’s child’s life for them is a universal sentiment across cultures. But we must be acutely aware that this can infringe upon the child’s independence and autonomy. If we insist on keeping the child within the protective confines of the parental fence until the very end, the outcome is likely to be tragic or absurd. It’s time for a change. The world our children will live in is different from the one we lived in. Instead of stepping in for them, we must become those who watch over them, offer advice, and stand firmly behind them when needed. Only then can our children become the masters of their own lives.
Ultimately, children must live their own lives, not their parents’. The true role of parents is to accept this fact and quietly cheer their children on as they navigate their own paths. Isn’t that the essence of mature protection and true love? I hope this article plants at least one small seed of thought in someone’s heart. Thank you for reading.