3 Ideal

I've finally finished my first day of teaching here in AgujeongHigh School. 4 PM.

I go back to the faculty room, drink a cup of water and rest for fifteen minutes.

After fifteen minutes of rest, I go to the principal's office to speak with Mr. Yang again.

-----EARLIER AT THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE-----

"Are you curious why I called you here?"

I answer his question, "Let me guess. Because I'm from America, I have to fully adapt to your system and abandon my American ways."

But it's just my imagination.

Why did I think of something like that?

I'll just answer him like always, "I am, Mr. Yang."

"You know how the system works here in this country, Mr. Lee.

But I'm not a big fan of it."

Yes. The South Korean education system is described as intensively and "brutally" competitive. Students are forced to study all day in preparation for Suneung to have a better future. And they have to do it for life.

This system is criticized for high suicidal rate in the country and it also amounts to child abuse, according to one former hagwon teacher.

"I wanna run a school differently than other principals run their respective schools, especially private ones."

"How do you wanna run this school then?"

Mr. Yang asks me a question, "Mr. Lee, what kind of teacher are you?"

A kind of teacher I am…

"Mr. Yang…

I'm the kind of teacher who would do anything to lead his students to success without anxiety."

Mr. Yang puts down his cup of coffee on his table, stands up, walks and leans his buttocks to the table ledge. He looks at me and replies, "That's the kind of school I wanna run."

He has an ideal?

This is interesting. Let's see where this goes.

He continues to speak.

"A lot of kids wanna go to top universities, especially those prestigious ones, SKY universities.

Sure, I see a lot of smartasses. But what's teaching high school without fun?

Without that, it's boring. Screw that! It only looks like we teachers don't give a damn about what they're really feeling when they study.

I want these kids to have the best moment of their lives while they're at it. Even those seniors who're gonna take the Suneung! I want them to feel how fun things can be in a class despite the system. And when they're down, we can give them a hand.

And when they grow up, they're gonna tell their stories of them having their best high school of their lives.

"I studied high school with ease."

"Best time of my life!"

"Man, that teacher's the best!"

Something like that."

An exciting high school inside the South Korean education system. So that's his ideal.

That's easier said than done, I have to say.

"Mr. Yang, that might be the hardest thing to accomplish as a principal."

"Yes, but with you here, it's possible."

I bluntly respond with a question, "So basically, you want me to carry on your plan to transform this school?"

"Well, something like that. But it's not like I want it to be everlasting. I'm not gonna be the principal of this school for long. I want Apgujeong High School to be transformed into a funland until I'm no longer in position."

At least that one's a bit realistic. There's a huge possibility that the school's back to normal with another principal.

"Let's take this one step at a time. That's why I assigned you to a freshmen class first.

You're that ideal teacher I see."

I'm his ideal teacher?

"I've heard from Mr. Han (Yoonwoo) that you're an atmosphere changer despite being a math teacher. Plus you're handsome!"

"And what if I say no to your plan, Mr. Yang?"

He replies back, "Even if I'm not this kind of teacher, you'd rebel and still do it, right?"

If Mr. Yang was to be some grumpy principal who wants nothing but to push students further with academics, of course I'd rebel and do it in secret. If I was caught, then I'd leave Korea and go back to America.

I'm just testing waters here, but it turns out that the principal of Apgujeong High School has such an ideal.

I put on a small smile and answer, "It's like you're reading my mind, Mr. Yang. I'm in."

He shouts, "Good!"

He looks at his wristwatch on his left wrist.

"There is still sixteen minutes left. Wanna stall some time?"

"It's okay, Mr. Yang. I have to go to the restroom anyway, so I'll go now."

I never had the chance to speak with him this much because he was busy the first time we met last February. Now, I even got to know that side of his.

And I don't think it was unintentional.

Looks like we're on the same page.

-----PRESENT TIME-----

Once again, I'm standing in front of the principal office's door.

I still cannot believe Mr. Yang has that side. He has that ideal side and a jolly but peculiar personality, at least within this school.

Others may know

Suddenly, Mr. Yang opens the door.

"Ah, Mr. Lee."

"Mr. Yang."

"I was about to call you, but you're here. Come in."

I come into the office and start to talk.

He picks up his cup of, this time, water, sips it and initiates the conversation.

"I forgot one thing."

"What is it, Mr. Yang?"

"No one knows about my ideal."

Figures. They're gonna protest if they find out.

Mr. Yang begs, "Can we make it a secret?"

I respond with no hesitation, "Okay."

Now I'm involved with his secret ideal/plan/fantasy, but it's fine. I'll be fine.

Mr. Yang asks, "So, how's your first day?"

I happily answer, "I got my advisees and other classes motivated so that's the first step, Mr. Yang."

"Of course, they're gonna be motivated. You're handsome!

You continue doing your job, Mr. Lee. Let's keep it going!" Mr. Yang shouts as he raises his right fist in the air.

"(bows) Yes, Mr. Yang."

He puts down his cup of water and sits down on his chair.

He rests his elbows above the table, clamps his hands and places his chin above his hands.

"I have a question for you."

What's he up to again?

"What is it?"

"Does this moniker ring a bell?"

"What moniker?"

"Blood Moon."

.

.

.

Hold on...

Did he just say "Blood Moon"?

Th-that's MY moniker!

How does he know that?!

LEEctionary:

hagwon - cram school in Korea.