My Teacher, Mr. Kim 2003

Corrupt teacher in Seoul

Kim Bong-doo is a young teacher who routinely arrives late to school and is scolded by the principal. He actively coaxes parents to pay him bribe money in exchange for favorable treatment of their children. When his scheme is exposed, he becomes the target of parent complaints and disciplinary action.

Bribery exposed; consequences begin

The bribery is uncovered during an investigation, triggering anger among parents and a formal backlash from the school administration. Kim faces investigations and the prospect of losing his job. The scandal also strains his relationships with colleagues and parents.

Transferred to a rural branch

As punishment, Kim is sent to a branch school in a remote village in Gangwon Province. The stark contrast from Seoul's pace underscores his growing discontent with the countryside and its limited resources.

Rural life limits and small class

In the countryside, cell phones are useless and buying cigarettes at the nearest store is impossible. There are only five students at the school, and villagers offer vegetables and fruits instead of money. The environment forces Kim to rethink his assumptions about education.

Mr. Choi's demand

A grumpy old man named Mr. Choi blackmails him into teaching the Korean alphabet, exploiting Kim's precarious situation. Kim reluctantly agrees, hoping to avoid further trouble.

Plan to move students to Seoul

Driven to near insanity by the quiet life, Kim maps out a plan to transfer all of his students to Seoul, effectively closing the rural school. He sees Seoul as the path to opportunity for his pupils, even as the plan unsettles the locals.

After-school talents program

To implement his plan, Kim launches an after-school program focused on developing each child's unique talents. The program aims to make students want to pursue better education in Seoul, creating a pull-away effect for families.

Positive impact on the village

The program creates a warm, supportive environment for the children and the village community. School officials begin to reconsider closing the rural school, impressed by Kim's apparent devotion to the kids.

Enterprising businessman arrives

A businessman appears with a plan to turn the school into a survival game site, presenting a tempting financial alternative. Kim is drawn to the money, testing his moral alignment with the students' welfare.

Temptation resurfaces

Kim's attention shifts toward the potential profits, creating a conflict between personal gain and his renewed commitment to the children. He must choose whether to pursue the lucrative opportunity or stay with the community.

Moral dilemma peaks

The clash between money and care for the kids comes to a head as the offer challenges his integrity. The village and his pupils watch to see what decision he will make.