Lee Hyun-yi's son faces alleged racial discrimination at $10,000 US gifted camp

Model and broadcaster Lee Hyun-yi has shared the costs and candid experiences of her eldest son's one-month stay at a gifted program in the United States. Despite high expectations for the expensive educational program, the family reported that life on the ground was not entirely smooth.

Recently, Lee released a video titled 'Honest Review of Johns Hopkins CTY Camp That No One Told You' on her YouTube channel, 'Working Mom Lee Hyun-yi.' The video chronicles the month-long gifted camp experience in the US lived by her husband, Hong Seong-gi, and her eldest son, Yun-seo.

The program Yun-seo attended is the CTY summer camp, a gifted program offered by Johns Hopkins University. Lee previously revealed that the monthly cost for the camp reaches approximately 13 million won. As the program extends beyond a simple vacation to include academic achievement, peer interaction, and independent dormitory life, attention has focused on how well participants adapt to the high-cost environment.

Lee asked her husband, who traveled to the US to personally oversee Yun-seo's camp life, “Didn't Yun-seo say he was having a hard time?”

Hong replied, “He said it was good for the first week, but he struggled during the second week.” He then cautiously shared the atmosphere he sensed on-site.

“Yun-seo didn't seem to notice, but I felt there was a bit of racial discrimination,” he said.

He described a specific situation: according to Hong, students living in the same dormitory and taking the same classes gathered separately during breaks. When Yun-seo suggested they play a game together, he reportedly received a response to the effect of “don't bother us.”

Afterward, Yun-seo reportedly began hanging out with other Asian students. However, as Hong's account is based on his own observations and what he heard from his son, it cannot be definitively confirmed whether the behavior was motivated by race. Since peer conflict or cultural differences in an unfamiliar environment are also possibilities, the specific context remains nuanced.

Interestingly, the son's satisfaction with the camp differed significantly from his father's perception. When Lee asked if the dormitory life was difficult, Yun-seo replied, “Not at all, the dormitory was just great.”

A month-long dormitory program in a foreign country requires significant adaptability from young participants, as they must independently manage meals, classes, sleep, leisure, and social relationships. Despite these challenges, Yun-seo offered a positive evaluation of the living arrangements.

When asked about his overall satisfaction with the camp, he gave it a 9 out of 10. While there appeared to be some discomfort in certain peer interactions, he was highly satisfied with the education and overall lifestyle.

This experience offers food for thought regarding overseas gifted camps. A high price tag does not guarantee a perfect experience. For young students living in a different linguistic and cultural environment, peer relationships and cultural adaptation are as critical as academic achievement.

Furthermore, a gap can exist between the anxiety felt by parents and the direct experience of the child. While Hong sensed a subtle atmosphere of exclusion, Yun-seo himself reported high satisfaction. This highlights how parents and children can perceive the same environment in vastly different ways.

Lee and Hong have been candid about the education and growth of their two sons. Lee, a model and broadcaster, and Hong, known to be from Samsung Electronics, have drawn interest by sharing the authentic daily lives and educational journeys of their celebrity family.

The video goes beyond merely showcasing the cost of a "13 million won gifted camp." It draws attention by providing specific insights into the realities of high-cost programs, the pros and cons of overseas dormitory life, and the potential for cultural friction among peers.

Yun-seo's 9/10 rating suggests the family did not judge the experience solely on cost-effectiveness. Even with unexpected difficulties, the experience of living independently and navigating new social circles serves as a valuable educational asset.

Ultimately, the family's account does not offer a simple answer to what one gets for 13 million won. It demonstrates that the true value of overseas education lies not just in academic rigor, but in how well a child adapts to a foreign environment and grows through diverse social connections.