Shin Dong-yup's secret to sending daughter to Seoul National University: 'Father's indifference, mother's information'

Broadcaster Shin Dong-yup has drawn attention by revealing an unexpectedly calm approach to parenting after his daughter was admitted to Seoul National University this year. Far from the 'intensive tutoring' methods often expected in the fierce competitive landscape of college entrance exams, his method clearly divides the roles of the parents.

On the SBS show 'My Little Old Boy' broadcast on the 9th, Park Kyung Lim appeared as a special MC to share stories regarding child education.

During the episode, Seo Jang-hoon asked Park Kyung Lim, who has a son preparing for his senior year of high school, "How are you caring for him as a mother?" Park stated that rather than intervening directly in his studies, she focuses on taking care of his meals.

"I can't do much else, so I focus on making sure he eats well; I believe the strength from food is most important," she said. She added that she tries to prepare good meals as much as possible, especially during the school breaks, joking that she puts so much time and sincerity into them that they are like "meal kits made by artisans," drawing laughter from the studio.

The conversation naturally shifted to Shin Dong-yup, whose daughter entered Seoul National University this year.

When asked about his secret to education, Shin Dong-yup began to say, "Ah, I..." before Park jokingly interjected, "Father's indifference?" As if waiting for the opportunity, Shin nodded and summarized his educational philosophy in one sentence.

"That's right. I strictly followed my ironclad rule: Father's indifference, mother's information."

While it may sound like a joke, the 'indifference' Shin mentioned carries the meaning of respecting his child's choices. His explanation is that rather than parents intervening excessively in the entrance exam process, they provide the necessary information and environment, while leaving the actual selection and execution to the child.

However, there was one thing Shin consistently emphasized to his daughter: advice regarding romantic interests.

"I only tell her that she must meet a good man," Shin said. "She needs to meet a decent boyfriend, and when she marries, she should marry a good man."

He added that he doesn't stop at simply advising her to 'meet a good person,' but also "tells her what kind of man is not a good man."

While he keeps a step back regarding entrance exams or grades, he shares his experiences and standards regarding important life choices. Although his unique, joke-filled way of speaking might make it sound light, it can be interpreted as meaning that what a child ultimately needs is a standard to judge people and situations themselves, rather than parental control.

Park quipped, "Since I talk to my father a lot, I will also try to raise mine well through indifference," turning the studio into a sea of laughter.

Another reason Shin's parenting method is garnering interest is the actual result. His daughter, Shin Ji-hyo, majored in ballet at Sunhwa Arts Middle School and Sunhwa Arts High School before entering the Department of Physical Education at Seoul National University this year. By entering the same university as her mother, PD Sun Hye-yoon, who graduated from the Department of German Education at Seoul National University, the entire family has become alumni of the university.

Ultimately, the 'father's indifference' Shin speaks of is slightly different from neglect or doing nothing. Instead of parents designing a child's life for them, it is about providing advice when needed and waiting so the child can make their own choices. He explained that this was combined with the mother's information-gathering abilities and steady support.

When asked for the 'way to send a child to Seoul National University,' Shin's answer was surprisingly simple. Rather than forcing them to study, it is about taking a step back so the child can choose their own life. At least in Shin's case, that was his own unique way of raising a child.