Star history instructor Choi Tae-seong reveals fear of losing everything

During a broadcast of tvN STORY's 'Table Tales' on the 9th, prominent South Korean history instructor Choi Tae-seong confessed to living with constant anxiety and the fear that his sudden success could cause his family to suffer.

Choi Tae-seong, known as a representative history instructor in South Korea, has revealed the anxiety and fear hidden behind his brilliant success. While he has gained public recognition and high visibility, he stated that the fear of losing everything in an instant has grown accordingly. In particular, his confession of imagining extreme situations due to the thought that his family could suffer if he falls has drawn attention as an unexpected side of the star instructor.

During the 66th episode of tvN STORY's 'Table Tales' broadcast on the 9th, history instructor Choi Tae-seong appeared and shared his life and concerns while having a meal with Lee Young-ja, Se-ri Pak, and Kim Chang-ok. Although he has established himself as a leading Korean history instructor in South Korea, his perspective on success differed from the expectations of those around him.

Mentioning his current position, Choi said, "People say I have risen to a high position as a representative instructor of South Korea." However, he soon confessed, "The more successful I become, the more fearful and scared I am." He explained that the position, which appears to be a symbol of success to the public, is actually a space that brings him anxiety and pressure.

What he fears most is a situation where everything he has built so far collapses due to a single incident. "I am afraid of collapsing in one blow," Choi said, questioning, "If I fall into the abyss, will my family be able to continue living in Korea?" He explained that his concern that his personal reputation and activities might not just end in a fall but could shake his family's life led to these extreme imaginings.

He continued, "On the outside, it seems like I am standing at the top, but my heart is always standing on a guillotine." This was a confession that, contrary to evaluations that he is at the pinnacle of success, he lives with the tension that he could fall at any time. His psychological burden as a star instructor was revealed in that as his high recognition and social influence grow, even a small mistake or controversy can feel like an unmanageable threat.

Lee Young-ja reacted by questioning if Choi's worries were excessive. She expressed bewilderment, asking, "It's not like you committed a crime, so isn't the worry about your family an exaggeration?" To this, Choi explained that his current success was a result he had not even expected himself. His words, "I never imagined I would rise to this level in my life," contained his feelings that his position is still unfamiliar and does not feel real.

There was also a significant gap between Choi's image familiar to the public and his actual personality. He introduced himself by saying, "I am quiet and introverted." Contrary to his appearance of energetically leading people and delivering history stories on broadcasts and lectures, he said he is naturally someone who prefers spending time alone. He also noted that standing in front of a camera requires considerable energy, stating, "The camera is shining on me, but once it's over, I am exhausted."

The moments in which he feels happiest are also far from public cheers or glamorous stages. Choi revealed, "The happiest time is when I am in a corner alone, reading a book and listening to music, having time to myself." He explained that he finds true stability not during times of public attention, but in moments when he can immerse himself in books and music without being disturbed by anyone. It appears that his social role as a famous instructor and his private desires are heading in different directions.

Choi confessed that as more people recognize him, his worry for his family also grows. "As more people recognize me without me realizing it, I worry that my fame might lead to harm for my family," he said, adding, "I wonder if they can endure the burden." He explained that the thought that his fame could affect his family prevents him from accepting the rise in recognition with pure joy.

He emphasized, "When my name is spoken of by too many people, I know the risks and responsibilities that follow that fame." He added, "That fear is always anxious," revealing the psychological pressure that does not easily disappear even after success. It was a confession showing that fame can bring opportunities and achievements while simultaneously acting as a burden toward one's personal life and family.

Meanwhile, Choi Tae-seong has built public recognition by expanding his field of activity from Korean history lectures for examinees to broadcasts, writing, YouTube, and various public lectures. As his introverted personality, worries for his family, and anxiety about success—hidden behind the name of a representative Korean history instructor—have been revealed, interest is also focusing on his human side.

Read the original (Korean)