Lee Hyun-yi reveals study habits used to support son's Johns Hopkins admission

Model Lee Hyun-yi shared that she studied math workbooks inside her vehicle to help her eldest son, Yun-seo, prepare for his admission to the Johns Hopkins CTY Summer Camp. The three-week gifted education program in the United States cost approximately 8,300 dollars.

Model and broadcaster Lee Hyun-yi has drawn attention by revealing that she personally solved math workbooks during her broadcasting schedules to support her eldest son's education. To explain problems to her son, she purchased two copies of the same workbooks and studied them even inside her vehicle. Interest in her unique educational approach has intensified following the news that her eldest son was accepted into the CTY Summer Camp, a gifted education program under Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

On the 24th, a video was released on Lee Hyun-yi's YouTube channel featuring science communicator Orbit and comedian Lee Eun-hyung, discussing child education and scientific thinking. During the session, Lee Hyun-yi inquired about methods to spark interest in mathematics in children, to which Orbit advised that it is important for parents to first demonstrate the act of studying themselves.

Orbit emphasized that "the best way is to do it first," stressing that parents should naturally show themselves engaging in learning. The core idea is that showing children a parent reading a book or learning something is more effective than simply telling the child to study. Recalling that his own parents always read, Orbit explained that children learn by observing the actions of their parents.

Lee Hyun-yi confessed that she practiced a similar method. "I did this until I was in 4th grade," she said, revealing, "I bought two identical workbooks, and because I was busy with my schedule, I carried them around and solved them in my Carnival [vehicle]." She added, "Because I had to explain them," explaining that she studied the same problems to provide proper explanations when her son asked questions.

Despite her busy life balancing broadcasting and parenting, she carved out time to assist her son's learning. Her educational method drew attention as she went beyond simply buying an extra workbook, seeking to find answers and master the solution processes herself. Rather than unilaterally demanding study from her child, she sought to show that a parent can also learn and prepare alongside them.

However, Lee Hyun-yi brought laughter to the discussion by posing a realistic question to the advice that parents must always show themselves studying. "Then should I stop cooking meals and just keep solving math problems?" she countered. When Orbit mentioned parental smartphone usage, she retorted, "Do you know how much we have to order on Coupang?" The moment humorously highlighted the reality of parents who care deeply about education while simultaneously managing household chores and childcare.

Lee Hyun-yi's educational views have garnered interest several times before. An alumna of Ewha Womans University, she previously shared on a broadcast that while she did not receive much nagging from her parents to study during her childhood, her mother stimulated her to study by asking her questions about things she did not know. She explained that this method of inducing a child to resolve their own curiosity, rather than simply forcing study, influenced her own learning experience.

Last year, on the MBN and MBC DramaNet show 'After Living There,' she revealed considering living abroad for the sake of her two sons' education. At the time, Lee stated, "I want to show the children that the world is wide," expressing interest in environments where they can encounter not only English but also second foreign languages and various natural experiences. This revealed an educational philosophy focused on helping children experience a wider world and find their own motivation for learning, rather than focusing solely on academic achievement.

Indeed, her eldest son, Yun-seo, drew attention this year by being accepted into the CTY Summer Camp, a gifted education program under Johns Hopkins University in the United States. In June, Lee revealed via YouTube that the cost for the three-week camp was approximately 8,300 dollars, which amounted to about 13 million won at the exchange rate at the time, causing surprise. She also conveyed that more than improving English skills, it is important for her son to experience the world in a new environment and gain the motivation to study on his own.

Lee Hyun-yi married Hong Seong-gi, formerly of Samsung Electronics, in 2012, and has two sons, Yun-seo and Yeong-seo. As she continues to pay close attention to her children's learning and experiences while managing a busy schedule as a broadcaster, the anecdote of studying with workbooks inside her car has resonated with many, reflecting the concerns and efforts of parents regarding child education.

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