French instructor Il-young Jeong opens up about hitting his stride in his 60s.
The MBC variety show Radio Star, airing on the 10th, will feature Park Joon-hyung, Jonathan, Il-young Jeong, and Dayoung in a special titled 'Wassup! My Way'.
Currently teaching French at Inha University and more, Jeong candidly shares his academic career after studying abroad and the real-life concerns that came with it. He notes that many who return from overseas studies aim to become tenured professors, but reveals that he is meeting students as an adjunct lecturer for now.
He also explains how he recently shot to public attention. After appearing on YouTuber Calm Man's channel—where he introduced French culture and language—his video went viral and his name skyrocketed. Jeong admits he's thrilled by the sudden spotlight yet anxious it could vanish any time. Determined not to waste the moment, he says he's juggling classes with outside gigs to keep busy—fully embracing an unexpected prime in his 60s.
Jeong also reveals his distinctive life philosophy. Looking back on multiple attempts at faculty appointments that didn't work out, he says he first blamed every failure on his own shortcomings. But repeated setbacks shook his self-esteem, and that eventually changed his thinking.
His conclusion is unexpected. Jeong quips, "If you've given it everything you've got and it still doesn't work out, blame others," offering a tongue-in-cheek survival tip that brings both laughter and empathy to the studio.
He also talks about a long-held dream of making music. Having wanted to be a singer since his youth, Jeong even competed on a talent show after turning 60. On set, he sings live, lifting the mood with surprisingly strong vocals and confidence.
He further shares a twist from his school days: he once worked as a discotheque DJ. After stumbling into the campus disco scene, he started spinning tracks and even made a decent income back then. The contrast with his current image as a French instructor adds another layer of fun.
You can catch Il-young Jeong's lively life story on 'Radio Star' at 10:30 p.m. on the 10th.