Jung Seung-je, "It's natural not to be able to solve math... It's a pity people just look at the solutions and stop"

Math instructor Jung Seung-je conveyed his attitude toward approaching mathematics and his sincerity regarding the work of teaching. Appearing on KBS's "The Seasons - Sung Si-kyung, Your Eardrum Boyfriend," Jung Seung-je explained the essence of studying mathematics and the reason why he lectures using his unique way of speaking.

"Staying up all night because it's unsolved"... The commonality between math and games

Jung Seung-je explained that the process of studying math resembles playing games. He said that not being able to solve math problems is natural, and rather, it is precisely because they are unsolved that one learns. He explained that it is the same logic as games, where one feels enjoyment and stays up all night because a problem cannot be solved.

He expressed regret regarding the point where many people miss the true fun of mathematics. Jung Seung-je added, "Most people do not know the pleasure of staying up all night because a problem won't solve, only to have it suddenly click," and "It is a pity that most people just look at the solutions, learn the quick way to solve it, and end it there." Through a metaphor comparing the way people study math to eating food without enjoying its taste, he emphasized the joy that comes from the problem-solving process itself.

"Teaching is my calling"

Regarding the mention that his lecturing style has a different tone from typical math instructors, Jung Seung-je stated that the foundation lies in "regret." He interpreted that his feeling of regret over students not being able to feel the fun of math is naturally conveyed, leading to reactions that his explanations are easy to understand.

He defined the act of teaching as "so enjoyable and my calling," revealing his professional satisfaction. He suggested that the desire to convey the pleasure of the process of solving math problems to students serves as the driving force for his lectures.

Age, timing, and the natural course of life

The conversation also extended to dating and attitudes toward life. Mentioning how situations change as one gets older, such as the disappearance of blind dates recently, he also showed himself contemplating the "natural course" that adults speak of. Jung Seung-je said, "Lately, I feel that the words of adults are not wrong in a single thing," yet he affirmed his own life, saying, "But I don't want to say that I am abnormal or have lived in vain." While acknowledging that everything has its own timing, he expressed his determination to live diligently at his own pace.

Source: KBS Kpop (YouTube)