Social studies instructor Lee Do is facing intense criticism from students after halting his exam preparation lectures just three weeks before the national college entrance exam.
The controversy intensified when it was revealed that the instructor, who teaches Korean and World Geography at Etoos, attended a Netflix production press conference and launched a personal YouTube channel shortly after citing health issues as the reason for his sudden departure from the classroom.
Student backlash over sudden lecture suspension
On October 29, Lee Do released a handwritten letter on his lecture website announcing that he could no longer proceed with the remaining curriculum for the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). The announcement came only 21 days before the scheduled exam on November 19.
In his letter, Lee explained that he had prioritized teaching over his own well‑being for several years, eventually leading to physical warning signs. He stated that
Following medical advice, I have decided to take time for the first time in my life to look after myself for the remainder of 2026.
Lee Do, via Newsis
He also expressed regret that his health status had impacted his students’ learning, adding that it was painful to know his condition had affected the studies of his “bbogeulies.”
However, students have expressed deep frustration on the Etoos Q&A boards and social media. Some reported that lecture uploads and textbook publications had already been delayed prior to the official suspension. Students noted that the curriculum was pushed back without notice and that even when the promised upload dates for Q&A responses passed, no news arrived, making it difficult to establish a study plan.
One student expressed disappointment, stating they were forced to switch to another teacher’s final curriculum because they were tired of waiting. This student noted that they had originally chosen Lee Do because they did not get along with other instructors, only to face this situation again.
Lee sparks anger after Netflix appearance and YouTube launch
The backlash grew after Lee attended a press conference on November 5 for the Netflix variety show The Devil's Plan: Dead Again
at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon. This event occurred just one week after he notified students of his inability to teach.
During the event, Lee shared how he had actively sought a role in the program. To demonstrate his earnestness, Lee mentioned that he even shared his CSAT scores to show his desire to appear on the program, which he described as a dream stage.
Following the press conference, Lee opened a personal YouTube channel on November 7 to promote the upcoming show, which was set for release on November 10. In a video, he asked for subscribers and requested that viewers vote on a name for his channel. He also shared a clip of himself eating a large cookie to celebrate the upcoming release of The Devil's Plan.
The response to his external activities has been largely negative. On the Etoos website and his own social media, students criticized his lack of responsibility. One student wrote that seeing the press conference attendance and the YouTube launch made them angry, suggesting that he seems to want to be a celebrity rather than an instructor.
Other comments questioned how he could participate in broadcasting activities while claiming to be too ill to teach, with some asking if he was planning to retire from teaching altogether.
Corneal condition causes previous teaching disruptions
This is not the first time Lee’s health has interfered with his teaching schedule. At that time, Lee reported that his corneal condition had worsened, making it difficult to look at monitors or write textbooks. He noted that medical professionals had warned him of the risk of permanent vision damage.
While some observers suggest that the timing of the Netflix filming may not align directly with his current health crisis, students remain skeptical. On November 8, Lee posted on his SNS that he was still working on textbooks, writing that he was writing the textbook with only his right eye open because his eyes hurt, adding that the 2027 materials must be perfect.
