From Han Ga-in to Prime-Time Drama: ‘Daechi-dong Mom’ Craze Takes Over

A new Genie TV original drama is making waves, with its ratings doubling in just four episodes.

Premiering on March 3, Riding Life started with a modest 1.2% viewership but soared to 2.4% by Episode 4, according to Nielsen Korea. The show has seen a steady climb—1.2% (Ep.1), 1.6% (Ep.2), 1.8% (Ep.3), and 2.4% (Ep.4)—gaining 187,000 viewers in just two weeks, now boasting an audience of 556,000.

Tackling the hot topics of hakwon (academy) culture and the grueling “age 7 exams” in Korea’s competitive education scene, Riding Life follows a three-generation family navigating the pressures of Daechi-dong’s elite parenting world. The drama, penned by Sung Yoon-ah and Jo Won-dong and directed by Kim Chul-kyu, marks Jeon Hye-jin’s return to television after two years. She plays Jeong-eun, a working mom balancing career and motherhood, striking a deep chord with many viewers.

What started as a viral YouTube parody has now sparked a full-blown cultural conversation, influencing not only social media but also real-life parenting trends—and even K-drama storylines.

Comedian Lee Su-ji’s recent Daechi-dong Mom parody video has taken the internet by storm, resonating deeply with viewers familiar with the hyper-competitive education culture of Seoul’s affluent Daechi-dong district. Beyond generating skyrocketing views and engagement, the trend has even affected real-life parents who identify with the overzealous tiger mom lifestyle portrayed in the video.

Han Ga-in Caught in the Crossfire

The impact reached actress Han Ga-in, whose old vlog suddenly went viral due to its striking resemblance to Lee Su-ji’s parody. In an October video, Han documented a grueling 14-hour day driving her children to and from school and various academies, even eating meals in her car—much like the Daechi-dong Mom character in Lee’s skit. As viewers made the connection, her video was flooded with comments like “Is this what inspired Lee Su-ji?” and “Even celebrity moms aren’t exempt from this reality.”

While some found it relatable, others criticized the intense parenting style, prompting Han Ga-in’s team to quietly set the video to private.

‘Riding Life’ Brings the ‘Daechi-dong Mom’ Phenomenon to TV

Adding fuel to the fire, the newly premiered ENA drama Riding Life (Genie TV Original) puts Daechi-dong Moms at the center of its story. Starring Jeon Hye-jin and Jo Min-soo, the drama follows a working mom who entrusts her mother with taking her daughter through the cutthroat world of hakwon (academy) rides, navigating the high-stakes world of “age 7 exams.”

Director Kim Chul-kyu directly referenced Lee Su-ji’s viral video at the show’s press conference, saying, “Before even entering elementary school, kids are solving TOEIC problems and debating Nietzsche in English. The reality of this system raises so many questions—this is where Riding Life begins.”

Rising Buzz & Viewer Reactions

With Riding Life blending humor, heart, and social commentary, fans are raving about its relatability:

📣 “So real! As a working mom, I relate 200%.”

📣 “Unexpectedly addictive! Can’t believe it’s only 8 episodes.”

📣 “Jeon Hye-jin is phenomenal—please do more dramas!”

As the drama gains momentum, all eyes are on its final four episodes to see how high its ratings can climb.

A Growing Debate on Education Pressures

With both viral content and scripted drama tackling the same theme, Daechi-dong Mom discourse is intensifying. While some defend the necessity of hakwon culture, others argue for a deeper examination of why parents feel trapped in this system.

Whether through parody or drama, one thing is clear—the Daechi-dong Mom phenomenon isn’t just a joke; it’s a reflection of a competitive reality many families are living today. And with Riding Life bringing this issue to primetime, the conversation is only getting louder.

Riding Life airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 PM on ENA, with free VOD available on Genie TV and streaming on TVING.