History instructor Choi Tae-sung explains why he gave up W20b in annual sales to teach for free

Popular history instructor Choi Tae-sung has explained why he turned down what could have been 20 billion won ($14.4 million) in annual sales to offer his lectures for free.

Choi appeared on episode 66 of tvN STORY's "Nam-gyeoseo Mwohage," a talk variety show that aired Monday.

"There is something called a public-minded spirit," Choi said on the program. "People have both self-interest and a public-minded spirit. I wanted to show that there is a way to live with your center of gravity on the public-minded side." He then confessed that he had nearly signed a lucrative outside offer. "A scouting offer came in from outside. The contract had a sum of money I could never earn in a lifetime. I had practiced not being swayed — I told myself I would turn down any such offer. But when it arrived, I found myself writing my name on it."

Choi continued: "I only had one more letter to write, and suddenly fear washed over me. Choi Tae-sung, the icon of public education, going to private tutoring to make money — could I carry that title? Honestly, I wasn't confident. I'm never confident. The feeling that I would be at peace even without earning much money weighed heavily on me."

When fellow guest Park Se-ri asked whether Choi still offers free lectures, Choi said yes. "Private tutoring for the college entrance exam taken by 490,000 students is worth several trillion won. But a bigger exam has emerged — the Korean History Proficiency Test, taken by 600,000 people every year. If you want to work for a government agency, having that certificate is either a prerequisite to apply or earns you bonus points."

Choi expressed pride in the impact of his free lectures. "The college entrance exam taken by 490,000 people generates several trillion won in private tutoring, but the Korean History Proficiency Test taken by 600,000 people has no private tutoring market — because I teach it for free. No other instructor can sell lectures for money. Because I'm there."

When Lee Young-ja asked how much Choi could have made had he pursued the money, Choi said, "Basically, 20 billion won would have been possible. That's the scale of it." He added: "I'm finding my own reason to live. I'm learning that people who live with a public-minded spirit also find their way. I'm learning that this society does cheer on those who carry that spirit."