Director Kim Min-Ha's feature film "Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2" claimed two awards at the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. It is a sequel of his previous film "Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary".  The Best picture award is given to Teaching Practice for it's witty and entertaining theme, according to BIFAN, the true power of this film is that despite of it's light-hearted nature it depicts a sense of completeness and also blends eastern and western horror comedy style efficiently. Along with that, actress Han Seon-Hwa known for her dramas "My lovely Mobster" and "Work later drink now" received best actor award for her skillful acting in this film.

Director Kim Min-Ha is well known for his notable works in the Korean film industry. For his film "Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary"(2024) director Kim was recognized with best director award at BIFAN 2024. A graduate of Cheongju University's film department, director Kim made his debut with a short film called Superhero (2021). His other remarkable films are "Red Mask Kf94"(2022), "Burger Song Challenge"(2023). Comedy is the main concept of his films; However, The Idiot Girls and School Ghost series follows a horror comedy genre. This series is mostly based on high school setting. The main idea of his previous film was about Korean education system, whereas, this film is about teacher's authority in schools.

The horror comedy genre was completely new and distinctive to me. I was curious about the reason behind creating this film and was fortunate enough to interview Director Kim Min-Ha through his film's distribution company REDICE ENTERTAINMENT.

The interview was conducted via email between July 14 to July 21.
            

1.Please introduce yourself.

Hello, I’m Kim Min-ha, the director of “Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2”. It’s a pleasure to greet you through this interview.

2.Could you please share with us what made you to make “Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2” ?

I began developing this film after witnessing the recent collapse of teachers’ authority in Korea. It was heartbreaking to see teachers no longer being respected—and in some cases, even driven to extreme decisions. At the same time, I read that Korea’s private education market had reached a record high. Education is supposed to serve as a ladder for social mobility, but as private education grows, children from wealthy families receive more opportunities while others are left behind. Seeing the state of education today made me reflect on the past, when students were taught to not even step on their teacher’s shadow. That era was marked by the presence of Seo-dang, Korea’s traditional educational institutions. I became interested in why and how they disappeared. I learned that during the Japanese colonial period, Japan launched an operation called “Seodang Hunting” to eliminate these institutions and their teachers, known as Hunjang.

This contrast between Korea’s educational past and present helped shape the direction of “Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2”.

3.Please introduce your film.

“Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2” is a horror comedy about a student teacher who, during her practicum, encounters a group of girls involved in a black magic club—students more focused on mock exams than anything else. Chaos ensues from there.

4.Your film has received Best Film Award and Best Actor Award at BIFAN 2025. How does it feel?

I feel deeply grateful. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to every team member who worked so hard. It felt nearly impossible to complete this project, but we made it happen by joining forces. I sincerely hope this film reaches a wide audience and offers comfort and courage in these difficult times.

5.As Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2 is a sequel to your film “Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary”, what is the difference between these two films?

The series follows a loose formula—girls who struggle academically end up defeating ghosts—but each film carries its own theme, story, and characters. The ideas come from observing the realities of Korea’s education system. “Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary” dealt with students caught in fierce academic competition, while “Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2” focuses on the collapse of teachers’ authority. Though they share a structural concept, everything else is different.

6.Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary was recognized with Best Director Award at the 2024 BIFAN. How did that affect your filmmaking journey?

Winning that award gave me the confidence to create unconventional films. It helped me believe in myself more as a director.

7.“Comedy horror” is a unique genre. What is the inspiration behind choosing this genre for your films?

Honestly, I didn’t like horror films at first. But in the Korean film industry, there’s a saying that new directors should start with horror—since it’s one of the few genres that can attract large audiences with a low budget. So, I began watching horror films out of necessity. Then I combined the elements I enjoyed from comedy with horror, and that naturally led to the comedy horror genre.

8.Comedy and horror are often seen as opposites. How did you blend these two genres in your films? And how do you balance the tone of fear and humor?

I actually believe comedy and horror are quite similar. When something deviates from everyday norms, it can either be funny or scary. Balancing the two is still something I’m working on. I reflect and study as much as I can, and audience feedback is one of my greatest learning tools.

9.From where did you get influenced for the film? Were there any particular films or directors you look for inspiration?

I’ve long admired the late director Shin Jung-won, who sadly passed away recently. I especially loved his film “To Catch a Virgin Ghost”. I also enjoyed the Thai horror comedy “Pee Mak Phrakanong”, directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun.

10.The plots of your films are set around school—why so? Beyond laughter and scare, what do you hope the audience would take away from your films?

While I’ve introduced myself through films set in schools, I’m also preparing works with different settings. Above all, I hope my films bring rest and comfort to audiences. And if the social issues I portray can raise awareness and lead to real-world solutions that would be even more meaningful.

11.Are there any challenges you have faced during the making of your film?        

Our budget ended up being cut to less than a quarter of what was planned, making it nearly impossible to film. We didn’t even have access to basic equipment. I told the team about our situation and said I wouldn’t blame anyone for leaving—but everyone stayed. That’s why for our next film, I’m committed to create a set that truly rewards this incredible team.

12.Han Seon-Hwa, Hong Ye-Ji, Lee Yeo-Reum are the cast members of your film. How was your experience working with them? Any special moment you want to share with us?

Working with the actors was a real joy. All of them appreciated my style and worked closely with me to build their characters. Their creative ideas were actively incorporated into the film. I also have fond memories of us visiting the zoo and enjoying great food together on our days off.

13.Is there any chance of making this film into a series of films? Or is there any new project you are working on? 

I’m not sure yet whether my next project will continue this series or be something entirely new. But what I can say for sure is that I won’t waste a single day as I work toward meeting audiences again.

14.Would you like to share a message with our readers?

It was a pleasure to connect with you through this interview. Until we meet again through another film, I’ll keep working hard. Wishing you all good health and happiness. Thank you!

In the above interview with Director Kim Min-Ha, he shared his inspiration behind creating "Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary" and "Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2". And His reason for choosing horror comedy as the genre for his film. Thus, Director Kim’s films are set in the schools he hopes it will raise awareness among people about Korean education system and will become a comfortable film to watch as well.