Behind the Laughter: What “Jaime’s Mom” Says About Education Pressure

Comedian Lee Soo-ji has gone viral for her hilarious yet sharp portrayal of “Jaime’s Mom,” a fictional mother from Daechi-dong who’s obsessed with her kid’s education and loves to show off her high-class lifestyle. The characters appear on Lee’s Youtube Channel Hot Issue Ji, and while many people are laughing, her videos are sparking serious conversations about the pressure-filled world of education in South Korea.

Daechi-dong, a neighborhood in Gangnam, Seoul, is known as the heart of private education in Korea. With over 1,400 hagwons (private academies) packed into the area, many parents move there and spend a ton of money and time trying to get their kids into top universities. Many parents move there and spend a lot of money and time trying to get their kids into top universities. That’s exactly where Jaime’s mom comes in–a classic “Daechi Mom” who pours everything into her child’s education, all while keeping up a fancy, stylish image.

Lee captures this perfectly. Jaime’s Mom speaks softly, often mixing English into her Korean to sound more refined. She doesn’t yell or scold—she simply says things like, “We don’t do that, Jamie,” with a gentle tone. But behind that calm voice is a mom who pays close attention to every detail, especially when it comes to judging teachers and schools.

Still, her satire isn’t only about strict parenting. It also takes a jab at the way status and wealth are shown off in places like Daechi-dong (Kim, 2024). Jaime’s Mom is always dressed in designer clothes, drives a luxury SUV, and carries the latest high-end handbags—symbols that many real-life parents in Gangnam also use to show their success.

Since the first video was posted in March 2024, the series has gained over 8.18 million views. Most people find it shockingly accurate, saying things like, “This is exactly what Daechi Moms are like!” However, some viewers argue that it unfairly stereotypes housewives and puts all the blame on mothers.

What’s more surprising is how the videos have affected real life. After they went viral, online second hand stores were flooded with luxury coats and handbags, as some people didn’t want to be mistaken for the “Jaime’s Mom” type anymore.

In the end, Lee Soo-ji’s videos are more than just comedy. They hold up a mirror to Korean society, showing the pressure, competition, and obsession with image that often come with parenting and education. Daechi-dong isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a symbol of both ambition and anxiety.

Whether people laugh or feel uncomfortable, one thing is clear: “Jaime’s Mom” has started an important conversation.