South Korea faces a major shakeup in its education system. The chief of the university entrance exam resigns due to fierce criticism. Students and parents complain about the English test’s extreme difficulty. This event marks a first in the exam’s history.
Key Events Leading to Resignation
Officials announced the resignation on December 10, 2025. Oh Seung-geol, head of Korea’s Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, steps down. He takes responsibility for the chaos. The Suneung exam occurred on November 13, 2025.
Results released on December 4 spark immediate outrage. Moreover the English section draws the most fire. Test-takers struggle with 45 questions in 70 minutes. Only 3 percent achieve top marks, a drop from 6 percent last year.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Oh admits the test falls short of standards. He accepts blame for inappropriate difficulty levels. The section ignores absolute evaluation principles. As a result, it burdens students unfairly. Critics point out confusing wording and complex topics.
For example, there are questions about philosophers such as Kant and Hobbes. There are also queries about gaming characters and notions of time. All these aspects confuse authorities.
Public Reactions and Impact
Students label the test insane and maddening. One test-taker compares it to ancient script. Online forums buzz with complaints. Parents express worry over added stress. However some defend the challenge. They argue it tests true skills. Still, the backlash grows strong. Suicide rates link to exam pressure, heightening concerns.
Background on the Suneung Exam
Suneung shapes futures in South Korea. It decides university spots and career paths. Students prepare from young ages. The nation halts activities during the test. Planes ground to ensure silence. In addition, recent laws ban early private testing. This aims to reduce the burden on kids.
Looking Forward
The resignation marks a sign of change. Officials have assured better alignment with exams. At the same time, there have been debates on an overhaul of the learning sector. The event underscores equity in testing.
