South Korea removes 'killer question' from university entrance exam

"Killer questions" that use knowledge outside of textbooks to puzzle students will be removed from South Korea's university entrance exams to reduce exam pressure and prevent the wave of extra classes.

Starting this year, the Suneung, a college entrance exam, will only include questions related to knowledge taught in public education, following a request from President Yoon Suk Yeol. The presidential office said the changes will be applied to a mock test in September, followed by the official exam in November.

At a meeting between the government and the People’s Power Party (PPP) last Thursday, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said that in the past, “killer questions” often took up the lion’s share of exam points, testing students on knowledge not taught in class. More students are turning to private cram schools, or hagwons.

"Many critics say that broadening the scope of the test will force students to study more," said Mr. Lee.

The Yoon administration sees promoting public education as a way to provide equal educational opportunities for everyone. This also helps parents reduce the financial burden of investing in private tutoring, and reduces pressure on students.

"If the test requires candidates to have a lot of background knowledge and answer questions that are not in the public education program, such as questions that are not in college-level literature, isn't that asking candidates to rely entirely on cram schools?", the President said. According to him, that is "very unfair".

South Korean Education Minister Lee Ju Ho at a press conference of the Presidential Office, June 15. Photo: Joint Press Corps

This has led many to believe that the Suneung exam will be easier. Many parents and students are worried about how to prepare for the exam when it is only 5 months away.

"Although we study in public schools, most of what we learn depends on knowledge from tutoring centers. I am confused about how to prepare for the exam that can decide my fate," said Han Yu Rim, a senior high school student in Ilsan.

However, the President's Office said he did not mention whether the exam was easy or difficult, but only asked that the exam eliminate what is not taught in school.

"The Ministry of Education should eliminate parts that are not part of the public education program, while still maintaining the ability to assess competency," Mr. Yoon requested.

South Korean students count down to college entrance exams, 2021. Photo: Kang94213/Naver

The Suneung Test (CSAT) assesses students’ higher-order thinking skills in six areas: Literature, Mathematics, English, Korean History, Science, and Career Guidance. The last two tests include a variety of subjects for candidates to choose from.

Last year, South Korean parents spent 26 trillion won ($20.3 billion) on private cram schools, with English being the most heavily invested subject.

Phuong Anh (According to Korea Herald, Korea Times )

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