South Korean students have sued their government after their college admission examination ended 90 seconds before it was supposed to. The students are claiming 20 million won ($15,400; £12,000) each, which is the cost of studying for a year to retake the exam. Their lawyer states that the timing error had an impact on the entire group’s exams.
The infamous college admission test, known as Suneung, is regarded as one of the most challenging exams globally, with an eight-hour marathon and back-to-back papers in several subjects. The weight of the Suneung exam lies not only in determining which universities students can enter, but also in relation to their future job prospects and even their personal relationships. The annual test takes place under strict conditions, with measures taken to help students focus and alleviate any potential distractions.
Measures taken to help students concentrate throughout the exam include the closing of the country’s airspace and delaying the opening of the stock market. The South Korean government recognizes the significance of this exam and works diligently to create the most favorable environment for students.
The importance of the Suneung examination has put the government and students at odds in the past. However, as the most coveted universities require attainment of top scores, many students face immense expectations to perform well on the tests, which are their best shot at a successful career.
Despite the weight students place on the Suneung exam, the potential for errors remains. In this particular case, the timing error has sparked a case that could leave the government facing massive payouts to the students affected. As they request financial compensation for the mistake, it highlights the high-stakes nature of the exam and the level of expectations placed on students in South Korea.
The current situation highlights the importance of ensuring that exams considered to be career-defining are administered without errors, particularly given the financial risks at play. For the students who may lose out on university placements or future opportunities as a result of the error, this lawsuit may be one of their last remaining opportunities for justice.