Korea’s English Exam Was So Hard It Prompted an Apology. How Would You Do?

The head of South Korea's Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation resigned in December 2025 after public outcry over the difficulty of the 2026 college entrance exam, known as the Suneung. The English portion of the exam was deemed inappropriately difficult, with only 3% of students achieving the highest marks compared to 6% the previous year. The Suneung is an annual, eight-hour exam testing Korean, math, English, and other subjects, crucial for students seeking admission to elite universities. The exam is a significant national event, causing widespread disruptions like grounded flights and traffic restrictions to ensure a quiet testing environment. The institute apologized for the difficulty, acknowledging the concern it caused for students and parents.

The chief organizer of South Korea's university entrance exam, Oh Seung-keol, resigned after complaints that the English section was excessively difficult. The Suneung exam is crucial for university admission and future prospects in South Korea. This year's English test had the lowest percentage of top scores since absolute grading was introduced, sparking backlash due to complex questions. The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation and Oh Seung-keol apologized for the test's difficulty and the confusion it caused. Controversy also arose over the inclusion of the term "culturtainment," which even its creator deemed uncommon. The situation highlights the intense pressure within South Korea's education system and its impact on students.