South Korea’s English section of the College Scholastic Ability Test recorded its lowest exam scores since 2018. Only 3.11 percent of students earned Level 1, the top grade. Normally, around seven percent of students achieve this level. Consequently, the record low has renewed concerns over reliance on private tutoring.
Experts criticized the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation for failing to control question difficulty despite consulting top specialists. Moreover, a Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education spokesperson said, “They failed to manage the exam’s difficulty even with expert input.”
Meanwhile, parents are seeking additional private lessons for high-achieving students. One parent said her daughter, who usually earns Level 1 in mock tests, now requires extra English tutoring. Private academies also reported a surge in inquiries after the results were released.
Regional disparities are further deepening concerns. Officials in Gwangju warned that students in rural areas may struggle if public education cannot prepare them. For example, one high school in South Jeolla Province reported that none of its 74 students earned Level 1 this year.
KICE Director Oh Seung-geol acknowledged the issue and said he regrets that the test did not meet its intended purpose. He pledged to aim for a 6-10 percent Level 1 rate in future English exams. Additionally, the Ministry of Education announced a comprehensive investigation into KICE’s test-making process starting in December.
Officials emphasized that the challenge extends beyond English. They urged broader reforms in college admissions to reduce reliance on multiple-choice exams. A Seoul education official said, “The absolute grading system is not flawed, but we must expand admission criteria and strengthen public education for all subjects.”
Therefore, the lowest exam scores in English underline ongoing tension between national education policy and student preparation. They highlight growing pressures across South Korea’s education system.
