2025’s Korean college entrance exam (su-neung) sparked controversy when the English section turned out to be far harder than expected. It was last offered on November 13, 2025 and takes the entire day. Although English is graded on an absolute scale, the test included abstract passages and complex logic, leaving many students overwhelmed.
As a result, the top-grade percentage dropped to one of the lowest levels ever recorded. The backlash was so strong that the head of the national testing authority resigned, taking responsibility. Over the years, Suneung English has shifted from practical language use toward dense reading skills, raising long-standing questions about fairness, stress, and whether the exam still reflects real-world English ability.
One reason the English portion feels especially difficult is that it is designed to separate students by tiny differences in reading speed and logical inference rather than practical communication skills. Long passages, unfamiliar topics, and subtle answer choices increase pressure in a limited time. Because the Suneung is offered only once a year, students who perform poorly cannot simply retake it a few months later. Instead, they must wait an entire year to try again, a reality that adds enormous psychological stress and makes every question feel decisive.
Try it for yourself.
Vocabulary:
- 수능 (su-neung) – Korean college entrance exam
- 고등학생 (godeung-haksaeng) – high school student
- 시험 스트레스 (siheom seuteu-reseu) – exam stress
- 영어 영역 (yeongeo yeongyeok) – English section
- 절대평가 (jeoldae-pyeongga) – absolute grading system
- 불수능 (bul-suneung) – extremely difficult exam
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