South Korea’s Top Universities Reject 45 Applicants Over School Bullying Records
Elite institutions reject applicants over past school violence.
South Korea’s leading national universities have rejected 45 applicants in the 2025 admissions cycle due to documented school bullying records, marking a historic shift in entry criteria. Data released by Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Kang Kyung-sook shows six of the country’s 10 flagship institutions enforced the policy, with Seoul National University denying two high-scoring CSAT candidates and Kyungpook National University rejecting 22—the highest among all.
The rejections affected both regular and early admission routes. Pusan National University turned away eight applicants, Kangwon and Jeonbuk National Universities each rejected five, and Gyeongsang National University excluded three from early rounds. Four other flagships reported no such denials this year, but the practice reflects growing institutional resolve to prioritize character alongside academic merit.
Bullying incidents are graded from Level 1 (written apology) to Level 9 (expulsion), with Level 6 and above now permanently recorded in student files. While minor cases are expunged after resolution, severe violations remain on record for up to two years post-graduation—or indefinitely in extreme cases—directly impacting university eligibility.
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Starting in 2026, all Korean universities will be required to deduct points from applicants with any school violence record, regardless of admission type. The mandate follows rising public concern over bullying, with recent surveys showing 2.5% of students affected—the highest rate since 2013.
The policy has triggered legal challenges, with some students hiring lawyers to contest disciplinary rulings. However, universities and victim advocacy groups argue the measures are essential to deter violence and ensure accountability in a society where higher education remains a critical path to social and professional success.
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