South Korea's College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), known as the Suneung, has long been regarded as one of the world's most demanding university entrance exams, but the 2025 edition sparked unprecedented controversy when its notoriously difficult English section prompted the resignation of the exam's Chief Administrator.

Held annually in November, the Suneung is an eight-hour marathon involving nearly 200 questions across subjects including Korean language, Mathematics, English, and inquiries in social or natural sciences. The exam's high stakes determine admission to top universities, influencing future career prospects, income levels, and even social relationships, with preparation often beginning in early childhood through intensive cram schools.

This year's English paper, administered on November 13, 2025, drew widespread criticism for its extreme complexity, featuring dense passages on topics like Immanuel Kant's philosophy of law and specialized gaming terminology from academic texts. Students described questions as "insane" or akin to deciphering ancient scripts, with confusing phrasing and highly similar answer choices requiring abstract reasoning beyond typical language comprehension.

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The backlash intensified as only 3.11 percent of test-takers achieved the top grade in English—the lowest since the absolute grading system was introduced—down from around 6 percent the previous year. Educators and parents argued the section prioritized convoluted puzzles over practical skills, undermining efforts to reduce reliance on private tutoring.

Oh Seung-geol, president of the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, resigned on December 10, 2025, taking responsibility for the "chaos" and admitting the test fell short despite multiple reviews. This marks the first time a Suneung chief has stepped down solely over difficulty levels, unlike prior resignations tied to factual errors.

The incident highlights broader societal pressures surrounding the Suneung, where the nation halts activities—delaying flights, pausing construction, and adjusting work hours—to ensure silence for test-takers, underscoring its cultural significance while fueling debates on reforming the high-pressure education system.

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