BBC Spotlights 'Insane' English Questions on Korea's College Entrance Exam

BBC featured reading passages from this year's College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), South Korea's national university entrance exam, on its website's main page, introducing the controversial English section to British readers.

On Wednesday, BBC reported that "the English section of South Korea's grueling university entrance exam, the Suneung, is notoriously difficult," noting that Oh Seung-geol, president of the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, resigned taking responsibility for the confusion caused by what was described as "insane" English test questions.

"These were the toughest questions from this year's English Suneung," the outlet said, attaching two passages related to German philosopher Immanuel Kant's philosophy of law and gaming terminology. "If you want to test yourself, try answering the questions," it added. BBC also reported that students complained the questions felt like "deciphering ancient texts" and were "insane level."

BBC described Korea's CSAT as "a notoriously grueling eight-hour marathon exam that affects not only university admission but also employment, income, and future relationships," adding that "many teenagers prepare their entire lives for this test, with some sent to private educational institutions called 'hagwon' from as young as four years old."

"The Suneung is also a hugely important event for South Korea itself, with activity grinding to a halt across the country for the day it takes place. Construction work, flights and military drills are all suspended to create optimal test conditions," the outlet explained.

"Since the first Suneung was held in 1993, only four of the 12 CSAT chiefs have completed their three-year terms. Most left due to errors in test questions, but Oh is the first to resign over difficulty level," BBC added.