‘Killer questions’ and suspended flights: Korea’s life-defining high school exam
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00:00 It's barely light out as half a million South Korean high school students arrive for the annual college entrance exam on Thursday.
00:07 In highly competitive South Korea, the test is considered life-defining.
00:11 It determines what caliber of university a student can attend, as well as social status, lucrative careers, and even marriage prospects.
00:19 "I'm nervous and trembling because I've been studying for three years and it ends with this exam today."
00:27 Large parts of the country came to a standstill to help students take this all-important nine-hour exam.
00:33 The government suspended noisy aircraft takeoffs and landings during the English language comprehension portion.
00:40 Public offices and major businesses opened late to alleviate traffic congestion, and police were on standby to help tardy students.
00:48 The enormous pressure placed on students has been blamed for South Korea's teenage depression and suicide rates, which are among the highest in the world.
00:56 Parents cautioned about taking this test too fatalistically.
01:00 "Once it passes, they'll realize it's not such a big deal. However, at this moment, it's too much of a burden for them to just let it pass by."
01:10 This year's test is expected to be fairer than previously, as authorities dropped the so-called "killer questions."
01:18 These were typically drawn from material not covered in public schools, benefiting people who could afford private schools or expensive test-cramming services.
01:27 .
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