Seoul Student Aces Ultra-Difficult CSAT, School Celebrates Historic Two-Year Win – Breaking News!
Seoul, South Korea – In a stunning display of academic prowess, a student at Seoul Gwangnam High School has achieved a perfect score on the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), marking the second consecutive year the public school has produced a top scorer. This achievement comes as the CSAT is widely reported to be significantly more challenging than in previous years, sparking debate about the future of South Korea’s highly competitive university entrance system. This is urgent breaking news for students, parents, and educators following the South Korean education landscape.
CSAT Difficulty Soars, Perfect Scores Plummet
The 2026 CSAT saw a marked increase in difficulty, particularly in Korean and English. The highest possible standard score in Korean language jumped to 147, an 8-point increase from last year, drawing comparisons to the notoriously difficult 2024 exam. English also proved to be a significant hurdle, with experts predicting a dramatic drop in the percentage of students achieving top grades – potentially falling to just 3-4% compared to 6.22% in 2025. Lim Seong-ho, CEO of Jongno Academy, estimates the total number of perfect scores will be halved compared to the previous year, with no confirmed perfect scores among retakers.
Gwangnam High School: A Public School Powerhouse
Seoul Gwangnam High School, a general public high school in Gwangjin-gu, is bucking the trend. The student, identified as Group A, is applying to the prestigious Seoul National University School of Medicine, as well as Korea and Yonsei University School of Medicine. Principal Choi Jae-il described the student as a consistent top performer throughout high school, also highlighting exceptional character and leadership qualities – serving as both class president and student council executive. But this isn’t just about one brilliant student; it’s about a systemic approach to learning.
Beyond Academics: A Polyglot with a Passion for Learning
What sets Group A apart isn’t just academic brilliance, but a genuine thirst for knowledge. Principal Choi revealed the student is fluent in English and Chinese, actively studies Arabic, and has even begun exploring French, Spanish, and Sanskrit. Remarkably, he continued to read extensively even after completing the CSAT, demonstrating a love of learning that extends beyond exam preparation. This dedication, experts suggest, was key to his success in the particularly challenging Korean and English sections.
The “Self-Directed Learning” Secret
Gwangnam High School’s success isn’t accidental. The school has consciously cultivated a “self-directed learning” environment, recognizing that students thrive when empowered to take ownership of their education. While many students in the area rely on expensive private academies (hagwons), Gwangnam focuses on providing exceptional resources within the school. This includes a 261-seat self-study room open 365 days a year until midnight, and a newly opened, popular study cafe with free seating. Approximately 220 students utilize these facilities nightly, choosing to study at school rather than at private institutions.
“Rather than relying on private academies, it is important to ‘win the battle with yourself,’” Principal Choi emphasized. “I think focusing on creating an atmosphere where students can study on their own has led to good results.” This philosophy echoes a growing trend in education – prioritizing intrinsic motivation and independent learning skills.
A History of Success: Building on Past Achievements
This isn’t the first time Gwangnam High School has achieved this remarkable feat. The school also produced perfect scorers in the 2025 and 2014-2015 school years, when Principal Choi was vice principal. Last year’s perfect scorer went on to study Computer Engineering at Seoul National University. This consistent success demonstrates a long-term commitment to fostering academic excellence and a supportive learning environment.
While provisional scores are subject to change, Gwangnam High School’s achievement serves as a powerful reminder that dedication, a love of learning, and a supportive school environment can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. For students preparing for the CSAT, and for educators seeking innovative approaches to learning, Gwangnam High School offers a compelling model for success.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the CSAT results and the evolving landscape of South Korean education. Explore our Education section for more in-depth analysis and resources.
Reporting by Oh Joo-yeon and Kim Yu-mi, Asia Economy.