A Landmark Shift in South Korean Education
Beginning with the 2025 admissions cycle, six of South Korea’s ten flagship national universities — including the prestigious Seoul National University (SNU) — rejected 45 applicants due to records of school violence. The move reflects a growing belief that academic excellence should not excuse harmful behavior.
“This is just the beginning,” said one admissions officer. “The bar is rising and (school violence aggressors) are expected to take more responsibility.”
For decades, university admission in South Korea has been seen as the defining step toward social mobility, lifelong stability, and respectability. But in a sweeping policy shift, that path is closing for those with a history of bullying.
When Good Grades Aren’t Enough
The crackdown has already changed outcomes for top-performing students. Two high scorers who applied to SNU through the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) route were denied admission solely because of their bullying history.
Data obtained by lawmaker Kang Kyung-sook’s office revealed that Kyungpook National University turned away the most students — 22 in total — after introducing a strict point-based penalty system this year.
Pusan National University rejected eight, Kangwon and Jeonbuk each denied five, while Gyeongsang National University saw three rejections.
By contrast, four universities — Chonnam, Jeju, Chungnam, and Chungbuk National — did not reject any applicants for this reason, as they only applied the rule in limited admissions tracks such as those for student-athletes.
Character Now Counts
From 2026, the new rule becomes mandatory for all universities. Admissions officers will be required to factor disciplinary records into every application, regardless of the route — whether based on test scores, interviews, or school grades.
South Korea’s education ministry categorises school violence into nine levels, from Level 1 (a written apology) to Level 9 (expulsion). Under the new policy, serious offences — Level 6 and above — must be permanently recorded in a student’s file, which universities can access during admissions.
The rule reflects a national mood shift following a string of public scandals, including the 2023 case involving the son of former prosecutor Chung Sun-sin. He was transferred to another high school for bullying but still admitted to SNU with just a two-point deduction on the CSAT — sparking outrage and calls for reform.
A Growing Legal Battle
As universities toughen their stance, experts warn of a new kind of pressure cooker. More students accused of bullying are now hiring lawyers and filing lawsuits to overturn disciplinary rulings before their records are sent to universities.
Critics fear this could create a “legal arms race” in schools — one where families with financial means fight to erase misconduct records, while victims are retraumatised by drawn-out proceedings.
Still, for many parents and teachers, the message behind the new policy is overdue. South Korea’s top universities are making it clear: perfect grades do not erase bad behavior. Character matters just as much as capability — and bullies need not apply.
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