Yonsei University Exam Leak Controversy Leads to Suspension of Admissions
Retests and Regular Admissions Transfers Not Allowed
Admissions Industry: "Schedule Changes Will Also Affect Regular Admissions"
Ministry of Education: "Measures Needed to Prevent Confusion"
Yonsei University has completely suspended the exam amid controversy over the leakage of essay test questions, leaving about 10,000 test-takers in confusion. The admissions industry analyzes that this could affect not only the students who took the test but also the overall schedule of early and regular admissions.
According to the legal community on the 21st, the Seoul Western District Court Civil Division 21 (Chief Presiding Judge Jeon Boseong) dismissed the objection to the injunction (granted) to suspend the effectiveness of the 2025 academic year early admission natural sciences essay screening filed by Yonsei University the previous day.
Yonsei University expressed its intention to immediately appeal the decision. The Ministry of Education stated on the same day, "We respect Yonsei University's intention to appeal," but urged universities to prepare alternatives to prevent admissions confusion by December 26, the deadline for notifying additional admissions for early admission non-registration. Yonsei University maintains that it cannot conduct a retest or transfer to regular admissions due to fairness concerns.
On the 4th, in front of the main gate of Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Jeong Mo, one of the sponsors of the collective lawsuit for Yonsei University retests, is holding a solo protest condemning the leakage of essay questions. Photo by Yonhap News
The number of test-takers who took the Yonsei University natural sciences essay screening this time is 9,666. Yonsei University planned to select a total of 261 students from 24 recruitment units (departments) through this screening. However, with the suspension of the essay test's effectiveness, subsequent procedures for the test will be halted until the ruling on the main lawsuit demanding a retest is made.
The admissions industry analyzes that the suspension of the Yonsei University essay screening procedure will have a significant impact not only on the test-takers of the exam but also on students in general. Each university, including Yonsei University, must announce the first successful candidates for early admission by the 13th of next month. If the announcement deadline passes, test-takers will lose one of their six opportunities to submit applications.
Moreover, many students also apply to other early admission screenings besides the essay screening. Since registration for other early admission screenings excluding the essay screening takes place from the 16th to the 18th, if no measures are taken before then, it could affect students' admissions strategies.
Lim Seong-ho, CEO of Jongro Academy, said, "Looking at last year's successful candidates for Yonsei University's natural sciences essay screening, a significant number of students move on to Seoul National University or medical and pharmaceutical fields," adding, "There may be anxiety that the additional admission period or the number of additional successful candidates in Yonsei University's early admission could decrease." He also said, "Even if a retest is conducted, the overall schedule including additional admissions could change, and if about 200 students are transferred to regular admissions, it will significantly affect the regular admission cutoff scores," urging, "Since the early admission cycle is already underway, it is necessary to prepare and notify measures to prevent students from suffering losses."
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