Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering cultural News
The Cost of Excellence: High Academic Pressure in South Korea
The reputation of the South Korean educational system among the rest of the world is renowned as rigorous, and successful for various other nations interested in improving educational achievements. Unfortunately, this makes for some downsides in particular about those facing the standards of the students navigating within academic pressure: while achievement of these great qualities at any cost becomes a cause of celebratory activity, it puts out alarm bells around the mental well-being and health conditions of South Korean adolescents about the root causes of expectations from societies.
The Structure of South Korea's Education System
South Korea's education framework is highly structured, with a significant emphasis on standardized testing. The pinnacle of this system is the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), or Suneung, a nationwide exam that determines university placements and, by extension, future career opportunities. This high-stakes test creates an environment where academic success becomes the ultimate goal, often overshadowing other aspects of personal development.
Students spend long periods in school, and to top that, they have more evening classes in private schools called hagwons. These extra schools are meant for giving children an edge in their book learning but also extend the school hours way past midnight. For most sleep is a luxury, and freetime barely exists.
Mental Health Difficulties
Academic pressure puts a strain on the mental well-being of South Korean students. Studies indicate a significant level of stress, anxiety, and depression in teens. The youth of South Korea rank last globally in surveys every year due to academic pressure as a leading reason. This competitive atmosphere makes a fear of failure, and that in itself can lead to burnout, in extreme cases, resulting in suicidal ends.
Usually, parents tend to cause the pressure by societal norm equating education success with high social and economic status. Education fever is usually the name people use to call the immense stress families give to getting the grades. Cultural factors promote stress due to expectations from society, especially because of both parents' expectations for academic performance.
The emphasis on academic success reflects broader societal values in South Korea, where education is seen as a pathway to upward mobility and national prosperity. This perspective has roots in the post-war era, when education was prioritized as a means of rebuilding the nation. However, in modern times, this single-minded focus has led to an imbalance, neglecting the importance of creativity, emotional intelligence, and diverse skill sets.
Attempts at Mitigating Pressure
Having been aware of the potential impacts of this high-pressure situation, the South Korean government initiated reforms in its educational systems. Policies were introduced with an intent to reduce the level of hagwons and restricted study time. Schools are also recommended to consider broader approaches, such as developing activities outside the classroom setting as well as their mental health support system.
Despite all these efforts, the change has been quite slow due to deeply rooted cultural attitudes toward education. Still, the burden is that of parents and teachers who need to shift away from a narrative of incessant competition to one that speaks of wholesome development.
Conclusion
The academic pressure in South Korea is a double-edged sword. While it has pushed the nation to the top of the global rankings, it has also created a generation of students dealing with the weight of excessive stress. South Korea should balance the pursuit of academic excellence with the well-being of its youth and provide an environment where students can succeed both academically and personally to ensure a sustainable future.
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