The head of South Korea’s national college entrance exam authority has resigned after facing intense criticism over the difficulty level of this year’s English language test. The resignation follows widespread complaints from students, parents, and teachers who said the exam went beyond the approved curriculum.

The controversy centres on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a crucial exam that plays a decisive role in university admissions. Each year, millions of students sit the test, and even small changes in difficulty can have serious consequences for future education and job prospects.

Soon after the exam, online forums and social media filled with complaints. Many students said the English section was unexpectedly complex and unfair. As pressure grew, education officials launched an internal review.

Concerns Over Exam Difficulty and Fairness

Critics argued that several English questions required advanced reasoning skills. They said the content did not match the government’s stated aim of reducing exam pressure. Importantly, officials had previously promised that the English test would remain within predictable standards.

Teachers echoed these concerns. Many reported that even high-performing students struggled to complete the section within the allotted time. As a result, trust in the exam-setting process weakened.

Key complaints raised included:

• Questions that relied heavily on abstract interpretation
• Passages that exceeded expected difficulty levels
• Limited alignment with classroom teaching materials

Meanwhile, parent groups warned that such unpredictability increases dependence on private tutoring. This concern carries weight in South Korea, where education costs already place heavy financial strain on families.

Government Response and Official Resignation

Following the backlash, the education ministry acknowledged public frustration. Officials stated that the exam authority must reflect public expectations and national education goals. Shortly after, the exam chief submitted his resignation.

In a public statement, the former official accepted responsibility for the controversy. He said maintaining fairness and consistency in national exams was essential. He also acknowledged that public confidence had been damaged.

“I take full responsibility for the confusion and concern caused by this year’s English test,” the official said in a brief statement.

The ministry confirmed that it accepted the resignation. It also announced plans to review exam-setting procedures before the next testing cycle.

Wider Debate on South Korea’s Exam System

The incident has renewed debate about South Korea’s high-stakes testing culture. For decades, the CSAT has shaped academic and career paths. Therefore, even minor exam changes can trigger national discussion.

Education experts say the controversy highlights a deeper issue. While policymakers aim to reduce competition, exam difficulty often fluctuates. Consequently, students feel constant uncertainty.

Some experts argue that greater transparency is needed. Others call for broader reforms, including diversified admission criteria and reduced reliance on a single exam.

At the same time, student advocacy groups have urged the government to listen more closely to classroom realities. They say predictable exams are essential for mental health and equal opportunity.

What Happens Next

The education ministry has said it will appoint an interim official while conducting a full review. It also plans to consult teachers and assessment specialists. These steps aim to prevent similar controversies in the future.

Meanwhile, universities have confirmed that admissions processes will continue as planned. However, many students remain anxious about how the exam results will affect cut-off scores.

Overall, the South Korea English exam controversy has exposed tensions between policy goals and exam design. As authorities move forward, restoring trust will be a key challenge.