December's 'First Suneung' Created by COVID-19... Anxious Parents

Unable to Leave Until Child Disappears from Sight

At Sangil Girls' High School, Exam Taker Taken to ER Due to Stomach Pain

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] “I’m waiting anxiously, wondering if something might have happened because my son left his phone behind.”

At 7:30 a.m. on December 3rd, when the ‘first CSAT’ was held amid COVID-19, a parent met on the road opposite Gwangju High School, the 9th test site of the 26th district under the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, could not leave the spot for a while.

They felt guilt and regret for not properly taking care of their son who hurriedly left for the exam room without his phone.

Moreover, due to the risk of COVID-19 infection, they could only pitifully watch their son’s blurred back from about 100 meters away, not at the school’s main gate, which felt very frustrating.

The parent said, “My son is sensitive and left without eating breakfast, so I feel sorry for not taking better care of him,” and trailed off, saying, “I should have at least hugged him and told him to do well...”

A teacher who came to support their students was also noticeable. Jeong Gyeong-yeon, the homeroom teacher of Class 5, 3rd grade at Sungui Science and Technology High School, silently stayed until the school gate closed, holding a chocolate bar in one hand and cheering for her 25 students.

Jeong said, “Thinking about how hard our kids must have had it this year due to COVID-19, my steps naturally led me here,” adding, “Even as a teacher, I feel sorry for them, so I can only imagine how parents must feel. I encouraged the kids with the feeling that this might be the last CSAT I can visit the test site for next year.”

Two minutes after the entrance deadline, a test-taker hurriedly ran and barely made it into the exam room.

At the same time, the 23rd test site, Sangil Girls’ High School, also showed a different CSAT day scene than usual. Around the test site, there were only police officers, model drivers’ association members, and four members of the Green Mothers’ Union helping with guidance.

Most parents did not accompany their daughters to the main gate after getting out of the car but comforted them inside the car and left.

Test-takers were busy entering the exam site with quick steps.

Parent Lee Young-jin (45) said, “This year, with repeated in-person and remote classes due to COVID-19, the stress on test-takers must have been considerable,” and added, “I hope they don’t get nervous and that their efforts over 12 years bear fruit.”

Meanwhile, around 8:30 a.m. that day, a test-taker collapsed due to stomach pain and was transported to Sangmu Hospital. Fortunately, thanks to the prompt action of the education authorities, the student was able to take the exam at the hospital.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.