"Saved by Early Bell Ring" Suneung Examinees File Complaints Against Education Minister and Others

On the morning of the 3rd, the day of the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), examinees are making final checks at the CSAT testing site set up at Gaepo High School in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Test-takers and parents who claim to have suffered damages due to the early ringing of the exam end bell during the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) have filed a complaint with the police.

On the 28th, the Gangseo Police Station in Seoul announced that test-takers and parents who took the CSAT at Deokwon Girls' High School in Gangseo-gu filed a complaint on the 24th against eight individuals, including Education Minister Yoo Eun-hye, Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon, and exam supervisors, on charges of dereliction of duty.

At Deokwon Girls' High School, where the CSAT was held on the 3rd, the bell signaling the end of the first elective subject exam during the fourth period of the inquiry section rang about 2 to 3 minutes early. The supervisors collected the exam papers, then after recognizing the error, redistributed the exam papers and allowed students to continue solving the problems.

However, the test-takers claimed they suffered damages due to the confusion caused by the sudden situation. They also argued that the method of collecting and redistributing exam papers varied by exam room, and the additional time granted was inconsistent.

In response, the Yangcheon Office of Education in Seoul stated, "It is understood that the incident occurred because the broadcasting teacher accidentally touched the mouse wheel while setting the time," and added, "The administrative measures against the teacher will be decided through consultation between the headquarters and the school foundation board of directors."

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