Ministry of Education: "Yonsei University Exam Leak Controversy, Reviewing Measures to Prevent Recurrence... Retesting Decision Left to University"

Checking Management Issues and Discussing Future Prevention Measures

Regarding the allegations of leaked essay exam questions for Yonsei University's 2025 academic year early admission, the Ministry of Education stated that decisions such as retaking the exam are matters for the university to determine. However, after the police investigation and the university's actions, the Ministry plans to review guidelines for preventing recurrence together with the Korea Council for University Education.

On the 21st, a Ministry of Education official told reporters that concerning the controversy over the leaked Yonsei University essay questions, and the calls for a retake from some quarters, "The government cannot decide whether to hold a retake."

The official said, "Admissions procedures are determined by the university, and they are responsible for fairness and the overall process. We believe it is appropriate for the university to make the decision rather than the government, and we will respect whatever outcome is reached." He added, "Similarly, if other universities have shortcomings in operating admissions procedures, we plan to take measures such as establishing standards with the Korea Council for University Education."

Regarding measures to prevent recurrence, he said, "Basically, universities are expected to prepare these on their own," and added, "If universities need to secure greater fairness, we think we can collaborate to create such measures."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 12th, at a test site where the Yonsei University early admission natural sciences essay exam was held, an incident occurred in which the exam papers were distributed about an hour before the exam started due to a supervisor's mistake, and then collected again. As the controversy spread, Yonsei University filed a complaint against examinees who photographed and posted the exam papers online on charges of obstruction of business, and requested the police to investigate whether any acts undermining the fairness of the exam occurred.

A Ministry of Education official said, "We have guided that fairness should be managed step-by-step at every moment until this year's admissions process is completed to prevent misunderstandings. We plan to review after the admissions process ends whether there are problematic aspects or other cases besides this university." He emphasized that since the police investigation has been requested, confusion will be avoided.

He explained that, so far, there have been no other cases of suspected question leaks besides Yonsei University. He added that it is difficult to specify the scale of the investigation in detail.

For now, they will observe the police investigation and Yonsei University's response. The official said, "We are focusing more on issues in exam management rather than systemic problems," and added, "First, we will re-examine management issues that may arise at universities and ensure that education and manual familiarization regarding processes are conducted so that such incidents do not occur after the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)."

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