Samsung heir stuns South Korea with near-perfect score on brutal university exam

A member of South Korea’s powerful Samsung family has made headlines after nearly acing the country’s fiercely competitive college entrance exam, the Suneung. The student, surnamed Lim, is the son of Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Boo-jin and nephew of Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Lim reportedly missed only one question on the exam, which is an eight-hour series of back-to-back tests covering core subjects like Korean, Math, and English, plus electives.

Unlike many children from wealthy chaebol families who study abroad, Lim completed his entire primary and secondary education in South Korea, attending Gyeonggi Elementary School and Whimoon Middle and High Schools. This decision has drawn widespread admiration, with many seeing his success as proof of the strength of Korea’s domestic education system. Lim consistently ranked at the top of his schools, demonstrating the benefits of focus and consistency.

This year’s Suneung was particularly difficult, especially the English and Korean sections, with only five students nationwide achieving perfect scores. Lim’s near-perfect result makes him a likely candidate for admission to Seoul National University’s Business Administration program, considered the country’s most prestigious university. His achievement highlights the immense pressure and significance of the Suneung, which affects not only students but also national operations, including stock markets and flights.

Source : https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/education/samsung-heir-stuns-south-korea-with-near-perfect-score-on-brutal-university-exam-4991029.html

Comprehension

Who is Lim, and which prominent family is he part of?
How many questions did Lim reportedly miss on the Suneung exam?
Where did Lim complete his primary and secondary education?
Why is Lim’s decision to stay in Korea for schooling noteworthy?
How difficult was this year’s Suneung, particularly the English and Korean sections?

Discussion

Do you think staying in a country’s domestic education system can be as effective as studying abroad? Why or why not?
What factors contribute to the Suneung being considered one of the most important exams in South Korea?
How might social and family status affect expectations or pressure on students in competitive exams?
Should a high school student’s personal achievements be shared publicly, especially when they belong to a well-known family?
What can other students learn from Lim’s approach to studying and consistency in academics?

Vocabulary

Fierce – very intense or aggressive.
Admiration – respect and warm approval.
Prestigious – highly respected or honored.
Electives – optional courses students can choose in school.
Consistency – doing something in a steady and reliable way.