Young Stars Heading to College Entrance Exam

▲ NewJeans' Hae-rin poses at a photo wall event for the Everyday Hyundai promotion at Hyundai Department Store Duty Free, Dongdaemun branch, in Jung-gu, Seoul, on August 1, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- With the 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) set for tomorrow, the participation of 2006-born stars in this year’s exam is drawing attention.

Among actors, Kal So-won, known for her role as Yesung in the film "Miracle in Cell No. 7," will take the CSAT, along with Kim Soo-an, recognized for her roles in "Train to Busan" and "Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds."

▲ Actress Kim Soo-an strikes a pose at a press screening and press conference for the movie "Escape: Project Silence" at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on July 8, 2024. (Yonhap)

▲ Actress Kal So-won listens to reporters' questions during a press conference for the movie Mr. Zoo: The Missing VIP at Megabox Dongdaemun in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Jan. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)

In the music industry, several idols are also sitting for the exam. These include BOYNEXTDOOR’s Woonhak, Ampersand&One’s Makaya and Seungmo. Also among the test-takers are Park Ji-hoo, 82Major’s Kim Do-kyun, N.CAIVE’s N, Lun8’s Eunseop, and All Hours’ On. 

Woonhak previously shared on the YouTube channel Mobidic that he selected Ethics in Everyday Life and Korean Geography as his social studies electives.

▲ BOYNEXTDOOR’s Woonhak poses during a showcase event celebrating the release of their third mini-album "19.99," held at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Sept. 9, 2024. (Yonhap)

Among girl groups, Bad Villain’s Kelly and Lapillus’ Seowon will be taking the CSAT. In rookie girl group Say My Name, Soha will take the test, while her bandmate Dohee has decided not to participate.

Some idols have chosen to focus on their group activities rather than pursuing university at this time. Notable examples include NewJeans’ Hae-rin, LE SSERAFIM’s Hong Eun-chae, NMIXX’s Kyujin, TOUARS’ Ji-hoon, and All Hours’ Hyunbin.

Artists such as Fifty Fifty’s Hana, tripleS’s Park Si-on, Young Posse’s Gianna, and Risenne’s Live have decided not to take the exam. 

Attrakt, the agency representing Fifty Fifty, explained that “Hana has decided to focus on group schedules, including an upcoming U.S. tour, instead of sitting for the CSAT.”

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