'One mistake means the end': High school dropouts rise for 'academic reset'

An increasing number of South Korean high school freshmen are choosing to drop out of school to "reset" their academic records, a trend driven by the intense pressure of the college entrance examination system. The system is so competitive that a single mistake on a crucial exam can have devastating consequences for a student's future.

This phenomenon underscores the immense stress placed upon students, where one poor performance can seemingly end their academic aspirations. The desire to start over, to gain a second chance at achieving a good academic standing, is leading some students to abandon their current educational path.

The situation reflects broader anxieties within the South Korean education system regarding academic competition and the perceived high stakes of standardized testing. The pressure to succeed is so significant that dropping out is becoming a viable, albeit drastic, option for some students seeking a fresh start.