For the first time, major South Korean universities have refused admission to applicants with histories of school bullying. The move marks a major change in the nation’s higher education system, where academic scores once outweighed personal conduct.
Data from Representative Kang Kyung-sook of the Rebuilding Korea Party showed that six of ten national flagship universities rejected 45 applicants during the 2025 admissions cycle due to bullying records.
Seoul National University denied two high-scoring students despite their top College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) results. Pusan National University rejected eight applicants, including six from early admission and two from regular admission. Kangwon, Jeonbuk, and Kyungpook National Universities also turned away several students, with Kyungpook rejecting the most—22 in total.
Currently, school violence in Korea is graded from Level 1 to Level 9, with Level 6 and above recorded permanently. Starting next year, all universities will have to apply mandatory penalties for applicants with such records.
Experts warn this new policy may lead to an increase in legal disputes as accused students challenge disciplinary decisions. The shift shows that universities now value character as much as academic performance, redefining what it means to earn a place in higher education.
