South Korean Universities Reject Applicants with Bullying Records: A Transformative Shift in Admission Policies

South Korea's educational landscape is witnessing a significant transformation as prestigious universities implement stricter admission policies.

Leading South Korean universities have begun rejecting applicants with histories of school bullying, marking an unprecedented shift in the nation's higher education system. According to data released by Representative Kang Kyung-sook from the Rebuilding Korea Party, six of the country's ten flagship national universities rejected a total of 45 applicants during the 2025 admissions cycle specifically due to their disciplinary records.

In the Korean education system, students typically pursue university admission through two primary channels. The regular admission process evaluates applicants based on their College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scores, known locally as "suneung." Alternatively, early admission considers school grades, extracurricular activities, and interview performance.

Despite having outstanding CSAT scores, two applicants to Seoul National University (SNU) were denied admission because of their bullying histories. Pusan National University similarly rejected six students from early admissions and two from regular admissions due to past bullying behavior.

Kangwon National University declined five early admission applicants, while Jeonbuk National University rejected five applicants in total. Kyungpook National University turned away the highest number, with 22 applicants denied admission due to bullying records, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

While four national universities did not yet implement rejection policies based on bullying history, this will change soon. Starting next year, all Korean universities will be required to apply mandatory penalties for applicants with documented school violence incidents, regardless of admission pathway.

The Korean education system categorizes school violence on a scale ranging from Level 1 (written apology) to Level 9 (expulsion). While minor infractions may be resolved, disciplinary actions at Level 6 and above now permanently appear on students' academic records.

As this policy expands across institutions, experts anticipate an increase in disputes and complaints within schools. Students facing bullying accusations increasingly hire legal representation and file administrative lawsuits to challenge disciplinary decisions.

A college education in Korea represents more than academic achievement—it serves as a critical pathway to social mobility, employment security, and lifelong social standing. This unprecedented policy shift demonstrates that universities are now evaluating prospective students on character and conduct, not merely academic performance.