Several K-pop idols who are of age to take South Korea’s annual college entrance exam have shared whether they plan to participate in this year’s test.
The 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), widely known in Korea as the Suneung, is scheduled to take place on November 19. Each year, many idols who are high school seniors must decide whether they will take the exam alongside their peers or postpone it to focus on their entertainment activities.
As the date of the exam approaches, a number of idols and their agencies have confirmed their plans regarding this year’s test.
Members of BOYNEXTDOOR who were born in 2007, Woonhak and Myung Jaehyun, have announced that they will not be taking the exam this year. Their agency explained that the decision was made so they could focus on their music promotions and future activities as artists.
RIIZE’s Anton has also decided not to participate in this year’s CSAT. The idol will instead concentrate on his ongoing promotions and schedules with the group.
Several other idols have similarly confirmed that they will be postponing the exam in order to prioritize their careers in the entertainment industry. For many young artists who debut while still in school, balancing academic responsibilities and demanding schedules can be difficult, which often leads them to delay the test.
However, some idols have chosen to take the CSAT this year. These artists plan to sit for the exam while continuing their entertainment activities. Agencies have noted that they will provide the necessary support to allow them to focus on their studies leading up to the important test.
The CSAT is considered one of the most significant academic events in South Korea, as it plays a major role in determining university admissions. On the day of the exam, the entire country adjusts its schedule to help ensure that students can arrive on time and take the test under the best possible conditions.
Air traffic is temporarily halted during listening sections of the exam, stock markets open later than usual, and many workplaces allow parents to accompany their children to testing centers.
Because of the exam’s importance, entertainment agencies often coordinate schedules carefully for idols who plan to take it. Many artists also choose to delay the exam until a later year when they have more time to prepare.
With the 2026 CSAT approaching, fans are continuing to send messages of support to idols who have decided to take the exam while also respecting the choices of those who have chosen to postpone it.
- What is the date of the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)?
The 2026 CSAT is scheduled to take place on November 19, 2026.
- Which K-pop idols have announced they will not take the CSAT this year?
Woonhak and Myung Jaehyun from BOYNEXTDOOR, as well as Anton from RIIZE, have announced they will not take the CSAT this year.
- Why are some K-pop idols postponing the CSAT?
Many idols are postponing the CSAT to focus on their music promotions and future activities in the entertainment industry.
- What support do agencies provide to idols taking the CSAT?
Agencies provide necessary support to idols taking the CSAT to help them focus on their studies leading up to the exam.
- How does the CSAT impact South Korean society on the exam day?
On the day of the CSAT, air traffic is halted during listening sections, stock markets open later, and many workplaces allow parents to accompany their children to testing centers.
- What is the significance of the CSAT in South Korea?
The CSAT is a major academic event in South Korea that plays a crucial role in determining university admissions.
