Baek Kang Hyun, the boy genius with an IQ of 204, has announced through his YouTube channel that at just 12 years old, he is applying to Oxford University to study Computer Science.

Baek first gained public attention when he appeared on SBS’s Einstein at just 41 months old, where he recorded an IQ of 204 placing him in the top 0.0001% of the global population by Mensa standards. At age nine, he entered middle school early and later enrolled in Seoul Science High School, drawing media attention as one of Korea’s youngest prodigies.

However, after just one semester at Seoul Science High School, Baek dropped out. His father later revealed that the decision was due to relentless bullying, claiming his son suffered unbearable teasing and harassment. The revelation sparked controversy and concern over the treatment of gifted students in Korea’s education system.

On September 7, Baek uploaded a video titled “Applying to Oxford University” on his YouTube channel. In it, he shared: “I hope to major in Computer Science at Oxford. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been preparing to study abroad in the UK and have taken the International A-Level exams.”

He revealed his results, earning A (the highest possible grade) in four subjects Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry placing him in the top 1% globally. Baek is now preparing for the Oxford MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test), scheduled for October 23, noting that his practice results have been consistently strong.

Yet, challenges remain. Under UCAS (the UK’s centralized university admissions system) regulations, applicants under 13 cannot register for a UCAS ID, which is required to sit the MAT. Without it, Baek cannot formally apply.

He explained that negotiations are underway: “Both Oxford University and UCAS have been incredibly kind, doing their best to help me despite my age. But regulations and laws cannot easily be changed.”

The outcome of these discussions is expected later this month. Whether Baek Kang Hyun will overcome these age-related barriers and achieve admission to Oxford University has now become a closely watched story both in Korea and abroad.

Sources: nate