The son of Lee Boo-jin, heiress of the Samsung empire, has become the center of attention in South Korea after nearly achieving a perfect score on this year’s CSAT (College Scholastic Aptitude Test), the country’s notoriously challenging national university entrance exam. News of his achievement quickly spread internationally, sparking discussions among Korean parents living in the U.S., blending admiration with a hint of envy.
Many parents overseas expressed surprise that the child of such a wealthy family succeeded in Korea’s rigorous education system without being sent abroad a common practice among affluent families. The boy continues his studies entirely in Korea, notably at Whimoon High School, where he has maintained top ranking in his class since middle school.
Park Sun-young, Chairperson of the newly established Truth and Reconciliation Committee, praised both the achievement and the family’s parenting approach in a viral social media post. She wrote that the student “only got one question wrong” on this year’s CSAT and commended his consistent “first-rank” performance since middle school.
Park Sun-young emphasized that while many affluent families rush to send their children abroad, Lee Boo-jin’s choice to educate her son domestically is inspiring, and it could help restore pride in Korea’s educational system.
The story quickly gained traction on Korean parent forums abroad, such as MissyUSA and Threads. A mother in the U.S. commented that witnessing the Samsung heir’s success in Korea reassured her that the local education system remains effective if students are given opportunities. Another noted that staying within one system allows students to focus better than constantly adjusting to foreign curricula, and that learning in one’s own language and culture can boost confidence.
Despite admiration, some observers also noted the potential pressures such success reflects, highlighting how education continues to play a pivotal role in defining opportunities for Korean families, regardless of where they live. This year’s CSAT was considered more challenging than previous years, making the achievement even more remarkable.
The story also resonates with timeless values of love and care within families. As noted in A Million Letters to Mother, small acts of guidance and support carry enduring significance, much like the nurturing approach seen in the Samsung family.
Sources: Znews
You must be logged in to post a comment.