The Korea Herald

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K-pop idols to take college entry exam

By Korea Herald

Published : Nov. 12, 2014 - 20:24

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Autumn may come as a relief for those who detest the summer heat, but for high school seniors, November brings the dreaded college entrance exam, or Suneung.

Teenage K-pop idols are among the students prepping for the exam.

But of the slew of idols entitled to take this year’s Suneung, only a few decided to take it.

Girl group Apink’s Oh Ha-young, B.A.P member Zelo and GOT7 member Youngjae will take the exam. 
GOT7’s Youngjae (JYP Entertainment)
GOT7’s Youngjae (JYP Entertainment)
Apink’s Oh Ha-young (ACUBE Entertainment) Apink’s Oh Ha-young (ACUBE Entertainment)

But not all of them are seriously considering college, at least for now.

“Zelo is taking the exam but will not go straight to university,” said an official from B.A.P’s label TS Entertainment.

Zelo did not take any further steps to apply for university in order way to keep a low profile.

Some take the exam to bring closure to their high school years, even if they couldn’t study enough due to their hectic showbiz schedules.

“It means something that Oh Ha-young is taking the exam, as she is 19 years old,” said a source from A CUBE Entertainment.

Many other K-pop stars chose to focus on their careers without taking the exam. Among them are Red Velvet member Joy, AOA’s Chanmi and Hello Venus’ Yeoreum.

Three YG Entertainment musicians ― Akdong Musician member Lee Chan-hyuk, rookie vocalist Lee Hi and iKON’s B.I ― are also eligible to take the exam. The agency declined to reveal which of its artists will sit for the test.

This year’s college entry exam will be held nationwide Thursday.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)