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Summary

The script explores the intense academic pressure in South Korea, focusing on the journey of a mother praying for her son's success in the critical college entrance exam, known as 'Sunung'. It delves into the nation's educational obsession, the sacrifices made by families, and the extreme measures taken by students to excel. The narrative also touches on the dark side of this pressure, with South Korea having the highest suicide rate among adolescents. Amidst this, a supportive community and the country's mobilization for the exam day are highlighted, reflecting the cultural significance of education in South Korea.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The mother visits the temple daily for 100 days, praying for her son's success in the crucial Korean college entrance exam.
• 🎓 Education is a national obsession in South Korea, with 7 out of 10 students attending university and intense competition for top rankings.
• 🔢 The South Korean college entrance exam is primarily multiple-choice, with a focus on memorization rather than critical thinking or analysis.
• ⏰ South Korean students often endure long hours of study, averaging 15 hours a day, in a highly competitive environment.
• 🥇 The pressure to succeed academically starts early, with students attending private tutoring centers (hagwons) after school to get ahead.
• 💸 Many South Korean families spend a significant portion of their income on private education to ensure their children excel in school.
• 😔 The immense academic pressure has led to a high suicide rate among South Korean adolescents, the highest among developed nations.
• 🛑 On the day of the college entrance exam, the entire country mobilizes to support students, including police escorts and flight restrictions.
• 🏫 Only 2% of the 640,000 students taking the exam each year gain admission to the most prestigious universities in South Korea.
• 💔 Despite his efforts, the student in the script failed to secure a spot in one of the top three universities, leading to significant disappointment and a sense of failure.

Q & A

Why does Madame L visit the temple every day for 100 days before the exam?

Madame L visits the temple daily for 100 days before the exam to pray for her son's success in the equivalent of the Bak Laora in Korea, as it is a tradition among Korean mothers to ensure their children's success in this life-defining exam.

What is the significance of the number 108 in the ritual Madame L performs at the temple?

The number 108 is significant in the ritual because it corresponds to the 108 sufferings of human condition, and Madame L prostrating 108 times in front of Buddha is seen as a guarantee for her son's success in the exam.

What is the amount Madame L offers as an offering to Buddha and what does it represent?

Madame L offers 100,000 won, which is equivalent to 75 euros, as an offering to Buddha. This represents a small sacrifice to avoid a great misfortune, such as her son failing the exam.

Why is education considered an obsession in South Korea?

Education is considered an obsession in South Korea because of the country's massive investment in education since the 1950s, which has transformed the nation from a poor country to the 11th most powerful in the world and has led to South Korean students being renowned as some of the best in the world.

What is the significance of the 'sunung' exam in South Korea?

The 'sunung' exam is significant in South Korea as it is akin to the Baccalaureate exam in France and serves as an entrance exam for prestigious universities. A poor ranking in this exam can lead to a bad university, which is considered a disgrace.

How does the South Korean education system contribute to the country's economic growth?

The South Korean education system contributes to the country's economic growth by producing a highly educated workforce that has transformed the country from a poor nation to a global economic power in just a few decades.

What is the average number of hours South Korean students spend on studying per day?

South Korean students hold a world record of spending an average of 15.7 hours a day on studying, which is a testament to the intense competition and pressure in the education system.

What is the role of 'Agan' in the South Korean education system?

Agan are private institutes in South Korea that provide supplementary education to students, often covering material ahead of the official curriculum. They are an integral part of the daily routine for many students, aiming to improve their academic performance.

Why do some South Korean students experience high levels of stress and pressure?

Some South Korean students experience high levels of stress and pressure due to the intense competition for places in prestigious universities and the societal expectations for academic excellence, which can lead to mental health issues and even suicide.

What measures are taken by the South Korean government to prevent youth suicide, especially around the time of the 'Bac' exam?

The South Korean government takes measures such as deploying police officers and counselors on bridges known for suicide attempts, installing emergency call phones, and creating motivational messages to dissuade young people from taking their own lives.

What is the role of the 'Mapo Bridge' in the context of youth suicide in South Korea?

The Mapo Bridge has a tragic reputation as a place where vulnerable young people, overwhelmed by the pressure of exams and societal expectations, attempt to commit suicide. It has become a focal point for suicide prevention efforts.