South Korean Students Find Pop Hit “APT” a Distraction During Crucial University Exam

Each year, a temporary quiet descends upon South Korea as 500,000 students nationwide undertake a crucial examination. On Thursday, the Suneung, an eight-hour university placement test recognized globally as exceptionally challenging, commenced, leading to the grounding of aircraft, a halt in construction activities, and a request to avoid car honking. However, this year, students expressed particular apprehension about a specific sound: “APT.” This internationally popular song by Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars became known as a “forbidden” track among students, who worried its infectious nature might impair their concentration during the exam. For the Suneung, which many consider the culmination of years of formal education and a pivotal moment influencing university admissions, career paths, and social standing, even minor distractions are deemed significant. Regarding the popular song, one student conveyed to Yonhap News, “I’m worried that the song will play in my head even during the exam.” The student added, “Adults might laugh and say, ‘Why stress over something like that?’ But for us, with such an important test ahead, it can feel unsettling.” In the past, students preparing for the Suneung have been advised to steer clear of other “earworm” songs, with “Go Go” by BTS and “Ring Ding Dong” by SHINee frequently mentioned online as tunes to be avoided. The smooth execution of the exam is supported by a national endeavor. On Thursday, shops and the stock market commenced operations later to alleviate traffic congestion. Additionally, authorities modified public transport schedules and positioned over twelve spare trains for potential breakdowns. More than 10,000 police officers were deployed, with some assigned to transport students to examination venues in urgent situations. Beyond grounding aircraft to minimize noise interference during the 20-minute English listening component, officials also requested bus and taxi operators to avoid honking throughout the examination period. Any interruptions to the Suneung are regarded with gravity. In December of the previous year, several dozen students initiated legal action against the government after educators inadvertently shortened their test by 90 seconds. This year sees an unprecedented number of candidates re-sitting the examination, following an announcement by authorities to increase medical school enrollment. This decision prompted extensive protests from trainee doctors but was favorably received by prospective medical students.