IVE’s Jang Wonyoung Will Not Be Taking The Korean SATs — Here’s Why

IVE‘s Jang Wonyoung will be joining the ranks of the idols who decided against taking their SATs. The Korean SATs, better known as “su-neung,” are not compulsory. One can opt out of the exam but at one’s own risk. As the SATs are a must-have to enter college, Korean high schoolers aiming for a spot in college take the exams. Sometimes, they even retake the exams the following year to get into certain schools or courses.

On the other hand, it has become a growing trend for successful idols to veto the exam. IU is a prime example of one such idol. She made the then-controversial decision not to take the exam.

IVE’s Jang Wonyoung joins her fellow member, Ahn Yujin, in the decision not to take the SATs. Just a year ago, Ahn Yujin announced her plans to focus on her career rather than take the exam. Many agreed with the decision, suggesting that she could always take the GEDs later on if she wished.

On November 8, 2022, Jang Wonyoung announced through News1 that she would not take the exam in 2023. Starship Entertainment had been ready to adjust her schedule for the exam. But after considering the option for a long time, she made her final decision with the wish to focus on her promotions as an artist.

Fans were completely not surprised at the news. Instead, they were more shocked at the fact that she was already soon becoming a legal adult.

• “She’s a senior??”
• “Can’t believe she’s giving up her [celebrity] privileges with the SATs.”
• “I jokingly wrote a comment saying that this grandma will support you, during her Produce days. But now it feels like I’ve truly become a grandma.”
• “Wow it’s already time to talk about the SATs?”
• “Wow she’s a senior already?”

Wonyoung has indeed grown up under the spotlight and support of many “grandma” fans! It’s amazing to see her come of age already.