K-pop idols set to take Korean CSAT this week

SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) — A handful of K-pop idols have applied for the upcoming Korean CSAT set to take place this week, according to their agencies on Wednesday.

Members of girl groups TWICE, Gfriend and Cosmic Girls and boy group Seventeen are readying for the college scholastic aptitude test scheduled this Thursday for the 2017 school year.

Despite their busy schedules, the stars have shown a strong eagerness for the national exam.

A photo of Dahyun of girl group TWICE provided by JYP Entertainment

Dahyun of TWICE, which had previously released nationwide hits “Cheer Up” and “TT,” has squeezed her studies into her hectic schedule, even digging into books in waiting rooms, an official of JYP Entertainment, which manages the group, said.

A photo of Shinbi of girl group GFriend provided by Source Music Entertainment

GFriend’s Shinbi and Umji, who have been busy promoting the group’s latest release “Navillera,” are also gearing up for the test. The latter showed a strong determination for the test despite her recent thigh strain problem, which has forced her to take some time off.

A photo of Umji of girl group GFriend provided by Source Music Entertainment

Dino of Seventeen has often been spotted studying in practice rooms, according to his agency Pledis Entertainment, and Eunseo of rookie band Cosmic Girls has expressed her strong desire to take the test in a talk with her agency, Starship Entertainment said.

A photo of Eunseo of girl group Cosmic Girls provided by Starship Entertainment

Other celebrity test takers include Jang Ye-won and Chaewon of girl groups CLC and April, respectively, alongside Jung Woo-seok of boy group Pentagon. This year’s exam marks Chaewon’s second try after her first go last year.

The exam, which is similar to the American Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), is considered to be a crucial factor in determining a student’s future career opportunities, as Korean society places great importance on educational background. It is only administered once a year.