Watching young people in this country, I am struck by how different the word “effort” feels here.
In South Korea, academic hierarchy—crowned by Seoul National University—is not merely a matter of prestige.
It is not just a line on a résumé. It is the gateway to the labor market.
It is proof of social credibility. It is even a benchmark in the marriage market.
Education here is not sentimental. It is strategic.
