Ahead of South Korea’s College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), Haerin announced that she will not go to college to focus on NewJeans. However, netizens tilted their heads upon hearing the news for THESE reasons.
On November 7, ADOR confirmed that Haerin will not participate in the upcoming 2025 CSAT, which will be held on the 14th. Accordingly, she decided to focus on her main job as a singer in the meantime as the group embarks on being active globally again.
Along with her, 2006-liners including NMIXX Kyujin, LE SSERAFIM Hong Eunchae, and FIFTY FIFTY Hana will be not attending college as well for their respective careers.
In the past, K-pop idols giving up on their college was frowned upon, and praised those who were able to do both at the same time and managed to get a bachelor’s degree.
However, the discussion of its significance intensified when IVE Jang Wonyoung also didn’t take it last year, defending her by using BoA, SNSD Taeyeon, IU, and Miss A Suzy as examples of K-pop icons who rose to success even more after deciding to not go to university.
In Haerin’s case, many defended her by saying that college doesn’t guarantee her future, but others were disappointed. Their reason is that she is a public figure who should be a role model to the youth.
Here are some of the comments:
- “I hope Haerin will take the CSAT. It may not be necessary right now, but it’s something that only Korean high school seniors can experience, so I wish celebrities could experience what everyone else experiences.”
- “So she’s not going to college.”
Meanwhile, some of Haerin’s fans were surprised that she is finally at the age to take CSAT. Many Bunnies (NewJeans fandom) reminisced and said that it felt just like yesterday since her debut, but now the idol has grown up.
- “The visuals are truly legendary. They are so pretty.”
- “Haerin is turning 20 soon.”
- “Haerin’s so pretty in the photo. When did she grow up so much?”
- “Why do these articles always come out? But, Haerin is already at the age of taking the college entrance exam?”