In South Korea, more than 10,000 first-year students at general high schools dropped out before completing their first year, a record high according to data from Jongno Academy. This trend reflects a shift towards equivalency exams and the national college entrance test, as students seek alternatives to traditional schooling. Last year, 18,661 students left school, with first-year students making up 56% of this figure. Notably, the number of first-year dropouts rose by 6.1% from the previous year, with Gyeonggi Province and Incheon experiencing significant increases. The implementation of a new five-level grading system may have intensified competition, leading students to believe that achieving top grades is essential for university admission. Additionally, the number of applicants for the College Scholastic Ability Test through equivalency exams has remained above 20,000 for two consecutive years, with the 2026 figure reaching its highest level in 31 years. Experts suggest a need for admissions policies that support students who do not rank in the top tier.