In South Korea, parents invaded places of worship on Thursday, the day of the annual university entrance exam for hundreds of thousands of high school students, in the hope that their children will pass this crucial test.
In this country obsessed with success, adolescents often prepare for years for the “suneung”, this exam intended to open the doors to the most prestigious establishments in the country.
It is a decisive day for their career, their income level and even their marriage prospects.
On suneung day, families also come together. At a Protestant church in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district, parents gathered Thursday for a 9-hour marathon of prayers, all of which will go to the 522,670 students taking this year's college entrance exam. .
“I was so stressed that I couldn't sleep last night but the prayer session made me feel much better,” confides Kang Soo-jung, assuring that she planned to stay all day in this church .
At another Protestant church in Seoul, Pastor Han Seung-woo led a prayer in front of hundreds of parents on Thursday. Many of them could not hold back their tears when the cleric prayed to God to bless their teenagers.
“Whether students pass the exam or not, parents can take comfort in knowing that God is with them every step of the way,” the pastor said.
– “One of the most important days” –
At the famous Bongeunsa Buddhist temple, one of the largest in Seoul, monk Wonmyung strives to reassure parents, some of whom have performed the 108 ritual greetings.
“I know it’s one of the most important days in a parent’s life,” Wonmyung emphasizes. It's about “praying so that (the students) have peace and calm in their minds,” he notes.
For families who cannot attend a place of worship in person, some prayers are broadcast on YouTube.
BTN, South Korea's largest Buddhist television channel, broadcast religious chants.
Like every year, South Korea did everything possible to ensure that nothing disrupted the serenity of the events.
The South Korean government has suspended takeoffs and landings of planes throughout the country for the duration of an oral English test. More than 156 flights have also been rescheduled.
Companies have also been asked to open later to allow candidates to arrive at the exam site without incident. Including the Stock Exchange which opened an hour late.
hs/rr/cn
