IVE’s Lee Seo to Skip CSAT, Focuses on World Tour

On November 5, 2025, it was announced that IVE’s Lee Seo, a popular K-pop idol, will not be taking this year’s College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). Starship Entertainment confirmed that after careful discussion, Lee Seo has decided to focus on her burgeoning career with the successful girl group IVE.

A Deliberate Choice to Focus on Career

The decision highlights a growing trend among young K-pop idols who choose to prioritize their demanding professional schedules over immediate higher education. Lee Seo, born in 2007, is a current high school senior and was eligible to take the upcoming 2026 CSAT. However, she has opted to dedicate her full attention to her activities as a member of IVE, a group that has seen immense popularity since its debut.

Agency’s Official Statement on Lee Seo’s CSAT Decision

In a statement provided to news outlet Xportsnews, Starship Entertainment elaborated on the decision. The agency explained that the choice was made after thorough discussion with Lee Seo herself, respecting her desire to concentrate on her promotions with IVE. They added that the possibility of pursuing university education in the future will be considered later, based on the artist’s own opinion. The company asked fans for their continued support for Lee Seo and her future endeavors.

IVE’s Momentum and Ongoing World Tour

This decision comes as IVE is in the midst of their extensive ‘SHOW WHAT I AM’ world tour. The group recently completed a series of highly successful concerts at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, which ran from October 31 to November 2, 2025. The demands of a global tour are significant, as seen when other groups like TXT successfully concluded their third world tour, and IVE’s packed schedule makes balancing academics a considerable challenge.

Future Activities for IVE

With Lee Seo choosing to forgo the CSAT, she will continue to participate fully in all of IVE’s upcoming activities. Fans can expect to see her on stage as the group continues their world tour and works on future projects. This commitment ensures that the K-pop idol group can maintain its current momentum without interruption. The focus remains squarely on their global performances and connecting with their international fanbase.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.