K-Pop Idols’ 2026 CSAT Decision: Who’s Taking the Exam?

The annual CSAT decision among K-pop idols has become a significant point of discussion in Korean entertainment, and this year is no exception. With the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) approaching on November 13, 2025, several prominent idols born in 2007 have announced their plans. On November 05, 2025, Starship Entertainment confirmed that IVE member Lee Seo will not be taking the college entrance exam, choosing instead to focus on her burgeoning career. This decision highlights a growing trend among young stars who are opting to prioritize their professional activities over immediate higher education.

A Growing Trend: Prioritizing Careers Over Academics

For many K-pop idols, the demands of a packed schedule, including music releases, promotions, and global tours, make balancing academics a significant challenge. This year, a notable number of artists born in 2007 have decided to forgo the rigorous CSAT. This reflects a broader shift in how young stars navigate their careers, a topic of frequent discussion within Korean entertainment. Among those skipping the exam are several well-known faces in the industry. The CSAT decision to focus on their careers seems to be a practical choice for many.

Idols Opting Out of the 2026 CSAT

Joining IVE’s Lee Seo in this decision are several of her peers. Yuha and Stella of the group ∞!, Choi JeongEun from izx!, and WonHee of the popular group ILLIT have all confirmed they will not be sitting for this year’s college entrance exam. Their agencies have cited the desire for the artists to concentrate fully on their current group activities and promotions. This collective CSAT decision underscores the intense commitment required to succeed in the competitive K-pop landscape. Starship Entertainment’s statement on Lee Seo mentioned she may consider university in the future when she can fully concentrate on her studies, leaving the door open for future academic pursuits.

The Road Less Traveled: Idols Balancing Stardom and Studies

While many are postponing their academic pursuits, the choice is not unanimous. A handful of idols are demonstrating their dedication to both their careers and education by preparing to take the challenging college entrance exam. This path requires immense discipline and time management, showcasing their ambition to excel in multiple fields. Their decision provides an alternative perspective on navigating life as a young celebrity in the demanding world of K-pop.

ZEROBASEONE’s Han YuJin and izx!’s Yu SaRang Take on the Challenge

Leading the group of examinees are Han YuJin of the powerhouse group ZEROBASEONE and Yu SaRang of izx!. Both artists have confirmed their intention to take the 2026 CSAT on November 13, 2025. This decision highlights their commitment to pursuing higher education while actively engaged in their idol careers. Notably, the differing choices within the group izx!, with Choi JeongEun forgoing the exam and Yu SaRang taking it, illustrates that the CSAT decision is a deeply personal one, even for members of the same team.

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