Kamala KC
In a recent ruling by the Seoul Central District Court, the South Korean government has been ordered to compensate eight students who claimed that an early finishing bell during the national university entrance exam called “Suneung exam” had unfairly disadvantaged them. The plaintiffs argued that the finishing bell had rung around two minutes ahead of schedule, causing an unexpected disruption that led to confusion and chaos among the test-takers.
The court found in favor of the students and ordered the government to pay each of them KRW 7 million (approximately USD 5,250), an increase from the KRW 2 million awarded in the initial trial. While the test monitor who made the mistake was not held liable for compensation, the court ruled that the state was responsible for damages resulting from misconduct committed by public officials, including the administration of the Suneung exam.
The Suneung exam is a highly competitive and rigorous test that determines admission to top universities in South Korea. The importance of time management during the exam is emphasized, and even a two-minute deviation from the expected schedule can be seen as a significant disruption. The ruling highlights the seriousness with which Koreans view the importance of punctuality and timekeeping, even in high-stakes situations such as university entrance exams. Overall, the ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding fairness and equity in the administration of public services, particularly those that have a significant impact on people’s lives and futures. It also underscores the need for accountability and transparency in the conduct of public officials, and the consequences that can result from even minor mistakes or errors in judgment.
This Korean cultural emphasis on punctuality and timekeeping is a value that Nepalese could learn from. In Nepal, time management and punctuality are not always considered as critical, which can result in delays and inefficiencies. However, by adopting the Korean approach to time management, Nepalese could improve the efficiency of public services and other aspects of daily life, leading to greater fairness, equity, and productivity. Furthermore, the Korean ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in the conduct of public officials, something that Nepalese could also benefit from in their own context.
By Kamala KC
Mysticmind2022@gmail.com
