María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, successfully fled the country with the assistance of a U.S. special forces veteran, Bryan Stern. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the chief organizer of the national university entrance exams resigned following widespread criticism of an excessively difficult English test that left many students struggling.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader's Escape
Machado's escape from Venezuela involved a perilous nighttime sea crossing, as detailed by Stern, who leads the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. The operation took place after Machado had been in hiding since August 2024, fearing persecution from President Nicolás Maduro. Stern described the conditions as "dangerous" and "scary," with dark and choppy waters providing cover for the escape. After a 13- to 14-hour journey, Machado reached an undisclosed location to catch a flight, marking a significant moment in her political struggle.

Stern confirmed that the mission was planned four days prior and involved about two dozen people. He emphasized that the operation was financed by private donors and not by the U.S. government, although there was unofficial collaboration with U.S. military for strategic positioning. Machado expressed her intent to return to Venezuela, though the details of her return remain uncertain.

South Korea's Education Crisis
In South Korea, the resignation of Oh Seung-keol, the chief of the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, came after the English section of the Suneung exam faced backlash for its difficulty. With only 3% of students achieving top marks, the exam's challenging questions included complex philosophical assessments and abstract concepts that sparked outrage among students and parents alike.

Oh acknowledged his responsibility, stating that the English test did not align with the principles of absolute evaluation. The backlash included criticism of the term "culturtainment," which was deemed inappropriate for the exam. The pressure surrounding the Suneung is immense, as it is seen as a critical determinant of students' futures, contributing to high rates of depression and suicide among teenagers in South Korea.

In response to the growing concerns over academic pressure, the national assembly recently passed a law prohibiting private English-language institutes from administering entrance tests to preschoolers. This move is part of broader efforts to alleviate the intense academic burden faced by students.

Wrap-up
The escape of María Corina Machado from Venezuela underscores the ongoing political turmoil in the country, while the resignation of South Korea's exam chief reflects the intense scrutiny of the educational system. Both situations highlight significant challenges faced by individuals in their respective countries, as political and educational pressures continue to shape their futures.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team