South Korea falls silent for high-pressure exam

South Korea went into "hush" mode yesterday, as nearly 650,000 students sat the annual college entrance exam that will play a large part in defining their adult lives in the ultra-competitive society.

Preparation for the crucial exam starts from primary school, and so does the relentless pressure that has been blamed for everything from early burnout to teenage depression and suicide.

A 17-year old boy was found dead Wednesday evening having apparently jumped from the window of his family's apartment. His parents told Yonhap news agency that he had become extremely stressed as the test neared.

Success in the exam means a secured place in one of South Korea's elite universities -- a key to future careers as well as marriage prospects.