In South Korea, middle schools and high schools are generally separate. Given the extraordinary passion Koreans have for education and academic credentials, even with the principles of attending nearby schools and teacher rotation, it is always very difficult to apply to well-reputed middle schools, whether for middle or high school. What’s more, it’s currently summer vacation, and March is the official start of the school year in Korea. Therefore, unless you are truly exceptional, it’s very hard to get into a good middle school at this time.

Of course, Mark King is truly exceptional.

On a morning in mid-July 1999, Mark King followed his grandfather, who had specially taken leave to accompany him to the interview, into the affiliated middle school of Hanyang University in Korea.

Hanyang University is located at the southernmost side of Seongdong District in Seoul, separated from the famous Gangnam District by just one large bridge. As a result, the affiliated middle and high schools of Hanyang University have become the choice for many wealthy people from Gangnam and officials from Seongdong and Jung Districts. According to Mark King’s grandfather, many nouveau riche families and less established elites choose to send their children to those so-called private aristocratic schools set up under various pretexts. However, many true conglomerate families and experienced senior central officials generally let their children attend these well-reputed public schools in the normal way. In Korea, no one wants to offend the major conglomerates or senior government officials, and the media naturally do not dare to investigate the children of these high-ranking tycoons and officials. So, these children are mostly able to receive normal treatment at school and, of course, live normal lives.

Of course, Mark King’s grandfather didn’t choose this school for those reasons, but for some other well-considered ones: first, the school has always had a good reputation. Second, Mark King’s grandfather himself lives in Geumho-dong, Seongdong District, and it’s only two subway stops from Geumho-dong to this school. Third, in the future, when Mark King’s parents, who work in business management, return, it’s very likely they’ll work in Gangnam or the surrounding area, so their place of residence won’t be far from Gangnam. In that case, even with the principle of attending nearby schools, Mark King could continue studying at this school, which is just a bridge away from Gangnam.

Inside the school, a chubby, sweat-soaked Principal wearing gold-rimmed glasses came running out with a beaming smile to greet them. But this smile was just a professional habit; in fact, he had already been cursing this grandfather and grandson who interrupted his vacation in his heart. However, the person who called was a well-connected university senior, and the grandfather accompanying his grandson was an elderly fourth-level civil servant, so he really couldn’t refuse. He had no choice but to ask the teachers to organize a last-minute interview.

The interview proceeded quickly. Entrance interviews in Korea only review some basic materials; the truly decisive factor is exam results. Although they acknowledged Mark King’s grades, one of the Teacher with black-rimmed glasses immediately expressed their concerns: “Your grades are very good. Also, although you grew up in Los Angeles, your spoken Korean is surprisingly good. But there are two major issues here. First, you only attended elementary school in Los Angeles for five years. Second, the final Korean college entrance exam requires Korean language, then English, and finally, in addition to English, you must choose a second foreign language. The second foreign language isn’t a big deal, since that’s a course that only starts after middle school. But as for your Korean, specifically your written Korean, we don’t have a clear idea of your ability. So we hope you can take a comprehensive written test here, covering five subjects: Korean, math, social studies, national history, and ethics. If you pass all subjects, you can enroll next March. If you fail even one, I suggest you attend sixth grade in elementary school for a year before entering middle school.”

The test papers were handed out. Mark King glanced over the questions, then looked up seriously and asked, “Then, Teacher, if I score 90 or above in every subject, can I be allowed to transfer directly into the current first year of middle school as a middle school student right after summer vacation ends?”

The Teacher with black-rimmed glasses was clearly an advocate for this. Under the questioning gazes of the surrounding Teacher, this Teacher adjusted his glasses and replied, “Of course you can.” After a pause, he added, “But I hope you can finish the test within an hour and a half.”

Twenty minutes later, when Mark King pushed open the conference room door holding five completed test papers and announced he was done, all the adults sitting in the corridor outside, chatting, were stunned, and then a variety of amazed expressions appeared one after another.

Most of the Teacher sneered, only the Teacher with black-rimmed glasses looked slightly surprised. Grandfather was angry, and a little disappointed. The chubby Principal was still smiling, but inside he was overjoyed: “Get lost, you brat! If you’re from Los Angeles, just go honestly to the affiliated middle school of Kent Foreign High. Why come to our school? Dragging me out to school in this heat—serves you right!”