Korean prodigy with IQ of 204 aims for Oxford after leaving science high school
Baek Kang-hyun / Captured from Baek's channel
Baek Kang-hyun, a Korean prodigy with an IQ of 204, has revealed that he is preparing to apply to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Baek recently uploaded a video titled “Applying to Oxford University” on his YouTube channel, sharing his latest updates.
“I wanted to update those who have been worried and curious about me,” he said. “Over the past year and a half, I’ve been preparing to study in the U.K. while working toward the International A-Level exams.”
Baek revealed that he recently received his results and achieved the highest grade in all four of his subjects: further mathematics, mathematics, physics and chemistry.
“I’m hoping to be accepted into the Computer Science program at Oxford, and I understand that my scores place me within the top 1 percent,” Baek said.
In the U.K.’s A-Level grading system, results are categorized into seven levels: A* (the highest), A, B, C, D, E, and U (ungraded). Elite universities such as Oxford and Cambridge typically require applicants to earn multiple A* grades for admission.
Baek is also preparing for the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), required for applicants to mathematics-related programs at Oxford.
“I’ll be sitting for the MAT on Oct. 23, and I’ve been consistently scoring between 98 and 100 points on past papers,” he said.
Facing a potential age barrier
However, Baek faces a unique challenge: Under current regulations, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) only allows applicants aged 13 or older to register, while Baek is just 12 years old.
“I’ve contacted UCAS and Oxford University’s admissions office directly to inquire about my eligibility," he explained. "They said I should receive a response by the end of this month.”
Baek Kang-hyun / Captured from Baek's channel
Despite the uncertainty, Baek expressed gratitude toward UCAS and Oxford staff. “Even if the age restriction doesn’t change and I can’t apply this year, I sincerely thank everyone who has been helping me.”
If UCAS grants him an exception, Baek plans to take the MAT on Oct. 23. Successful candidates will proceed to interviews in December, with final admission results expected in January.
Baek drew national attention at the age of 9 when he entered middle school early, later enrolling at the Seoul Science High School, one of Korea’s top schools for gifted students.
In 2015 he appeared on the SBS program “Finding Genius,” where he received a Mensa-level IQ score of 204, placing him in the top 0.0001 percent globally.
Baek entered Seoul Science High School in March 2023 but announced his withdrawal five months later via his YouTube channel. His decision drew public attention after his father alleged that school bullying played a role in his departure, sparking controversy.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.