Baek Kang-hyeon first gained attention for his exceptional math and music abilities on a television program in 2016, at the age of 41 months. He later scored 163 on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, equivalent to an IQ of 204, placing him in the top 0.0001% of the world's most intelligent people.
After three years in elementary and middle school, Baek was accepted into the Seoul Science High School, a prestigious school for gifted students. However, he left in August 2023. On his YouTube channel, he explained that classroom learning felt like being turned into a "problem-solving machine," and he wanted to pursue more creative endeavors.
His father revealed that bullying also played a role in Baek's decision. Older students ostracized him, treating him as invisible and excluding him from group projects. This bullying extended online, where Baek became the target of ridicule.
On September 6th, Baek posted a video titled "Applying to Oxford University," outlining his plans to apply to the prestigious institution, currently ranked first in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
"For over a year and a half, I've been studying to prepare for coming to England, while also taking the international A-Level program," he said.
Baek's A-Level results were recently released, revealing top marks (A*) in all four subjects: further mathematics, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He scored within the top 1% and has applied to study computer science.
He is currently preparing for the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) on 23/10, consistently scoring between 98 and 100 out of 100 on practice tests. The MAT is a requirement for students wishing to study mathematics-related subjects at Oxford, consisting of 27 questions to be completed in two and a half hours.
However, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) requires applicants to be at least 13 years old, while Baek is only 12.
"I have contacted UCAS and Oxford to inquire about the requirements. They said they would respond before the end of this month," Baek stated.
Even if UCAS approves his application, Baek acknowledges that he cannot attend immediately, as student visas are only granted to those 16 and older. He hopes to receive an offer from Oxford to defer his enrollment for three years.
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Baek Kang-hyeon. Screenshot. |
Baek Kang-hyeon. Screenshot.
Baek's goal is to become an AI specialist. He dreams of developing smart wearable devices that would "allow even an 80-year-old to climb Mount Everest" and AI-based virtual reality games. He plans to release two mobile apps this year and two more next year.
After five days online, Baek's video has garnered over 200,000 views, nearly 10,000 likes, and widespread support on social media.
"I will always support you. Take care of your health," one user commented.
"Don't be like a frog in a well in South Korea; go to a bigger place and learn. Don't forget you're only 12! There are still many more opportunities to try," another wrote.
Hai Yen (Korean Times, Maeil Business Newspaper, YouTube)
