Today, November 14, 2024, approximately 522,000 South Korean high school students will take the 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). It’s a national event and a very important exam which results will determine college placements for the test-takers. With such significant pressure on the line, students go to extraordinary lengths to stay focused, including avoiding ‘CSAT forbidden songs.’

These forbidden songs are typically the K-pop hits with catchy repetitive choruses that stuck in the heads. “Ring Ding Dong” by SHINee, Super Junior’s “Sorry, Sorry,” Red Velvet’s “Dumb Dumb,” “U R Man” by SS501 are prime examples. Here’s the 2024 K-pop releases that have added to the list of CSAT forbidden songs.

APT. [ROSÉ feat. Bruno Mars]

“APT.,” the latest smash hit by Rosé featuring American singer Bruno Mars is now trending everywhere. With its catchy lyrics and addictive repetitive chorus, it’s become an earworm, quickly dubbed a "distraction" for CSAT takers.

POWER [G-DRAGON]

The king of K-pop G-DRAGON made a powerful return to the music scene after seven year hiatus with the digital single “POWER” on October 31. Its infectious ‘I Got the Power, the Power Power’ chorus immediately earned it a spot on the CSAT forbidden songs list.

Supernova [aespa]

‘Su su su Supernova’ would definitely get stuck in the heads, causing distractions for the students. It’s no surprise that aespa’s 2024 hit “Supernova,” which even achieved the Perfect All-Kill, was added to the list of CSAT forbidden songs.

Boom Boom Bass [RIIZE]

RIIZE’s 2024 comeback hit "Boom Boom Bass" has been added to the CSAT forbidden songs list, thanks to its infectious melody and addictive choreography that makes it nearly impossible not to dance along.

Bam Yang Gang [BIBI]

South Korean soloist BIBI achieved the first ever Perfect All-Kill of her career with the 2024 hit "Bam Yang Gang." The song’s easygoing yet addictive sound made it a distraction for students, landing it on the CSAT forbidden songs list.

NEMONEMO [Choi Yena]

Former IZ*ONE member turned soloist Choi Yena made waves in the K-pop scene with her 2024 release “NEMONEMO.” This catchy electronic dance track has recently added to the list of blacklisted songs for CSAT takers.

SHEESH [BABYMONSTER]

“SHEESH" by BABYMONSTER, the title track from their debut album featuring all seven members, was released in April 2024. The addictive chorus from this CSAT forbidden song would keep repeating in the mind causing distractions.

Magnetic [ILLIT]

"Magnetic," ILLIT’s debut song that scored the coveted Perfect All-Kill, is sure to make anyone groove. With its bouncy tune and addictive choreography, the song earned a spot on the list of CSAT forbidden Songs.

TAP [ TAEYONG]

Taeyong of NCT marked his first-ever solo comeback in 2024 with "TAP," that has now joined the CSAT forbidden songs list. With its intense beat and memorable rap verses, it’s a tune that can easily disrupt exam preparations.

XO (Only If You Say Yes) [ENHYPEN]

ENHYPEN dropped “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” as the title track of their second studio album ‘Romance : Untold.’ With its simple yet addictive chorus, this CSAT forbidden song can make you groove instead of studying.

Music has long been a coping mechanism for many students, providing a source of relief and relaxation during the demanding study hours. However, these CSAT forbidden songs can do the opposite often causing distractions.