When Baek Kang-hyun, a 13-year-old prodigy from South Korea, received the long-awaited results from Oxford University on January 13, 2026, the outcome was not what he had hoped. Despite his exceptional academic achievements and a journey that had captured the attention of thousands, Baek was not offered admission to the University’s prestigious Computer Science program. The news, shared by Baek himself on his YouTube channel two days later, was met with a wave of support and empathy from followers who had watched his remarkable story unfold over the years.
Baek Kang-hyun’s journey to this point reads like something out of a modern-day fable. Born in 2012, he first caught the public eye at the tender age of four when he appeared on SBS’s Young Genius Development Team in 2016. There, his intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured at an astonishing 204—placing him in the top 0.0001% globally, according to Hankyung and other Korean news outlets. Such a figure, almost unfathomable, quickly made Baek a household name among those who follow stories of extraordinary talent.
His academic trajectory continued to defy convention. At just nine years old, Baek entered Seoul Science High School, a feat that would be impressive for someone twice his age. However, his time there was short-lived. As reported by Hankyung and corroborated by Baek himself in a candid YouTube video, he left the school after only one semester. "I saw myself becoming a machine solving problems in the mirror. I decided to leave for more creative pursuits," Baek explained. His father later added another layer to the story, revealing that school bullying had played a role in the decision—a sobering reminder that even prodigies are not immune to the challenges faced by their peers.
Baek’s ambitions, however, were never confined to the boundaries of South Korea. In September 2025, he set his sights on the United Kingdom, specifically the hallowed halls of Oxford University. Over the previous year and a half, Baek had been diligently preparing for this leap, focusing on the International A-Level examinations required for entry into British universities. The results were nothing short of stellar: A* grades in mathematics, further mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He proudly shared, "My grades are within the top 1% nationwide," and posted his transcripts online for all to see.
The next hurdle was the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), a notoriously challenging component of Oxford’s selection process for Computer Science. On October 23, 2025, Baek sat for the test, having consistently scored between 98 and 100 points in practice runs. After the exam, he reflected, "I couldn’t finish the last two questions perfectly because of time pressure. I expect my score to be at least 95, which places me among the top five overall, but it still feels a bit disappointing." Such candor about his own perceived shortcomings only made his supporters root for him more.
Yet, Baek’s age posed an unexpected challenge. The University College Admission Service (UCAS), the portal through which all UK university applications are processed, does not allow applicants under 13 years old to register. Baek recounted, "I had to call and email the UCAS office and the Oxford admissions team myself. They’ve been incredibly kind and are doing everything they can for someone as young as me." This unique situation meant that, even before sitting for the MAT, Baek had to navigate administrative hurdles that most applicants never encounter. Nevertheless, he secured the opportunity to take the exam and, later, participate in the rigorous interview process that defines Oxford’s selection.
After months of anticipation, the January 2026 results brought disappointment. Baek shared his feelings openly: "There was the announcement of the Oxford University Computer Science admission results today. Many people supported me, but unfortunately, I did not receive an offer." He admitted, "I had high hopes. I was so upset that I sat down and cried." But even in the face of such a setback, Baek’s resilience shone through. "It was a meaningful challenge and I learned a lot. I will not stop here. Thank you to everyone who supported me." His words, reported by Hankyung and echoed in Korean media, struck a chord with many who have faced their own moments of disappointment.
Baek’s journey has been anything but typical. After his early exposure as a genius on national television, his academic path took him from accelerated grades to early high school entry and, ultimately, to a self-driven pursuit of international education. The obstacles he faced—whether institutional age limits, the emotional toll of intense study, or the social isolation that sometimes accompanies exceptional ability—offer a glimpse into the complexities of growing up gifted. As Hankyung and Chosun Ilbo both noted, Baek’s story is not just about raw intelligence but about perseverance, adaptation, and the willingness to embrace new challenges even after setbacks.
His public disclosure of both his achievements and disappointments has also made him a relatable figure. In a world where social media often showcases only the highlights, Baek’s willingness to share his struggles has resonated with many. "I will pick myself up and move on," he wrote, a sentiment that speaks to anyone who has ever faced failure on a big stage.
Looking ahead, Baek Kang-hyun’s future remains wide open. He has made it clear that he does not intend to stop after this setback. His experience preparing for and applying to Oxford has provided him with valuable lessons and, perhaps, a thicker skin. For a young man who has already achieved so much, the road ahead is filled with possibility—whether that means reapplying to Oxford, pursuing studies elsewhere, or forging a new path entirely.
For now, Baek’s story stands as a testament to the highs and lows of genius, the challenges of navigating institutions not built for outliers, and the quiet courage it takes to share both triumph and disappointment with the world. As many have observed, sometimes the most meaningful lessons come not from the moments when everything goes according to plan, but from how we respond when they don’t.
