Considering the fact that MIT also nominated her for a scholarship, Ms. Keum no doubt obtained acceptance from the prestigious university thanks to her high marks in academics.

Keum first attracted public attention when she won the Miss Korea beauty pageant. She graduated from Gyeongbuk Science High School, and went to Kyungpook National University to study Medicine.

While participating in the Miss Universe pageant held in Panama last June, Keum decided to make her way to a prestigious university in the United States. Keum asked leave of absence from the university and for four months focused on preparing for the SAT, the U.S. college entrance examination. Keum received full marks for calculus and chemistry on the examination. Only about 1,000 students out of more than 10,000 applicants from across the globe are selected by MIT each year. MIT is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, and only one or two students get accepted from Korea every year.

Keum is the eldest daughter of Keum Ki-yeong (49), a physical education teacher in Punggi Middle School, and Lee Won-hong (47), a home economics teacher at Buseok Middle School. After winning the Miss Korea title, Keum caused a stir when she admitted that she had lost 5 lbs. before the pageant.

Keum is to leave for MIT in August or September after finishing her third semester at Gyeongbuk University. She expressed her desire to become a representative of the World Health Organization in order to enhance the prestige of Korea. Keum has also applied for admission to Harvard University and is waiting for a reply.

(englishnews@chosun.com )