Free Reading Assessment Draws More Than 60,000 Tests in 10 Days

[Financial News] As concerns grow over declining student literacy amid the widespread use of smartphones and short-form content, demand among parents for assessments that objectively measure their children’s reading abilities is rising rapidly. Woongjin ThinkBig said on the 11th that its KRS (Korea Reading System) Diagnostic Test, a reading-profile assessment service launched on the 1st of this month, surpassed 60,000 cumulative tests within 10 days of its launch.
By age group, participation was highest among children in the lower elementary grades, followed by upper elementary students and preschoolers. The company analyzed that parents’ desire to develop literacy early—the foundation of learning—in an environment where exposure to digital media has become routine led to strong participation across all preschool and elementary age groups.
KRS is a growth solution that assesses not only children’s reading abilities but also their reading dispositions and preferences in depth, then recommends optimal books. Its key competitive advantage is the proprietary KRS Book Index. Moving beyond conventional methods that measure only word or sentence difficulty, the index comprehensively analyzes a book’s vocabulary and content, narrative structure, background knowledge, and illustrations. It precisely determines complexity at the book level and connects children with personalized reading materials.
The assessment is currently available free of charge to all preschool and elementary-school children through the official KRS website, where participants can receive personalized reading reports. Free group assessments are also being offered to educational institutions nationwide, including kindergartens and academies serving preschool and elementary-school students.
Kim Jin-gak, head of the marketing division at Woongjin ThinkBig, said, "The attention focused on this assessment shows that parents have reached a consensus that objectively understanding a child’s reading level is the starting point for proper reading education." He added, "We will continue enhancing the service so that more children can read books that closely match their levels and preferences."

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter