Korean university students’ perspectives regarding Stop-Out

Stop-out, a temporary leave from university, plays a significant role in the academic, social, and identity development of South Korean students. This study explores how stop-out serves as a transformative opportunity and a potential positive resource for students’ adaptation upon returning to university. Using Q methodology, we captured subjective perspectives by creating 40 Q samples through a literature review, surveys, and focus group interviews. We recruited 23 participants (the P sample) who completed Q sorting, and we used the Ken Q Analysis Desktop program for factor analysis. The analysis revealed four perception types: (1) Taking a Stop-Out to Pursue Personal Growth through Diverse Experiences, (2) Taking a Stop-Out as a Period of Reorganization to Prepare for Future Life, (3) Taking a Stop-Out to Reflect on Oneself and Explore Future Directions, and (4) Taking a Stop-Out with a Well-Structured Plan to Achieve Personal Goals. The findings suggest that Korean university students view stop-out as an opportunity to enhance personal capabilities and make concrete preparations for the future, resembling a gap year experience. Moreover, students perceived stop-out as a highly personal event, often creating meaningful experiences independently with minimal institutional support. These insights highlight the importance of recognizing stop-out as a valuable developmental period and call for more tailored university policies to support students’ unique stop-out journeys.