Seoul National University MA English Language and Literature
Seoul National University · College of Humanities · Seoul, South Korea- Full-time
- Teaching language: confirm
- 2 years
KRW 36,695,000 published basis
minimum four semesters
or another approved route
application closed
17:00 KST, closed
What is MA English Language and Literature at Seoul National University?
MA English Language and Literature is a full-time, research-led two-year master’s route in College of Humanities. Its academic centre is English literature, linguistics, criticism and text-based research. The official programme evidence confirms the recruitment unit, while the ROR record confirms SNU’s institutional identity.
The work is organised around close reading, linguistic analysis, critical theory, graduate seminars and a supervised thesis. That makes English literature and English linguistics the first useful comparison with prior study; Supervised thesis shows the level of independent work expected at the end. This isn’t a generic degree-title match, because the applicant’s evidence must fit those methods.
International entry uses SNU’s 2027 Spring graduate selection. Applications closed on 9 July 2026, and recommenders had until 10 July. The department recruits by detailed field, so applicants must align the proposal with the relevant literature or language area. The reviewed first-hand search found no qualifying three-account pattern for this exact programme, so no student-experience claim is presented.
A practical comparison places Critical theory beside Textual research. The first can reveal analytical preparation; the second can reveal whether the applicant can extend it into graduate work. SNU doesn’t publish an exact-programme conversion rate from either area to admission or employment.
MA English Language and Literature treats English literature as inspectable evidence; MA English Language and Literature does not treat English literature as a label. MA English Language and Literature asks what English literature produced; MA English Language and Literature then tests whether that result is ready for graduate review. MA English Language and Literature frames English literature as a reviewable claim; MA English Language and Literature requires support rather than assumption. MA English Language and Literature separates familiarity with English literature from proof; MA English Language and Literature values documented work over subject-name matching. MA English Language and Literature treats English linguistics as inspectable evidence; MA English Language and Literature does not treat English linguistics as a label. MA English Language and Literature asks what English linguistics produced; MA English Language and Literature then tests whether that result is ready for graduate review. MA English Language and Literature frames English linguistics as a reviewable claim; MA English Language and Literature requires support rather than assumption. MA English Language and Literature separates familiarity with English linguistics from proof; MA English Language and Literature values documented work over subject-name matching. MA English Language and Literature treats Critical theory as inspectable evidence; MA English Language and Literature does not treat Critical theory as a label. MA English Language and Literature asks what Critical theory produced; MA English Language and Literature then tests whether that result is ready for graduate review. MA English Language and Literature frames Critical theory as a reviewable claim; MA English Language and Literature requires support rather than assumption. MA English Language and Literature separates familiarity with Critical theory from proof; MA English Language and Literature values documented work over subject-name matching. MA English Language and Literature treats Textual research as inspectable evidence; MA English Language and Literature does not treat Textual research as a label. MA English Language and Literature asks what Textual research produced; MA English Language and Literature then tests whether that result is ready for graduate review. MA English Language and Literature frames Textual research as a reviewable claim; MA English Language and Literature requires support rather than assumption. MA English Language and Literature separates familiarity with Textual research from proof; MA English Language and Literature values documented work over subject-name matching. MA English Language and Literature treats Graduate seminar as inspectable evidence; MA English Language and Literature does not treat Graduate seminar as a label. MA English Language and Literature asks what Graduate seminar produced; MA English Language and Literature then tests whether that result is ready for graduate review. MA English Language and Literature frames Graduate seminar as a reviewable claim; MA English Language and Literature requires support rather than assumption. MA English Language and Literature separates familiarity with Graduate seminar from proof; MA English Language and Literature values documented work over subject-name matching. MA English Language and Literature treats Supervised thesis as inspectable evidence; MA English Language and Literature does not treat Supervised thesis as a label. MA English Language and Literature asks what Supervised thesis produced; MA English Language and Literature then tests whether that result is ready for graduate review. MA English Language and Literature frames Supervised thesis as a reviewable claim; MA English Language and Literature requires support rather than assumption. MA English Language and Literature separates familiarity with Supervised thesis from proof; MA English Language and Literature values documented work over subject-name matching.
English literature frames one part of MA English Language and Literature. An applicant can connect English literature to earlier projects, then compare that preparation directly with English linguistics. That English literature comparison is useful because it asks for assessed work rather than subject-name matching; it doesn’t turn familiarity into an admission promise. For MA English Language and Literature, the English literature check ends by distinguishing English literature from English linguistics in the applicant’s own work.
English linguistics tests one part of MA English Language and Literature. An applicant can connect English linguistics to earlier projects, then compare that preparation directly with Critical theory. That English linguistics comparison is useful because it asks for assessed work rather than subject-name matching; it doesn’t turn familiarity into an admission promise. For MA English Language and Literature, the English linguistics check ends by distinguishing English linguistics from Critical theory in the applicant’s own work.
Critical theory extends one part of MA English Language and Literature. An applicant can connect Critical theory to earlier projects, then compare that preparation directly with Textual research. That Critical theory comparison is useful because it asks for assessed work rather than subject-name matching; it doesn’t turn familiarity into an admission promise. For MA English Language and Literature, the Critical theory check ends by distinguishing Critical theory from Textual research in the applicant’s own work.
Textual research connects one part of MA English Language and Literature. An applicant can connect Textual research to earlier projects, then compare that preparation directly with Graduate seminar. That Textual research comparison is useful because it asks for assessed work rather than subject-name matching; it doesn’t turn familiarity into an admission promise. For MA English Language and Literature, the Textual research check ends by distinguishing Textual research from Graduate seminar in the applicant’s own work.
Graduate seminar sharpens one part of MA English Language and Literature. An applicant can connect Graduate seminar to earlier projects, then compare that preparation directly with Supervised thesis. That Graduate seminar comparison is useful because it asks for assessed work rather than subject-name matching; it doesn’t turn familiarity into an admission promise. For MA English Language and Literature, the Graduate seminar check ends by distinguishing Graduate seminar from Supervised thesis in the applicant’s own work.
Supervised thesis culminates in one part of MA English Language and Literature. An applicant can connect Supervised thesis to earlier projects, then compare that preparation directly with English literature. That Supervised thesis comparison is useful because it asks for assessed work rather than subject-name matching; it doesn’t turn familiarity into an admission promise. For MA English Language and Literature, the Supervised thesis check ends by distinguishing Supervised thesis from English literature in the applicant’s own work.
How much does MA English Language and Literature cost for an Indian student?
The published-basis plan for 2 years is KRW 36,695,000, about INR 26.31 lakh at the fixed planning rate. It combines current tuition, enrollment, application and the official national living-cost average. Travel, housing setup, insurance and programme-specific practical costs remain outside the total.
Full-programme published basis
| Item | INR | Local currency | When it is due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition for four semesters | INR 8.92 lakh | KRW 12,436,000 | KRW 3,109,000 per semester at the 2026 rate |
| Admission fee | INR 0.12 lakh | KRW 169,000 | First-semester bill |
| Application fee | INR 0.06 lakh | KRW 90,000 | At online application |
| Living-cost basis for 24 months | INR 17.21 lakh | KRW 24,000,000 | KRW 1,000,000 monthly upper planning basis |
| Published-basis programme total | INR 26.31 lakh | KRW 36,695,000 | Before flights, setup and programme-specific costs |
Scholarships, fee reductions and student work are not guaranteed and are not subtracted from this plan. INR figures use KRW 1 = INR 0.0717, the 23 October 2026 market close. This is a planning comparison, not a remittance quote.
The official tuition table lists KRW 3,109,000 per semester for this field, plus KRW 169,000 admission. The schedule is labelled 2026 and can change, so the invoice controls once issued.
The Korean government’s Study in Korea page gives KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000 as estimated monthly living expense. This plan uses the upper figure for 24 months; Seoul housing or a campus move can change the real amount.
Add flights, visa-related travel, housing deposits, equipment, performances, laboratory consumables or specialist clothing where applicable. National Health Insurance sits within the government planning categories, but the actual premium and treatment costs vary.
SNU’s Graduate Scholarship for Foreign Students can cover full tuition for up to two years and may add a college-set living allowance. It is competitive and is not deducted here. The rupee comparison uses the 23 October 2026 KRW/INR close and should be recalculated near payment.
Can an Indian applicant enter MA English Language and Literature?
For MA English Language and Literature, formal master's eligibility starts with a bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, but subject fit is tested through English literature and English linguistics. SNU also requires accepted Korean or English evidence and may add an interview, examination or performance test.
Requirements in checking order
| Requirement | Published rule | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Degree evidence (India) | Bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent completed by 28 February 2027 | Use the transcript to show foundations for English literature |
| Subject preparation (India) | Preparation relevant to English literature, English linguistics and Critical theory | Connect earlier work in English linguistics to planned work in Textual research |
| Language evidence (India) | TOPIK 3, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80 or approved Korean/English-medium evidence; confirm teaching language | Confirm the working language for Graduate seminar and Supervised thesis |
| Selection evidence (India) | holistic document review of academic strength, subject aptitude, language and activities, with an interview, examination or performance test where the unit requires one | Prepare unit assessment around English literature and Supervised thesis |
The Spring 2027 international guide requires the qualifying degree by 28 February 2027. For this programme, a transcript should make preparation for English literature visible; a related title without that foundation doesn’t settle academic fit.
“Once the application fee is paid, the admission type (Ⅰ or Ⅱ) and applied program (department) CANNOT be modified.”SNU 2027 Spring graduate guide.
The application argument should connect prior work to Critical theory, explain why Textual research matters to the proposed study, and link Graduate seminar to the intended Supervised thesis. Resolve the unit’s special evidence condition before paying for translations or tests.
TOPIK 3, IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, TEPS 269 or qualifying Korean/English-medium degree evidence can satisfy the central proof rule. That doesn’t establish the teaching language of Graduate seminar, so the department must confirm how seminars, supervision and assessment operate.
Conditions that change the conclusion
MA English Language and Literature application choice
The closed Spring 2027 form fixed the chosen recruitment unit after payment. For MA English Language and Literature, resolve the fit between English literature and English linguistics before selecting the programme.
MA English Language and Literature award boundary
Study in Critical theory and Textual research does not itself create professional registration. Licensing and independent-practice rights remain separate from SNU admission.
MA English Language and Literature unresolved condition
SNU publishes no universal Indian percentage, backlog or three-year-degree conversion for this recruitment unit. Resolve the extra evidence needed for Graduate seminar directly with the department.
How should an Indian student apply for MA English Language and Literature?
The official guide gives the current deadline as 9 July 2026 at 17:00 KST, closed. Start with programme and eligibility fit, then work backwards through language evidence, documents and any portfolio or department assessment. A date from another SNU route is not interchangeable.
Programme fit, international eligibility, language evidence, complete online file, department assessment, originals, final offer and D-2-3 visa
| Start by | Task | Takes | Why this date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Mar 2025 | Resolve programme and route fit | 180 days | Confirm English literature, linguistics, criticism and text-based research and International Admission I or II. |
| 29 Aug 2025 | Complete accepted language evidence | 120 days | TOPIK 3, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80 or approved Korean/English-medium evidence; confirm teaching language |
| 27 Dec 2025 | Prepare the complete academic file | 60 days | Collect degree evidence, transcripts, statement, two recommendations, identity documents and any programme-specific work sample. |
| 25 Feb 2026 | Submit and pay online | 14 days | Upload the complete file and pay KRW 90,000 by 9 July 2026 at 17:00 KST. |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Complete any department assessment | 30 days | Attend an interview, examination or performance test if the college contacts you, then submit originals if preliminarily admitted. |
| 10 Apr 2026 | After admission, complete funding and visa | 90 days | Use the final offer and university documents for the D-2-3 visa and arrival process. |
Lead times are Nbyula preparation allowances, not university processing promises. The official guide controls every published date.
The online form and scanned documents closed on 9 July 2026 at 17:00 KST; recommenders had until 10 July. SNU allowed no change to the admission type, course or recruitment unit after payment, so those choices need resolving before submission.
The first programme decision is whether the file demonstrates English literature and English linguistics. Confirm the unit’s extra submission or fit condition before paying for translations, testing or travel.
The application uses two recommendations, a statement of purpose and study plan, degree and transcript evidence, passport and family or education-history evidence for the relevant international route. Non-Korean or non-English documents need notarised translation.
After admission, follow the official D-2-3 student-visa route. Admission and visa issuance are separate decisions, and funding, housing and arrival timing remain the student’s responsibility.
Spring 2027 applications are closed. Recheck the next official guide rather than carrying these dates forward.
What can MA English Language and Literature lead to?
The curriculum supports progression towards research scholarship, publishing, education, communication and doctoral study. Those are subject and capability directions, not a Seoul National University placement guarantee. No audited master's-level employment percentage, salary distribution or international-graduate outcome table was found for this exact master's.
Capability and record limit
| Measure | Figure | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Academic centre | English literature, linguistics, criticism and text-based research scholarship | Official master's design |
| Methods record | close reading, linguistic analysis, critical theory, graduate seminars and a supervised thesis | Curriculum and assessment |
| Possible directions | research scholarship, publishing, education, communication and doctoral study | master's relevance, not placement data |
| Measured result | Not documented for the exact master's | No cohort denominator or salary table |
Curriculum and regulated-exam eligibility can demonstrate a admissions track. They do not prove licensure, an employer, salary, visa status or residence outcome.
The most defensible graduate record connects English literature with Supervised thesis. A thesis, project, laboratory record or clinical assessment can show how the candidate framed a problem, chose a method and evaluated a result. Its value is assessed later by an employer, regulator or graduate admissions panel.
Possible directions include research scholarship, publishing, education, communication and doctoral study. The master’s title alone does not qualify a graduate for every role in that list. Employers, regulators and doctoral panels apply their own language, technical, licensing and immigration conditions.
Seoul National University’s reputation cannot substitute for missing outcome data. A comparison should therefore use the actual curriculum, project record, language environment, full cost and practice-related constraints instead of an unsupported salary forecast.
South Korea’s student-work and post-study rules sit outside the academic award. Part-time work needs university confirmation and immigration permission, and a later D-10 job-seeking status is a separate application rather than an automatic benefit of graduation.
The link between English literature and Textual research scholarship gives MA English Language and Literature a concrete portfolio test. applied work from English literature can demonstrate one master’s capability, while Textual research scholarship can show a different kind of analysis or practice. Employers or doctoral panels would still judge that English literature-Textual research scholarship record themselves; SNU doesn’t publish a conversion rate for it. The English literature-Textual research scholarship pairing doesn’t establish admission, employment or practice-related recognition. In MA English Language and Literature, a record combining English literature with Textual research scholarship remains subject record, not a forecast.
The link between English linguistics and Graduate seminar gives MA English Language and Literature a concrete portfolio test. applied work from English linguistics can demonstrate one master’s capability, while Graduate seminar can show a different kind of analysis or practice. Employers or doctoral panels would still judge that English linguistics-Graduate seminar record themselves; SNU doesn’t publish a conversion rate for it. The English linguistics-Graduate seminar pairing doesn’t establish admission, employment or practice-related recognition. In MA English Language and Literature, a record combining English linguistics with Graduate seminar remains subject record, not a forecast.
The link between Critical theory and Supervised thesis gives MA English Language and Literature a concrete portfolio test. applied work from Critical theory can demonstrate one master’s capability, while Supervised thesis can show a different kind of analysis or practice. Employers or doctoral panels would still judge that Critical theory-Supervised thesis record themselves; SNU doesn’t publish a conversion rate for it. The Critical theory-Supervised thesis pairing doesn’t establish admission, employment or practice-related recognition. In MA English Language and Literature, a record combining Critical theory with Supervised thesis remains subject record, not a forecast.
Who is MA English Language and Literature for, and who should look elsewhere?
match depends on prior preparation across Textual research scholarship, Graduate seminar and Supervised thesis, plus the verified TOPIK 3, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80 or approved Korean/English-medium record; confirm teaching language admissions track. The comparison separates an aligned profile, an uncertain file needing review and a clear mismatch without turning any profile into an admission prediction.
| Verdict | Your background | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Strong fit | an English, literature or linguistics graduate with a defined research scholarship question and strong academic writing | Matches the master's's subject, methods and working language. |
| Needs evidence | A related entrant whose transcript, language record, supervisor match or practice-related plan remains incomplete | Needs an entrant-specific academic or admissions track conclusion before major spending. |
| Do not shortlist | an entrant assuming an English subject guarantees every seminar and administrative step is English-only | Conflicts with the documented language, disciplinary centre or practice-related shape. |
The strongest match is an English, literature or linguistics graduate with a defined research scholarship question and strong academic writing. record should come from subjects, projects and methods rather than broad enthusiasm. For this master’s, the useful proof should connect English literature with Supervised thesis.
The uncertain profile may still become eligible, but only the university can decide equivalence, supervisor availability and conclusion process performance. Treat that uncertainty as unresolved rather than assuming that a related title or applied work experience fills every academic gap.
A poor match is an entrant assuming an English subject guarantees every seminar and administrative step is English-only. This limit is about the admissions track, not the person’s general ability. Another Seoul National University sibling or a different university may be better when its language, practice-related recognition or disciplinary centre matches the goal more closely.
Financial match also matters. The INR 26.31 lakh documented-basis plan excludes variable setup and specialist costs. A shortlist that depends on guaranteed part-time earnings or an unconfirmed scholarship is not yet secure.
Use English literature, Critical theory and Graduate seminar as three separate match checks for MA English Language and Literature. Prior applied work need not use identical labels, but it should demonstrate direct preparation for those named areas. If none of the three connects to the entrant’s record, neighbouring SNU options deserve comparison before committing funds.
A profile that has already handled English literature can test its readiness for MA English Language and Literature against English linguistics. The useful question is whether that English literature experience produced clear academic applied work, not whether the transcript happens to repeat SNU’s wording.
A profile that has already handled English linguistics can test its readiness for MA English Language and Literature against Critical theory. The useful question is whether that English linguistics experience produced clear academic applied work, not whether the transcript happens to repeat SNU’s wording.
A profile that has already handled Critical theory can test its readiness for MA English Language and Literature against Textual research scholarship. The useful question is whether that Critical theory experience produced clear academic applied work, not whether the transcript happens to repeat SNU’s wording.
A profile that has already handled Textual research scholarship can test its readiness for MA English Language and Literature against Graduate seminar. The useful question is whether that Textual research scholarship experience produced clear academic applied work, not whether the transcript happens to repeat SNU’s wording.
A profile that has already handled Graduate seminar can test its readiness for MA English Language and Literature against Supervised thesis. The useful question is whether that Graduate seminar experience produced clear academic applied work, not whether the transcript happens to repeat SNU’s wording.
A profile that has already handled Supervised thesis can test its readiness for MA English Language and Literature against English literature. The useful question is whether that Supervised thesis experience produced clear academic applied work, not whether the transcript happens to repeat SNU’s wording.
The final contrast for MA English Language and Literature is between an English, literature or linguistics graduate with a defined research scholarship question and strong academic writing and an entrant assuming an English subject guarantees every seminar and administrative step is English-only. That contrast should be resolved through Supervised thesis record and direct confirmation of the English literature requirements, not through the university name alone.
What will you study in MA English Language and Literature?
The table records six programme areas, beginning with English literature and ending with Supervised thesis. SNU's international admissions guide does not publish a complete coded English module list, so the department bulletin and timetable control registration. Use this as a planning map, not a registration promise.
Current published curriculum evidence
| Code | Component | Credits | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published area | English literature | See department bulletin | |
| Published area | English linguistics | See department bulletin | |
| Published area | Critical theory | See department bulletin | |
| Published area | Textual research | See department bulletin | |
| Published area | Graduate seminar | See department bulletin | |
| Published area | Supervised thesis | See department bulletin |
The note “The international guide does not publish a complete coded English module list” applies to 6 components in this table.
- Use the current programme guide and timetable
- Elective and supervisor availability can change
- Complete the required research, placement or graduation work
- Do not infer credits or course codes where none are published
The curriculum moves from English literature towards Supervised thesis, with Critical theory and Textual research between them. That progression matters more than treating every listed subject area as an independent promise for every year.
The 2027 international guide identifies the recruitment unit but does not publish a complete coded English module list. The table therefore records only areas supported by official department material; the admitted student’s bulletin controls final registration.
Should an Indian student shortlist MA English Language and Literature?
Shortlist MA English Language and Literature when the academic admissions track, working language and assessments match the intended next step in practice. A credible conclusion connects prior preparation to English literature and Supervised thesis while keeping admission, practice-related recognition, funding and employment as separate tests.
The strongest reason to choose this master's is the chance to connect English literature with Supervised thesis in assessed applied work. Seoul National University does not publish a measured placement rate, salary series or international-graduate employment table for this exact master's, so later employment remains a separate conclusion rather than a promised result.
Do not shortlist until the working language, complete cost, academic preparation and any regulated-profession conditions have been resolved. The reviewed Spring 2027 round is already closed. An offer wouldn't settle the visa, housing, funding, practice-related registration or later recruitment conclusion.
Decision checks complete cost · entry rule · application admissions track · outcome record
- MA English Language and Literature is a full-time 2 years programme in College of Humanities.
- Its verified route is TOPIK 3, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80 or approved Korean/English-medium evidence; confirm teaching language and the current intake position is Spring 2027, application closed.
- The published-basis full-programme plan is KRW 36,695,000, about INR 26.31 lakh.
- The central academic focus is English literature, linguistics, criticism and text-based research.
- The current deadline position is 9 July 2026 at 17:00 KST, closed, and no exact-course placement rate is published.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full cost of MA English Language and Literature?
The published-basis plan is KRW 36,695,000, about INR 26.31 lakh at KRW 1 = INR 0.0717. It includes four semesters of 2026 tuition, admission, application and KRW 1,000,000 monthly living costs for 24 months.
Is MA English Language and Literature taught in English?
The verified route is TOPIK 3, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80 or approved Korean/English-medium evidence; confirm teaching language. Applicants should confirm the language of every required assessment, placement, laboratory and elective rather than extending one route's language claim to the entire university.
When is the deadline for MA English Language and Literature?
The Spring 2027 online deadline was 9 July 2026 at 17:00 KST, with recommendations due 10 July. That cycle is closed, so a later applicant must use the next official guide.
What academic background fits MA English Language and Literature?
A strong fit is an English, literature or linguistics graduate with a defined research question and strong academic writing. Formal eligibility remains the university's decision under the current guide, and the complete transcript, route-specific tests, language evidence and any supervisor consent carry more weight than a simplified degree-title match.
What is distinctive about MA English Language and Literature?
Its centre is English literature, linguistics, criticism and text-based research. Students work through close reading, linguistic analysis, critical theory, graduate seminars and a supervised thesis. That combination is the useful comparison with sibling programmes, while annual modules and supervision must still be checked in the current syllabus.
Does MA English Language and Literature guarantee a job?
No. The curriculum is relevant to research, publishing, education, communication and doctoral study, but Seoul National University publishes no audited placement percentage, salary distribution or employer conversion result for this exact programme. Academic work and any professional examination eligibility support a later search, not a guaranteed outcome.
Can an international student work while studying in South Korea?
Only with the required immigration permission and within the current limits. Part-time work is not guaranteed and should not be used as the core funding plan. The student must also protect attendance and academic progress.
Who should not choose MA English Language and Literature?
The clearest mismatch is an applicant assuming an English subject guarantees every seminar and administrative step is English-only. Applicants should also look elsewhere if the full cost, route status, language or professional-recognition conditions remain unacceptable after reading the current official guide.
Sources
These sources support the programme, admission, cost and immigration information used on this page.
Sources checked on October 25, 2026. Current intake information follows. Spring 2027, application closed.
| No. | Source | Evidence role |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Seoul National University, official programme evidence | Core programme evidence |
| 02 | Seoul National University, 2027 Spring international graduate guide | Core programme evidence |
| 03 | Seoul National University, 2026 graduate tuition schedule | Core programme evidence |
| 04 | Seoul National University, graduate programme catalogue | Core programme evidence |
| 05 | Study in Korea, international student living costs | Core programme evidence |
| 06 | KRW to INR market close, 23 October 2026 | Core programme evidence |
| 07 | Study in Korea, D-2 student visa route | Core programme evidence |
| 08 | Study in Korea, work and D-10 stay rules | Core programme evidence |
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