My heart literally dropped as I read your comment. The amount of pressure that must place on a child as they grow is ridiculous, it's, well, just not right no matter how you look at it. I'm surprised that kids in your country don't have ulcers or some other horrid digestive disorder due to the pressure. To be demeaned or even shunned because of your grades won't produce better adults, but it will produce introverted and bitter ones. I can't imagine what it must be like to have the type of person you are (to others) being determined by your frickin test scores. If I thought the love and or friendship I received from others would fluctuate based on my grades, my faith in human nature, not to mention trust would be shot to hell. I'm glad that you said your parents don't force you to get the highest grades, but others giving you a tough time or turning their backs if you don't score high makes my heart hurt. Im sending you all the good thoughts and support I can.
It's even worse in Korea, so at least from my belated friend. I knew him from university, he got a B in one course and unfortunately chose to end his life due to distress
In my country, my grades don't speak about myself but my family as well. My parents don't force me to get the highest grades, but everyone around me cares about it. My relatives, my grandparents, my neighbours, my friends. Children with bad grades tend to have a tougher time with their teachers. Other parents won't want their children to hang out with them as well. Relatives, neighbours will talk badly about your mom and dad like they don't know how to raise their child, not a good parents and will think of you badly.