This may sound more like something administered at Camp X-Ray in Guatanamo Bay, but it is all the rage among rich parents in Seoul, South Korea, who will stop at nothing to see their child top the class.

According to the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, several clinics in the area are offering such jabs. One anonymous high school pupil said: “I have several friends who said they received injections from dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and other clinics. After the shot, I think I can concentrate better - although that could just be me.”

The pound;25-pound;50 “wellbeing injections” typically contain placenta, garlic and liquorice, all of which are said to increase energy and focus.