This is the 12199th most frequent Korean word.
다가오면서
"Drawing closer" or "approaching while."
Here, '다가오면서' is used to indicate the action of spring approaching, showing the progressive occurrence of the event.
봄이 다가오면서 꽃들이 피기 시작한다.
As spring approaches, flowers begin to bloom.
In this sentence, '다가오면서' signifies the approaching event of the exam day, emphasizing the consequent rise in anxiety as it draws near.
우리에게 중요한 시험일이 다가오면서 긴장감이 높아진다.
As the day of an important exam approaches, anxiety increases.
'다가오면서' here conveys the gradual nearing of the story's conclusion, setting the stage for increasing character conflicts.