The candidate who achieved the highest score on South Korea’s national qualification exam for aspiring tax accountants has confessed to using artificial intelligence to cheat. The admission, made on Sunday, has triggered an investigation by Seoul police and heightened security concerns just days before the country’s annual college entrance exam.
The candidate, identified only by the surname Han, ranked first in both rounds of the test held in April and July. His performance in the first round drew immediate skepticism after he answered 159 out of 160 questions correctly, earning a score of 397.5 out of 400 points. Initially denying allegations that he used smart glasses to receive answers, Han later appeared on the YouTube channel of Attorney Lee Don-ho to issue a formal apology.
Confession Details and Police Investigation
Speaking while wearing a face mask, Han stated that he had submitted a written confession to Seoul police. He explained that he used a microcamera to photograph exam questions, sent the images to a generative AI tool, and checked the answers on a smartphone during the test. His lawyer confirmed the confession to authorities on Sunday morning.
The Seoul metropolitan police agency assigned the case to investigators after receiving the written statement. The scandal has drawn attention from the highest levels of government, as standardized tests in South Korea are widely viewed as the primary determinant of social mobility and career trajectories.
Government Response Ahead of College Entrance Exam
The timing of the confession has raised alarms for the national college entrance exam scheduled for this Thursday. A senior official from the presidential office told reporters that the administration views the matter with extreme seriousness. The official noted that the government has been preparing countermeasures in response to reports of potential cheating in other certified professional exams, including the certified public accountant test.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook acknowledged public concerns regarding AI-assisted cheating on Friday. Her office issued a statement promising that the government would prepare thoroughly and closely oversee the examination process to ensure the college entrance exam is conducted fairly and stably. The presidential chief of staff for policy is scheduled to convene an emergency meeting later in the day to address the issue.
Source: The Guardian
