(Nov 15): South Korea’s top scorer in national tax accountant qualification exams admitted that he used generative artificial intelligence (AI) and electronic devices to cheat in the tests, and has turned himself in to police.
Appearing in a video on his lawyer’s YouTube channel on Sunday with his face concealed by a mask, Han Won Seok confessed to using a miniature camera to photograph exam questions, sending them to an AI system and checking the answers on a smartphone. He said he has submitted a written statement to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
Han acknowledged that his achievement was fraudulent and apologised to fellow candidates, tax professionals and exam authorities. He said he used the same method to cheat on a separate certified public accountant exam and pledged to cooperate fully with the police investigation.
“I deeply regret what I did,” Han said in the video, adding that he resorted to cheating out of anxiety about his future and a desire to make his parents proud.
The case underscores the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated and discreet AI technology and devices, which are able to circumvent traditional safeguards designed to ensure fairness in high-stakes examinations that can shape academic and professional futures.
The scandal comes amid mounting concern in South Korea over AI-assisted cheating, following similar incidents at universities and schools. It has also heightened scrutiny of exam security ahead of the country’s fiercely competitive college entrance examination on Thursday.
The confession has rattled South Korea, and was described by the presidential office as a “grave matter”. The Financial Supervisory Service said it has tightened safeguards against AI-assisted cheating, including inspections of candidates’ eyewear.
Those caught cheating on the certified public accountant exam face disqualification and a five-year ban from retaking the test.
Han’s admission followed weeks of online speculation about his extraordinary performance. He had previously denied allegations of wrongdoing, including speculation that he used AI-equipped smart glasses.
Uploaded by Felyx Teoh