160 questions, only one wrong: top scorer in South Korea tax exam admits AI cheating

Concerns for the upcoming national college entrance exam next week have intensified following a top scorer admitting to cheating using AI in South Korea’s recent tax accountant qualification exam. The top scorer, who remains unnamed, confessed to using a generative AI tool to obtain answers on hundreds of questions in two exams held in April and July. The scandal has raised questions about the fairness of the exams and the stakes for the upcoming college entrance exam, scheduled for Thursday.

According to the candidate's own admission, he cheated by taking photos of the exam questions using a microcamera and sending them to an AI tool, checking the answers on a smartphone. He scored 397.5 out of 400 points in the first round, which sparked accusations of cheating using smart glasses, a claim he initially denied. The candidate provided a written confession to Seoul police through his lawyer.

The scandal has rattled a nation where standardized tests largely determine social mobility and career trajectories. It comes just days before the annual national college entrance exam, a high-pressure event for which many South Korean students have spent their lives preparing. The presidential office views the matter very seriously, and the presidential chief of staff for policy has convened an emergency meeting to address the issue.

The prime minister acknowledged public concerns over AI-assisted cheating and pledged to prepare thoroughly and closely oversee the college entrance exam to ensure fairness and stability.