(2nd LD) Top scorer in tax accountant exam turns himself in over AI-assisted cheating

Seoul, November 15 - The top achiever in this year's certified tax accountant examination confessed to cheating in both phases of the test using a tiny camera, a mobile device, and artificial intelligence, then surrendered to the authorities. This incident adds to a pattern of AI-assisted cheating in South Korea, where individuals have been caught employing AI glasses during university admissions and secondary schools tests.

The unidentified test-taker disclosed his actions on a lawyer's YouTube platform after his impressive scores raised suspicions of deception on online forums. He also admitted to using the same tactics to cheat in a certified public accountant examination.

The South Korean presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, stated they were addressing the matter with utmost seriousness, particularly with the upcoming nationwide college entrance examination on Thursday. The presidential chief of staff for policy, Lim Kwang-hyun, announced a meeting to discuss countermeasures during a press conference. The government has already demonstrated zero tolerance for cheating involving AI glasses during the examination and intensified procedures to identify advanced devices at testing venues.

The individual reportedly achieved first place overall in the certified tax accountant examination. In the initial round held in April, he only missed one out of 160 questions, securing 397.5 points out of a total of 400. He scored 192 and 190 in the two accounting subjects and 114 and 167 in the two tax law subjects in the second round in July.

He admitted to cheating by taking pictures of the questions with a miniature camera, transmitting them to AI, and verifying the answers on a mobile phone. He documented all his actions in a statement of voluntary surrender and submitted it to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The police received the statement and pledged to conduct a prompt and comprehensive investigation according to established procedures.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy declared their intention to swiftly suspend the validity of his certificate attesting to his successful completion of the examination. Under the law, an individual found guilty of cheating may see the examination declared invalid and be prohibited from participating in future tests for a period of five years from the date the penalty is imposed.

This case might also result in criminal charges, contingent upon the outcome of the police investigation. The man expressed deep remorse, stating he regretted his actions profoundly. He explained he struggled financially after leaving his previous job and starting his own business, which failed due to various factors, including the economic impact of the Russia conflict.

Feeling helpless and anxious about his future, he sought to regain his parents' approval by passing the examination, even if it involved cheating.