South Korean police probes top exam scorer after AI cheating confession

South Korean police have launched an investigation into the top scorer of a national tax accountant exam after the individual confessed to using artificial intelligence to cheat. The test taker, who finished first in both rounds of the exam held in April and July, scored 397.5 out of 400 points with only one question answered incorrectly.

The candidate initially denied using smart glasses to obtain answers during the tests but later admitted to doing so in a YouTube video posted by his lawyer. He expressed deep regret for his actions and said he used a miniature camera to photograph the exam questions and sent them to AI, which he then checked on his smartphone. The candidate's financial struggles and desire to provide for his family were cited as factors behind his decision to cheat.

The Human Resources Development Service of Korea, which administers the exam, stated that two supervisors were present during the test. Recent efforts against cheating involving smart glasses have intensified, with the HRDK announcing the use of an "AI inspector" to catch a test taker wearing smart glasses during a gas engineer certification exam last month.

The government plans to file criminal complaints against students caught using such devices in the national university entrance exam scheduled for November 19. This high-stakes exam is crucial for admission to top universities and is seen as a gateway to better economic and marriage prospects in South Korea.