Top scorer in tax accountant exam turns himself in over AI-assisted cheating

SEOUL, Nov. 15 -- The highest-performing candidate in this year's certified tax accountant exam confessed on Sunday to cheating in both sections of the test using a small camera, a smartphone and AI, and turned himself in to the police. This incident is part of a growing trend of AI-assisted cheating in South Korea, with recent arrests for using AI glasses in university entrance exams and secondary school assessments.

The unnamed individual revealed his admission on a lawyer's YouTube channel, following suspicions raised by his exceptionally high scores in a recent interview. He reportedly achieved first place overall on the test, scoring 397.5 out of 400 in the first round and 192 and 190 in the second round, along with 114 and 167 in tax law subjects.

He admitted to using a miniature camera to capture questions, transmitting the information via AI to a smartphone for answers. The man provided a statement of voluntary surrender to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, who are committed to investigating the incident swiftly and thoroughly. The Ministry of Finance and Economy plans to revoke his exam certificate and bar him from retaking the test for five years.

This case may also result in criminal charges, pending the police investigation. The man expressed deep regret, stating financial struggles and personal setbacks motivated his actions. He apologized for defying his parents' expectations and vowed to make amends. The government has declared zero tolerance for AI cheating during the upcoming nationwide college entrance exam and has intensified checks for high-tech devices at testing locations.

Four cases of AI cheating in middle and high schools have also been reported since October, according to educational ministry data.