SEOUL, November 15 (AJP) - The top scorer in South Korea's national tax accountant examination has admitted using artificial intelligence to cheat on both stages of the test, as well as a separate certified public accountant exam, exposing gaps in the supervision of professional licensing exams.
The candidate, whose identity was withheld, said Sunday in a YouTube interview with a lawyer that he had used a miniature camera to photograph exam questions, sent them to a generative AI system and checked the answers on his smartphone.
"I used the same method to cheat on the first stage of the certified public accountant exam," he said, adding that he had submitted a written confession to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency along with plans to hand over remaining devices and evidence.
Police have launched an investigation into the case.
The Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRDK), which administers the tax accountant examination, said two supervisors were assigned to each test room. The candidate sat in the second row during the first-stage exam and the front row during the second, both near the supervisors.
Despite his proximity, none of the four supervisors interviewed by the agency reported suspicious behavior. The agency also acknowledged that candidates were instructed to turn off their phones and keep them in their bags, rather than surrender them before the exam.
HRDK said it was reviewing whether to revoke the candidate's qualification.
The scandal emerged after the candidate publicized unusually high scores, including perfect marks in three of four subjects in the first-stage examination. He answered 159 of 160 questions correctly.
The candidate apologized to fellow test-takers and industry professionals, saying he had cheated in hopes of making his parents proud.
Candice Kim
Candice Kim is a dedicated business and technology reporter specializing in the intersection of high-tech innovation and fast-paced consumer trends. Her core beats span the semiconductor, IT, cosmetics, and retail sectors, where she provides in-depth coverage of industry titans including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and LG Electronics, alongside leading consumer brands like Olive Young and Musinsa. Whether analyzing complex silicon supply chains or tracking the latest shifts in beauty and fashion retail, Candice is committed to delivering sharp, accurate reporting that keeps readers informed on the forces shaping today's most dynamic markets.
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