HRD Korea apologizes for AI cheating in tax accountant exam, launches comprehensive review of national qualification exams

The Human Resources Development Service of Korea publicly apologized on November 15 for candidates using AI devices to cheat in the tax accountant exam, saying it failed to prevent cheating as the exam administrator, and decided to conduct a review of all national qualification exams. The agency plans to file a complaint against the top scorer in the tax accountant exam on grounds of obstruction of business, and to consult with relevant departments to expedite the revocation of his final qualification. To prevent recurrence, it will consider adding AI proctors, checking all glasses, introducing radio frequency detectors, and jointly reviewing the entire qualification exam system with the Ministry of Employment and Labor to formulate comprehensive countermeasures. Previously, on November 13, the agency said it was checking exam administration regarding the cheating allegations, and at that time questioning of four invigilators found no suspicious behavior or anomalies; later on November 15 it will also discuss response measures at an emergency meeting chaired by the Vice Minister of Employment and Labor.